SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com believes Toyota's announcements of zero-percent financing and special lease deals are being very well received because of a sharp rise in purchase intent by site visitors. Officials indicated that the incentive offerings generated nearly a 40-percent spike in purchase interest when measured over a 48-hour period. Comparing recent history, the increase […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Major announcements, management changes and comments from some of the industry's top executives dominated the news this past week at AutoRemarketing.com. Leading the way was a recap of enhanced dealer consignment initiatives highlighted by KAR Auction Services' chief executive officer. Readers also learned about another major management overhaul at General Motors. The top […] [Read More]

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — LeasePlan USA honored its top performing auction partners of 2009 on Thursday at the Conference of Automotive Remarketers Consignor Recognition Awards ceremony. Earning the Top Sales Achievement Award — which recognizes the auction with exceptional performance in gross sale retention of LeasePlan vehicles — was ABC Birmingham. Receiving Stellar Awards — which spotlight auctions that have […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler unveiled two executive appointments on Thursday, announcing that Steve Williams will now serve as head of advanced engineering, planning and regulatory affairs, while Stephen Bartoli — who previously was head of regulatory affairs and engineering planning — becomes the head of international product planning, business development and integration. Williams was most recently the […] [Read More]

NEW YORK — Though its decision to shut down the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. vehicle plant in Freemont, Calif., has raised concerns among some state leaders, Toyota is offering transition support to workers in the form of $250 million to provide bonuses for the plant's salaried and hourly team members who continue to build vehicles until the […] [Read More]

TITUSVILLE, Pa. — This week, Salvage Direct announced the opening of a new, enhanced processing center near Philadelphia, marking its sixth facility in Pennsylvania and its 80th worldwide. The company's 2010 expansion plan commenced when SD New Britain came online with a facility that's situated on a 21-acre parcel between Philadelphia and Allentown. Officials highlighted that […] [Read More]

LAS VEGAS — In the latest issue of Pulse, which has been released in conjunction with the National Auto Auction Association/CAR Conference, ADESA Analytical Services offers a review of macro- and microeconomic indicators that are impacting the remarketing industry. The new edition offers a recap of 2009 and an outlook for 2010. Also, in a special […] [Read More]

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Charleston Auto Auction announced it has received the 2009 National Auction of the Year Award from MarkOne Financial. Jason Ghioto, collection/remarketing manager for MarkOne was on hand to present the award. "Overall service and, of course, retention are the two top categories we base auction performance. Charleston Auto Auction and its staff […] [Read More]

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Experian Automotive announced that it has enhanced its vehicle data service offerings with Manheim. In addition to providing auction data to Experian's AutoCheck reporting service, a free vehicle history snapshot will now be offered to give dealers immediate access to potential vehicle condition issues on www.manheim.com, OVE.com and Manheim Simulcast.   The AutoCheck […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vehicle sales throughout the 12 Federal Reserve Districts, for the most part, have remained static or softened recently, and dealers in some districts reported that extreme winter weather was likely to blame for at least part of the slowdown, according to the latest Beige Book report. Specifically, contacts in New York, Cleveland and […] [Read More]