Thanks in part to what analysts called a series of popular vehicle redesigns across its lineup, Lexus shopper loyalty in the fourth quarter increased 9.2 percentage points year-over-year within Kelley Blue Book’s new-model audience. The gain pushed Lexus to come in just behind Toyota, which has held the No. 1 spot for shopper for five […] [Read More]

As gas prices remain high after reaching over $4 in 2012, consumers’ vehicle preferences are bound to shift. And according to Energy Information Administration data released Monday, the average price of regular grade gasoline (all formulations) increased by eighteen cents from $3.36 to 3.54 this past week. Experian Automotive looked into potential buyer reaction to […] [Read More]

What SUVs and crossovers should dealers keep a particularly good eye on when closing up for the day?  The National Insurance Crime Bureau released a new report Tuesday that examines thefts of SUVs and CUVs stolen between Jan. 1, 2008, and June 30, 2012, which shows 19,961 SUVs/CUVs were reported stolen during the period. The […] [Read More]

This morning, Kelley Blue Book highlighted the 2013 model-year vehicles and brands (in both luxury and non-luxury categories) with the lowest projected ownership costs. The top awards based on KBB’s 5-Year Cost to Own data for new models for the initial five-year ownership period went to Mazda and Lexus. Analysts indicated Mazda is the top […] [Read More]

During Thursday’s conference call with investors, AutoNation’s management didn’t dispute the notion that its used-vehicle performance relative to the overall industry was stronger in the first half of 2012 than it was in the second. The company also didn’t shy away from acknowledging what appears to be a “shift from used to new.” But it […] [Read More]

CAFE standards and fuel efficiency have been water cooler topics for dealerships and OEMs, alike, as gas prices flew over $4 last year and manufacturers look into ways to increase MPG. But what about the dealership itself? Could dealers improve their bottom lines by increasing their stores’ energy efficiency? In an effort to help dealers […] [Read More]

One presenter, who focused his workshop on driving online customer traffic at the 2012 NADA Convention & Expo, will be speaking again at this year’s upcoming event. Pat Ryan Jr., founder of FirstLook and MAX Systems, will present again in Orlando, but this time, “he’ll share the secrets behind hooking young shoppers,” officials noted. [Read More]

Mercedes-Benz has once again swept the top spots in the annual report from Women-Drivers.com that highlights what women consider the top car brands. The luxury carmaker’s dealers were not only lauded as the best for the female shopper’s purchasing experience, they also claimed top honors for the browsing experience, as well. But Mercedes-Benz wasn’t the […] [Read More]

Though closing rates are improving by brand across the industry, J.D. Power and Associates said this trend may be directly linked to a decrease in customer satisfaction with the final delivery of their vehicle. In this month’s Analyst Note, the company suggested that focusing solely on “closing rates may blur the bigger picture for many […] [Read More]

As used supply is expected to decrease minimally in the near future, ALG reports this tightening of used inventory may lead to a rise in residual values in Canada. In its latest Industry Report, the company said it anticipates the decreasing Canadian used-vehicle supply will lead to a 0.2 percent increase on residuals, on average. […] [Read More]