DETROIT — Already contending it's the fastest-growing brand in the country, the brain trust for General Motors' Buick division recently gathered with industry partners to shape future strategy for design, engineering, marketing and advertising. The results of the gathering are what executives believe are keys to pushing Buick to potential buyers, which include sculpted designs, luxurious […] [Read More]

TORONTO, Ontario — Saab is officially back in the Canadian market and, apparently, dealers are already looking to join the automaker's network. Saab Cars North America and International Fleet Sales revealed earlier this week that they are working together to determine how vehicles will be brought into Canada and delivered to dealers. This import and delivery process […] [Read More]

EDMONTON, Alberta — AutoCanada Inc. continued the momentum it started late last year and finished the first quarter of 2010 with net earnings that were up more than 27 percent from the year-ago period.  The company also resumed payment of quarterly dividends. Specifically, AutoCanada's first-quarter net earnings totaled $1.4 million, a 27.2-percent upswing from $1.1 million […] [Read More]

EDMONTON, Alberta — Carfinco Income Fund got 2010 off to a strong start, posting record net earnings for the fourth consecutive quarter. The company's $3.6 million in first-quarter net earnings beat the previous record — which was set in the fourth quarter of 2009 — by 37.1 percent. Not to mention, it marked a 365.1-percent rise in net […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Debate over creation of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection intensified as the U.S. Senate neared a vote to consider an amendment many argue is paramount to sustaining current dealer operations nationwide. Late Wednesday, the White House joined the fray, releasing a statement that did not sit particularly well with the National Automobile Dealers Association. President Obama declared […] [Read More]

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — In the latest development to the potential sale of a major player in the rental-car market, Avis Budget Group revealed late Thursday afternoon that it has filed for antitrust approval of its potential acquisition of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group. Specifically, Avis Budget officials said the company filed notification with federal antitrust authorities under […] [Read More]

LOS ANGELES — Westlake Financial Services debuted its inaugural quarterly ranking of top-performing auction partners on Wednesday. Taking the No. 1 spot for the first quarter was Manheim Indianapolis, followed by ADESA Lexington and ADESA San Antonio, respectively. Kansas City Independent Auto Auction was ranked No. 4 and Manheim Metro Dallas was fifth. "We are extremely proud to […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — The leading story this past week at AutoRemarketing.com shared a lengthy analysis from KAR Auction Services' Jim Hallett that not only discussed his company's quarterly performance, but also examined the entire industry. Also stirring plenty of interest was a story that delved into Kelley Blue Book's Automotive Brand Indicator. The top five stories from AutoRemarketing.com this […] [Read More]

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Donlen announced this week that it has hired a new senior vice president of client relations. Appointed to serve in the post was Jim Kachidurian, who was previously the senior vice president of corporate lending at GE Capital, a role in which he worked primarily with Fortune 500 companies. "We are excited to […] [Read More]

DETROIT — The list of winners in the first quarter 2010 General Motors Sponsored Auction Operational Awards program was recently unveiled, and five auctions were recognized with top honors in their respective regions. Manheim auctions took three of the regional awards while, ADESA was represented in two regions. The complete list of winners is as follows: […] [Read More]