LAKE FOREST, Calif. — Despite production delays for some automakers, new-car sales are rising. And along with it, the number of auto loans originated is growing as more financing becomes available, according to National Creditors Connection. At the same time, credit underwriting guidelines for many lenders have become less restrictive, as competition grows fiercer to increase market […] [Read More]

Polk recently announced that it is now supplying Federal-Mogul Corp. with vehicle ownership and operation information in support of its product and inventory management efforts throughout the world. As the Federal-Mogul brands continue to expand globally, it is imperative to understand the product requirements, vehicle populations and developing trends in local markets, officials highlighted. It is […] [Read More]

A positive indicator for the auto market is not just that sales have increased, but it’s the manner in which the industry is improving, said IHS senior principal automotive economist George Magliano on Tuesday. He pointed out the positive trends of decreased incentives, more robust leasing and looser credit. That being said, the industry is dealing […] [Read More]

Fiat announced it expects to hit its last performance event, or build a vehicle based on a Fiat platform with an EPA label of 40 miles per U.S. gallon, before the end of the year. This means the company expects to increase its Chrysler stake yet again by year-end. In announcing first-quarter results, Fiat Group […] [Read More]

While April new-vehicle retail sales have shown unexpected strength ahead of expected inventory shortages, J.D. Power and Associates believes the selling pace is expected to be slower during the second half of the month. Analysts project April new-vehicle retail sales to come in at 948,100 units, which represent a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of […] [Read More]

Three nameplates took most of the honors as Kelley Blue Book announced the winners of the 2011 Brand Image Awards Wednesday.  Of the 10 total accolades, Cadillac garnered three awards, while Ford was a repeat winner with its pair of honors. KBB also gave two nods to BMW. Kelley Blue Book’s 2011 Brand Image Award Winners […] [Read More]

Surrounded by a mob of reporters immediately following his keynote speech Tuesday morning at the NADA/IHS Automotive Forum 2011, General Motors top boss Dan Akerson was pretty blunt when asked a question regarding the government’s future in terms of its GM ownership. "They will tell us when they’re getting out," Akerson told reporters. "I will […] [Read More]

On Tuesday, Keith Lelux, chief operating officer of American Auto Auction Group, appointed an industry veteran to be general manager at Mid-South Auto Auction in Jackson, Miss. Lelux gave the position to Robert Sullivan. “We are extremely pleased to have an executive of Bob Sullivan’s background and expertise join our growing company,” Lelux emphasized. “Bob’s […] [Read More]

Not officially being articulated as a recall by the automaker, Nissan Motor Co. has rolled out a service campaign to correct an issue associated with the LEAF’s vehicle control module. Nissan indicated this week that it has found a small proportion of the LEAFs in the market today have reported incidents that require reprogramming of […] [Read More]

Upon tweaking Toyota’s U.S. and Canadian production schedule yet again on Tuesdsay, Steve St. Angelo said the automaker is doing its best to work through supply challenges and retain its work force. TEMA plans to continue its Mondays and Fridays production suspension through June 3. “Previously, TEMA had announced production suspensions on Mondays and Fridays […] [Read More]