The service department is often referred to as the backbone of the dealership; it’s known to bring hard-earned customers back in again and again. Surprisingly, we found that on average only 31% of recent used-vehicle customers plan to return to the dealership they purchased from to service their vehicles. Where are they going, then? Twenty-seven […] [Read More]

The shortage of trained auto mechanics has been the subject of many news articles. Matrix Trade Institute’s 20-week accelerated auto mechanic training program is working to ease that shortage. Noting the great demand for auto mechanics as many mechanics approach retirement and not enough prospective mechanics are looking to enter the profession, Matrix Trade Institute […] [Read More]

Experian’s latest quarterly data report again mentioned how consumer affordability is impacting auto-finance metrics. And consumer affordability also impacted Black Book’s Used Vehicle Retention Index for August. This week, analysts released their latest index reading, which showed that August posted a 1.4% lift on a sequential basis. The index came in at 116.6, up from […] [Read More]

While the year-over-year comparison showed a decrease in consumer filings, the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) found that individuals seeking this financial protection climbed again in August. According to data provided by Epiq Systems, consumer bankruptcy filings rose on a sequential basis in August as there were 63,141 consumer filings. That figure is 4% percent higher […] [Read More]

Affordability continues to remain top-of-mind for most participants in and observers of the automotive industry. However, Experian explained consumers appear to be making due even as some industry pundits continue to be concerned that consumers can’t handle larger payments. To reinforce its point that the data tells a different story, Experian released its Q2 2019 […] [Read More]

Preferred Warranties Inc., also known as PWI, was established in 1992 and offers extended service contracts to more than 3,000 independent automotive dealers. The company, which is a business unit of KAR Auction Services, has expanded into the Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Alabama and Mississippi markets. PWI has also placed dedicated sales consultants in those locations. The company […] [Read More]

In order to succeed in today’s increasingly digital world, dealerships need a digital marketing strategy that attracts shoppers and ultimately turns them into buyers. But with so many tools and channels to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start and how to create a digital strategy that works for your dealership. […] [Read More]

A lengthy purchasing process, price negotiation, hidden fees, confusion and lack of transparency, distrust in salespeople, getting a good trade-in offer, and understanding financing options. Those are some of what Pfaff Automotive Partners says are top auto buyer frustrations. The company has introduced a new vehicle purchasing model that it says will help those in […] [Read More]

LotLinx named Sean Peoples as chief revenue officer. Peoples was previously with CarGurus for six years, and he worked with founder Langley Steinert to build and grow the sales team at that company. Prior to that, Peoples led Edmunds’ move to direct dealer sales, tripling that business line’s revenue in the first 12 months of […] [Read More]

At the touch of an app with the Porsche Passport monthly subscription plan, members get unlimited swaps between models. Porsche Passport conducted a U.S. pilot program in Atlanta and will expand to Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Diego. Now, the exclusive monthly subscription is available in Toronto through Porsche Cars Canada. Porsche Cars Canada says it will […] [Read More]