DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford tops the industry when it comes to customer satisfaction with its lineup's quality, and this has helped the automaker achieve resale value increases above the industry's average rate of improvement, according to the first quarter Global Quality Research System study. The GQRS study — conducted by RDA Group on behalf of Ford — is done […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — Cars.com appointed a new dealer training manager on Tuesday, and taking on the position is Jack Simmons, who has worked in the auto industry for more than 25 years and was most recently the vice president of automotive solutions at WorldNow. In his role with Cars.com, Simmons will work with company's DealerADvantage online training […] [Read More]

RENO, Nev. — Social Automotive on Tuesday launched a new platform on its Web site that attempts to blend industry professionals including dealers with enthusiasts and shoppers through many social media outlets. Site executives explained that through its interactive platform they want to shift the culture of the industry. It's their goal to be the first […] [Read More]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — AuctionACCESS announced on Tuesday the latest operation that now uses its dealer registration system. Now a part of the company's user network is Southeastern Auto Auction in Savannah, Ga. AuctionACCESS indicated that it arrived at Southeastern AA on April 5 and AutoTec's Joshua Moman spent three days training the staff. Executives noted that […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Though they continued to move upward, the recent surge in used-vehicle values calmed down a bit last week, according to Kelley Blue Book. This marked the third week in a row where the appreciation in values has become less steep. Specifically, the was a 0.2-percent upswing, on average, in used-vehicle values last week, […] [Read More]

CARMEL, Ind. — KAR Auction Services said it achieved record online sales volumes last year, as both its ADESA and Insurance Auto Auctions business units saw double-digit growth in the amount of vehicles sold online. Specifically, ADESA saw its online sales volume grow 30 percent year-over-year in 2009, while there was a 9-percent hike for online […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota will not fight the $16.4 million fine the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking from the automaker for allegedly not informing proper authorities of its "dangerous sticky pedals" issues in a timely manner. Toyota said Monday it has agreed to settle the civil matter and pay the penalty in full, but automaker officials still argue […] [Read More]

FREDERICK, Md. — The National Auto Auction Association recently revealed that its auction standards committee has drafted the latest wholesale certification standard. The committee also has invited members and other segments of the industry to review and submit comments. NAAA emphasized that the wholesale certification standard is aimed at achieving several objectives: —Decrease buyers' risk as […] [Read More]

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — If dealer commentary gathered by Black Book's auction field team and survey personnel are a strong indication, lot management is becoming pretty worn down about tight wholesale volumes and rising market prices. Black Book managing editor Ricky Beggs indicated during the latest "Beggs on the Used Car Market" report that two instances in […] [Read More]

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Donlen executives on Monday announced the winners of their annual auction awards. Among the eight honors the company handed out, Carolina Auto Auction, of Anderson, S.C., received not only the Auction of the Year award, but the operation also claimed the distinction for Best Days-to-Condition Report.  Honored auctions include:  —Auction of the Year: […] [Read More]