NEW YORK — As part of a record year for net income, JPMorgan Chase & Co., watched its fourth-quarter auto originations tick higher year-over-year. The company recently reports its fourth-quarter auto originations totaled $4.9 billion, up 2 percent from the prior year period. However, Chase acknowledged the figure was down 17 percent from the prior […] [Read More]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Buy-here, pay-here dealership chain America’s Car-Mart late last week announced its operating results for its third fiscal quarter, showing double-digit growth revenue. For the quarter ending Jan. 31, the group saw a revenue increase of 13.8 percent, coming in at $105.4 million, up from the $92.6 million for the same period last […] [Read More]

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]