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HomeDealer networks

Dealer networks

Olympia Ford dealer
Data Dive

U.S. car dealer networks have changed over the last 70 years

March 21, 2024 Steve 6

Recently published figures from Automotive News suggest that the dealership networks for U.S. automakers have changed dramatically since the early-1960s. For one thing, the Big Three’s total number of franchises — 19,249 as of January […]

Letters to the Editor

Why General Motors didn’t realize that Oldsmobile was in trouble

November 27, 2023 Steve 20

Our “Story Ideas Bank” sometimes morphs into debates about specific historical events. George Denzinger recently weighed in on the death of Oldsmobile. This is a thoughtful analysis so I am elevating it to the front page. […]

Hyundai dealer at night
Quotes

Immigrant to US says buying a new car was very different back in Europe

November 13, 2023 Steve 2

“Buying a car was another big culture shock when moving to the US. I think people here just don’t realize how absurd this dealership stuff is. In Europe you test drive a car, then choose […]

Drive-by musings
Quotes

Peter DeLorenzo: Dealer markups are killing auto industry’s credibility

February 17, 2022 Steve 0

“This Bush League Bullshit has been going on in the car business for so long that I can’t even remember when it wasn’t. But now? It’s ramped up to an entirely new level of blatant […]

2004 Mitsubishi Galant GTS
Letters to the Editor

Mitsubishi tanked in U.S. due to ‘epic’ mismanagement and lack of vision

January 31, 2022 Steve 4

George Denzinger recently wrote a lengthy — and quite nuanced — comment that I would like to highlight on the front page as a letter to the editor. His missive was in response to the […]

1960 Dodge Dart
Letters to the Editor

Chrysler’s dysfunctional dealer networks were rooted in early decisions

December 2, 2021 Steve 3

Geeber recently wrote one of the best overviews I have ever seen about why Chrysler’s dealer networks became so dysfunctional. His comment (below) was in response to, “Lynn Townsend failed to solve Chrysler’s warfare between […]

1967 Dodge Coronet 500
Letters to the Editor

Lynn Townsend failed to solve Chrysler’s warfare between divisions

November 23, 2021 Steve 4

Reader James E. Duvall offered a thoughtful take on our 1966-67 Chrysler B-Body story that deserves more prominence as a stand-alone letter. While I believe the Elwood Engel’s styling department was on-track and that Lynn […]

1959 and 1955 Studebaker rooflines
Fake Design

1959 Studebaker: Throwing the baby out with the bath water

September 10, 2021 Steve 14

(EXPANDED FROM 5/22/2015) The 1959 Studebaker Lark’s design was initially so successful that it was described by historian Robert Ebert as a “miracle” (2013, p. 55). Studebaker-Packard Corporation, which was on the verge of liquidating […]

2021 Bollinger B2 truck
Current Events

Automotive News’ report on EV startups has revealing gaps

August 18, 2021 Steve 0

Last week Automotive News acknowledged that “there has never been a better time for EV startups.” Even so, the trade journal couldn’t bring itself to fully explain why it has been “at least a century […]

Parody ads about the auto industry and media
Our Sponsors

Automotive Views: Car buyer survey has shocking results

July 23, 2021 Steve 0

Posts pagination

« 1 2 3 »
  • 1965 Studebaker Cruiser proposal
    Car Life speculates about why Studebaker shut down its South Bend plant
    July 17, 2026 8
  • 1956 Lincoln
    The 1956 Lincoln’s styling proved to be a one-year wonder
    July 17, 2026 18
  • 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL
    1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL lacked the taut brilliance of its predecessor
    July 14, 2026 6
  • 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado
    Did GM go too far in downsizing the 1986 Riviera, Toronado and Eldorado?
    July 10, 2026 16
  • J. 'Kelly' Flory Jr.
    J. ‘Kelly’ Flory Jr.’s American Cars series is pricey but valuable
    July 10, 2026 4
  • 1968 Pontiac Firebird green convertible
    1967-72 Pontiac Firebird shows limits of ad illustrations
    July 7, 2026 10
  • Miscellaneous ramblings about being on the road
    June 25, 2026 5
  • Internet problems reminded me of U.S. automakers in the 1970s
    May 2, 2026 1
  • 1956 Buick hood scoop
    Readers brainstorm ideas for future Indie Auto stories
    October 14, 2022 141
Society of Automotive Historian award to Indie Auto

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