WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Kia is apparently leading the automaker pack when it comes to Web sites. At least this is according to J.D. Power and Associates, which recently tallied the results from the first segment of its regular biannual analysis of manufacturers' home pages. According to J.D. Power's 2010 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study — Wave 1, Kia posted an […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — During the fourth quarter, new-vehicle shoppers' interest in truck, CUV and SUV segments was the highest it had been in almost three years, according to Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence's latest Brand Watch Study, which also indicated that domestic brands are gaining more attention from shoppers. The 4Q 2009 Brand Watch Study indicates that during […] [Read More]

INDIANAPOLIS — Manheim Specialty Auctions now has more room to operate at Manheim Indianapolis. Company officials highlighted that now the facility boasts 40,000 square feet of auction space — twice its original size. Manheim said the reason for the expansion was to accommodate strong growth in customer demand in the pre-owned powersports market. To celebrate the broad expansion, Manheim […] [Read More]

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Copart continues to build upon its sponsorship in professional auto racing, as the company announced recently that it is now the official online vehicle auction of the National Hot Rod Association, something officials said will allow Copart to "expand its exposure." This is just the latest of moves Copart has made in the […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Edward Whitacre Jr. is keeping his post as both chairman and chief executive officer of General Motors, he announced to reporters Monday morning during a press conference at GM's Renaissance Center headquarters in Detroit. He also said that GM will repay its loans from the U.S. Treasury and Canada/Ontario by June at the latest. And while acknowledging […] [Read More]

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — After a bit of softness to begin the year, auction prices finally started to gain some traction in the third week of 2010, according to Black Book's Ricky Beggs, who said a quarter of the value adjustments made in the past week were positive. "The car, light duty truck and SUV markets have […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In yet another example of the government's crackdown on deceptive auto practices, a Wyoming used-vehicle dealer was convicted in a Cheyenne, Wyo., federal court late last week for conspiracy, five counts of odometer tampering and five counts of securities fraud related to fraudulent motor vehicles titles. Randy Lee (aka Jimmy Lee) was found […] [Read More]

DETROIT and IRVINE, Calif. — Autobytel and Autodata Solutions recently revealed a partnership that links the vehicle listing site with additional content to boost value. Now Autobytel's family of Web sites will have access to Autodata Solutions' professional still image vehicle photography and comprehensive data for U.S. vehicles. The collection contains an average of 17 interior […] [Read More]

WALTHAM, Mass. — IMN, the provider of the communication solution Loyalty Driver to more than 1,200 dealers, recently appointed a new vice president of automotive services. Moving into the role is Brian Epro, who is being asked to enhance the solution's position in the industry. Loyalty Driver launched back in 2004. Company executives noted the Epro […] [Read More]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — GE Capital Fleet Services recently discussed the latest successes of its Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles Rebate Program. Last year, the company processed more than $2.5 million in rebates for customers. Since the company launched the program back in 2007, GE Fleet Services indicated it has approved more than $10 million in […] [Read More]