Automotive retailer AutoNation revealed Thursday it finished the year off on a strong note breaking all-time company records, as well as posting fourth quarter gains for 2011. The numbers reveal that rises in used-vehicle sales during the last three months of 2011, as well as the overall year, contributed to a climb in both adjusted net […] [Read More]

When a shopper avoids a model because of quality or reliability concerns, it may not always stem from tangible proof or some specific experience.  "Pre-conceived notions” can often be heavy influencers when shoppers form a certain perception about a brand’s quality/reliability,  according to J.D. Power and Associates. As such, the firm urged automakers who have […] [Read More]

One nominee got into the auto business by responding to a newspaper ad. Two others followed in the footsteps of family members. In the next group of profiles of nominees for TIME Dealer of the Year Award, these store executives all share what’s important to them — in and out of the showroom. The awards […] [Read More]

By leveraging the power of knowing what vehicles consumers have in their driveway and what show is on their TV, TRA, a media marketing and analytics software company, and Experian Automotive launched new patented advertising software on Thursday. The companies explained Media TRAnalytics TV Auto Ratings is designed to be a solution enabling advertisers to […] [Read More]

While brand officials highlighted their upcoming Super Bowl commercial, the National Highway Traffic Administration revealed a recall Kia Motors America is orchestrating. NHTSA indicated Kia is recalling the Optima from the 2006 through 2008 model years and the Rondo from the 2007 and 2008 model years for a problem associated with the front air bags. […] [Read More]

NADAguides.com said the second half of 2011 showed continued growth for the site, as the unique visitor count climbed 12 percent. August, in particular, was the most heavily trafficked month the online research portal indicated it has ever had. As for the automotive section, it showed a 9-percent traffic hike versus calendar-year 2010. Officials said […] [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Although its net income grew in the fourth quarter, Ford Motor Credit revealed Friday that its 2011 net income softened slightly from what it compiled a year earlier. Executives reported their net income settled at $1.8 billion in 2011, compared with $2 billion during the previous year. On a pre-tax basis, Ford […] [Read More]

DALLAS — While also highlighting the company's revamped website, Automotive Finance Corp. announced a new national floor planning promotion this week. During festivities at the company's official 25th anniversary celebration hosted at ADESA Dallas, AFC said it is giving away free floor planning for a year to one lucky AFC dealer. Officials noted the announcement […] [Read More]

ARLINGTON, Texas — The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association has appointed a legislative/regulatory/compliance counsel, revealing Wednesday that Mac Murray, Peterson & Shuster LLP has taken on the role. The New Albany, Ohio, firm is headed up by Betty Montgomery, who is a former two-term Ohio Attorney General and state senator. Officials said she brings an […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Expanding more on the recent deal to buy Dealer Services Corp., Patrick Brennan, group vice president for Manheim Financial Services, told SubPrime Auto Finance News today that at first, dealers and clients won't see many changes. Business will remain as usual. However, over time, as MFS sees where integration can work, perhaps in mobile […] [Read More]