SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Analysts from TrueCar.com found significant gains in consumer consideration for a quartet of brands in the wake of recent Toyota recalls. However, they learned the average pricing trends remained mixed. The four brands that gained traction against Toyota, according to TrueCar.com, included Honda, Ford, Hyundai and Kia. "Toyota has taken a real […] [Read More]

ATLANTA and CENTREVILLE, Va. — Contact At Once and Carfax announced a partnership on Wednesday that's intended to make dealer-purchased Carfax Vehicle History Reports available when consumers chat online with dealer personnel. Dealers who use the Contact At Once online chat solution now can determine if a vehicle being discussed has a Carfax Report. A link […] [Read More]

ACTON, Mass. — WheelsTV unveiled its inaugural Pre-Owned Vehicle of the Year Award, and taking the honors was the seventh-generation Honda Accord (2003-2007). Officials praised the model-year 2003 to 2007 Accord for its "peppy" response, strong fuel economy and for receiving "virtually no major consumer complaints." The model was also lauded for its smooth ride and top […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — FirstLook is rolling out an upgrade to its Market Smart Inventory Management System that can help dealers spot the best-selling models in their respective markets while also providing information about scarce or over-supplied units, as well. The Market Velocity Stocking Guide will be introduced at the upcoming 2010 National Automobile Dealers Association Conference and […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Although the automaker has thrived on its reputation for "quality," Toyota's recent recall has the potential to spiral into significant downward pressure on used values for the brand, according to Kelley Blue Book analysts. As of the end of last week, KBB had already cut the values of the affected models anywhere from […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — After hitting its highest level in almost two years during the final month of the third quarter, the Manheim Canada Used Vehicle Value Index was pushed down by seasonal softening to close the year, according to the company's latest Canadian Automotive Brief. "Even with a reduced volume of higher-priced factory units, the Manheim Canada […] [Read More]

HALLANDALE, Fla. — After making its U.S. debut in the Miami area in September, H. Grégoire, a Canadian used-car superstore company based out of Quebec, said it has made significant progress in its end-to-end service, which helps Canadians to buy vehicles in the U.S. "Many Quebecers from all parts of the province are delighted to have […] [Read More]

MONTREAL, Quebec — RouteOne Canada announced recently that its integration with Serti Informatique's dealer management system — known as SDS — has been completed. Basically, this can help RouteOne dealers who use Serti to become more efficient. Officials said this allows them to transfer deals that were entered into SDS directly into RouteOne, meaning they can avoid having to retype […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Giving its dealers another used-car selling point, GM Certified Used Vehicles rolled out a new nationwide incentive earlier this week on GM Certified Pontiac G6 models through GMAC Financial Services. In a program that began Tuesday and runs through March 31, GMAC is providing 3.9 percent APR financing for up to 60 months on 2005-2010 certified […] [Read More]

RICHMOND, Va. — Halfway through a campaign utilizing Twitter, CarMax executives hailed the growth of followers they now have through the social networking site. CarMax indicated that its audience through Twitter has more than tripled since the campaign "Tweet Yourself to a New Ride" launched on Jan 4. The company has more than 5,700 new followers. Executives said that […] [Read More]