Yet another high-level executive from one of the nation’s largest auto finance companies is scheduled to join panel discussions at this year’s Re3 Conference, the part of the annual Used Car Week that delves into the recovery, repossession and remarketing fields. [Read More]

Black Book collected dealer reaction from throughout the country as gas prices continued to climb, and it appears these rising costs are weighing on the minds of many in the business. Managing editor Ricky Beggs indicated that the average price at the pump now stands at $3.72 after a seven-cent rise last week. Beggs pointed […] [Read More]

For the second straight year the auto industry is seeing improvements in customer satisfaction, and the data experts say dealers are the front line when it comes to shaping those consumer perceptions. The American Customer Satisfaction Index, released this morning, offers details on why incentives are out, quality is in, and on who makes the […] [Read More]

The vehicle test drive has long been the standard for dealerships looking to influence potential buyers by allowing them to experience a car’s ride and features. According to a new study, however, not all buyers are interested in taking the car for a spin. In its Test Drive Study, Maritz Research reports that 11.4 percent […] [Read More]

Two recalls posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety administration’s website — one from General Motors and the other from Suzuki — cover more than 350,000 units. The larger of the two is associated with the electrical system on several midsize SUVs, including: —2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL —2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC […] [Read More]

As new and used sales have spiked through the first half of this year, it seems dealership owners are less likely to sell their respective business — anticipating further growth. According to the Presidio Merchant Partners LLC “Automotive Retail M&A Market Report”  for the first half of 2012, after completing $229 million in U.S. dealership […] [Read More]

Sirius XM Radio has expanded its footprint in the used-vehicle business once again. It announced Monday that all Volkswagen dealers in the U.S. can now provide all used-vehicle customers with a three-month SiriusXM subscription, regardless of the car’s OEM, as long as the vehicle has factory-installed satellite radio. [Read More]

Dealer.com revealed Monday that is has acquired an asset that will potentially help its dealer clients “develop, launch and execute successful social media campaigns.” The company noted it has acquired selected assets of Hurley and Frank Industries Inc., a Burlington, Vermont-based firm that develops, executes and measures social media promotional campaigns. The acquisition of hearforward  […] [Read More]

In a recent promotion that lent a hand to a cause helping seriously ill children and their families, Charleston Auto Auction and its dealers  generated more than $5,000 for the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston, S.C. As part of the promotion — which was titled “Wear A Shirt, Provide a Place to Stay” — representatives […] [Read More]

ADESA has announced a new vice president of sales, bringing in one of its auctions’ general managers for the role. Tapped for the position was John Combs, who previously was the GM at ADESA San Diego. The move was effective immediately. In similar news announced today, Donlen named its new senior vice president of sales […] [Read More]