CHICAGO — FirstLook is rolling out an upgrade to its Market Smart Inventory Management System that can help dealers spot the best-selling models in their respective markets while also providing information about scarce or over-supplied units, as well. The Market Velocity Stocking Guide will be introduced at the upcoming 2010 National Automobile Dealers Association Conference and […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Liquid Motors recently launched customized Web sites that make it easier for consumers to scan inventories and more on their mobile devices, which can help dealers connect with these shoppers more effectively. Company executives contend that a dealer's traditional Web site can be difficult to navigate on a mobile device. Liquid Motors explained that […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — In its analysis of how 2010 is likely to unfold, Fitch Ratings suggested that credit quality for domestic vehicle suppliers should improve. Fitch also suggested in its analysis that global auto sales likely bottomed out last year, but noted that the auto industry's "weakened condition" should become healthier this year. Officials said there should be a strengthening in […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An organizing body of lenders, Americans Well-informed on Auto Retailing Economics (AWARE), has released an updated version of its consumer education product. The latest edition of the Auto Financing Tune-Up Quiz is meant to cover many topics, such as where customers can obtain financing, leasing versus buying, factors that affect a monthly payment and the […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Thanks largely to end of CARS, auto affordability took a significant hit in the fourth quarter of 2009, as it required 23 weeks of median family income to buy and finance an average-priced new vehicle, according to Comerica Bank's Auto Affordability Index.  This marked a decline in affordability from revised third-quarter results, when the Index's best […] [Read More]

FORT WORTH, Texas — Late last week, AmeriCredit Corp. announced the pricing of a $600 million offering of automobile receivables-backed securities. This securitization is through lead managers Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank Securities. Credit Suisse, UBS Investment Bank and Wells Fargo Securities are co-managers. AmeriCredit explained that net proceeds from securitization transactions are used to provide […] [Read More]

FORT WORTH, Texas — What could be described as "the perfect storm" has recently hit the recovery industry. Over the last few years, a significant increase in defaulted consumer loans has created both opportunity and need within the realm of the recovery and automotive finance industries. The opportunity to recover an increased volume of "lost" cars […] [Read More]

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — OPENLANE and Carfax recently revealed a partnership that allows dealers to scan vehicle history reports on units going through the online auction. The announcement also means dealers can access both the Carfax Auction Quick Check and Carfax Vehicle History Reports directly through OPENLANE's site. Officials stressed that the partnership can help dealers make wiser […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Although the automaker has thrived on its reputation for "quality," Toyota's recent recall has the potential to spiral into significant downward pressure on used values for the brand, according to Kelley Blue Book analysts. As of the end of last week, KBB had already cut the values of the affected models anywhere from […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Wholesale values kicked off 2010 with a double-digit year-over-year increase but showed just a modest upswing from December, as the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index has remained relatively static on a month-over-month basis since hitting a peak in September. Specifically, the index for January was 117.6, up 15.6 percent from January 2009, but a […] [Read More]