TORRANCE, Calif. — This week marks 10 years since Toyota launched the Prius, its highly popular hybrid vehicle with the gas/electric powertrain. To commemorate the occasion, executives shared a wide array of data connected with this model's success. During the past decade, the automaker has moved more than 1.8 million Prius models worldwide, with almost 900,000 […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Social-media marketing is sweeping the auto industry, and Kia Motors America has gotten in on the act to help promote its Soul "urban passenger vehicle." The company has introduced a YouTube talent contest centered around the vehicle that encourages consumers to post videos showing "how they roll," which plays on the Soul's tagline […] [Read More]

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Mazda North American Operations is betting potential buyers of the 2011 Mazda2 spend quite a bit of time on Facebook. This is why brand officials unveiled a new Facebook game on Wednesday meant to promote this vehicle. The branded social game called DriverVille showcases the Mazda2. Built around the brand's Zoom-Zoom Concentrated theme, DriverVille can […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Liquid Motors recently became the exclusive provider of inventory management and digital marketing services for a Texas-based franchise dealer group. Executives from the Randall Noe Automotive Group selected the Liquid Motors Inventory Marketing Platform to handle the online marketing of both new and used vehicles. The solution is meant to handle any needs from […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — As the lineup continues to be finalized for the upcoming National Remarketing Conference, which will be held in Nov. 10-12 in San Diego, conference planners have announced that a subprime repossession panel will be held during the second day of the conference. The panel, "Subprime Repossessions: Managing Risk in a Changing Economy" will […] [Read More]

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Southeast Toyota Finance has rolled out a new program this week designed to give recent or upcoming college graduates and Master's or Ph.D. degree candidates greater ability to make a vehicle purchase in the midst of a economy that is still on the mend. The lender is giving these consumers $1,000 rebates […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Given all the changes that have occurred in the auto lending space since the capital markets collapsed, there are apparently three key factors dealers prefer and look for in the lenders they work with and send much of their business to. The three common themes dealers have highlighted as important include establishing […] [Read More]

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A comparison of national FICO Scores from 2008, 2009 and 2010 show that consumer credit risk has climbed over the past two years. Looking at prime scores, FICO found that nearly 19 percent of consumers had scores from 800-850 in April 2008. This compares to less than 18 percent by April 2010. On […] [Read More]

DETROIT — The Cadillac CTS will likely make some headway in the resale value arena thanks to the 2011 CTS Coupe being brought into the fold this summer, July/August estimates from ALG indicate.  ALG indicated that a reduction in incentives, tighter inventory control and the focus toward design — all of which can be found in the CTS […] [Read More]

SALT LAKE CITY — The Larry H. Miller Group of Automotive Companies continues to grow, and this time it is adding a few more stores in its home state. LHM Auto signed an agreement to buy three stores in Provo, Utah, from the Brent Brown Automotive Group. Starting Aug. 2, LHM Auto will be the operator […] [Read More]