Stop the presses: It turns out dealers across the country aren’t selling as many vehicles because they don’t receive enough units from the factory.

It sounds ridiculous, but in reality, supplies are extremely low for many dealers, whether because certain cars are hot or because automakers are trying to avoid the oversupply problems of just a year or two ago.

Consider that, in an Automotive News survey of 244 dealers, about three-quarters of the respondents said they didn’t have enough new vehicles to sell. Of that portion, 77 percent thought they might have lost vehicle sales to potential customers not willing to wait until more stock arrives.

Perhaps this puts into better perspective Ford’s decision to offer $50 gift cards to the 2300 2011 Fiesta buyers whose cars are arriving late.

General Motors says it takes just 13 days for a Terrain compact SUV to turn on a dealer lot, compared to 51 days for all vehicles.

As the Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox enter their second year on the market, they have been the subject of three production increases.

It’s possible the popular Terrain could achieve higher sales if there was additional supply. Those who begin their shopping process with an online inventory search might forget a dealership visit altogether if they don’t see a car with the right mix of colors and options.

Then there are some who think like dealer Tom Durant, who told Automotive News customers can easily select among 10 vehicles — as long as those vehicles are a good mix.

What do you think: Are you overwhelmed when a dealer has 60 versions of the model you want or do you think the more selection the better?

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required), General Motors

We had our first look at the new 2011 Ford Edge crossover at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show back in February, but we’re learning a little more about the upgraded CUV — including some finalized fuel economy figures — as it inches closer to production.

Base 2011 Edge models make use of a 3.5-liter V-6. Yes, that does sound quite a bit like the engine used in the 2011 V-6, but this year’s engine has been significantly reworked to include twin-independent variable camshaft timing, along with a fuel cut-off feature that shuts the engine off during deceleration. Additionally, Ford’s blessed the engine with some new heads and low-friction internals, all of which help improve the engine’s efficiency on the open road.

We’ve yet to prove that for ourselves, but the EPA recently tested the 2011 Edge and returned some impressive test figures. According to the agency, a front-wheel-drive 2011 Edge V-6 is rated at 19/22/27 mpg (city/highway/combined), which places it ahead of the likes of the Toyota Venza (19/26/22), Honda Accord Crosstour (18/27/21), and the Chevrolet Equinox (17/25/20). Additionally, Ford says the reworked 3.5 throws down 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, a mild improvement upon the 2010 model.

Not enough power? You may be the perfect match for the 2011 Edge Sport. Along with the spiffy cosmetic tricks, Ford has blessed the sport-tuned Edge with the 3.7-liter V-6 used in the 2011 Mustang V-6. In crossover tune, this engine still produces 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. We’re most interested in Ford’s claims that the new 22-inch wheels and all-season tires — standard equipment on the 2011 Edge Sport — offers grip comparable to that of a Mustang GT, but we doubt any consumers will actively flog their crossovers on an open skid-pad.

What we haven’t heard much about is a third powertrain option for the 2011 Edge. In Chicago, Ford revealed the crossover will be offered with an available turbocharged, direct injection 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4. Ford has revealed it will offer the engine in front-wheel-drive Edge models and suggested it will produce at least 230 horsepower, but we haven’t heard finalized performance data for the new forced-induction four-cylinder.

That same engine will also be launched as an option in another hallmark Ford model — the 2011 Ford Explorer — but the new Edge may beat it to market. Ford plans on revealing the 2011 Explorer to the muddled masses next week, but the new 2011 Edge should arrive in showrooms later this summer.

Source: Ford

The numbers are in, and General Motors is reporting double-digit sales increases across the board at its four core brands. Among the sales winners are the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, Buick Regal, and the family of Cadillac CTS models.

The General’s strong sales numbers are a result of hot-selling crossovers across the board, as well as new model introductions. Top sellers among crossovers are the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, which have sold more than 94,000 models combined since January. Among the Lambda triplets, the Chevrolet Traverse has seen a 56 percent increase over June 2009, and the new-for-2010 Cadillac SRX celebrates a whopping 462 percent increase over one year ago.

Of new model introductions, the Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, and Buick LaCrosse join the aforementioned SRX in triple-digit percent increases since the beginning of 2010. Pickup truck sales also increased across the board, up 12 percent from a year ago. The increases come as the economy is rebounding from a downward trend.

“As companies continue to invest in their businesses, we expect this segment to continue to recover,” said GM U.S. Sales Operations Vice President Don Johnson. “We think the release of some pent-up demand in the pickup market is an indication that a fundamental part of the U.S. economy is gradually strengthening.”

Is this a good sign for the U.S. car market in general? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

Source: GM