For the second year running, quality continues to be the most influential factor for used-car buyers over price, according to CarMax. The company completed a recent survey that asked consumers to choose which of the following factors most influenced their car buying decisions: quality, price, safety, resale value or environmental factors. CarMax’ findings showed that more than double […] [Read More]

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group revealed Monday that it has appointed its president and chief executive officer as chairman of the board of directors. Scott Thompson will assume the role from Richard Neu, who will remain on the board as lead independent director. The company noted that the changes are effective immediately. This news comes on […] [Read More]

With wholesale used-vehicle prices still strong, observers recently asked Experian Automotive’s director of automotive credit why repossession volumes are softening, not strengthening. After pausing for a moment during a recent Webinar, Melinda Zabritski acknowledged lofty wholesale prices “certainly could cause lenders to repo vehicles earlier but you’re certainly going to be subject to lending policies […] [Read More]

Recovery Compliance Solutions, a provider of repossession compliance monitoring, recently partnered with Windsor Equity Group to manage and verify its recovery agents’ information, insurance, licensing and contracts to ensure they remain compliant with state and local requirements. Additionally, Recovery Compliance Solutions is pledging to ensure the independent recovery and repossession agents abide by the service […] [Read More]

Bearing in mind its finding that almost three-fourths (71 percent) of shoppers buy vehicles based on need rather than want, AutoTrader.com recently released a list of a dozen new and late-model vehicles priced less than $30,000 that it recommends for various changes in a one’s life that would necessitate making a purchase. [Read More]

Ford’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend Thursday, awarding 5 cents per share. The automaker noted the dividend is payable March 1 to shareholders of record of Class B and common stock on Jan. 31. “We have made tremendous progress in reducing debt and generating consistent positive earnings and cash flow,” stated executive chairman […] [Read More]

Kelley Blue Book unveiled on Thursday what it considers to be the “Top 10 Best Redesigned Vehicles of 2012,” and dominating the list were European models. Not only did a European car take the top spot, these vehicles claimed the top four positions and six of the top 10. Ranking No. 1 on the list […] [Read More]

Though the holiday season may be in full swing, it doesn’t mean vehicle thieves are at rest. In fact, a day of celebration that’s just around the corner is proving to be the most theft-prone holiday of them all, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Based on the number of vehicle thefts reported to […] [Read More]

With OEMs pumping out a number of new electric vehicles to consumers, such as the Chevrolet Volt and the new Mitsubishi i, and fossil fuel costs rising, the hybrid and plug-in EV market is moving to take a significant piece of the automotive sales pie, according to a report from Pike Research. By 2017, the […] [Read More]

In the spirit of the holiday season, Lexus is trying its hand at using social media to push its campaign to raise money for Toys for Tots. Under its December to Remember sales event — whose commercials feature the “Big Red Bow” wrapping up Lexus vehicles like gifts — the luxury brand is donating $5 […] [Read More]