Steve Finlay is the editor of WardsAuto Dealer Business magazine. His journalism career started 40 years ago as a crime reporter. A Michigan native, he likes fast cars, big lakes and cold days.

Posts by Steve Finlay

in Retail Front Apr. 25, 2013

More Than Money Behind Dealers Suing Carfax

Dealers claim the vehicle-history report provider charges them too much, but they’re also miffed at how the company portrays them....More
in Retail Front Mar. 22, 2013

They Know What You Want. So What?

Tracking firms say they’re not snooping, just trying to determine customer interests in the name of relevant marketing....More
in Retail Front Feb. 27, 2013

Send in the Themes

This year’s NADA convention didn’t hold the drama of some recent years, thank goodness, but did provide a glimpse of the future....More
in Retail Front Feb. 1, 2013

My Name Is AutoNation and I’m a Dealership

The dealership chain originally saw a downside to naming local stores after a company listed on the stock exchange. That thinking has changed....More
in Retail Front Jan. 28, 2013

‘Who Are You?’

That’s what Peter Welch, now the incoming NADA president, wanted to know....More
in Final Inspection Dec. 11, 2012

Packard Plant: Mother of Motor City Ruins

An abandoned Detroit factory that stopped making cars 58 years ago has long overstayed its welcome....More
in Retail Front Nov. 21, 2012

A New Generation of Penny Pinchers

People who grew up in the 1930s share something in common with latter-day millennials....More
in Retail Front Oct. 22, 2012

TrueCar Truly Sorry

Company CEO Scott Painter has not been driven to drink, but he is in a rehab program of sorts....More
in Retail Front Oct. 12, 2012

Without Franchisees, Can Tesla Violate Franchise Laws?

Dealers see franchise laws as protecting their substantial investments. But critics claim the laws are an anachronistic form of protectionism....More
in Retail Front Sep. 27, 2012

Ally Survey Shows Dealers Giving More to Communities

Auto retailers’ charitable support is a happy confluence of good business and doing the right thing....More