ATLANTA — Officials from AutoTrader.com recently learned that Feb. 15 marked a new all-time record day for site traffic. They indicated that 986,052 unique visitors reviewed dealer listings and other information that day. Site executives attributed the record traffic count to three reasons — a resurging market, a jump in new-vehicle shopping activity and strong marketing. AutoTrader.com […] [Read More]

BANDON, Ore. — When explaining the softness in the used-vehicle market thus far in February, CNW Research pointed to the issues surrounding Toyota, suggesting that used sales and transaction prices seemed to "slip on Toyota's banana peel." Specifically, used-vehicle sales for February are expected to drop 1.8 percent from last year and used prices have dipped 1.3 compared to January. […] [Read More]

DETROIT — In an effort to give more dealers the opportunity to try SmartAuction without the hassle of a lengthy credit check, the company has unveiled Quick Start. Via the new offering, both franchised and independent dealers can gain a limited credit line to bid on and buy vehicles through the online auction platform. For independent […] [Read More]

YONKERS, N.Y. — Consumer Reports discussed its latest Automaker Report Cards on Tuesday, recognizing the manufacturers that make what it considers to be the best all-around vehicles. Sharing this year's top honor are Honda and Subaru. This marked the fourth straight year Honda has claimed the No. 1 spot, as it scored a 77 out of […] [Read More]

STAMFORD, Conn. — January wholesale prices climbed double digits from the rather soft year-ago levels and "inched up" from the prior month, according to the latest analysis from RVI Group. The company indicated that the modest month-over-month incline was due mostly to gains in the full-size pickup, SUV and van segments. Specifically, the RVI Used Car Price […] [Read More]

DETROIT and TROLLHATTAN, Sweden — The Spyker Cars NV purchase of Saab Automobile AB from General Motors has been finalized, the companies announced Tuesday. The ownership shift has been completed, and now Saab and Spyker will operate under the Spyker umbrella as sister companies. Spyker is taking over the operations of Saab, whose previously announced wind-down has […] [Read More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sonic Automotive's used-vehicle operations ended 2009 on quite a high note as executives highlighted volume and gross profit gains during the fourth quarter. Sonic revealed overall used-vehicle unit volume climbed 18 percent and total used-vehicle revenue jumped almost 23 percent for the fourth quarter of last year as compared to the same quarter […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — Deloitte has moved one of its longtime executives Craig Giffi into a new position. Giffi now will be the leader of the company's U.S. automotive practice, effective immediately. Company officials indicated that Giffi succeeds Michelle Collins, who leads Deloitte's audit practice in Michigan. In his new role, Deloitte explained that Giffi will be […] [Read More]

BOSTON — As Toyota owners see the value of their vehicles drop in connection with the automaker's recent recalls, many have sought legal action. Many are turning to Attorneys Toyota Action Consortium, which is a federation of consumer law firms filing lawsuits against the automaker. The group has already grown to 22 law firms, covering 16 […] [Read More]

ARLINGTON, Texas — Scott Lilja is taking his industry experience and background with the National Automobile Dealers Association to the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association. The NIADA has named Lilja as its new vice president of member services. He takes on this role as of March 1. NIADA is tasking Lilja with creating special programs for the association's […] [Read More]