Autodata Corp. determined the new-vehicle SAAR in August came in at 16.09 million units, marking the first time it climbed to that level since October 2007. Since a top executive at General Motors insisted the high SAAR level is “here to stay,” Auto Remarketing questioned industry analysts to find out what kind of impact that […] [Read More]

NADA University, the education and training arm of the National Automobile Dealers Association, revealed Thursday its new NADA-ATD (American Truck Dealers) Academy director.  Chosen for the position is Allen Phibbs, who began his new duties Aug. 30. Phibbs replaces James Schoonover, who has been promoted to senior director of dealership operations for NADA. Phibbs brings […] [Read More]

The growing trend of service learning on college campuses got a recent boost via the support of the Ford Motor Company Fund, which is awarding $225,000 in Ford College Community Challenge grants to nine colleges and universities nationwide. The Ford College Community Challenge, or Ford C3, is a national challenge grant competition that recognizes schools […] [Read More]

One of the primary generators of certified pre-owned vehicles — leasing — rose to a level in the second quarter never seen by dealers and finance companies, and more volume could be ahead if a recent online survey is any indication. Experian Automotive reported that of all new vehicles financed in Q2, leases accounted for […] [Read More]

A Florida law firm that specializes in legal services for dealerships offered clarification following two dealers from Maryland and Ohio agreeing to settle the Federal Trade Commission’s charges that they falsely advertised the cost or available discounts for their vehicles. Regulators said that the settlements — part of what they called the FTC’s continuing crackdown […] [Read More]

Who hasn’t seen a group of people in the corner of the showroom fussing about not making enough money? Paul Potratz admitted the negative attitude can spill over to other personnel, dragging down morale of the entire dealership. What’s the best way to counteract that negative vibe? The chief operating officer and founder of Potratz […] [Read More]

Have a slew of “ups” arrived on your lot or messaged your BDC looking for a used Toyota Prius? If they haven’t already, trends spotted by Kelley Blue Book show there is plenty of interest in the hybrid. Among the top 10 models generating the most shopper activity growth at KBB.com last month, a total […] [Read More]

With the college football season cranking up in earnest this weekend, Cars.com released its annual list of top tailgating vehicles while Hyundai highlighted its advertising campaign revolving around pigskin on campus. Experts from the Cars.com evaluated a gamut of vehicles, big and small, to determine which have the most to offer the serious tailgater. “With […] [Read More]

Edmunds.com is putting car buyers behind the wheel — literally. The company announced this week it is accepting applications to temporarily hire six current compact car shoppers and educate them on the purchasing process, in a program dubbed the Connect & Drive Experience.   The six shoppers will work from Edmunds.com headquarters in Santa Monica, […] [Read More]

Year-to-date auction volume through the first seven months of the year is up more than 5 percent from comparable weeks of 2012, according to the latest Economic Dashboard from the National Auto Auction Association, while the average price at auction is down 3 percent (for comparable weeks). The report — prepared by NAAA economist Ira […] [Read More]