Dealers know the model as “The Snake.” And it’s coming back to life in Detroit. Chrysler decided Wednesday it will reopen its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit for the production of the next generation SRT Viper. The automaker recounted the Conner facility was idled when production of the Dodge Viper ended in July of […] [Read More]

Fleet services provider ARI recently revealed  the launch of its new Sustainable Fleet Management Microsite. The site is designed to be a resource to “help fleet managers stay informed of environmental management issues related to alternative fuels, emissions, fuel use and new green technologies,” the company shared. Moreover, the new website provides information on how […] [Read More]

LOS ANGELES — Mixing work with help this holiday season, Westlake Financial Services and its volunteering division P.A.L.S. (People Affecting Lives through Service), together built 20 bicycles to donate to children from the Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles this past Friday.  During Westlake’s annual sales conference team-building event, employees were surprised when […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. —Consumer Portfolio Services revealed Wednesday the closing of its third term securitization in 2011. The transaction is CPS's fourth senior subordinate securitization since 1993.  "In the transaction, qualified institutional buyers purchased $119.4 million of asset-backed notes secured by automobile receivables purchased by CPS primarily in 2011,” the company shared. The sold notes, issued […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — TransUnion analysts credited shrewd decisions by dealers and lenders for pushing their 2012 auto loan delinquency projections higher than readings expected as this year closes. TransUnion indicated this week that the ratio of borrowers 60 or more days past due will remain the same between the end of 2011 and 2012. Analysts said […] [Read More]

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — In preparation for the 2012 London Olympic games, BMW Financial customers can now log into the company’s My BMW website to enter the running for a grand prize trip to these games, including airfare and other merchandise. Valued at $25,000, website visitors gain an automatic entry into the “2012 BMW Financial […] [Read More]

Ford declared this week its customers will soon benefit from a major software upgrade to MyFord Touch following a real-world beta test with about 1,000 Blue Oval employees. The OEM explained the software upgrade is coming for 2013 models and to owners of existing MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles. Ford noted the employee beta test is part […] [Read More]

Aimed at boosting all facets of a store’s operation, Nissan Motor Co. recently formed a strategic relationship with Microsoft Corp. to collaborate and create a next-generation dealer management system based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Using the powerful foundation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and the industry expertise of Nissan, officials believe the two companies will blend […] [Read More]

SoCal Penske is gearing up to usher in Penske Buick GMC of Cerritos, a new showroom set to open Thursday at the corner of Studebaker Road and 183rd Street in the Cerritos Auto Square. After opening to the public, official highlighted Penske Buick GMC of Cerritos will operate in its new premium, state-of-the-art, energy efficient […] [Read More]

NCM Associates announced Tuesday that it is offering an annual training subscription plan for dealers that includes unlimited access to core NCM Institute courses for all managers across multiple dealership points. This access is provided for 12 months and lets managers take as many courses as they want to during that period. The NCM Institute’s […] [Read More]