FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America used the ongoing New York International Auto Show as backdrop to begin the 2010 Hyundai Hope on Wheels. It's the automaker's philanthropic endeavor aimed at raising money for pediatric cancer research. Hyundai chief executive officer John Krafcik announced that this year's tour will incorporate dealers as well on its […] [Read More]

SAN ANTONIO — USAA has expanded the number of military personnel who are now are eligible to check out its online vehicle-buying services Now, all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who served honorably can test drive the online buying portal to see how much they can save on vehicle purchases by joining USAA. Previously, only established USAA members could access […] [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Bankruptcy Institute found that March consumer bankruptcy filings totaled the highest amount since Congress overhauled the Bankruptcy Code in 2005. ABI reported that there were 149,268 consumer bankruptcies filed in March. That figure represented a 34-percent increase from the February filing total of 111,693. It also was a 23-percent increase from […] [Read More]

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Experian Automotive recently found that subprime loans on used vehicles are starting to rebound and gain ground. Experian indicated that there was a "slight loosening" of credit for used-vehicle financing in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter. In fact, the subprime credit category, which includes non-prime, subprime and deep-subprime, came in […] [Read More]

DETROIT — GMAC Financial Services announced this week that it will soon provide consumer financing for recreational vehicles and has been tapped by Thor Industries as the preferred financial provider for its retail customers. Thor is one of the world's largest manufacturer's of recreational vehicles, according to officials. It produces brands such as Damon, Four Winds, Airstream, […] [Read More]

FORT WORTH, Texas — There is quite a bit of information currently circulating about license plate recognition technology and the various companies that are providing this technology and services. As a recovery professional, I am sure many of you are interested in learning factual information that would enable you to make an informed decision as to how, […] [Read More]

SAN ANGELO, Texas — In preparation for its 74th annual training conference and seminar this week in San Diego, the president of the Allied Finance Adjusters Conference reiterated points that have been echoed by recovery agents from throughout the country. George Badeen issued a message to the conference's membership and anyone involved with repossessing vehicles about […] [Read More]

CENTREVILLE, Va. — Carfax announced that recently appointed to serve as the company's national director of data acquisition was Dave Sutton, who has more than seven years of experience in the remarketing field. In his new post with Carfax, Sutton — whose experience includes a position as general manager of auction sales and operations for Volkswagen Credit, among […] [Read More]

DETROIT — General Motors' revamped strategy appears to be paying off, as the automaker's four core brands reported a 43.3-percent sales upswing in March compared to the prior-year period, marking the sixth consecutive month that combined sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have increased year-over-year. Adjusted for selling days, these brands saw a 37.8-percent increase […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com totaled up incentives spent by automakers in March and found the aggressive offerings from Toyota pushed Japanese manufacturers into unprecedented territory. "Incentives helped lift sales to its highest level since Cash for Clunkers," explained Jessica Caldwell, director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com. "And this month will be the highest ever for […] [Read More]