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All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

Who's Where: Sangyup Lee appointed Bentley’s head of exterior design

Sangyup Lee has been appointed Bentley's head of exterior design. He reports directly to Luc Donkerwolke, head of Bentley Styling and Design and taken up the position left by Dave Hilton. Korean-born Lee joins the British carmaker from Volkswagen/Audi's Advanced studio in California, where he held the position of chief designer of Exterior from January 2010.

Groupon vouchers for cars? No

The Groupon juggernaut rolled into auto retailing last week, and dealers around the nation watched intently to see whether the online coupon phenomenon could drive herds of shoppers into showrooms. So far, no. Only four consumers agreed to pay $200 for a $500 discount voucher on a new-vehicle purchase at LaFontaine Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Highland, Mich.