Asbury Automotive first-quarter net income hits $36 million

Asbury Automotive Group Inc. (NYSE: ABG) sped to double-digit profit growth in the first quarter of 2015, as both new and used vehicle sales were up 14 percent despite issues with bad winter weather. The Duluth, Ga.-based automotive retailer reported its revenue for the period jumped 14 percent to $1.5 billion. First-quarter profit also rose 14 percent to $35.9 million, or $1.30 a share. “The overall automotive retail, service and lending environments remain strong. We will continue to execute…