NEW YORK — While referencing the need to cultivate relationships with dealers, Fitch believes U.S. banks have a chance to foster loan growth via their auto portfolios as consumer demand and sales of both new and used vehicles increases. But analysts concede timing and competition could present challenges. Fitch explained U.S. banks continue to struggle […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — With its latest feature, AutoTrader.com is looking to give dealers another way to attract shoppers to their lots and inventory. With the new Price Markdown feature, dealers can systematically subtract the amount of special offers from the price of their vehicles. "With this tool, dealers are able to more easily highlight the affordability […] [Read More]

The two newest recalls revealed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration include vehicles from the current model year, one by Nissan and the other by Dodge. The larger of the two recalls is for the 2012 Nissan Versa. Officials explained the 36,608 effected units failed to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle […] [Read More]

Fimalac S.A., the French parent company of global ratings agency Fitch Group, recently revealed it is selling an additional 10 percent in the ratings agency to Hearst Corp., parent of Black Book. This brings Hearst to a 50 percent equity stake in Fitch.   The transaction is valued at $177 million. Hearst acquired its original interest in Fitch […] [Read More]

Designed to assist consumers who use the site to turn a vehicle, AutoTrader.com announced Thursday it is taking an equity stake in ControlBox.com in support of the launch of its Privacy Shield product. The sites explained the solution is designed to help private sellers keep their personal contact information private, yet still connect anonymously to […] [Read More]

Reporting fourth-quarter and full-year 2011 fiscal results on Thursday, General Motors had a banner year — increasing net income by $2.9 billion — and appears to be moving further past its bankruptcy-era struggles. And based on what analysts have said in reaction, GM could climb even further, though it likely won’t come easy. [Read More]

For consumers who have been putting off heading to the dealership for a new vehicle in search of the best deal, Feb. 25th might be the day to drive off the lot, according to TrueCar.com. The company is forecasting this Saturday will be the best day of the month to purchase a vehicle with an […] [Read More]

Payless Car Sales and Bob Dance Imports will officially debut the first dealers to sign on to the Payless Assurance certified pre-owned program when the newest Payless franchise holds a grand opening Monday just outside of Orlando, Fla. In addition to being the first Payless Assurance participant, the new store in Sanford, Fla., will also […] [Read More]

In the hours after the Giants notched a Super Bowl win, some car advertisers were seeing consumer interest soar, a welcome result to the time and money spent for the coveted ad spots during the big game. But did these spikes last? Are shoppers still thinking about  Lexus’ first ever Super Bowl ad ever or […] [Read More]

McLEAN, Va. — Auto finance originations by Capital One Financial Corp. picked up significantly during the fourth quarter when compared to the close of 2010. Capital One recently revealed its fourth-quarter originations totaled $3.6 billion, 61.8 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2010. The figure also represented 5.2-percent jump from the third quarter of […] [Read More]