SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The Toyota brand isn't out of the woods just yet, according to Edmunds.com. It appears to still be struggling from an onslaught of "image problems" and the proof is in its early May numbers. The manufacturer has seen a 12-percent month-over-month slowdown in sales so far in May. Compare that to chief […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — Consumers are starting to feel better about the economy and their own financial situations, but they still are rather cautious, and most are still planning to continue dollar-stretching habits even in easier financial times, according to a recent study from Deloitte. More specifically, 55 percent of respondents in the early-May study believe the […] [Read More]

MONTVALE, N.J. — A high-level executive from Mercedes-Benz USA predicted enormous industry changes ahead since new greenhouse gas emissions standards have been signed into federal law. The automaker's manager of advanced product planning expects more vehicle emissions changes to happen during the next 10 years than what's occurred in the previous half century. Sascha Simon stressed […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Although popular notions may suggest otherwise, younger consumers seem very much committed to auto ownership and find it to be not only important, but exciting, according to a recent study by AutoTrader.com of "echo boomers," the generation of people who were born between 1975 and 1991. These consumers are also similar to their parents' generation — […] [Read More]

DETROIT — The economy may appear to be headed toward a rebound, but the retail auto segment remains a "buyer's market," with automakers offering heavy incentives, according to AOL Autos, which recently released its Best May Deals list. "Even with clear signs of economic recovery, consumers are still enjoying a buyer's market in dealership showrooms," AOL Autos […] [Read More]

PARK RIDGE, N.J. — The acquisition of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group by Hertz Global Holdings took another step toward coming to fruition late last week. Officials from the companies revealed that they have filed a notification and report form with federal antitrust authorities under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 "We look forward to obtaining […] [Read More]

DES PLAINES, Ill. — The National Insurance Crime Bureau spotted another widespread drop in the amount of vehicle thefts nationwide; this time it was last year as compared to 2008. Officials now believe vehicle thefts throughout the country have trended downward for six consecutive years.  Based on data obtained from the National Crime Information Center, NICB indicated that […] [Read More]

MOBILE, Ala. — As the song says, "a little help from my friends …" it has been said that a skip-tracer is only as good as his contacts, and I firmly believe that is 100 percent true. Several years ago, I was watching a movie about the first group of FBI profilers and how they worked […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Fortum Corp., a provider of license-plate recognition technology to the repossession and recovery industry, has just rolled out a program that includes a free camera system for approved agents. Company executives explained that along with the two-camera LPR system, agents also can become part of Fortum Recovery's national forwarding network. They indicated this status […] [Read More]

BINGHAM FARMS, Mich. — The sixth annual Vincentric Best Value in America awards were unveiled late last week, and leading the way were Ford and Honda, each of which took home six segment awards. Vincentric announced 35 vehicle category award winners Friday, and plans to reveal the four Advanced Fuel Technology awards (for compact, midsize, crossover, […] [Read More]