Cars.com is reportedly shopping around to possibly bring in a new creative agency and has circulated a request-for-proposal document among different companies, according to a report from AdvertisingAge. Its current partner for the last 11 years — DDB, Chicago — is in the mix, however, as it was asked to submit a proposal, the report […] [Read More]

It may not yet have a Canadian stronghold, but Mark Dubois envisions the potential for the buy-here, pay-here financing business in Canada. And he’s reaching out to the country’s dealers at a grassroots level during this year’s Auto Remarketing Canada conference presented by CarProof, where he will teach them more about the BHPH market’s unique […] [Read More]

Geared to provide added assurance and enhance the lease experience for their customers, Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services this week rolled out the Excess Wear & Use Protection Plan, the newest product to join the TFS/LFS portfolio.  Brand officials acknowledged consumers often have questions about their financial responsibility for items such as dings, […] [Read More]

NADA University is rolling out a new annual study that replaces the biennial NADA Compensation Study and offers an enhanced look into dealership workforce trends. The first NADA Dealership Workforce Study is slated to be released this summer and include data from 2011. Explaining how it will be different from the NADA Compensation Study, officials […] [Read More]

When it comes to value retention, the brand expected to command the strongest residuals three years down the road is Mini, according to the latest Industry Report from ALG. Looking at the 2012 model-year residual outlook in the March/April edition of ALG’s analysis, Mini’s 36-month residual value was projected at 52.5 percent. [Read More]

Never let it be said that Detroit automakers and their friends in Congress don’t care about the environment. I’ve never see any group more dedicated to recycling — at least when it comes to old arguments. There is a limited number of anti-trade, anti-“import” positions out there. Even when one is shot full of holes, […] [Read More]

For those looking to nominate an independent dealer to receive special recognition from their peers for their efforts in the community, time is running out. The nomination period for the 2012 National Independent Automobile Dealers Association//Manheim Community Service Award ends April 1, which is less than two weeks away. Each year the program spotlights a […] [Read More]

A seasonally adjusted annualized rate of new-vehicle sales that climbed about 12 percent in January likely bodes well for the future in terms of alleviating dealers used-supply concerns. But the 14.2 million new-vehicle SAAR also affects residuals down the road, according to ALG. The impact, however, will likely be rather modest, the firm suggests. [Read More]

The used prices of fuel-efficient vehicles may soar more than 20 percent in coming months, according to Kelley Blue Book, and dealers should prepare themselves. With a price spike likely imminent within the next 30 to 60 days, KBB is advising dealers to snatch these fuel-friendly used cars “sooner rather than later.” Take what happened […] [Read More]

Spotlighting its strongest dealership performances of 2011, Audi announced its Magna Society award winners on Monday while also doling out special recognition to 10 dealerships receiving honors as Audi Elite Magna Society winners. The 2011 Magna Society recognition was given to 106 dealerships that showed strong customer service, as well as strong overall business performance. […] [Read More]