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]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Financial Services Association launched a revamped Web site this week, that in addition to a new look, also includes a number of new features. "I'd like to point out some of the most useful features. The site's search function has been enhanced by implementing a Google search. You'll also be able […] [Read More]

BATON ROUGE, La. — Wolters Kluwer Financial Services and First Advantage CREDCO recently expanded their relationship to reach more dealers in the non-automobile market segment. Executives highlighted that marine, recreational vehicle, motorcycle and powersports dealerships now can acquire credit reports through the AppOne platform. First Advantage CREDCO pointed out that its credit reports had previously been […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — In reporting its first-earnings, Chase announced that auto originations are up both year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter. According to officials, the "increase is driven by market share gains in prime segments and new manufacturing relationships." More specifically, auto originations are up 13 percent on a year-over-year basis and up 7 percent quarter over quarter. The […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar.com analysts completed a study on Wednesday that made the correlation between new-vehicle sales and major macroeconomic indicators of a strong or weak economy. According to the study, some automakers are more dependent on a strong economy. TrueCar.com determined that General Motors and Chrysler are consistently dependent on a solid economy for strong […] [Read More]