As dealer groups and industry analysts survey the damage of Hurricane Sandy to the used-car industry, most seem to agree on one thing: the storm will push used-vehicle prices up in the coming months. Edmunds.com director of analysis Ray Zhou, commented on this trend late last week, saying “Used vehicle prices will increase $700 to […] [Read More]

Can Facebook help boost sales in dealerships? The jury is still out, but research firm Friedman-Swift Associates revealed research last week that says more than one in four new car buyers visit social networking sites at least weekly. Jeff Friedman, president and chief executive officer of the Cincinnati-based Friedman-Swift Associates, said, "28 percent of people […] [Read More]

A positive online review of a dealership can draw a wider radius of potential car buyers, says a new study of more than 1,600 car buyers and 600 dealerships by Digital Air Strike. In releasing the results of its Fall 2012 Automotive Social Media and Reputation Trend Study, the automotive social media, online reputation and […] [Read More]

From monetary and vehicle donations to deferred payments for storm-stressed customers, automakers and others in the industry are providing aid to those impacted by Superstorm Sandy. For auto dealers in areas affected by the storm, MediaTrac has announced complimentary email campaigns it says are designed to help dealers provide valuable information to their customers about […] [Read More]

The Dataium Automotive Shopper Intensity Index continued its upward momentum, increasing 4.65 percent from August to September. Dataium said the positive movement of the ASI — which serves as an early predictor of the next 30 to 45 days of automotive retail sales — reflects the strengthening consumer confidence that has been aided by a […] [Read More]

FLD, Inc., said Thursday it has promoted a new director of business development. Appointed to the role is Carol Fowler, who previously served as transportation manager and sales rep for the company, overseeing both national and international fleets. [Read More]

WALKAWAY has filled its newly created position of manager of dealer services. In a move that became effective today, earning the promotion to the role was Dana Senin. The company — which builds, markets and administers credit protection products for the retail auto business as well as the recreational vehicle industry — also announced that […] [Read More]

The recent acquisition of Ally Credit Canada by Royal Bank of Canada triggered a question during a quarterly conference call Wednesday: Why didn’t General Motors Financial make a run at the financing arm since it already has lending and leasing activity in the country? GM Financial president and chief executive officer Dan Berce addressed the […] [Read More]

Used cars have gotten more expensive. At least, that is one fact consumers and dealers have come to expect during the past few years. But, after three years of “dramatic growth”, the price hike slowed a bit this year, according to NADA Used Car Guide. In fact, the projected average price of used cars and […] [Read More]

The National Remarketing Conference, sponsored by SmartAuction, as the industry’s leading conference, is an excellent place to stay up-to-date on information relevant to all aspects of the industry, including fleet, lease and rental. In a 2:45 p.m. session on Nov. 15, the market dynamics of this industry niche will take center stage at the National […] [Read More]