With certified pre-owned sales numbers soaring to never-before-seen levels, it seems dealers and OEMs are doing something right when it comes to advertising. Paul Stowe, director of retail operations at NCM Associates, let us in on some of the key advertising tools for a dealer who has embraced the potential of CPO vehicles. Stowe said […] [Read More]

CarMark Certified, a warranty program that provides CPO warranties to all vehicle brands, based in Cary, N.C., will be administered nationally by NAC (National Auto Care) of Westerville, Ohio, beginning Jan. 1. The partnership was announced today jointly by the two companies. The CarMark Certified brand is owned by POADA LLC and was launched in […] [Read More]

Last week, AutoTrader.com released results of a survey that shows new vehicle buyers are more likely to contact, and purchase from, dealers who advertise prices below the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in their online listings. Specifically, the survey shows that new vehicles priced below MSRP get 34 percent more page views than those with […] [Read More]

Late last week, Manheim promoted six leaders to new roles within the company that span five states and Puerto Rico. First, Eddie Pope has been named  auction manager at Manheim Houston. Five others will assume general manager positions: Nelson Acosta (Manheim Puerto Rico), Kim Dittoe (Manheim New York/Metro Skyline), David Kaflik (Manheim Louisville), John Olejniczak […] [Read More]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Chrysler Group is recalling a total of 91,559 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles from the 2014 model year. Due to a disruption of computer communications and loose alternator ground wires, NHTSA indicated the affected vehicles may experience random illumination of multiple instrument cluster warning lights, loss of cluster illumination […] [Read More]

AutoTrader Group, provider of marketing and software solutions, late last week announced its partnership with Chatmeter to offer enhanced dealer services. AutoTrader said it will utilize its 3-in-1 location-based reputation management solution, which offers dealerships online review management, social media monitoring and local SEO analytics at the geo-local level. Chatmeter's location-based analytics will provide online […] [Read More]

FordDirect appointed one of its own executives to be interim general counsel and chief compliance officer for the joint venture between the Blue Oval and its franchise dealers. Chosen for the role was Beth Hill. The company highlighted Hill’s automotive and technology experience spans more than a decade and focuses on how data is transforming […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Much like the housing market, the automotive industry experienced a severe down cycle following the recent economic crisis. Starting in 2011, however, our industry has taken tremendous steps toward recovery. Auto sales are on the rise, along with the number of credit-challenged customers looking to finance vehicle purchases, especially pre-owned vehicles. In […] [Read More]

SAN DIEGO — The moment is finally about to arrive. The newest addition to Used Car Week starts on Tuesday as the SubPrime Forum begins with a day filled with the latest trends and industry dialogue about vehicle financing to customers with softer credit histories. Then coming on the heels of the SubPrime Forum is […] [Read More]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —  Primeritus Financial Services held its first-ever Agent Partner Event for its national agency partners on Oct. 24-25 in Nashville, Tenn., home to the company's corporate offices. More than 100 agents joined the Primeritus management team and staff for a tour of the new offices, reception and dinner, followed the next day by […] [Read More]