The severe winter weather is not only impacting shopping activity levels and prices in the used-car market, but it also appears to be influencing the types of used vehicles consumers are going after, especially in the icy Midwest. That’s according to the latest Hot Used-Car Report from Kelley Blue Book, which found that full-size SUVs, […] [Read More]

If managed correctly, these high lease penetration rates the industry is seeing might actually be a good thing. In spite of apparent trepidation by some in the business, several analysts at last month’s NADA Convention & Expo were pointing to a healthy leasing market, one that is likely beneficial for consumers, dealers and automakers, alike […] [Read More]

Here’s something dealers may want to use to emphasize value when the price tag is high: In Kelley Blue Book’s announcement  unveiling the 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, KBB’s Dan Ingle points out it’s possible a more expensive vehicle may end up saving the consumer money. Case in point, Lexus and its residual values. The […] [Read More]

NextGear Capital on Tuesday announced a new floor planning integration with AuctionACCESS, a development that comes on the heels of a credit line availability integration between the two companies. Officials highlighted these moves will allow auctions to quickly and efficiently originate floor plan transactions for their dealer customers. “NextGear Capital is continually searching for ways […] [Read More]

GWC Warranty, which serves as a marketer, administrator and underwriter of vehicle service contracts, announced recently that it has been named a Motor Trend Recommended Best Buy for Independent Dealers. The company said it is the only vehicle service contract provider to have earned this distinction. In order to receive this honor, GWC was required […] [Read More]

Analysts from three of the industry’s vehicle-driven websites — AutoTrader.com, KBB.com and Edmunds.com — stayed busy before, during and after Super Bowl XLVIII to compile data showing which automakers generated the most consumer and online traffic buzz through commercials throughout the broadcast. All three sites noticed a significant lift Maserati experienced with its campaign. At […] [Read More]

Cars.com projected that new-vehicle incentives dipped noticeably in January compared to sequential and year-over-year levels, but chief analyst Jesse Toprak doesn’t suspect that trend will continue, to the benefit of the used-vehicle industry. Toprak estimated that the average incentives given by automakers to turn new vehicles came in at $2,383 during January, down $151 or […] [Read More]

Cars.com discovered the Ford F-150 is the most popular new vehicle purchased in both Seattle and Denver, home to the football teams that played in Super Bowl XLVIII. While pro football fans in the city of Seattle are rejoicing because of the Seahawks’ victory against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday night, […] [Read More]

Increased scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding dealer lending practices is top-of-mind for many in the industry.  In response, this Friday as the 2014 NADA Convention got underway, the National Automobile Dealers Association announced an optional program that it contends will strengthen a dealer’s ability to comply with fair […] [Read More]

RVI Group late last week announced its new partnership with NxGen360 LLC, to launch and distribute insurance products into the automotive marketplace. These products, beginning with Trade Value Protection and Market Value Protection, will offer benefits to dealers as they stock, trade and sell vehicle inventory, the company said, and limit risk for consumers in […] [Read More]