MIAMI — Tax returns could prove to be more influential in consumers deciding to go after a lease this year, according to LeaseTrader.com. The site is projecting that during tax-return season "confidence through the arrival of a tax return" will be the impetus for almost a quarter of leases, compared with 14.3 percent in 2005. Not only […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — By and large, the auto markets throughout country have shown signs of improvement, according to the latest Beige Book report. The report shows that eight of the 12 Federal Districts have seen an upswing in vehicle sales. Specifically, the New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Dallas and San Francisco districts have had […] [Read More]

ENCINO, Calif. — In a seemingly natural marketing connection between country music and pickup trucks, the Ram Truck brand will be behind the the first "text-to-vote" for one of the evening's biggest winners at the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards — the fan-voted category of Entertainer of the Year. The ceremony, which honors country music's top talent as well […] [Read More]

DES PLAINES, Ill. — The latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicated a double-digit decline in motorcycle thefts during 2009. NICB discovered that a total of 56,093 motorcycles were reported stolen to law enforcement last year. Officials pointed out the total represented a 13-percent decline from the 2008 figure, which was 64,492. Breaking down the data […] [Read More]

DETROIT — When General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz looked back at his near half-century career in a recent interview with AOL Autos, the design guru and longtime industry executive said the vehicle that he is most proud of is the Chevrolet Volt. Lutz — who is retiring from his post at GM on May 1 after […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Continuing with the grassroots-style marketing of its Fiesta model, Ford is looking for the "most unique and stylish individuals" to appear in an upcoming TV advertisement for the vehicle. The automaker is holding the "Inspired by Color" casting call event this week at Howard University in Washington, giving everyday folks the shot at […] [Read More]

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Todd Wysocki, president Michigan Auto Title Services, recently hired a new executive to serve as vice president of strategic planning and analytics. Coming over to MATS from Hyundai Motor Finance is Matthew Yoo. MATS is looking for Yoo to leverage key factors of success in the title industry and proprietary process developed […] [Read More]

TULSA, Okla. — Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group announced a $200 million financing transaction on Friday to finance more fleet vehicles. The company's chief executive officer highlighted that DTAG can again access the capital markets at competitive rates. Explaining the financing in more detail, the company said its Rental Car Finance Corp. subsidiary issued $200 million of Rental Car Asset […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Topping the charts as the leading story this past week at AutoRemarketing.com was news about OPENLANE not only naming a new top executive but also highlighting its recent strong sales performance. Readers also wanted to know what NADA Used Car Guide and CNW Research had to say about the future used-vehicle market. The […] [Read More]

DETROIT — The NAFA Fleet Management Association said Thursday that it is offering fleet managers free admission to the expo hall and two of the keynote addresses at its upcoming 2010 Institute & Expo, which will be held April 24-27 at Detroit's Cobo Center. Qualifying fleet managers — meaning those who either manage a fleet or are […] [Read More]