Among U.S. industries that import goods in transport containers from Japan, the biggest is the auto sector, according to analysis from The Journal of Commerce/PIERS. Most catastrophic natural disasters like the one that decimated Japan tend to have a far-reaching economic impact and can certainly dole a heavy blow to exports; however, the auto industry and related fields […] [Read More]

For more than 40 years, the American International Automobile Dealers Association has worked in Washington, D.C., to represent the interests of international nameplate auto dealers. Sometimes that means challenging legislation that will impact our bottom line. Sometimes it means bringing dealers to town to meet with their legislators and advocate for their businesses. And sometimes […] [Read More]

Carfinco Income Fund recently announced that 2010 was a record-setting year for the company. Carfinco achieved more than $20 million in net earnings for the year, and the return on the average unitholder’s equity for 2010 was 77.2 percent, beating Carfinco’s previous record of 55.3 percent set in 2005. Net earnings of $20.7 million for […] [Read More]

Conference organizers recently announced that several new names have been added to the agenda for 2011 Auto Remarketing Canada — Canada’s Used Car Conference, presented by CarProof. Those speakers include both dealers and remarketers and will contribute to a number of different panel discussions. The 2011 Auto Remarketing Canada conference will also feature a special […] [Read More]

With no clear scope as to  how far the wreckage and suffering from the fallout of last week’s Pacific earthquake and tsunami will spread, conditions remain rather treacherous in parts of Japan. Homelessness, power outages, food and water scarcity and the threat of nuclear meltdown may be abound in Japan right now, but just like […] [Read More]

In some good news that the luxury brand can likely use to highlight its lineup’s durability, Audi revealed earlier this week that two Minnesota men — each of whom owns a different model from the brand — have both reached a rather rare vehicle mileage landmark. Over the years, Don deChambeau, of St. Cloud, and Don […] [Read More]

The Pacific quake and tsunami have wrecked havoc upon parts of Japan and danger continues to loom as at least three reactors were significantly unstable as of press time and government officials were urging many in impacted parts of the country to stay inside to avoid possible radiation exposure. But the disaster has also brought to light another potential challenge, albeit […] [Read More]

U.S. lease penetration rates jumped almost 6 percentage points last year and reached their highest level since 2007, according to R.L. Polk & Co. The company went on to report that there were year-over-year leasing gains in all eight regions of the country during 2010. Specifically, the lease penetration rate came in at 18.9 percent in 2010, […] [Read More]

Dealership managers who want more analysis about 2008 model-year vehicles can obtain it this week. J.D. Power and Associates plans to unveil the 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study on Thursday. Firm analysts explained this study measures problems reported by more than 50,000 original owners of 2008 model-year cars and light trucks. They said the study covers […] [Read More]

When it comes to responding to Web inquires, the auto brand whose dealers perform the best is Lexus, followed respectively by Honda and Toyota, according to the Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index Internet Lead Effectiveness Benchmarking Study released Monday. Pied Piper Management Co.’s rankings — which included all major U.S. brands — were compiled through […] [Read More]