Buy-here, payhere dealership software provider AutoStar Solutions recently acquired 50 percent interest in SecureClose, a designer of innovative compliance technology. Together, the two companies are finalizing plans to provide a new tool that automates the contract closing process for dealers.AutoStar Solutions president and chief executive officer Allen Dobbins highlighted this new technology comes at a […] [Read More]

Two buy-here, pay-here operators who say they have more than 80 years of experience ended up in serious trouble with the Federal Trade Commission. Earlier this month, the FTC charged Arkansas dealer, Abernathy Motor Co., and its two principals, Wesley Abernathy and David Abernathy, with failing to display federally mandated buyer’s guide on used vehicles […] [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz Canada broke ground on a new dealership in Quebec this week that will serve as a debut to what the company is calling “the new Mercedes-Benz retail corporate identity,” where black with silver accents will be the theme of the day, replacing the blue colors traditionally seen in the luxury stores. Company leadership broke […] [Read More]

Braeger Auto Finance Group chief executive officer David Braeger wanted to solve a problem buy-here, pay-here dealers encounter when they go to traditional banking outlets looking for an increase in funds to expand their portfolios.More money can mean the chance to turn more vehicles and get more paying customers on the books. “Often times banks […] [Read More]

Inilex, a provider of intelligent telemetry solutions for vehicles, is continuing to expand its executive team with the addition of Brad Walls as the company’s vice president of corporate and business development. The company highlighted Walls brings a demonstrated track record in new business innovation, service, product management and long-term strategic planning to Inilex. In […] [Read More]

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Canada Co. has broadened its reach in the rapidly growing car-sharing business. The company revealed this week it has purchased Toronto-based AutoShare CarSharing Network Inc. "This acquisition reflects our longtime commitment to offering sustainable transportation options throughout North America," said Ryan Johnson, assistant vice president overseeing Enterprise's CarShare, Rideshare and Zimride operations. […] [Read More]

Subprime Analytics, which provides computerized portfolio metrics analysis of subprime auto finance installment portfolios, announced that it has completed the integration with a pair of dealer management software providers: Auto Master Systems (AMS) and FEX DMS. Subprime Analytics founder and president Ken Shilson explained that AMS is one of the oldest and largest dealer-management software […] [Read More]

It has happened again. Special finance has risen from the ashes and put the franchised car dealers back in the bad credit business. How many times have we seen this? I know at least four times for me personally. The special finance lenders get capital and start writing some lower beacon customers on “newer” used […] [Read More]

The peak of tax season is over. W-2 forms have been handed out to employees, and the tax refund money is long gone in most cases. If your business was ready for tax season, the annual opportunity was once again available to cash in. Tens of thousands of cars were moved from October to January […] [Read More]

Working with customer disputes isn’t an unfamiliar situation to most buy-here, pay-here operators. Dealers have become accustomed to smoothing out situations about repairs, payments and a host of other issues. Another customer concern happening more often stems from individuals who had their vehicle repossessed and the loan balance forgiven (or discharged under state law). That […] [Read More]