With three models rated as total quality leaders, Volkswagen of America was named the best full-line automaker in Strategic Vision’s 2011 Total Quality Index released Tuesday. Propelling the German OEM to the top spot with a score of 881 was Strategic Vision tapping the Golf, Jetta and Tiguan as segment leaders. Analysts based their assessment […] [Read More]

OPENLANE’s U.S. Market Index ticked higher in June, extending a string of three consecutive months of wholesale price gains. Analysts placed the June index reading at 109, a level 1 percentage point higher than May and 2 percentage points above the same month last year. Since OPENLANE rolled out this index back in June 2009, […] [Read More]

Now with half of 2011 already passed, Black Book managing editor Ricky Beggs indicated that he and his colleagues are steadily working on projected residual values for the 2012 models that are now appearing in the wholesale market. “You may be thinking as to what does projecting residuals have to do with the current used […] [Read More]

Pandora announced that more consumers looking to buy a Ford or Scion can take advantage of its personalized radio service through their cars, not just through  iPods, computers or smartphones. The Internet radio company revealed Tuesday that it continues to expand its presence in the automotive world by forging a new partnership with Scion and […] [Read More]

Porsche announced Monday it has launched a mobile tag program that allows consumers to get the inside scoop on a car even if they can’t make if to a dealership during normal hours, or just want to look around the showroom on their own. By scanning the mobile tags found on select Porsche vehicles, users […] [Read More]

The certified pre-owned market recently completed its second-best quarter on record and notched an 8-percent year-over-year increase in June, according to statistics from Autodata Corp. But it’s not just CPO sales that are increasing. Recent analysis from AutoTrader.com indicates that the prices of many certified vehicles are climbing, as well. In fact, of the 20 […] [Read More]

It was announced Monday that Audi has chosen automobile inspection company Carcannon Corp. to provide Certified Pre-Owned consultations for the automaker. Adding to the list of nameplates Carcannon already serves, Audi joins the ranks of customers such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Honda. “For years, Carcannon has been proud to provide superior pre-sale certified consultations for […] [Read More]

As the automaker revealed its sales and marketing team for the smart brand, Mercedes-Benz dealerships earned the top ranking for the third year in a row based on feedback from “mystery shoppers.” The results came Monday when the 2011 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index U.S. Auto Industry Benchmarking Study was released. Officials recounted the independent […] [Read More]

While examining used-car pricing trends in its latest Guidelines report , NADA Used Car Guide spotted something in two of the larger segments that was a bit different from prior months. With fuel costs down, large pickups and SUVs were a bit stronger than they were in May. [Read More]

In the latest development in negotiations that have lasted more than a year, Hertz Global Holdings announced Monday that it has extended the expiration date of its exchange offer for all outstanding shares of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group. Officials reiterated the offer is for $57.60 in cash and 0.8546 shares of Hertz common stock. They […] [Read More]