More Good Auto News: Dealerships Are Increasing Again

On top of the 66 new U.S. dealerships, the National Automobile Dealers Association, in a new report, said the consolidation in the number of U.S. franchised dealerships has slowed significantly after large net losses of 1,550 dealerships in 2009, 760 in 2010 and 160 in 2011.

The trade group said there were 17,540 U.S. dealerships at the end of 2011, compared with 17,700 at the end of 2010.

"The arrival of new brands and new dealerships is a sign that even more vigorous competition is on the way in the U.S. vehicle marketplace," Paul Taylor, NADA's chief economist, said in a statement, according to Automotive News. "As new brands enter the U.S. market, the net dealership count may increase in future years of strong economic growth."