The Federal Trade Commission released a report on Thursday that involves automakers and service departments at franchised dealerships. In a new report to Congress, the FTC said its analysis identifies numerous types of repair restrictions, such as using adhesives that make parts difficult to replace, limiting the availability of spare parts and making diagnostic software […] [Read More]

With an eye toward the future, JM Family Enterprises is turning to an executive with the company for the past 24 years to be its interim chief financial officer. Taking on the CFO role temporarily as well as continuing to be group vice president and treasurer is Eric Gebhard, who now will oversee all financial […] [Read More]

APCO Holdings is looking to cater to the wide array of approaches to retailing vehicles with its latest strategy for reinsurance programs. The provider and administrator of F&I products and home to the EasyCare and GWC Warranty brands said this week that it now is offering dealerships a consultative approach designed to match dealers’ unique […] [Read More]

Kevin Mantz said the Rplate digital license plate symbolizes the technology trends in automobiles. Mantz, who is general manager for Future Nissan in California, said about 40% of vehicles’ cost today is dedicated to technology. “The license plate is the only remaining element of a vehicle that heretofore remained untouched by technology's advance,” Mantz said […] [Read More]

The Black Book Used Vehicle Retention Index for April showed how much different the wholesale market is now compared to a year ago when the pandemic really began to intensify. Black Book reported on Thursday that its April index reading came in at 152.4, representing a rise of 11.2 points or 8.0% from March and […] [Read More]

Adding to sister hubs in Tampa and outside of Orlando on Merritt Island, CarLotz said it will soon open its third Florida hub. The company’s co-founder and chief executive officer Michael Bor said its consignment model has been successful in the Sunshine State.  “As CarLotz continues to expand across the Southeast, it’s really exciting to […] [Read More]

Along with boosting its manpower in the Motor City, Vroom has launched its local Detroit hub and what it describes as a more customized driveway experience for 3.4 million people in 740 ZIP codes within a 40-mile radius. That experience includes a more personalized concierge service in which customer advocates transport cars directly to car […] [Read More]

Think of a plant or tree seed. Physically, there’s not much there yet, but with the right environment, care and nutrients, within that seed is a lot of potential for growth. You might think of the used electric vehicle market in the same way. Still deep in its infancy, the seedling could blossom. As it […] [Read More]

Compliance expert Randy Henrick made a return appearance this week on the Auto Remarketing Podcast. Henrick, who welcomes clients via his website at AutoDealerCompliance.net, shared his perspectives on what the compliance landscape has been like so far this year, also discussing a complex new law in Illinois that’s creating challenges for dealerships, finance companies and […] [Read More]

If your independent dealership didn’t already secure a Paycheck Protection Program loan, it’s unlikely you’ll be seeing those federal funds. While the program was originally extended through the end of May, the Small Business Administration announced the exhaustion of PPP program funding on Tuesday. The only entities that now can process these loans are Minority […] [Read More]