FREDERICK, Md. — Back in late January, auctions throughout the country halted sales of eight recalled Toyota models on the recommendation of the National Auto Auction Association until a plan could be developed to repair these vehicles. That plan is now here. On Thursday, Auto Remarketing learned that Toyota Financial Services now has a strategy to […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — The brands seeing the biggest upswing in owner loyalty during the initial aftermath of the Toyota recalls are Korean and Big 3 automakers, according to Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com, which also pointed out that brand consideration and loyalty for Toyota has eroded. More specifically, Kia and Hyundai appear to show the steepest upward movement. […] [Read More]

ORLANDO, Fla. — Dealers attending the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in Orlando, Fla., recently spent a lot of time engaged with vendors and suppliers in the profitable pre-owned side of the business. Chip Perry, president and chief executive officer of AutoTrader.com, shared some feedback about what dealers can do to enhance their online marketing efforts. […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Fueling the greatest story interest this past week on AutoRemarketing.com was news about a federal government probe along with the latest comments from Toyota president Akio Toyoda about the ongoing recalls of several models. Readers also were drawn to analysis about which brands could benefit most from Toyota's struggles. The top five stories […] [Read More]

INDIANAPOLIS — All Things Automotive recently announced its debut as a franchise opportunity for dealers to sell certified vehicles and offer service and parts. This new offering is particularly geared for former Saturn dealers. Essentially, these stores can become one-stop shops for sales, service and parts. "This franchise combines the sale of certified vehicles with aftermarket-competitive services […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — Officials from the Chicago Automobile Trade Association highlighted some of the new features of its Web site, DriveChicago.com, which recently was revamped by Automotive Internet Media. CATA mentioned that DriveChicago.com features expanded content and tools that can help guide consumers through the vehicle shopping experience. Officials pointed out the redesign incorporates new colors and […] [Read More]

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Avis Budget Group shared details about its fourth-quarter and full-year financial figures and is projecting lower fleet costs and a healthy used-vehicle market in 2010. Group executives indicated that full-year revenue totaled $5.1 billion and a pretax loss of $77 million, including $20 million of restructuring charges and $33 million of non-cash impairment charges. Excluding […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Manheim recently rolled out a new wholesale vehicle program that lets dealers and commercial consignors sell units on the Web without having to transport them to Manheim's physical locations. The company developed Manheim Direct after considering input from consignors who were trying to improve their efficiency and leverage Manheim's selling power. The benefits for sellers […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Along with rolling out other product enhancements and sharing a dealer survey about the importance of the Internet, Autobytel has launched a new program aimed at eliminating duplicate leads. Executives claim its Quality Advantage Program is the first in the industry to have a policy titled, "Incremental Sales Only." They stress that along […] [Read More]

HOUSTON — Group 1 Automotive said it got back to "growth mode" in the final quarter of 2009, as the company reported a significant upswing in adjusted net income from continuing operations. Specifically, the company's adjusted net income from continuing operations was $10.3 million in the fourth quarter, versus the adjusted $500,000 in the year-ago period. […] [Read More]