The data is in, and it shows that consumers are ready for an autonomous future in terms of vehicles. But they are not only ready — they are excited about it. A new study from the Capgemini Research Institute finds that consumer preference for riding in self-driving cars could double within the next 10 years. Thirty […] [Read More]

The mobility options and technology in the auto industry can sometimes feel like they’re moving faster than the cars themselves. That’s why Kelley Blue Book has launched a new website designed to get consumers up to speed. The site, called Ride, is designed to shed some light on topics like ride-hailing, car-sharing, subscriptions, micro-mobility, electric vehicles and […] [Read More]

After 12 years in the position, Pierre Pons will step down from his role as chief executive officer of ServNet Auctions at the end of 2019. ServNet will move to a single executive director system, which it had before Pons became CEO in 2008, versus its current corporate staff operation. “Ten years is a solid […] [Read More]

Could a digitally based ratings system, like we see in retail, help with conversion rates in wholesale? Kelly Bianchi, president of AuctionVCommerce, discusses that and more with Cherokee Media Group president Bill Zadeits in this podcast recorded at the CAR Conference in Las Vegas earlier this year. The full discussion can be found below. Download […] [Read More]

The Black Book Market Insights report released Tuesday had this anecdote from auction lane commentary in Georgia: “SUVs flooded the lanes today. In general, prices remained high as the stability of the market continues." Strong and stable. Such was the wholesale market last week. Wholesale prices were fairly steady, according to that Black Book report, […] [Read More]

Previous winners of the Congressional Award Foundation’s Horizon Award include NFL star Drew Brees, actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. On June 20,  the owner of Larry H. Miller Group of Companies — parent company of the Larry H. Miller Dealerships and various other entities — will join that list of honorees. The foundation announced […] [Read More]

Lithia Motors says that it has a strong strategy for success in “acquiring strong stores that are underperforming relative to their potential.” The company says its latest acquisition is another example of that strategy. Lithia Motors on Tuesday announced the addition of Hamilton Honda in Hamilton Township, N.J. The company said the move expands Lithia’s […] [Read More]

KAR Auction Services chairman and chief executive officer Jim Hallett calls its 2011 acquisition of upstream remarketing platform OPENLANE a significant milestone for KAR “that ignited the digital transformation for our company and really, for the entire industry.” “Throughout the years, OPENLANE has continuously reset the bar for upstream remarketing through invention, innovation and signature […] [Read More]

U.S. Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) has strong feelings about the importance of the used-vehicle market. “It’s growing, because the price of new cars is getting so high, and people are basically payment buyers,” Williams said. “The price of used cars is going up proportionally. “So maybe a person could budget $500 a month, and it […] [Read More]

EchoPark Automotive is moving from the “Petri dish” to “significant growth mode,” says its president Jeff Dyke, who holds the same position with parent company Sonic Automotive. Sonic’s standalone used-car store chain, which is now profitable and expected to break $1 billion in revenue this year, will likely open another location in 2019, something it […] [Read More]