The challenges facing franchised dealers these days are as big as they are diverse. Regulatory pressure from Washington, D.C. A vehicle recall process that can be frustratingly sluggish. Technological changes that impact the retail model, vehicle ownership and the vehicles themselves. But if there’s one thing dealers have in their arsenal it’s this: resiliency. That […] [Read More]

Year-to-date certified pre-owned sales stood at 2.41 million units at the end of November, according to Autodata Corp., and this was up 3.6 percent and all but certain to break the 2015 sum of 2.55 million units sold.  That would extend the streak of best-ever years for CPO sales to six. So what is driving […] [Read More]

CarMax and two dealer groups have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they touted how rigorously they inspect their used vehicles, yet the regulator claimed the dealers failed to adequately disclose that some of the vehicles were subject to unrepaired safety recalls. The FTC indicated on Friday that the proposed consent orders will […] [Read More]

Looking at the certified pre-owned vehicle market, it’s clear that change is in the air. There are more customers interested in CPO vehicles than ever — 3 million in 2016. With 4.6 million vehicles set to come off lease by 2020, the number of in-market CPO customers could grow as high as 5.2 million over the […] [Read More]

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently issued an amended order to continue the acceleration of recall repairs for millions of U.S. vehicle owners affected by the Takata air bag inflator recalls. Officials explained the Amended Coordinated Remedy Order sets requirements for when automakers must have replacement parts available for customers […] [Read More]

On Friday, Autotrader released its list of eight brands it says offer the best deals on certified pre-owned vehicles this holiday season. "CPO vehicles are perfect for qualified shoppers who don't want to spend a fortune on a new car, but who are concerned about the repair bills that can accompany used vehicles," said Brian […] [Read More]

DealerRater announced that, on Wednesday, Cars.com began to feature its database of online consumer reviews. The integration expands the reach of DealerRater and broadens the current review platform of Cars.com. “This is the first tangible evidence of being part of the Cars.com family, and it’s a win-win for both our brands as well as the […] [Read More]

What’s your strategy for making the most from the flood of off-lease vehicles flowing into your dealership? Perhaps not so much a flood as a trickle, believes industry consultant Tommy Gibbs. Either way, he advises dealers to sharpen their processes and practices to weather whatever change to the business foretells. This year marked the greatest […] [Read More]

On Tuesday, DealerStar announced it upgraded its dealer management system (DMS), which now provides dealerships more access to vital information regarding their vehicles through myCarfax Service Shop tools. Today, dealers using the DealerStar DMS can join the myCarfax Service Shop program for free resources such as Carfax Service History Check and Carfax QuickVIN. “DealerStar DMS is […] [Read More]

On Thursday, DealerSocket announced that after recently partnering with the insurance comparison website, FetchAQuote.com (Fetch), its newly released iDMS platform for independent dealers now allows dealer clients to easily use the site to find auto insurance for customers who have a hard time obtaining coverage. "Our independent dealers often work with customers who have no […] [Read More]