A significant amount of vehicle owners still like to use an alternative GPS device even if factory-installed navigation systems already are in their units. The 2010 J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study revealed 36 percent of owners of factory-installed navigation systems also own a portable navigation device. The study also determined […] [Read More]

Ford believes a winning branding idea will come from its Ford Mustang Facebook community that now consists of more than 940,000 members. The automaker is asking these Facebook fans to submit their thoughts for the best name of new Ford Mustang V6 Performance Package, which is set to roll out for 2012. The campaign runs […] [Read More]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In addition to announcing a new credit facility, America's Car-Mart revealed this week that second quarter net income, revenue and retail sales climbed thanks in large part to its customer base growing above 49,000 in the second quarter. The company reported that net income per diluted share climbed from 53 cents to 56 […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since so much policy associated with financial reform has yet to be spelled out by federal regulators, the American Bankers Association recently launched a new online resource aimed at keeping members up to date. The association explained the Dodd-Frank Tracker is geared to take many views of the implementation progress for the Dodd-Frank […] [Read More]

BANDON, Ore. — Subprime new-loan approvals have now shown four months of increases, according to CNW Research. For October, 7.6 percent of subprime loan applications were approved, up from 6.9 percent in September and 5.7 percent in October 2009. "While still only a small percentage compared to January 2008 and before, the number of subprime new-car […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Ally Financial announced Tuesday that it is offering a national program for wholesale financing for RV dealer inventory, enhancing its preferred provider relationship with Thor Industries. Thor has about 1,200 dealers selling such brands as Airstream, Breckenridge, CrossRoads, Dutchmen, Heartland, Komfort, Keystone RV and Thor Motor Coach. "We benchmarked current options and needs in […] [Read More]

A debt collection agency is being charged with doing more than just poking a friend on Facebook. A Florida woman has filed suit against MarkOne in a Florida court claiming the company went far beyond the usual phone calls in an attempt to recoup $362 for an unpaid vehicle loan. The company allegedly contacted the […] [Read More]

Manheim recently announced that a state association of independent dealers bestowed one of its leaders with two prestigious awards at the group’s annual convention. Manheim Daytona Beach general manager Eric Wagner received the 2010 Auction Person of the Year Award from the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association, which also gave Wagner the association’s Silver Eagle […] [Read More]

Top executives from Digital Recognition Network and MVTRAC are taking advantage of an opportunity from the National Automotive Finance Association to educate lenders and repo agents about the capability of license plate recognition technology. The NAF Association is hosting them for an hourlong Webinar on Dec. 1 beginning at 2 p.m. EST. Cort DeHart, president […] [Read More]

Several automakers pulled out of leasing during the widespread auto and economic crises in the last two years, but it appears leasing has made a healthy comeback in 2010. Shedding some light on the current strength of leasing, CNW Research offered some insight into the lease market in its latest Retail Automotive Summary, in addition to providing Auto […] [Read More]