There’s a term that Tom Kontos had for January’s wholesale market that he doesn’t often get to chance to use. And hey, let’s admit it, the word is actually kind of fun to say. “Bifurcated.” For those without Dictionary.com saved on your browser, the adjective form of the word means “divided into two branches,” according […] [Read More]

AutoPoint released its new mobile technology service drive solution for dealers today, called WelcomePoint, aimed at enhancing the greeting and write-up process. Acknowledging the service drive as a primary area to enhance customers’ experiences and encourage return business and sustain profitability, WelcomePoint aims to personalize the service process through customer engagement as well as by […] [Read More]

Along with an increased authorization for buying back company stock, AutoNation appointed a new member to its board of directors who spent part of her career at both Ford and General Motors. Serving as an independent director on AutoNation's board as of this past Friday is Karen Francis, who now is executive chairman of AcademixDirect, […] [Read More]

Quebec law firm Lex Group Inc. announced Monday it has gained authorization to move forward with a data breach class action dealing with the loss of personal information of customers who in March 2008 leased a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle from DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Canada Inc., now known as TD Auto Finance Services Inc. […] [Read More]

Back just before Thanksgiving, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau made a special page on its website where individuals could submit complaints about the auto financing process while the agency reiterated its warnings about signing arbitration agreements, cautioning consumers how they might “waive other rights, such as your ability to appeal a decision or to join […] [Read More]

Vehicle service contract provider AUL Corp. recently promoted Scott Smith to lead the operations department in addition to his role as the service support manager. Smith joined AUL nine years ago as a customer service representative and then was appointed a claims team leader before being promoted to the service support manager position. In his […] [Read More]

F&I Express recently welcomed AssurancePlus to its growing network of aftermarket F&I providers.  Officials highlighted that the addition of AssurancePlus to F&I Express will allow dealers the ability to eRate, eContract and eRegister all of AssurancePlus’ services and products. “By offering innovative insurance products and services that enhance the customer experience, AssurancePlus is a fantastic […] [Read More]

The gap between a mediocre sales person and greatness lies with one’s capability in maintaining contact with prospective buyers.  Extending communication and building relationships with these individuals after they walk off the lot are significant determinants in closing a sale. This requires dealerships to truly understand the preferences of their customer base when it comes […] [Read More]

KAR Auction Services appears confident that its flow of General Motors vehicles and wholesale activity with the automaker won’t just disappear suddenly now that OEM rolled out a program that offers U.S. consumers online access to an exclusive inventory of low-mileage former company-owned, off-lease and daily rental vehicles. Coming off a year where net income […] [Read More]

It’s funny how things play out sometimes. When Jim Hallett attended his first National Auto Auction Association convention, he took a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Riding on that same bus was Larry Brasher, whose father Frank Brasher started what the family has developed into a multi-auction enterprise. A few handfuls of years and […] [Read More]