Financial

PARK RIDGE, N.J. — The acquisition of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group by Hertz Global Holdings took another step toward coming to fruition late last week. Officials from the companies revealed that they have filed a notification and report form with federal antitrust authorities under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 "We look forward to obtaining […] [Read More]

MOBILE, Ala. — As the song says, "a little help from my friends …" it has been said that a skip-tracer is only as good as his contacts, and I firmly believe that is 100 percent true. Several years ago, I was watching a movie about the first group of FBI profilers and how they worked […] [Read More]

DALLAS — Fortum Corp., a provider of license-plate recognition technology to the repossession and recovery industry, has just rolled out a program that includes a free camera system for approved agents. Company executives explained that along with the two-camera LPR system, agents also can become part of Fortum Recovery's national forwarding network. They indicated this status […] [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Automobile Dealers Association repeated its petition late Tuesday for its membership to reach out to members of the U.S. Senate. The plea comes as crucial legislation that some argue would significantly impact dealer-assisted financing and more is about to be put to a vote sometime this week, with some expecting the vote to come […] [Read More]

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — LeasePlan USA appointed a new vice president of sales for the West region on Monday. Named to the position is Kathy Fairbanks, who has 22 years of experience in sales and management. In her new position, Fairbanks will head up new business development in the mid- and large-fleet market segments for her territory, which […] [Read More]

ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Premier Recovery Service received a repossession assignment earlier this year and immediately went to work on tracking down the collateral near where the contract originated in San Diego. Searching for the debtor through Facebook revealed the vehicle wasn't anywhere near the agent's home base or even in southern California. Premier Recovery Service owner […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — In a round of lending announced Tuesday, AutoTrader.com can tap into a new set of funds thanks to a financing arrangement it made with Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association that provides the company with senior secured revolving credit and term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — To give its dealer body another selling point in the spring season, Chrysler rolled out is May incentives on Tuesday, announcing that zero-percent financing through GMAC Financial Services is now available on most of its 2010 lineup. Breaking it down, on Chrysler brand vehicles, shoppers can choose from zero-percent financing for up […] [Read More]

TULSA, Okla. — In late-breaking news Tuesday, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group issued a public letter to Avis Budget saying that its board is ready to entertain a substantially higher offer to acquire the company. More specifically, the company stated, "Consistent with its obligations under the Hertz merger agreement and with its fiduciary obligations to shareholders, the […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — Many great tools exist for repossession agencies and their clients to increase communication, keep costs down and manage the repo-to-remarketing processes efficiently. Oftentimes agencies and clients fail to partner closely and over-communicate early in their relationship or when new processes are rolled out, leading to underused or misused technology and missed expectations. As AutoIMS […] [Read More]