Daimler Auto Group believes Mercedes-Benz is well on its way to achieving the goals of its 2020 growth strategy and reclaiming the No. 1 position in the premium segment by the end of the decade.  Speaking to investors and analysts at the opening of the company’s new plant in Kecskemet, Hungary Thursday, Daimler chairman and […] [Read More]

As credit loosens, confidence in the economy improves and gas prices climb, consumers are heading back to the lots, according to the sales forecast from Edmunds.com.  As these factors drive rising auto sales, analysts contend that after “delaying purchases” over the last couple of years, shoppers will “march” back to the lots, contributing to what […] [Read More]

With the Web becoming more of an integral part of the vehicle shopping process, FirstLook and MAX Systems founder Pat Ryan Jr. is hosting a session at next week’s 12th Digital Dealer show that can help dealers tackle online challenges and find success. His workshop — “Driving Traffic … When the Traffic is Online” — […] [Read More]

With 70 million of its vehicles in operation today, General Motors says that more than 7,000 customer interactions flow through its GM Customer Assistance Center each day. And at the center of it all is Jim Moloney, general director of customer assistance and relationship services, who has turned to social media and analytics to stay […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Subprime origination growth continued across all lending sectors this past year, according to recent U.S. consumer data from Equifax's March National Consumer Credit Trends Report and CreditForecast.com. And auto finance loan amounts have risen to levels not seen in five years. In the auto finance segment, subprime borrowers are gaining share in new auto […] [Read More]

ONTARIO, Calif. — CUDL recently released a new white paper that focuses on the “keys” to successful credit union indirect auto lending programs. The white paper, titled  “'Successful Indirect Auto Lending Programs Build on Credit Union Strengths in Relationship and Portfolio Management,' addresses the keys to credit union success within the indirect lending marketplace by […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — In order of credit importance in consumers' eyes, TransUnion discovered this week that an auto loan ranks No. 1. TransUnion recently updated a study that found in 2011 consumers were more likely to pay their auto loans before their credit cards and mortgages. This insight was gained through TransUnion's Payment Hierarchy study update, which […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — As credit loosens, confidence in the economy improves and gas prices climb, consumers are heading back to the lots, according to the sales forecast from Edmunds.com.  As these factors drive rising auto sales, analysts contend that after "delaying purchases" over the last couple of years, shoppers will "march" back to the lots, […] [Read More]

More than 300 people have already signed up for the 2012 Auto Remarking Canada Conference presented by CarProof and dealers are looking to be well represented again this year, making up nearly half of registered attendees thus far. But for dealers and other used-car and remarketing industry professionals who haven’t registered for the event and […] [Read More]

Eclipsing the $1 billion revenue mark for the first time, AutoCanada pulled in more than $17 million of net earnings in a year that left management “pleased.” On the used-vehicle side, although the company’s retail sales fell 1 percent for the year, AutoCanada closed its 2011 used operations on a high note, increasing retail used […] [Read More]