The results of a new partnership announced by CarMax won’t be seen on the lots. Instead, the launch of a $4.1 million national partnership between The CarMax Foundation and national nonprofit KaBOOM will build playgrounds. CarMax late last week said the project will result in 30 playgrounds across the U.S. by the end of 2015, […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Spireon, makers of the GoldStar GPS solution intended to help dealers and auto finance companies keep closer tabs on vehicles, announced a major management change today, revealing the transition to a new chief executive officer. The company indicated the change of CEO from Brian Boling to Marc Brungger takes effect today on […] [Read More]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — IHS Inc. entered a definitive agreement to buy Carfax parent company R.L. Polk & Co., in a $1.4 billion transaction. Officials said as a part of today's announcement that 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 […] [Read More]

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Now operating in 19 states, Atlanta-based Global Lending Services became integrated with RouteOne last week. Officials explained that dealers with a relationship with GLS — a subprime lending company that provides financing to both franchised and independent stores — can now process credit applications electronically through the RouteOne platform. "Our dealers […] [Read More]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — America's Car-Mart began the process of adding 12 more stores to its buy-here, pay-here dealership network during its current fiscal year by recently opening its 125th location. The newest lot is located in Grove, Okla., raising Car-Mart's footprint in Oklahoma to 22 stores. Car-Mart indicated the Grove dealership will be managed by […] [Read More]

For the first time, two upcoming Auctions America sales will be seen live by television viewers, and will be broadcast live to digital platforms. Collector car auction house Auctions America this week announced exclusive live TV coverage of its upcoming California and Auburn fall auctions on NBC Sports Network, and live streaming coverage via NBC […] [Read More]

Will the free maintenance plan for eligible 2014 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models have any impact on residual values for those vehicles? That’s the question ALG’s Eric Lyman delved into after General Motors announced the new program on Thursday. In short, buyers or lessees of eligible new 2014 models from Chevrolet, Buick or GMC in […] [Read More]

It was announced Thursday that Penske Automotive Group dealers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will continue to use the Reynolds ERA software suite as the companies have extended their agreement. Under the extended agreement, Reynolds and Reynolds will provide Penske dealers with its newest dealership software platform, ERA-IGNITE. Reynolds has provided the ERA system […] [Read More]

Amid the industry’s second-strongest certified pre-owned sales month in history, it appears the CPO segment was once again a strong selling tool for dealers throughout a bevy of OEM programs. Autodata Corp. reported all-time CPO sales records at Ford, Kia, Mini and Subaru, and several others were reporting best-ever May results. [Read More]

AutoPacific announced Thursday its 17th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, with luxury brands dominating the list. First up, the Top Premium Brand is Cadillac, and Buick notched the title of Top Popular Brand for satisfaction. The vehicle (car or truck) registering the highest satisfaction rate is the Cadillac SRX luxury crossover SUV. Specifically for cars, the […] [Read More]