By now, you probably realize that Cox Automotive has some new faces on its analytical front to replace longtime chief economist Tom Webb, who is officially retiring on June 30. You probably also realize that one of those additions has a DJ as an “alter ego.” That would be Jonathan Smoke, Cox Automotive’s new chief economist, […] [Read More]

AutoPacific announced its 21st annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, which recognize the most satisfying vehicles in the market. Winners are selected by measuring how satisfied car owners are with their new vehicle. Over 54,000 owners of both new 2016 and 2017 makes and models were surveyed. "This is the 21st anniversary of AutoPacific identifying the most […] [Read More]

In Episode 6 of the Auto Remarketing Podcast, Joe Overby chats with Brian Benstock — vice president and GM of Paragon Honda & Paragon Acura — about Paragon Direct, the group's vehicle ecommerce and service platform. Brian offers his take on the role of dealers in digital retailing and more.  Download and subscribe to the Auto Remarketing […] [Read More]

The latest monthly complaint report shared by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlighted complaints submitted by older consumers, but problems with auto financing and related products weren’t specifically mentioned. Of the 1,163,200 complaints the bureau has handled since it began accepting complaints in July 2011, officials indicated 54 percent of consumers have voluntarily reported their […] [Read More]

If you have certified pre-owned units with alternative powertrains, the spring issue of Perspective from J.D. Power Valuation Services (formerly NADA Used Car Guide) offered some insight into why it might be difficult to turn that vehicle. Before it became that CPO model, J.D. Power analysts explained that alternative segments generally have weaker demand and […] [Read More]

While differing on how first-quarter activity unfolded, both Kerrigan Advisors and Haig Partners shared upbeat assessments of dealership buying and selling activity for the rest of 2017 as each used the adjective, "robust." First, at Kerrigan Advisors, the firm reported that the action of dealerships changing hands “remains robust” for Q1 in spite of slowing […] [Read More]

Used-car buyers are shelling out close to 4-percent more money on their down payment than they were a year ago, according to data released Friday by Edmunds. And their down payments — which averaged $2,529 in May — are more than 12 percent higher than five years ago. Those numbers are even more pronounced on […] [Read More]

Car Keys Express founder and owner Mark Lanwehr has made the cut as a finalist for EY’s 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Ohio Valley region, the company announced.  A panel of independent judges chose Lanwehr a finalist for the regional award, whose winners will be named during a special gala event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel […] [Read More]

In Episode 5 of the Auto Remarketing Podcast, Joe Overby sits down with Marilu McQuilkin and Mor Aframian to talk about the upgrades to Used Car Week, which has a brand-new look and a bit of a new format this year.  Plus, we discover that Marilu is a C-SPAN dork, Joe loves "Star Wars" and Mor […] [Read More]

Rebranding can be a scary proposition. As anyone who has changed their style can attest, it’s risky yet potentially rewarding. I’ll give you two personal examples: Spring 2000: A 17-year-old during Eminem mania, I bleached my already strawberry blonde hair.  At a lifeguard meeting soon after, the manager of the pool where I was working […] [Read More]