Within the past year, Kelley Blue Book noticed auction values for late-model Honda Civic Hybrids have declined at a faster pace than their non-hybrid counterparts. The result of this faster depreciation is now a larger number of the Honda Civic Hybrid variants are cheaper to own. Analysts made that assertion in KBB’s September Blue Book […] [Read More]

Hertz Global Holdings announced this week that its wholly owned subsidiary, Donlen Corp., successfully completed the establishment of a new fleet lease securitization platform to finance its U.S. fleet lease operations going forward. In connection with the establishment of the new financing platform, Hertz Fleet Lease Funding — a wholly owned special purpose subsidiary of […] [Read More]

J.D. Power is gearing up for its annual Automotive Marketing Roundtable later this month that will focus on all facets of online automotive marketing. The company revealed some of the scheduled speakers this week, with more than 75 of the industry’s leaders on the docket. Some of the scheduled special keynote speakers and panelists include: […] [Read More]

BANDON, Ore. — In the midst of a used-car market that grew about 4 percent year-over-year and reached 3.65 million sales, September showed slightly less subprime buyers, but a greater proportion of vehicles that were financed, according to the latest data from CNW Research. The firm indicated that there were 920,136 used vehicles purchased by […] [Read More]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In just two years, Scot Seagrave has navigated his way to be president of AFS Acceptance. The company promoted Seagrave — one of the speakers at the inaugural SubPrime Forum next month — citing his effectiveness of steering the transformation of the loan origination team into a cohesive unit delivering consistent […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — According to Equifax's latest National Consumer Credit Trends Report, the total outstanding balances on auto and credit card loans increased year-over-year in August. Analysts contend the total balance of existing auto loans is at its highest level in more than five years. For bank-issued credit cards, it is the first time in five […] [Read More]

Compliance is an interesting phenomenon in the industry today. I call it a phenomenon because that word means wonder, marvel or spectacle, and that’s exactly how I see compliance. Compliance is this sort of unknown quantity, and everyone involved interprets it in a different way. One lender’s compliance is another lender’s non-compliance. Some vendors treat […] [Read More]

This week’s acquisition by Autobytel of a mobile communications provider will offer dealers and auto manufacturers a new way to connect with consumers. Autobytel on Monday announced its purchase of Advanced Mobile LLC, a provider of mobile communications services designed specifically for the automotive industry. As a result of the acquisition, Autobytel said it will […] [Read More]

On Monday, Group 1 Automotive announced the acquisition of Joe Marina Honda in Tulsa, Okla., which now will operate as South Pointe Honda. Group officials indicated the dealership is expected to generate $60 million in estimated annual revenues. “We are delighted to further our relationship with Honda and to expand our existing footprint in the […] [Read More]

As October kicks off breast cancer awareness month, many of the OEMs are doing their part to help efforts to raise awareness and funds to fight the disease. Chrysler Group, for one, begins its month-long campaign this week. The company will be holding informational awareness seminars for its employees with health plan partners Blue Cross […] [Read More]