The new-vehicle market will likely hit the pre-recession norm of 16 million annual unit sales the year after next, according to a study from  the A.T. Kearney consulting firm, which is projecting 2011 new-vehicle sales will reach 13.2 million units. Furthermore, the firm suggests that the new- and used-vehicle markets are apt to benefit from […] [Read More]

Earlier this week, Auto Finance Big Wheels spotlighted the 10 largest auto lenders in the U.S. for 2010 and at the top of the rankings was a finance company that certainly had some challenges to hurdle during the year: Ally Financial. According to the report — which is published by the Auto Finance Advisors consultancy […] [Read More]

AutoTrader.com thinks its April traffic data backs up why the majority of potential buyers are likely looking closely at the fuel-efficient segment of dealers’ inventories. Furthermore, a study conducted by AutoTrader.com in March and April showed that 62 percent of shoppers are considering purchasing a vehicle that is more fuel efficient than the unit they […] [Read More]

TrueCar.com announced Tuesday its April Performance Scorecard results, ranking manufacturers and brands on various criteria, including sales and customer loyalty. Though luxury brands were in the mix at the top,  a couple of non-luxury automakers found themselves on equal footing.   Porsche recieved the highest grade by manufacturer with an A+, with Hyundai and BMW […] [Read More]

Dealers might need to keep a deep pool of fuel-efficient models in inventory no matter how much gas prices climb or fall. The Consumer Federation of America said Monday that its recent survey reinforced the belief that consumers are growing more aware that higher fuel economy offsets higher vehicle costs. CFA’s assertions showed that based […] [Read More]

Nevada-based repossession agency Zane Investigations recently decided it will begin offering its volume and prime customers service throughout the state, without mileage charges in excess of the standard repossession fee. Zane is calling the program “No Mileage Nevada” and believes it’s the only one of its kind in the state. The company said customers can […] [Read More]

U.S. Department of the Treasury officials recently hired a pair of experts in economics and civil rights to serve in senior leadership roles for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Tapped for the spots were Sendhil Mullainathan, who will serve as assistant director for research, and Patrice Alexander Ficklin, who will be assistant director for fair […] [Read More]

Even though production for several automakers remains below full steam due to the Japanese quake effect, new-vehicle sales essentially picked up right where they left off at the end of April and are continuing to gain ground, Edmunds.com pointed out Friday. The company also spotted a $350 increase in the average new-car price during the […] [Read More]

In the latest development involving the pursuit of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, the Tulsa, Okla.-based rental company and Hertz Global Holdings said late last week they will cooperate as Hertz seeks the regulatory green light from the Federal Trade Commission regarding its offer to purchase Dollar Thrifty. Hertz proposed an exchange offer for all outstanding […] [Read More]

Altamont Capital Partners’ recent purchase of J.D. Byrider recently gained more financial support through a debt investment by Prospect Capital Corp., a closed-end investment company that lends to and invests in private and microcap public businesses. Prospect Capital is injecting $25 million into the deal. Altamont plans to provide Byrider with strategic direction, experienced resources […] [Read More]