car dealers

Facebook and the like playing a role in driving customers to auto dealers, replacing inflatable gorillas, balloons and other attractions.

Consumer advocates say car dealers should be included in the new legislation for financial reforms.

As Gene Butman Ford opened its doors Saturday, salesmen outnumbered the shoppers looking at a depleted stock of cars and trucks, and it didn't appear that many customers were ready to buy.

The Transportation Department said that the program resulted in nearly 700,000 auto sales, and car dealers had submitted $2.877 billion in rebates by the 8 p.m. deadline.

From Vermont to California, exhausted but appreciative car dealers watched their lots grow empty as crowds rushed to trade in gas guzzlers during the final weekend of the Cash for Clunkers program.

From Vermont to California, exhausted but appreciative car dealers watched their lots grow empty as crowds rushed to trade in gas guzzlers during the final weekend of the popular Cash for Clunkers program.

Many car dealers said they have decided not to make Cash for Clunker sales after Saturday, citing a bottleneck on the Web site where the paperwork must be filed.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood assured car dealers they would be reimbursed for the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program in a response to complaints over a backlog of rebates.