HENDERSON, Nev. — The Findlay Automotive Group will transition the last of its Saturn dealerships into a different franchise operation at the end of March. Group executives said Saturn of Henderson will become Findlay Lincoln Mercury as of April 1. The group's decision to switch brands at a former Saturn location continues the pattern officials started when General […] [Read More]

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Huntington Bank, one of the highest volume auto lenders in Ohio, is apparently spreading the word that new-vehicle sales declines from last year are boosting trade-in values, which can ultimately lead to better financing terms for consumers Nick Stanutz, senior executive vice president, auto finance and dealer services group executive for Huntington Bank, shared an […] [Read More]

AUSTIN, Texas — Pay Technologies, the creator of WebTeck and other vehicle starter interrupt systems, recently offered some advice to dealers who use this technology. The recommendations come on the heels of a nationwide story about a former store employee who allegedly used his clearance information to manipulate customers' vehicles who were in good financial standing with the […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Ford Extended Service Plan recently announced it has selected Ristken Software as its partner to launch new F&I menu selling and reporting systems. The new systems are called ESP Profitlink Menu and ESP Profitlink Reporting. Both products will be used to assist and support Ford dealerships in finance and sales operations. Basically Ford ESP […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Perhaps in response to Toyota's surge of incentives, Honda has quietly entered the market with a very aggressive leasing program, in addition to some special financing deals. For instance, the automaker is now offering special deals on the Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Crosstour, CR-V, CR-V 4-Wheel Drive, Civic Coupe, Civic, Element, Fit, Insight, […] [Read More]

ORLANDO, Fla. — As drivers spend more and more time going to and from work each day, AAA unveiled a list Wednesday of what it considers to be the top vehicle picks for commuters. Basically, AAA Auto Buying experts — who conducted test drives and evaluations of hundreds of vehicles for the AAA Auto Maker vehicle research Web […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The old adage that retirees want a large luxury vehicle to enjoy their golden years might be fading, according to an analysis from Edmunds.com. The site recently found that baby boomers nowadays are more interested in practical vehicles that often obtain better gas mileage. For example, Edmunds.com noted that baby boomers who […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — If a Toyota customer is not satisfied with the modification to repair his accelerator pedal under the recent recalls, dealers will replace the pedal at no charge, the automaker confirmed Tuesday. Toyota issued a statement responding to apparent media confusion, "Some news accounts have misinterpreted a letter sent by Toyota to its dealers regarding an improved […] [Read More]

LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Charles Heinrich, the president and chief executive officer of Heinrich Chevrolet, may soon add another title to his name: Guinness Book of World Records winner. The Buffalo, N.Y., area dealer was recently spotlighted on General Motors' Faces of GM blog. On the blog he shared some of his background, success strategies, personal interests and, […] [Read More]

CINCINNATI — Pushed by increased leasing activity among the same domestic automakers that got out of the segment in fall 2008, interestingly enough, the overall lease penetration rate for this year is projected to reach between 18 and 25 percent. In fact, some market segments can expect to see rates up to 40 percent, according to Swapalease.com. […] [Read More]