One of the primary findings from a case study based on data collaboration between Autobytel and Polk indicated that dealers and automakers should place even more emphasis on their certified pre-owned and used programs when following up on online consumer leads. Why? Autobytel and Polk found that nearly 46 percent of consumers who planned to […] [Read More]

Transportation coatings company PPG Industries this week released its annual automotive color popularity and trend data and found a repeat winner. Still ranking as globe’s most popular color choice for cars is white. That being said, based on 2012 automotive build data PPG forecasts that the overall use of color is on the rise. According […] [Read More]

Bryan Leaitch, the manager of certified pre-owned at Mazda Canada, has spotted one particular trend in company’s relatively new program that has helped spur dealer engagement. “We have noticed that the gross profit per unit for our CPO units versus non-CPO units has increased steadily since our program launch, which has resulted in increased active […] [Read More]

While the San Francisco region has experienced a “robust” used-car environment recently, the other two Federal Reserve Districts reporting used-vehicle trends in the latest Beige Book analysis fared differently. In the latest reporting period, dealers in the New York and Cleveland districts have seen “flat” used-vehicle sales, according to the Federal Reserve. [Read More]

One Japanese brand, after battling numerous recalls and natural disasters the past few years, still remains a favorite among its loyal fans. It was revealed Wednesday that Toyota Motor Sales,USA ranked highest in corporate loyalty for the second quarter of 2012, according to the Experian Automotive Loyalty and Market Trend analysis. Experian said the OEM […] [Read More]

Which states have the highest concentration of online used-car shoppers? According to a new consumer behavior study from Jumpstart Automotive Group designed to connect top auto shopping considerations with specific U.S. regions, the highest concentration of used-car shoppers was found in California, followed by Texas. Jumpstart officials explained the findings to Auto Remarketing. [Read More]

With unemployment rates high, the job market remains unstable, and it seems to be affecting the auto industry, as well. Although consumers are not so much concerned with increased car payments, their worry lies in the length of the loans, according to Swapalease.com. [Read More]

The most recent RDN Monthly Analytics Update showed August recovery volumes increased 3 percentage points from July levels. However, the reading also ended up 17 points below year-ago levels. RDN indicated August recovery orders rose 4 percentage points from the previous month, but dropped 10 percentage points year-over-year. The RDN Recovery Market Trend Summary — […] [Read More]

As the Federal Reserve discovered total consumer borrowing — including auto loans — accelerated by 8 percent in August, Fitch Ratings cautioned that industry enthusiasm should be tempered, as meaningful near-term risk remains as long as the U.S. fiscal cliff remains unresolved. Fitch highlighted that improving consumer confidence, pent-up demand and widespread availability of financing […] [Read More]

Have you ever wondered how a customer feels when they walk into your dealership? For dealers who are curious just how “customer-centric” they really are, Women-Drivers.com revealed an interactive quiz that enables dealers to evaluate just how shopper friendly their store is and where they have room for improvement.   [Read More]