Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[WI dealer under fire for selling new GMC to dying, blind 89-year-old WWII vet [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/wi-dealer-under-fire-for-selling-new-gmc-to-dying-blind-89-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/wi-dealer-under-fire-for-selling-new-gmc-to-dying-blind-89-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/wi-dealer-under-fire-for-selling-new-gmc-to-dying-blind-89-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Palmen Motors new car sale scam - video report screencap of new GMC Terrain

You know, people, getting through this life from one end to the other in one piece really does require just one rule: don't be a prick. If you ever find yourself in a situation of dubious moral standing, take a step back and ask yourself, "Am I being a prick to any person or thing?" If the answer is "yes," then stop what you're doing, apologize and go home. One dealership in Wisconsin could possibly have benefitted from that course of action when it reportedly helped David McMurray con his elderly and disabled parents into buying a brand-new $42,000 GMC Terrain for his use.

According to local news reports, a representative from Palmen Motors visited Harold and Christen Thomsen's home to collect signatures for a loan agreement three weeks before the 89-year-old, legally blind Harold passed away. The World War II veteran was on morphine and in hospice when he signed for the GMC, and his 90-year-old wife suffers from dementia. Even so, upon being discovered, the dealer initially said everything was done "legally." According to Barb Tinkler, McMurray's sister, the sale was a scam that remained hidden until he was busted for an unrelated criminal charge.

An attorney for Palmen Motors has now said they regret the way the transaction went down and the dealership will buy the car back and pay off the loan. State police have opened their own investigation after the local news station brought the issue to light. You can watch the video report below.

Continue reading WI dealer under fire for selling new GMC to dying, blind 89-year-old WWII vet [w/video]

WI dealer under fire for selling new GMC to dying, blind 89-year-old WWII vet [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 gmc terraincar dealercar dealer scamgmcpalmen motorspalmen motors scamscamterrainThu, 14 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20502359/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/14/wi-dealer-under-fire-for-selling-new-gmc-to-dying-blind-89-year/20502359/article-detail.xml 20502359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/palmen-gmc-scam-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/palmen-gmc-scam-628.jpg <![CDATA[Acura TL bursts into flames moments before being traded in at Ontario dealership [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/acura-tl-bursts-into-flames-moments-before-being-traded-in-at-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/acura-tl-bursts-into-flames-moments-before-being-traded-in-at-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/acura-tl-bursts-into-flames-moments-before-being-traded-in-at-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Acura TL trade-in burns at Ontario dealership

Watching your car burst into flames before your eyes is never good news, and it's even worse when you're mere moments away from trading it in at the local dealership. This Car-B-Q blaze apparently erupted at Acura 2000, a dealer in Brampton, Ontario. As the video tells us, the unlucky customer saw his 2004-2008 Acura TL trade-in suddenly catch fire and go up in resale-value-killing smoke.

According to the hyped-up cameraman (who evidently works next door at Northwest Lexus) and his eccentric play-by-play commentary, this Acura owner is about to be left without a ride home and might want to consider switching to a Lexus instead.

Scroll down to watch video of the drama unfolding as fire fighters put out the mysterious blaze before anyone - except the car - was harmed.


UPDATE: The owner of the 2008 Acura TL has contacted Autoblog to clarify the video above. Unlike what the narration suggests, he was not at the dealer to trade in his car. According to his email, he had brought in his car earlier for a power steering recall (to prevent a possible fire), and "...within 24 hours of the recall job being completed, the car burst into flames. It was caused by the power steering fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter."

The owner's tale of woe doesn't end there, however. He says that "Acura agrees that the mechanic had screwed up the job, and that is what caused the fire. However, both the Acura dealership and Honda Canada refuse to do anything about the situation. My insurance company was the one to compensate me."

Continue reading Acura TL bursts into flames moments before being traded in at Ontario dealership [UPDATE]

Acura TL bursts into flames moments before being traded in at Ontario dealership [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura 2000bramptonburncar burningcar dealercar fireontariotltrade-invideoFri, 21 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409552/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/21/acura-tl-bursts-into-flames-moments-before-being-traded-in-at-on/20409552/article-detail.xml 20409552 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/tl-to-use_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/tl-to-use.jpg <![CDATA[FTC steps in to curb deceptive car dealer trade-in practices [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/ftc-steps-in-to-curb-deceptive-car-dealer-trade-in-practices-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/ftc-steps-in-to-curb-deceptive-car-dealer-trade-in-practices-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/ftc-steps-in-to-curb-deceptive-car-dealer-trade-in-practices-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Car salesman handing over keysIn general, car dealers have reputations just below personal injury lawyers and politicians, so it's no surprise that most consumers are naturally wary whenever they engage in the process of buying a new vehicle.

As part of an effort to restore consumers' faith in the auto buying process, the Federal Trade Commission is intervening, calling out five dealers from around the country for what it says argues is deceptive advertising. According to the FTC, the dealer ads in question promise to "pay off your car" and to "pay off your trade no matter what you owe" when, in fact, they either rolled the balance of customers' trades into a new loan or just outright demand would-be buyers pay the difference out of pocket.

Tempting, yes, but anyone with a half-full brain cavity would almost certainly start asking questions before signing such paperwork, right? Well, maybe, but these sorts of tactics have spread among auto dealers, likely because they have proven effective.

The dealers named by the FTC include Billion Auto, Inc., in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Frank Myers AutoMaxx, LLC, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Key Hyundai of Manchester, LLC and Hyundai of Milford LLC, of Vernon and Milford, Connecticut and Ramey Motors, Inc., of Princeton, West Virginia.

The FTC's wrist slap settlement requires that for the next 20 years, the above dealers not run deceptive ads, keep copies of the ads they do run, and file reports with the FTC showing their compliance.

If they violate the FTC order, the dealers will be fined up to $16,000 for each infraction. Read all the details in the official press release after the jump, and while you're there, check out an example of one of one of the dealers' advertising handiwork as well.

Continue reading FTC steps in to curb deceptive car dealer trade-in practices [w/video]

FTC steps in to curb deceptive car dealer trade-in practices [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingauto salescar dealercar salesdealershipfederal trade commissionnegative equitynegative equity adsThu, 15 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20193716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/15/ftc-steps-in-to-curb-deceptive-car-dealer-trade-in-practices-w/20193716/article-detail.xml 20193716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/car-salesman-handing-over-keys_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/car-salesman-handing-over-keys.jpg <![CDATA[TrueCar polishing edges off business model to comply with state regulations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/truecar-polishing-edges-off-business-model-to-comply-with-state/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/truecar-polishing-edges-off-business-model-to-comply-with-state/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/truecar-polishing-edges-off-business-model-to-comply-with-state/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Man polishing new car in showroom

TrueCar has attracted much unwanted attention recently, drawing the ire of Honda and torquing off regulators in several states. In response, the company has announced a series of changes to its business model, designed to address the legality of its service, according to a report in Automotive News.

The biggest change is that dealers in some states will now have to subscribe to the lead service rather than paying a per-vehicle fee for sales closed from a TrueCar referral. Consumers will now have to sign up with TrueCar, providing contact information in the process. Additionally, TrueCar will drop the term "invoice" when describing the deals it offers.

While these changes are expected to mitigate TrueCar's biggest problems, the company also says it will be making its service more dealer-friendly, according to AN. One of the contentious aspects of the TrueCar business model for some dealers has been the requirement that TrueCar have access to the dealer's computers, such that the company can mine sales data. TrueCar says it will be limiting this in the future, along with establishing a national dealer council to procure feedback from its partners.

TrueCar polishing edges off business model to comply with state regulations originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>below invoicecar dealercar dealersdealerdealersdealershipdealershipstruecarThu, 19 Jan 2012 18:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151056/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/truecar-polishing-edges-off-business-model-to-comply-with-state/20151056/article-detail.xml 20151056 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/man-polishing-car-in-dealership_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/man-polishing-car-in-dealership.jpg <![CDATA[State regulators turn up the heat on TrueCar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/state-regulators-turn-up-the-heat-on-truecar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/state-regulators-turn-up-the-heat-on-truecar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/state-regulators-turn-up-the-heat-on-truecar/#commentsFiled under: ,

Car dealership

What exactly is TrueCar? That's the question behind recent conflicts between the company and a growing list of foes, which include dealership organizations, automakers and regulators in at least three states.

According to a report by Automotive News, TrueCar's business model is under fire by this old guard, backed by long-standing legislation to protect their franchise interests. AN says government officials in Colorado, Wisconsin and Virginia have all raised issue with TrueCar, and that the company may face legal problems in other states, including California. TrueCar has responded by promising to make "meaningful changes" to its service by the end of the year, according to the report.

Nominally, TrueCar is an "Internet marketing company" that profits from the fees that dealers pay when they sell a car that was listed on TrueCar. But that practice may not be legal, especially in states that have consumer protection laws against brokering and what is known as "bird-dogging," or paying third parties for leads. There are also issues with TrueCar's marketing, which could be in violation of some state's rules prohibiting the mention of invoice price. Dealers who do business with TrueCar may risk steep fines or loss of license in some jurisdictions, but from what the report says, most regulators are putting businesses on notice first.

TrueCar has also raised the ire of at least one carmaker, with Honda recently reminding its dealers that if they want to get money through its dealer marketing program, they'd better not be advertising cars for below-invoice price on TrueCar.

State regulators turn up the heat on TrueCar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car dealerdealerdealersdealershipdealershipstruecarFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20140421/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/06/state-regulators-turn-up-the-heat-on-truecar/20140421/article-detail.xml 20140421 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gyi0062947481_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gyi0062947481.jpg <![CDATA[Tight used car supply has dealers looking in their own service bays]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/tight-used-car-supply-has-dealers-looking-in-their-own-service-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/tight-used-car-supply-has-dealers-looking-in-their-own-service-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/tight-used-car-supply-has-dealers-looking-in-their-own-service-b/#commentsFiled under:

Volkswagen used car lot

Used vehicle prices have been on a tear for over a year now, as slow new vehicle sales during the financial meltdown of 2009 have created a dearth of available used models today. Yet the sluggish economy means demand for used vehicles is high, so dealers are going to ever-increasing lengths to acquire inventory.

According to Ward's Auto, the latest tactic is buying vehicles from service customers. Dealers are appraising customer cars and trucks before they pay their repair bills, then offering to buy the vehicles rather than charge the owners for the service visit. Dealers are even giving service personnel incentives to bring in trades.

One dealer said his service areas have signs reading, "Before you pay your service bill, you might want to find out the value of your car."

Tight used car supply has dealers looking in their own service bays originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car dealercar dealerscar dealershipsdealershipsused car dealerused car pricesused carsTue, 13 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20126325/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/tight-used-car-supply-has-dealers-looking-in-their-own-service-b/20126325/article-detail.xml 20126325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/usedvw-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/usedvw-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Illinois town builds own track for consumer test drives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/illinois-town-builds-own-track-for-consumer-test-drives/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/illinois-town-builds-own-track-for-consumer-test-drives/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/illinois-town-builds-own-track-for-consumer-test-drives/#commentsFiled under: ,

Indiana Test Track from above

If you're shopping for a vehicle near Naperville, Illinois, you may have a chance to put your possible purchases through the gauntlet on at a new facility. The town has joined forces with local dealers to create a driving course that would reduce the number of test drives on public streets and give buyers a better sense of the type of vehicle they were purchasing before they signed on the dotted line. The course features a variety of pavement types, a small parking area and even a sprinkler system to allow for foul-weather evaluations.

While the entire facility is housed in an area roughly the size of a mall parking lot, Cars.com reports that the course gives buyers a safe way to more or less fully evaluate a vehicle. Given that most dealers simply offer up pre-planned routes that give only the faintest impression of what a vehicle will be like to live with, we wish more dealers and buyers had access to similar test track. Head over to Cars.com to check it out in greater detail.

Illinois town builds own track for consumer test drives originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingcar dealercar shoppingdealerdealersillinoisnapervillenaperville illinoistest drivetest drivingMon, 29 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20029442/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/29/illinois-town-builds-own-track-for-consumer-test-drives/20029442/article-detail.xml 20029442 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/indiana-test-track-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/indiana-test-track-630.jpg <![CDATA[Kevin Youkilis, Herb Chambers and Biz Markie walk into a car commercial...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/kevin-youkilis-herb-chambers-and-biz-markie-walk-into-a-car-com/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/kevin-youkilis-herb-chambers-and-biz-markie-walk-into-a-car-com/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/kevin-youkilis-herb-chambers-and-biz-markie-walk-into-a-car-com/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

biz markie herb chambers and kevin youkilis

Being from the Boston area means you learn handful of facts specific to The Hub. One of them is that Kevin Youkilis (A.K.A. "The Greek God of Walks," "Youk") is a great pro baseball player with a few years left in the tank (despite his 2011 woes). Another fact is that you can't throw a stone in New England without hitting a Herb Chambers dealership. As a former resident of the great state of Massachusetts, your author is an Escalade-sized Red Sox fan and also worked a summer shuttling rental cars between two of Chambers' dealerships.

It seems Chambers and Youk are working together now, but their approach is... unique. Sitting at a piano, the duet attempts to warble out a version of Biz Markie's classic Just A Friend. Predictably, it's not exactly Grammy worthy. Hell, it's not even worthy to make the first round of American Idol auditions. Luckily, Mr. Markie isn't far away and steps in to help the pair get the song just right.

The message? Herb Chambers has got what you need, thanks to his 48 dealerships located around New England. Click past the jump for the clip.

Continue reading Kevin Youkilis, Herb Chambers and Biz Markie walk into a car commercial...

Kevin Youkilis, Herb Chambers and Biz Markie walk into a car commercial... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biz markiebostoncar dealercar dealersherb chambersherb chambers commercialjust a friendkevin youkilismassachusettsone hit wonderred soxvideoFri, 26 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20027941/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/26/kevin-youkilis-herb-chambers-and-biz-markie-walk-into-a-car-com/20027941/article-detail.xml 20027941 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/we-got-what-you-need_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/we-got-what-you-need.jpg <![CDATA[Apple iPad to be used as sales tool by Mercedes-Benz dealers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/29/apple-ipad-to-be-used-as-sales-tool-at-mercedes-benz-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/29/apple-ipad-to-be-used-as-sales-tool-at-mercedes-benz-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/29/apple-ipad-to-be-used-as-sales-tool-at-mercedes-benz-dealers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Benz dealer iPad

The resounding successes of the iPhone and iPad have Apple shareholders dancing in the streets, but one area in which Apple hasn't been as successful, however, has been business applications. In fact, until recently, Apple retail stores used Windows-based devices to ring up orders. Now, Mercedes-Benz aims to be among the first companies to change that paradigm by bringing the popular iPad tablet into its showrooms.

The program, called Mercedes-Benz Advantage, puts the iPad into the hands of the automaker's sales force. With the iPad and Mercedes' new sales tool app, associates will have lightning-fast access to the latest deals, while also providing a quicker turnaround time for customer credit application processes. Benz also says the iPad will help speed up the time it takes to turn-in a leased vehicle. Andreas Hinrichs, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial, contends the Apple tablet will "provide a competitive advantage to our dealers by increasing their service levels through a more flexible financing process."

We dig that Mercedes is thinking outside the box to deliver an expedited shopping experience, but even better, we love the fact that the Apple iPad might help customers avoid the dreaded trip to dealership's finance room. Hit the jump to read over the press release.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Apple iPad to be used as sales tool by Mercedes-Benz dealers

Apple iPad to be used as sales tool by Mercedes-Benz dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 May 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple ipadapple ipad mercedes finance toolAppleIpadAppleIpadMercedesFinanceToolauto dealerAutoDealerBenzcar dealercar salescar sellingCarDealerCarSalesCarSellingdealerdealershipsipadMercedesmercedes-benz ipadMercedes-benzIpadSat, 29 May 2010 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19492924/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/29/apple-ipad-to-be-used-as-sales-tool-at-mercedes-benz-dealers/19492924/article-detail.xml 19492924 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/mb-ipad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/mb-ipad.jpg <![CDATA[Istanbul's gigantic Autopia Europia to have track on the roof [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/istanbuls-gigantic-autopia-europia-to-have-racetrack-on-the-roo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/istanbuls-gigantic-autopia-europia-to-have-racetrack-on-the-roo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/25/istanbuls-gigantic-autopia-europia-to-have-racetrack-on-the-roo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Turkey's Autopia Europa - Click above for high-res image gallery

Istanbul, Turkey will reportedly be home to the world's largest auto dealership, called Autopia Europia. The space is so big it's probably more convenient to think of it as an industrial complex, rather than an auto dealer: more than two million square feet, each of the five floors almost 20 feet high, 200 auto sales outlets hawking new and used metal, shot through with 56 eateries, 48 repair shops, 24 banks and 42 insurance companies. And that's just a taste of the options.

Perhaps the most unusual feature of Autopia Europia is the test-drive track on the roof of the building. The building's developers expect six million visitors per year, and we can only imagine they're including a lot of foot traffic in that estimate. With a 900-car parking garage, even with three people in every car, it would take nearly seven years to accommodate that many guests. Construction has just begun so they've probably got a couple of years to crunch those numbers again.

You can have a look at it in the gallery of high-res renderings below, or in the video after the jump. Hat tip to Brian!


Gallery: Autopia Europia auto mall


[Source: GAD Architecture via dvice]

Continue reading Istanbul's gigantic Autopia Europia to have track on the roof [w/video]

Istanbul's gigantic Autopia Europia to have track on the roof [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto mallAutoMallautopia europiaAutopiaEuropiacar dealercar dealer racetrackcar dealer trackcar dealershipCarDealerCarDealerRacetrackCarDealershipCarDealerTrackdealerdealershipistanbulturkeyTue, 25 May 2010 12:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19489998/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/25/istanbuls-gigantic-autopia-europia-to-have-racetrack-on-the-roo/19489998/article-detail.xml 19489998 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/autopiaeuropa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/autopiaeuropa.jpg <![CDATA[It's On Like Donkey Kong: Jilted Hyundai Genesis Coupe buyer jilted again, lawyers up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/its-on-like-donkey-kong-jilted-hyundai-gen-coupe-buyer-jilted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/its-on-like-donkey-kong-jilted-hyundai-gen-coupe-buyer-jilted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/its-on-like-donkey-kong-jilted-hyundai-gen-coupe-buyer-jilted/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



This ended about how we predicted. You all no doubt remember McFly, the guy that won a legit eBay auction for a slightly used Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T for $16,125. Problem was that the seller - Glenn Hyundai of Lexington, KY - felt the car was worth more ($19,700) and refused to sell it to McFly. They claim they set a reserve price (even though they didn't) and wouldn't budge. End of story, kind of.

See, the internet got a hold of the McFly's tale of woe, and few things excite people (us included) more than tales of bald-faced greed mixed with dishonest car dealers. Not surprisingly, the story took off like wildfire and Glenn Hyundai soon found itself inundated with phone calls, emails, faxes - you name it. The onslaught became so bad that Glenn Hyundai got in touch with McFly and told him that if he would call off his dogs (remove his forum posts, plead with Gencoupe.com forum members to stop harassing the dealership, somehow get Digg.com to do... exactly what we're not sure, etc.) they would presumably sell him a Genesis Coupe for $16,125.

Why do we say presumably? Because we never knew the details of the agreement McFly worked out with Glenn Hyundai. Or, as McFly puts it an updated post, "For the record I have not shared any part of the verbal agreement." Despite this agreement never being finalized, some felt that McFly's saga was over (while some nearly broke their hands patting themselves on the back). We ourselves were reluctant to think or declare anything until McFly had the Genesis Coupe in hand. Guess what?

No Genesis Coupe 2.0T for McFly. He's claiming that Glenn Hyundai has breached the "verbal agreement" he reached with them. He's refusing to give any details of said verbal agreement, but maintains that Glenn Hyundai owes him a Gen Coupe for $16,125. Also, McFly's retained a lawyer. Also-also, he's contacted Hyundai USA but received no response. We'll keep you updated. Thanks to Bora for the heads up!

[Source: Gencoupe.com]

It's On Like Donkey Kong: Jilted Hyundai Genesis Coupe buyer jilted again, lawyers up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AuctionAuctionsCar DealerCar DealersCarDealerCarDealersDealersDealershipseBayeBay AuctionEbayAuctionGenesis Coupe 2.0TGenesisCoupe2.0tGlenn HyundaiGlennHyundaiHyndaiHyundai Genesis CoupeHyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0THyundaiGenesisCoupeHyundaiGenesisCoupe2.0tUsed CarUsed Car DealerUsed Car DealersUsed CarsUsedCarUsedCarDealerUsedCarDealersUsedCarsMon, 25 Jan 2010 19:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19331124/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/25/its-on-like-donkey-kong-jilted-hyundai-gen-coupe-buyer-jilted/19331124/article-detail.xml 19331124 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/gencoupe111_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/gencoupe111.jpg <![CDATA[What to do with all those empty car dealerships? Why, build a yoga studio, of course!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/what-to-do-with-all-those-empty-car-dealerships-why-build-a-yo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/what-to-do-with-all-those-empty-car-dealerships-why-build-a-yo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/29/what-to-do-with-all-those-empty-car-dealerships-why-build-a-yo/#commentsFiled under:



One needn't be an Autoblog regular to be aware of the fact that the car industry has taken quite a drubbing over the past few years. The slump in our nation's economy has slaughtered sales, leading automakers to shutter thousands of dealerships nationwide. Chrysler Group LLC slashed 789 franchises in June of this year. General Motors has said it will cut 2,400 retail locations of its own by next fall.

With empty dealerships littering the country and a depressed real estate market adding to the opportunity, the Associated Press notes that America's once gleaming new car showrooms are increasingly being converted into food banks, restaurants, day care centers, private residences, and more. Typical automotive showrooms are built sturdy to house heavy vehicles and accommodate high foot traffic. They offer countless windows for plenty of natural light and are generally centrally-located within a commercial community for visibility reasons. In a nutshell, they are near-perfect locations for many entrepreneurs and businesses.

In Oregon, a Catholic Community Services organization runs a food bank warehouse inside a former showroom. In St. Louis, an old dealership is now a classy wedding venue. In Los Angeles, at Golden Bridge Yoga, the aroma of incense has replaced that "new car smell" in a relic automotive showroom. The incessant noise of customers haggling over pricing is gone and the perimeter is no longer strung with posters of shiny late model sedans. The only drone heard today are that of percussive Eastern rhythms... while solemn prayer flags adorn the former showroom walls.

Turning car sales points into new, non-automotive businesses is a trend that's likely to accelerate well beyond the Naughties, so check out the link below to learn more about it, and be sure to drop a line in Comments if you've seen any particularly creative dealership repurposing in your neighborhood.

[Source: Associated Press | Image: Spencer Platt/Getty]

What to do with all those empty car dealerships? Why, build a yoga studio, of course! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auto DealersAutoDealerscar dealercar showroomsCarDealerCarShowroomsClosed dealershipsClosedDealershipscommercial spaceCommercialSpacedealerdealersDealershipdealershipsnew businessnew businessesNewBusinessNewBusinessesreal estateRealEstateRetail Locationsretail outletRetailLocationsRetailOutletSales floorsales pointsales pointsSales showroomSalesFloorSalesPointSalesPointsSalesroomSalesShowroomShowroomshowroomsTue, 29 Dec 2009 17:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19296480/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/29/what-to-do-with-all-those-empty-car-dealerships-why-build-a-yo/19296480/article-detail.xml 19296480 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/88991562-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/88991562-630op.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealers being scaled out of existence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In 2006, Ford began to shrink its dealership network in order to more efficiently align its distribution network. Three years later, it appears that the hardest hit are the company's stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealerships. While there were 619 Lincoln-Mercury dealerships nationwide just a few years ago, the number had dwindled down to just 357 at the beginning of 2009.

Automotive News recently spoke with Ford CEO Alan Mulally about the future of the Lincoln brand and its stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury stores. While Ford's current strategy is pushing combo Ford-Lincoln-Mercury retailers, Mulally would not confirm that eliminating the stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealerships was the desired end result. When pushed on the question, Mulally reiterated that Ford was focusing on building a distribution network which allowed sales volume, product breadth, and profitability... qualities that are apparently better served by the Ford-Lincoln-Mercury store.

Mulally added that although these combo dealerships will be selling the Lincoln MKS on the same lot as the Ford Taurus (both vehicles share platforms and mechanicals), retailers will learn how to deliver the sales experience that fits the vehicle and differentiates the brand. Whether this concept works or whether car salesmen simply take the easy route and sell the less expensive Ford remains to be seen.

Either way, it has to be asked - is peeling away at the automaker's stand-alone LM dealers part of a larger plan to do away with Mercury altogether? Inquiring minds want to know...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Stephen Brashear/Getty]

REPORT: Stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealers being scaled out of existence originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallycar dealercar dealerscar showroomCarDealerCarDealersCarShowroomCombinationConsolidationDealershipsDualFordFord dealershipsford mercuryFord-Lincoln-MercuryFordDealershipsFordMercurylincolnLincoln-Mercurlincoln-mercuryMercurymulallyMullallyshowroomMon, 09 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19228972/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/19228972/article-detail.xml 19228972 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/78285970-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/78285970-630op.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Rejected GM, Chrysler dealers telling their story on YouTube [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-rejected-gm-chrysler-dealers-telling-their-story-on-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-rejected-gm-chrysler-dealers-telling-their-story-on-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-rejected-gm-chrysler-dealers-telling-their-story-on-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Holdiman Motor terminated dealer plea - click above image to watch the video

Since government money washed in to pump out General Motors' and Chrysler's swamped and nearly sunken businesses, there's been little mention of the cuts to the dealer base that both automakers have made as part of their rebirth. Tammy Darvish, whose DarCars Automotive Group lost two Chrysler outlets, has started a YouTube channel that encourages terminated dealers to send in videos telling their stories.

Co-chair of the Committee to Restore Dealer Rights, Darvish feels that the dealers' stories have largely been ignored. Many of the videos tell tales of long family histories in the dealership business, and all have an air of incredulity about how their American Dreams could be snatched away. These personal accounts may not return any franchises to operation, but at the very least, the effort is cathartic and airs the plight of the many hardworking employees that found work at the now-closed stores. An example of the numerous videos on the channel posted after the jump.

[Sources: Automotive News - sub req, YouTube]

Continue reading REPORT: Rejected GM, Chrysler dealers telling their story on YouTube [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Rejected GM, Chrysler dealers telling their story on YouTube [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car dealercar dealerscar dealershipcar dealershipscar dealsershipsCarDealerCarDealersCarDealershipCarDealershipsCarDealsershipschrysler dealerchrysler dealerschrysler dealers rejectedchrysler dealershipChryslerDealerChryslerDealersChryslerDealershipChryslerDealersRejectedfalsegmgm dealergm dealersgm dealershipgm dealershipsGmDealerGmDealersGmDealershipGmDealershipsrejected dealersRejectedDealersterminated dealersTerminatedDealersvideoyoutubeyoutube channelYoutubeChannelWed, 30 Sep 2009 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19179195/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/30/report-rejected-gm-chrysler-dealers-telling-their-story-on-you/19179195/article-detail.xml 19179195 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/holdiman-motors-screencap-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/holdiman-motors-screencap-630.jpg <![CDATA[House reportedly approves measure to restore dealerships despite bankruptcy blows ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-house-approves-measure-to-restore-dealerships-despite-ba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-house-approves-measure-to-restore-dealerships-despite-ba/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-house-approves-measure-to-restore-dealerships-despite-ba/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



One of the more controversial parts of the Chrysler bankruptcy was the decision to cut 789 dealerships by June 9. The move made for a quick, painful end to dealerships that in some cases spanned several generations of family ownership. When General Motors entered bankruptcy, it said it would cut about 1,300 retail stores, but the automaker planned on waiting until October, 2010 to pull the plug.

The dealership closings hit small and medium-sized towns particularly hard, putting pressure on lawmakers to do something to rectify the problem. The U.S. House took initial steps towards restoring the doomed dealerships by passing a bill to restore dealer rights. The bill, which has just been approved by the House by a 219-208 margin, would restore dealerships back to their previous state, forcing automakers to work through state courts to close down the stores. Since dealerships are such a big part of the employment picture in most states, GM and Chrysler face an expensive uphill battle to close the stores if the bill is also passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Obama.

Automotive News is reporting that Chrysler says the bill would cost the company $2 billion per year over the next four years. Vice President Peder Grady added on the Chrysler blog that if the bill were passed, " it flies in the face of a U.S. vehicle market that has declined 40 percent since 2007." AN also says that GM estimates the bill would cost them $2.5 billion in support, training and IT costs over a period of time.

The Obama administration is reportedly against the measure, saying that the dealership closings were "a critical part of their overall restructuring to achieve long-term viability." Thus, even if the measure passes muster in the Senate, there's a good chance it will face a veto from President Obama.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: Spencer Platt/Getty]

House reportedly approves measure to restore dealerships despite bankruptcy blows originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcycar dealercar dealersCarDealerCarDealerschryslerdealer closingsDealerClosingsdealershipdealership closingsDealershipClosingsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmobamapresident obamaPresidentObamaFri, 17 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19101931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/17/report-house-approves-measure-to-restore-dealerships-despite-ba/19101931/article-detail.xml 19101931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/empty-plymouth-dealer-getty-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/empty-plymouth-dealer-getty-580.jpg <![CDATA[GM slashes Canadian dealership network by 42%]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-slashes-canadian-dealership-network-by-42/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-slashes-canadian-dealership-network-by-42/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-slashes-canadian-dealership-network-by-42/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



General Motors Canada has announced that it has begun notifying its dealer body that it will be culling its sales networks by some 42 percent. The massive cut means that GM's 709 dealers will be trimmed by around 245 stores. The cuts will come as the restructuring automaker will elect to not renew its sales and service contracts come October 2010.

It is not immediately clear how many of those stores are from marques that GM is looking to divest or fold (Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn), but it is estimated by the Canada Automobile Dealers Association that some 10,000 jobs related may be affected by the cuts. Official press release after the jump.

[Sources: CBCNews; General Motors]

Continue reading GM slashes Canadian dealership network by 42%

GM slashes Canadian dealership network by 42% originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto dealerAutoDealerCanadacar dealercar salesCarDealerCarSalesdealer bodydealer networkDealerBodyDealerNetworkGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMThu, 21 May 2009 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1552789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/21/gm-slashes-canadian-dealership-network-by-42/1552789/article-detail.xml 1552789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/pontiac-showroom-hood-up-getty-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/pontiac-showroom-hood-up-getty-580.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: Chrysler 'rejects' 789 dealers nationwide, works to pare network by 25% by June 9]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/breaking-chrysler-rejects-789-dealers-nationwide-moves-to-pa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/breaking-chrysler-rejects-789-dealers-nationwide-moves-to-pa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/breaking-chrysler-rejects-789-dealers-nationwide-moves-to-pa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Chrysler has just announced that it will 'reject' some 789 of its dealerships by June 9 as it works to downsize through Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. That represents a 25% cut in its dealer networks, leaving 2,392 Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealers to carry on if the automaker is able to successfully emerge from bankruptcy with its new partner, Fiat.

Auburn Hills reiterated that it will be "business as usual" with its entire dealership body throughout its bankruptcy proceedings, with plans to honor warranty and incentive payments "during the period that rejected dealers remain active."

According to information obtained by Automotive News, individual dealers will learn whether they are rejected or accepted via UPS letters delivered this morning. At that point, dealer owners will have 23 business days for a 'court review' of their individual cases.

The same memo that disclosed the planned UPS letter disbursement also details that after the 789 dealers are rejected, 80% of its remaining dealers will carry all three of the company's brands (that figure presently stands at 62%). According to that communiqué, Chrysler does not expect for many of those dealers to close just because their franchise contracts are being rejected - about 345 of those rejected operations are paired with other competing brands, and according to Chrysler executive vice president of sales, Steven Landry, fully 83 percent of the disenfranchised dealers currently sell more used vehicles than they do new ones.

Thanks to the protections afforded under bankruptcy, Chrysler will not be legally required to buy back any vehicles, parts, or tooling from rejected dealers, but the automaker says it will work to pair the disenfranchised with remaining dealers who may be willing to buy those assets.

Chrysler vows to contact the more than 3.5 million customers who have purchased cars and trucks through the rejected dealers to give them additional information on how to get their vehicles serviced.

If you're wondering if your local Chrysler dealers are earmarked for closure, a complete PDF list is available by clicking here.

Official press release after the jump.

[Sources: Chrysler; Automotive News - subs. req.| Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: Chrysler 'rejects' 789 dealers nationwide, works to pare network by 25% by June 9

BREAKING: Chrysler 'rejects' 789 dealers nationwide, works to pare network by 25% by June 9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auburn HillsAuburnHillsbreakingbreakingnewscar dealercar dealersCarDealerCarDealersChryCoChryslerfiatJim PressJimPressMoparThu, 14 May 2009 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1546228/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/14/breaking-chrysler-rejects-789-dealers-nationwide-moves-to-pa/1546228/article-detail.xml 1546228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/chrysler-showroom-getty-olson-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/chrysler-showroom-getty-olson-580.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford offering dealerships for $1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/report-ford-offering-dealerships-for-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/report-ford-offering-dealerships-for-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/report-ford-offering-dealerships-for-1/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ford's dealer development program works to help people become dealer principles who might not otherwise have the chance. The 64 members of the program, most of them black or Hispanic, are set up with stores by Ford and then buy out Ford's interest in the dealership with revenues. To give them a boost and, presumably, free up Ford money, Automotive News is reporting that Ford is offering dealers in the program an offer they'll have a hard time refusing: complete ownership of their stores for $1.

To take advantage, though, the dealers will need to have private financing for their operating capital in place by September 30. If they can prove to Ford that they have enough private resources, they will take complete control of their stores and Ford will forgive any money the dealer still owes to The Blue Oval. Even though Ford would technically lose money on any dealer who accepted the offer, the automaker would no longer need to be involved in the dealership or in its floorplan financing.

With the state of car sales, there are likely to be dealers who can't take advantage of the program. For those who haven't been able to pay Ford back at all, the decision will be taken on a case-by-case basis about what to do with their stores. For those dealers in good standing who simply can't get outside financing, the arrangement will continue as is.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: Ford offering dealerships for $1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car dealerCarDealerdealerdealer development programDealerDevelopmentProgramdealersdealershipfinancingfordford dealerford dealer development programford dealershipsford financingFordDealerFordDealerDevelopmentProgramFordDealershipsFordFinancingshowroomWed, 22 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1524624/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/22/report-ford-offering-dealerships-for-1/1524624/article-detail.xml 1524624 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/justin-sullivan-getty-ford-dealer-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/justin-sullivan-getty-ford-dealer-sign.jpg <![CDATA[FOLLOW-UP: Brother of dealer who died torching own cars found dead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/follow-up-brother-of-dealer-who-died-torching-own-cars-found-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/follow-up-brother-of-dealer-who-died-torching-own-cars-found-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/follow-up-brother-of-dealer-who-died-torching-own-cars-found-de/#commentsFiled under: ,



As we reported earlier, Gregory Graham, a third-generation car dealership owner in Ligonier, Pennsylvania tragically died of a heart attack last month while setting fire to the cars on his lot. His company, Graham Colonial Motors, was evidently burdened by more than a million dollars in liens, in addition to the daily woes of doing business in this business climate.

According to the Associated Press, Graham's partner in the business was his brother, Randolph, who took a job at another dealer not far away when the family business closed, but he disappeared not long after taking the position. Two days later, hunters reportedly found his body inside his car, in the woods. The coroner has not ruled out suicide, and is waiting for toxicology result before announcing the cause of death.

[Source: The Associated Press via Google | Image: AP/Gene J. Puska]

FOLLOW-UP: Brother of dealer who died torching own cars found dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car dealercar salescar showroomCarDealerCarSalesCarShowroomgraham colonial motorsGrahamColonialMotorsgregory grahamGregoryGrahampittsburghrandolph grahamRandolphGrahamFri, 27 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1497522/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/27/follow-up-brother-of-dealer-who-died-torching-own-cars-found-de/1497522/article-detail.xml 1497522 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/graham-colonial-motors-ap-puskar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/graham-colonial-motors-ap-puskar.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Struggling dealer died of heart-attack while torching his own cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/09/report-struggling-dealer-died-of-heart-attack-while-torching-hi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/09/report-struggling-dealer-died-of-heart-attack-while-torching-hi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/09/report-struggling-dealer-died-of-heart-attack-while-torching-hi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With each passing day bringing more tough news about the state of the car companies and the plight of the autoworker, it's sometimes easy to overlook the effect that all of this economic gulag is having on mom-and-pop dealerships across the country. Bringing that idea into stark focus is news that Gregory Graham, a Pennsylvania car dealer recently died of a heart attack while torching cars at his own ailing dealership.

Graham, 61, was found amidst a row of a dozen fire-damaged vehicles on the lot of Graham Colonial Motors early in the morning on Feb. 17, and now police are confirming that the fire was due to arson - rolled up newspapers and a gasoline can were found on the scene.

According to Automotive News, court records indicate that the Pittsburgh-area dealership owed more than $420,000 in 2008 federal tax liens and some $11,000 in county property-tax liens.

The Jeep, Buick, Pontiac dealership closed last week.

[Sources: Automotive News (subs. req); Image: MSNBC]

REPORT: Struggling dealer died of heart-attack while torching his own cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arsoncar dealercar salescar showroomCarDealerCarSalesCarShowroomGraham Colonial MotorsGrahamColonialMotorsGregory GrahamGregoryGrahamPittsburghMon, 09 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1482252/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/09/report-struggling-dealer-died-of-heart-attack-while-torching-hi/1482252/article-detail.xml 1482252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/ligonier-arson-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/ligonier-arson-580.jpg -1 2