NEW YORK — The 2010 Harris Interactive EquiTrend Study that compiles consumers' opinions of 35 vehicle brands revealed two foreign nameplates posted the largest consumer equity increases during the past five years. Standing out with the two largest gains were Subaru and Hyundai. Harris indicated that Subaru rose from a reading of 44.36 back in 2005 to […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — There's a new No. 1 auto brand for customer loyalty, according to Market Intelligence data from Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com. Toyota no longer holds it first-place perch. It has now been replaced by Hyundai, which moved past the embattled Japanese automaker and Honda to claim the top spot for brand loyalty in February. Specifically, February data indicated that […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — With the spring buying season imminent, TrueCar.com analysts offered what vehicles have the best Price Flex Score, a composite reading of total incentives, greatest percentage below MSRP, greatest price drops and days in inventory. Three Mazda vehicles were among the top five units, including the Tribute and RX-8, each having a mark […] [Read More]

UNION, N.J. — One of the most important questions facing the recovery industry today is whether there is a need for more government intervention. Most recovery agents believe state regulation is a double-edged sword. Many dislike and disagree with government intervention, but no one can deny the fact the recovery industry is at a crossroads that […] [Read More]

BOSTON — A new report from the National Consumer Law Center calls for each state to enact laws that would require secured lenders to get court orders before vehicles can be repossessed. Also, the report apparently calls for requirements that repo agents be better regulated. The NCLC is also asking for enhanced notice requirements, in addition […] [Read More]

FINDLAY, Ohio — While acknowledging the downward sales impact Toyota's recalls have caused for the automaker, a Corporate Research International survey suggests that the attitudes vehicle owners have for the brand haven't changed as much as those of consumers who own cars from other brands. In essence, Toyota owners largely appear to be remaining loyal in the midst of […] [Read More]

IRVINE and SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Analysts from Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com found that hefty incentives offered by Toyota are doing more than just help the brand recover from ongoing recall turmoil. Looking at the situation from an industry-wide perspective, Edmunds.com believes that the incentives given out not only by Toyota, but General Motors […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — A decision affecting hundreds of franchise dealers nationwide led the way as the top story this week at AutoRemarketing.com. Readers wanted to learn more about the decision by General Motors to send letters of intent to stores slated to be shuttered later this year. Also, an analysis from J.D. Power & Associates about […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com released its list of Top 10 Family Cars for 2010 recently, and in some good news for domestics, six of the vehicles that made the rankings were from Ford or Chevrolet. Ford's 2010 Flex and Taurus models were on the list, as well as the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. […] [Read More]

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Analysts from NADAguides.com recently picked their latest Car of the Month. The choice for March was a vehicle that's gained considered consumer interest during the last several weeks — the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. When making the selection, site analysts described the vehicle as the most innovative and fun-to-drive sedan Hyundai has ever built. […] [Read More]