While marking a personal milestone for his weekly wholesale commentary, Black Book’s Ricky Beggs slightly altered his attention to discuss not just the auction lanes, but the financing side of the used-vehicle business, as well. Beggs put a question to a Black Book colleague, asking him to name the No. 1 concern lenders are facing […] [Read More]

Despite dipping a bit from April, leasing levels remained at a strong level last month and bested year-ago levels by nearly 10 percent, according to the “Industry Health Report: May 2013 Sales Performance” from J.D. Power and Associates’ Power Information Network. Specifically, lease penetration reached 22.8 percent in May. This was down from 23.7 percent […] [Read More]

While highlighting the launch of the new Autobytel Dealer Insights Series, the site rattled off three tips to help dealers enhance their Internet sales operations. Autobytel began its dealer recommendations with these three examples: —Since today’s vehicle buyers are prone to considering many brands, Autobytel recommended that dealers communicate the significant benefits of their brand […] [Read More]

We’ve covered phase two of the new digital decision journey — active evaluation — and have offered some insights on how to come out on top during this phase. In this chapter, we’ll move onto phase three: the trigger phase, in which Gen X and Y car shoppers decide if they’ll visit your lot — […] [Read More]

CAR-Research XRM has announced the in-house promotion of a new vice president of research. Named to the position is the company’s former director of business development and call center Keith Shetterly. In his new position, Shetterly will lead the research division, and work with the CAR-Research product development, marketing and sales organizations to ensure that […] [Read More]

IHS Inc. has entered a definitive agreement to buy Carfax parent company R.L. Polk & Co., in a $1.4 billion transaction. The deal must first go through customary closing conditions, including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. “The acquisition of R.L. Polk brings extensive and […] [Read More]

Even though wholesale prices are almost 5 percent lower than they were this time last year, May’s price slide was much smaller than any of the previous four months. What’s behind the change? According to Manheim chief economist Tom Webb, new- and used-vehicle price ratios are returning to more normal levels. Consequently, Webb explained, the pricing […] [Read More]

Here’s just one nugget of good news from the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book report that dealers might find encouraging for their used-car operations. Among the districts where contacts commented on used-car supply, there were some signs of progress. In the Richmond District, for one, the Fed said dealers indicated there have been more used […] [Read More]

Four U.S. dealerships have been sold by Group 1 Automotive, the company announced on Friday. In three separate transactions over the past three weeks, Group 1 Automotive said it has disposed of Miller Honda and Miller Toyota in Culver City, Calif.; World Ford in Stone Mountain, Ga.; and Messer Mazda in Amarillo, Texas.  In addition […] [Read More]

With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently directing a round of guidance towards the auto industry, discussion about the potential changes within dealer finance and other compliance issues have been on the minds of many. Amid such an environment, the upcoming 48th annual Center for Automotive Research Management and Briefing Seminars will focus on bringing […] [Read More]