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]

TrueCar.com decided to revisit its analysis of fuel-efficient vehicles Monday, compiling separate lists of just hybrids as well as non-hybrid models. Of the Top 10 hybrids, analysts indicated four have a combined 40 mpg or better while every vehicle in the Top 10 non-hybrids offers a combined 30 mpg or better. TrueCar.com’s lists only looked […] [Read More]

Manheim announced Monday that one of its top executives recently made the “Atlanta’s Top 100 Black Women of Influence” list. Receiving the recognition from the Atlanta Business League was Lilicia Bailey, the company’s senior vice president and global chief people officer. ABL gave the award to Bailey at its recent 16th annual Women of Vision […] [Read More]

Federal Trade Commission officials recently announced they will host a public workshop to examine how debt collectors are using new technologies and how this affects consumers. The workshop, titled “Debt Collection 2.0: Protecting Consumers as Technologies Change,” will feature consumer advocates, industry representatives, technologists, academics and government officials. It’s set for April 28. As noted […] [Read More]

The recent North American Repossessors Summit incorporated what you might expect  — insights from industry leaders, training sessions and advice on improving your repossession agency. However, the element that stirred the greatest reaction from American Recovery Association executive director Les McCook came from repossessors’ response to a tragedy that happened just before the event. ARA […] [Read More]

Along with listing which brands fared best, J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 U.S. Customer Service Index Study refuted an industry stereotype that dealerships routinely pressure customers to accept unnecessary maintenance or repair services. Turns out, the study says very few service customers indicate experiencing upselling by the dealer. In fact, overall J.D. Power found only […] [Read More]

AutoTrader.com analysts sought to answer a question that inventory managers probably are considering. Where is the tipping point in gas prices where consumers shift their interest to more fuel-efficient vehicles? According to the February Trend Engine Report, AutoTrader.com discovered consumers haven’t reached that tipping point yet, but they may be close based on information gleaned […] [Read More]