This year is likely to “end on a high note,” as the stronger-than-expected retail new-vehicle market is projected to continue for the December, according to J.D. Power and Associates. Judging by the month’s first 10 days, the firm predicts that December will finish with 936,300 retail new-vehicle units sold, a year-over-year gain of 19 percent […] [Read More]

General Motors has officially finished buying back all of  the GM preferred stock that the U.S. Treasury owned as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the government and the automaker announced. The automaker repurchased 84 million shares of its stock for a combined total of $2.1 billion. The $25.50 paid for each share was […] [Read More]

With the Hispanic shopper demographic becoming increasingly important, it appears one particular group of automakers is having more success than others in reaching these key consumers. So which brands are showing the most strength when it comes to Latino purchasers? According to R. L. Polk & Co., Toyota, Honda and Nissan have been implementing various efforts to specifically […] [Read More]

Used-vehicle values are expected to remain robust next year thanks to supply shortage and a rather healthy used market, according to Nagi Palle, OPENLANE’s vice president of analytics.This was just one of trends that Palle is predicting for next year. He  touched upon a wide array of topics, including the new-vehicle market, leasing, auctions and customer retention. [Read More]

Some automakers received an unexpected early holiday present Wednesday in the form of a high grade from TrueCar.com. In releasing scorecards on various automakers and brands today, TrueCar.com reported that some showed strong improvements over October, while for others, it might feel more like receiving a lump of coal. [Read More]

When it comes to how reliable consumers view certain brands, a slew of Big 3 and import automakers are showing gains from a year ago, J.D. Power and Associates reported Tuesday in its 2010 Avoider Study. The study delved into why shoppers either don’t consider a certain vehicle or why they steer clear of certain models altogether. [Read More]

On Tuesday afternoon, Ford revealed the leader who will assume the role of chief financial officer for Ford Motor Credit at the start of 2011 when K.R. Kent moves into the position of executive director of investor relations for Ford. The captive’s new CFO, effective Jan. 1, will be Michael Seneski, whose current post is Ford’s controller […] [Read More]

Thanks in large part to the ever-improving quality many brands have shown over the years, dealers are apparently witnessing more of a consumer appetite for older models that traditionally might have been sent to auction. And especially while volumes of late-model vehicles remain down in the lanes, NADA Used Car Guide’s Jonathan Banks says that selling older models is a growing opportunity for dealers. […] [Read More]

The latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence Brand Watch study provided Toyota with some positive news as 2010 draws near a close. The embattled automaker that has seen recalls and litigation throughout the year is now again the most-considered auto brand among new-car shoppers, according to Kbb.com. Site officials noted Toyota held the spot from the first quarter […] [Read More]

Calling it one of the largest donations in the company’s 34-year history, Mark Reuss announced that General Motors is handing out almost $30 million to ensure more Detroit-area students obtain a high school diploma. The foundation plans to give $27.1 million to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to create Networks of Excellence at five existing area […] [Read More]