The Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., one of the largest automotive retail and service companies in the U.S., recently announced that it has acquired Troncalli Nissan and Troncalli Infiniti in Decatur, Georgia. At present, the dealerships generate revenues of around $100 million each year.

The dealerships will be tucked into Asbury's South Region and re-branded as the Nalley Nissan and the Nalley Infiniti of Decatur. The two dealerships include four facilities - two dedicated used car showrooms and two new car showrooms. Complete details of the sale transaction were not disclosed by the company.

"I am delighted to welcome all the employees from these two terrific franchises to the Nalley family," said Charles R. Oglesby, the President and CEO of Asbury Automotive Group. "In addition to being brands with excellent new product pipelines and future growth prospects, these stores are strategically located across the street from our BMW Center, providing us three Nalley- branded import dealerships in Decatur."

Oglesby added, "To meet the acquisitions component of our 15 percent total shareholder return strategy, we need to acquire $150 million to $200 million in annual revenues, but we anticipate in excess of $300 million this year." Before becoming Asbury's chief executive, Oglesby ran the Nalley Automotive Group in Atlanta.

New York-based Asbury has acquired three dealerships this year with annual revenues of approximately $140 million, including the acquisition of Rick Starr Acura in Ft. Pierce, Florida. "Our pipeline is extremely robust, including several deals under contract," Oglesby continued.

Separately, the Nissan Motor Co. is entertaining a number of revisions for its Pathfinder and Navara pickups. These revisions include a host of new options to lure more customers.

Like any other automaker, the Japanese auto manufacturer is feeling the pressure of tight competition in the automotive realm. This is why it is launching several ad campaigns and promotions to bolster the potentials of its product lines. What is more, Nissan is also enhancing its lineup to complement its campaigns.

As a fact, Bluetooth phone integration is now available on all grades of the Pathfinder and the Navara with audio system integration that lowers the volume and displays a Caller ID. A phone book of 100 names and numbers is also a feature. In addition, Nissan engineers added a distinctive red called the Emotion Red for both models. Flint Grey is the second new color option on the Pathfinder.

Aside from the reliable Nissan multi rib belts, the pickups sport six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, door mirrors with turn indicators, and 'puddle-lamps.' The new Pathfinder features the Nissan F-Alpha platform, and is powered by a 4.0 L V6 engine VQ40DE that produces 270 horsepower and 291 ft&bulllbf of torque. A 2.5 L l4 Turbo Diesel is also available in Europe and other markets.

Also, aluminium kick plates on the front doors and tailgate are added on Sport and Aventura grades of Pathfinder. The feature is said to apparently 'add to the feeling of discreet premium-ness.' The same grades gain footwell illumination. In the Pathfinder's load-area, the quality and thickness of the carpet has been improved. To bolster the already impressive off-road capabilities, the manual transmission Pathfinder is now equipped with the Uphill Start Support (USS) for individuals who cannot do real hill starts.

Meanwhile, Nissan's pioneer pickup Navara flaunts some of the notable firsts in the segment including the extended and the crew cab body style. In the UK, the Navara has been the leader for many years now with the biggest bed space and a 174 horsepower. In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the D40 Navara has a few differences from the UK versions.

Sales of the upgraded Pathfinder and Navara for the UK will start in July.