EDMONTON, Alberta — With record net earnings in each of the final three quarters of the year, Carfinco Income Fund said it set an all-time high for full-year net earnings in 2009. The company posted net earnings of $7.3 million, which is $1 million stronger than the prior high that was recorded in 2006. This also represents a significant improvement […] [Read More]

BANDON, Ore. — The success of the auto sales recovery may hinge on the re-emergence of one pivotal group of vehicle shoppers that went into a "recession hibernation" during 2009, according to CNW Research. Who holds the keys to a market rebound? Why it's women, of course, according to CNW. So it's good news for the industry […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — On Thursday, Kelley Blue Book rolled out its 2010 Brand Image Awards, which honor the brands that consumers perceive to be the best when it comes to certain qualities or attributes — such as comfort, performance, family-friendliness and prestige, just to name few categories. The awards, which are in their third year, honor automakers […] [Read More]

TROY, Mich. — The SmartAuction Midstream program has been picking up steam lately, company officials said Thursday. In total, 80 independent physical auctions across the country now use its services, and that number is expected to surpass 100 by year's end. Basically, SmartAuction Midstream model offers an online platform to remarket units grounded at physical auctions, […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Bringing in thousands of readers to AutoRemarketing.com this past week were details about the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. An analysis by AAA about what vehicles are best for commuters also drew strong interest. The top five stories from AutoRemarketing.com this week are: 1. Which Auto Brands Are Most […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Toyota's generous incentives appear to be giving the automaker a significant sales performance boost, according to Edmunds.com. Site analysts believe Toyota's March sales figures should climb a whopping 82 percent as compared to February. The automaker's incentives include zero-percent APR financing for up to 60 months for qualified buyers on 2010 Avalon, […] [Read More]

ERLANGER, Ky. — Toyota on Thursday continued to bolster its quality-control initiatives by announcing the formation of a North American Quality Task Force. This group is meant to guide the implementation of regional improvements and work closely with the Special Committee for Global Quality led by Toyota president Akio Toyoda. This new task force will be […] [Read More]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — J.D. Power and Associates believes the ongoing metamorphosis of the auto industry into a completely global venture could produce more situations like the combined effort of Chrysler and Fiat. A firm expert who concentrates on analysis from a global perspective sees more joint ventures and collaboration in order for automakers to thrive […] [Read More]

CENTREVILLE, Va. — Toyota's latest recall tends to stand out in recent memory; however, the automaker is far from alone. It is very common for automakers to issue recalls, just perhaps not on such a large scale as Toyota. In light of this, and the fact that the National Auto Auction Association is no longer recommending […] [Read More]

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — March sales have been an unexpected surprise for the auto industry, according to Matt Traylen, chief economist and client partner with ALG. In addition to retail sales climbing, leasing levels are expected to come in above last year's March level as well, he noted. "March sales have been an unexpected boost to […] [Read More]