When Penske Automotive Group hosted its third-quarter earnings call this week, chairman Roger Penske had some pleasing news. Used gross profit per unit in the U.S. was up by $179, he said — “and that’s across all brands.” When asked during the Q&A portion of the call what was driving that kind of performance, especially […] [Read More]

At the same time the dealer group made grand announcements about significant broadening of its used-vehicle operations, AutoNation wrapped up the third quarter by keeping its gross profit on its used-car retail sales intact on a year-over-year basis. AutoNation reported on Friday that its Q3 gross profit per used vehicle retailed through its dealer network […] [Read More]

With S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings keeping close watch of how the auto ABS market is behaving, two finance companies that have conducted several rounds of securitizations — Consumer Portfolio Services and Credit Acceptance — recently added more offerings. At CPS, the company recently announced the closing of its fourth term securitization in the […] [Read More]

This week, FactorTrust announced the hiring of Paul Bunting as chief information officer as the company accelerates its efforts around analytics and product development. The company indicated Bunting will oversee all IT and infrastructure, security, analytics and product development efforts at FactorTrust. Bunting brings more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, […] [Read More]

Manheim Darlington and Manheim Atlanta recently partnered with BMW Group Financial Services to host a “monster” of a mobile sale in Greenville, S.C. But it wasn’t BMW’s 94 percent conversion rate that made the sale unique — it was the venue: Fluor Field. Home to Red Sox affiliate the Greenville Drive, Fluor Field features a […] [Read More]

AutoNation not only is strengthening its new used-vehicle retail strategy, but the dealer group also is broadening its footprint in the wholesale space, too. On Friday, AutoNation announced the next phase of what the company classified as its comprehensive brand extension rollout, which includes what’s being called AutoNation USA — standalone pre-owned vehicle sales and […] [Read More]

After a $40 million investment from parent company KAR Auction Services, ADESA is officially opening its Chicago auction. The company called ADESA Chicago, which will hold its first sale today, its “most integrated, customer-centric and technologically advanced physical auction location to date.” In a news release, ADESA chief executive officer and president Stéphane St-Hilaire said: […] [Read More]

In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, Copart has activated reserve land in Georgia and Virginia in addition to expanding existing locations in North Carolina and Florida. The land expansions and activations will allow Copart’s Catastrophe Response Team (CAT Team) to provide even greater service in response to weather-related damage. “We have a long history of […] [Read More]

A new website launched Wednesday in Canada allows consumers to buy used vehicles entirely online. Through Zoom.ca, shoppers can customize financing, put down a deposit, purchase protection and insurance, and sign necessary documents. The site provides 360-degree views of vehicles and has what it calls a “rigorous certification and merchandising process.” The vehicles on the […] [Read More]

CarMax is joining the development parade of finding ways to retail used vehicles without the buyer having to step foot on the lot. As outfits such as Beepi and Carvana gain steam, CarMax recently announced it is launching a test of home delivery in Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte is the first city for CarMax Home Delivery, […] [Read More]