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]

The share of used-vehicle retail site traffic for full-size cars on KBB.com during September climbed more than 7 percent from August, and the two models driving this surge also happened to be the same ones leading activity growth among all 2007-2011 model-year vehicles on the site. That’s according to the Hot Used-Car Report released by […] [Read More]

Though showing some seasonal softness, the first week of fall didn't bring too many changes the way of auction prices, as according to Black Book’s Ricky Beggs, the average segment price change for both cars and trucks saw smaller declining levels than the prior week. Last week, the overall average segment change was a drop […] [Read More]

Put aside, for a minute, the fact that Bozard Ford Lincoln has generated more than 1,300 reviews since implementing an online reputation management program three years ago. Consider how far monthly used-vehicle sales have climbed for the St. Augustine, Fla., dealership during this time. They have nearly quadrupled, climbing from 35 used vehicles sold each […] [Read More]

The overall new-car SAAR predictions are falling slightly and consumer interest in new rides may be fading a bit as fall gets underway, if Dataium’s latest Automotive Shopper Intensity report is any indicator.  That said, new models, marketing campaigns and redesigns have spurred renewed interest for some brands. Dataium explained that Chevrolet, in particular, benefited […] [Read More]

Mazda North American Operations informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it plans to recall 161,400 units of the Mazda6 from the 2009 through 2013 model years. Mazda is recalling these units manufactured between Feb. 4, 2008 and Aug. 24, 2012 because the door latch mounting screws may become loose. “If all three door […] [Read More]