Auto/Mate Dealership Systems recently launched Option/Mate Mobile, a mobile-optimized version of its F&I menu solution for dealers. The company explained F&I managers using Auto/Mate’s dealership management system now can offer customers at their stores a variety of menu presentations on a mobile tablet. Option/Mate Mobile can allow the customer to view F&I product menus, learn […] [Read More]

Buy-here, pay-here operators interested in utilizing the capabilities of license plate recognition technology to mitigate losses now have another opportunity if they use the solution offered by AutoSoft NET. On Wednesday morning, Digital Recognition Network (DRN) and AutoSoft NET announced that AutoSoft NET will be embedding DRN’s LPR data into its BHPH software, RV dealer […] [Read More]

On Tuesday, Reynolds and Reynolds launched a new solution called Mobile Used Vehicle Management (Mobile UVM), a new software application that can allow dealers to run the Reynolds Used Vehicle Management tool on any Apple iOS or Android device. Reynolds explained that it developed Mobile UVM to help dealership staffers work smarter and more efficiently […] [Read More]

General Motors is ramping up its environmental sustainability efforts, and its dealers are joining in the movement, as well. The automaker recently launched its “Green Dealer Recognition” program, and certain Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers are using these environmental credentials to attract customers who value “green” businesses. The participating dealers have made strides in […] [Read More]

Penske Automotive Group announced Monday its acquisition of a Land Rover dealership in what the company considers a key strategic market in the Northeast. The dealership — located in Darien, Conn. — is expected to generate an estimated $50 million in annual revenue. Robert Kurnick, Jr., president of Penske Automotive Group, believes the acquisition is […] [Read More]

There are likely to be hefty volumes of off-lease cars pouring into wholesale markets this year, and a new program announced Tuesday by ADESA is designed to foster greater confidence among dealers when they buy these cars online. ADESA Assurance is a buyer protection program that gives buying dealers a no-questions-asked return guarantee on selected […] [Read More]

As Black Book personnel visited and watched over 70 auctions last week, market insight reflected the approaching tax season as Black Book editorial director Ricky Beggs reported prices are strong, and of course, “the tax season favorites are getting sold.” As many dealers are tracking, the IRS began accepting tax returns on Jan. 20 — and […] [Read More]

Although not expected to be as dramatic (percentage-wise) as the increase in off-lease volumes this year,  the supply of late-model off-rental vehicles will likely show “nice steady growth” in 2015, including what Tom Webb describes as a “diverse mix of vehicles.”  “And — probably very exciting for franchised dealers — in 2015, for the first […] [Read More]

Manheim Riverside plans on closing out the month of January with a bang via its One Hundred Grander Sale on Wednesday. Beginning at 3 p.m. PST, lanes one and two will feature more than 100 vehicles listing for $100,000 or more. The sale will include vehicles from several luxury brands, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, […] [Read More]

The U.S. is coming off of its fourth straight record year of CPO sales, and the certified market continues to grow in Canada, as well. Automakers such as Audi Canada and Volkswagen Canada tracked record CPO months right and left this past year, while the U.S. market achieved 2.34 million certified sales in 2014, which […] [Read More]