FREDERICK, Md. — The National Auto Auction Association issued a recommendation this morning that all member auctions immediately halt the sales of recalled Toyota vehicles, covering those the automaker ceased selling. The models involved include: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, certain 2007-2010 Camry models, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia. "This list may […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — When asked in the Manheim Consulting's January Auto Industry Brief whether he expects used-vehicle sales will climb this year, chief economist Tom Webb said he "definitely" sees an upswing ahead. "Used-vehicle retail sales are inherently stable and are supported by the 250 million vehicles in operation and the 118 million households that own them," he […] [Read More]

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Following the news about Toyota's recall and suspended production and sales of eight models, Avis Budget Group said in a statement Wednesday that, as a precautionary measure, it will be taking all of automaker's recalled units out of its U.S., Canadian and Puerto Rican fleets. "The safety and peace of mind of our […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Chevrolet Corvette sales showed significant erosion in 2009 and fell to their lowest level in almost 50 years, leading analysts with Edmunds.com's AutoObserver.com to speculate whether this decline means consumers are becoming less interested in sports cars, in general. While acknowledging the soft economy's impact, analysts with the site say they are curious […] [Read More]

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — NCM Associates today officially launches its NCM Institute Center for Automotive Retail Excellence today, offering dealers a wide variety of programs, including introductory and advanced courses in used-vehicle management, general management, service management, sales management, financial management and e-commerce management. All of the courses are designed to provide comprehensive, real-world strategies tailored to […] [Read More]

McLEAN, Va. — The National Automobile Dealers Association on Wednesday revealed its initial list of industry experts and trainers set to be a part of its new initiative, NADA University. The free online education and training resource for dealers known as the Learning Hub will include five respected, well-known individuals who cover a wide range of […] [Read More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Unusual weather failed to dampen last week's 39th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. Officials tabulated the sales figures and determined they came in at more than $68 million. That figure represents an 11-percent hike from the 2009 sale total. The company was especially pleased with the sale results considering the circumstances that surrounded this […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Executives from eLead plan to roll out a new price structure for their CRM and marketing solution. They indicated the structure will be a bundle of solutions packaged together. It's aimed at improving dealership performance and strategic relationships within every department. Because of this new plan, eLead contends that dealers can lower costs and […] [Read More]

FORT WORTH, Texas — On Wednesday, AmeriCredit's president and chief executive officer announced that the company has "substantially completed the rebuild of our originations structure." This included reopening one regional credit center and increasing staffing for sales, underwriting and funding areas. Dan Berce, AmeriCredit's CEO, also said AmeriCredit's number of producing dealers has grown to 6,700 […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Nominations are now open for the second annual listing of the top 75 subprime companies in the March/April edition of SubPrime Auto Finance News. But please move quickly, as nominations will close end-of-day Tuesday, Feb. 2. "We are looking for companies that stand out from the pack in making a difference in the […] [Read More]