HOUSTON — As I reviewed the year-end results of buy-here, pay-here operators throughout the nation, I noticed that 2009 produced some diverse results. Although my analysis (preparatory to compiling the industry benchmarks) is still in progress, here are some preliminary observations: ... [Read More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Nicholas Financial posted significant increases in year-over-year growth for both net earnings and revenue during the third quarter and shared plans to expand its footprint in both the Southeast and Midwest. For the fiscal quarterly results, company executives ... [Read More]

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — After reducing loan volume throughout most of 2009, Credit Acceptance has begun to grow its originations. For the fourth quarter, the company posted 7.6 percent growth in unit origination volume and grew originations by 2.1 percent in terms ... [Read More]

NEW YORK — DBRS has released its final rating methodology for U.S. auto lease asset-backed transactions. The company indicated its final methodology does not have any substantive changes from the proposed lease methodology, which was published on Dec. 14 with a ... [Read More]

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A class action lawsuit was recently filed in Missouri federal court claiming that dealers and auction companies are "bearing the financial brunt" of Toyota's recent recalls and stop sales order and deserve to be compensated for the ... [Read More]

DETROIT and LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — GMAC Financial Services is being added to DealerTrack's credit application network, the two companies announced late Wednesday afternoon. The lender said teaming up with DealerTrack will help expand its customer base, as GMAC will have ... [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest data available from the Federal Reserve showed the average interest rates for new-car loans at auto finance companies declined in December after moving upward the month before. More specifically, the Fed calculated the average interest rate ... [Read More]

PALATINE, Ill. — Executives recently revealed a new branding strategy that aligns City Auto Recovery Services, International Intelligence Agency and MVTrac. The new organization now will be known as MVTRAC and plans to continue providing vehicle intelligence networks for law enforcement, auto ... [Read More]

NEW YORK — DBRS has published its final rating methodology for U.S. wholesale auto loan asset-backed transactions. The company indicated its final methodology does not have any substantive changes from the proposed wholesale loan methodology, which was published on Oct. 21 ... [Read More]

DALLAS — Thanks largely to end of CARS, auto affordability took a significant hit in the fourth quarter of 2009, as it required 23 weeks of median family income to buy and finance an average-priced new vehicle, according to Comerica Bank's ... [Read More]