Though stronger than where it was in May, the used-vehicle market will show a major dive from year-ago figures once June results are reported, according to TrueCar.com. The company projects that used sales will slide 21.8 percent to 4.38 million units. This, however, would mark a 6.2-percent sequential increase. On the new side of the market, things […] [Read More]

Dataium’s May Auto Shopper Intensity Index declined for the second straight month, but a bright spot was searches for used vehicles. The firm determined pre-owned models continue to gain share in consumer online auto shopping, now up to a record 68 percent of all inventory searches. Analysts contend the ASI index for April accurately mirrored […] [Read More]

NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buys Report includes six vehicles from five different nameplates. The six 2011 models included are from Acura, Dodge, GMC, Hyundai and Toyota. In light of a slowly recovering economy, current fuel prices and strains on some vehicle availability from Japanese manufacturers, NADAguides’ analysts recommend this select set of new units that — […] [Read More]

Manheim and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association recognized a dealership for its generous charitable outreach Wednesday in Las Vegas at the NIADA Convention and Expo. The inaugural Dealer’s Edge National Community Service Award was given to Chacon Autos Ltd., a family of dealerships in Texas. The other four finalists for the award — each […] [Read More]

While 760 stores closed up shop last year, dealers were 40-percent more profitable than they were in 2009 and have begun this year with similar progress, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association’s recent reports regarding the health of franchised dealers. [Read More]

On Wednesday, Insure.com handed out its Low Cost Car Insurance Awards to recognize automakers rolling out 2011 models that are the least expensive to insure. Among the four vehicle segments the site highlighted, Insure.com gave the No. 1 spots on this year’s lists to Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan and Chevrolet. “Congratulations to Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan and […] [Read More]

Selling cars consistently is a craft few can master. It takes someone with the right combination of character and confidence to close deals. However, many experienced dealers will admit the far greater challenge is buying the right cars for their inventory — cars customers want. That’s because the market for used cars can be unpredictable. With […] [Read More]

The National Insurance Crime Bureau revealed that while 2010 saw the number of national vehicle thefts decline for the seventh consecutive year, the top five “hot spots," all on the West Coast, showed an increase when compared to 2009. For example, the area with the highest vehicle theft rate — Fresno, Calif. — saw a rise of 1,684 thefts when compared […] [Read More]

With Tuesday marking the first official day of summer, AAA highlighted a total of 18 different models in six vehicle segments the organization believes are the best units for road trips. AAA picked four vehicles made by Toyota, along with a pair of units from Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler and Dodge. The organization noted that nine […] [Read More]

In a market where wholesale auction volume is even tighter than overall used supply, independent dealers face an especially “tough situation” when it comes to acquiring the vehicles they need on their lots, suggested Jonathan Banks, a senior analyst with NADA Used Car Guide. [Read More]