MIAMI — Tax returns could prove to be more influential in consumers deciding to go after a lease this year, according to LeaseTrader.com. The site is projecting that during tax-return season "confidence through the arrival of a tax return" will be the impetus for almost a quarter of leases, compared with 14.3 percent in 2005. Not only […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — By and large, the auto markets throughout country have shown signs of improvement, according to the latest Beige Book report. The report shows that eight of the 12 Federal Districts have seen an upswing in vehicle sales. Specifically, the New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Dallas and San Francisco districts have had […] [Read More]

ENCINO, Calif. — In a seemingly natural marketing connection between country music and pickup trucks, the Ram Truck brand will be behind the the first "text-to-vote" for one of the evening's biggest winners at the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards — the fan-voted category of Entertainer of the Year. The ceremony, which honors country music's top talent as well […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors and Carfax entered into an agreement this week to aid dealers, owners and potential buyers about rectifying unrepaired safety, non-compliance and emission recalls. GM executives explained that they're providing millions of vehicle identification numbers to Carfax for units with open recalls. Brands include Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac as well as ones […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — As the Internet becomes more of an integral part of the auto research and purchasing processes, online strategies often play a major role in how successful a dealer is in the used-car market. With that in mind, during next week's Digital Dealer Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla., a pair of FirstLook executives will […] [Read More]

BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Fiserv on Wednesday handed out its top performance designation for 2009 to an auction that's been ranked in its top three during each of the past three years. This time, ADESA Birmingham claimed the honor over other operations that have been at or near the top consistently, as well. For the fourth consecutive […] [Read More]

DES PLAINES, Ill. — The latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicated a double-digit decline in motorcycle thefts during 2009. NICB discovered that a total of 56,093 motorcycles were reported stolen to law enforcement last year. Officials pointed out the total represented a 13-percent decline from the 2008 figure, which was 64,492. Breaking down the data […] [Read More]

HOUSTON — Group 1 Automotive added another franchise dealership to its stable earlier this week. Executives announced the acquisition of Harrelson Toyota/Scion in Rock Hill, S.C., which is in the greater Charlotte, N.C., market area. Group 1 indicated that this dealership now will operate as Toyota/Scion of Rock Hill. Executives expected the store to generate approximately […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A "human-like" robot that General Motors helped NASA build will take flight later this year and permanently join the International Space Station. Robonaut — R2, perhaps so named in a nod to the iconic Star Wars movie — was designed to be a "robotic assistant" and to work side-by-side with humans. It is quite versatile, as it was created to lend […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com analysts discovered that the average automobile finance rate in March dropped to the lowest level since they began tracking records back in 2002. The site indicated that the average rate last month dropped to 4.4 percent. Meanwhile in March 2009, the average rate stood at 5.8 percent. Edmunds.com delved deeper into the […] [Read More]