This feature is part of Auto Remarketing’s upcoming “Beyond the Transaction” edition, which is the May print issue of the magazine. It is available for Cherokee Media Group Premium subscribers now. Whether determining if a trade-in should be retailed or wholesaled or ensuring that it’s mechanically and/or cosmetically certifiable, used-vehicle reconditioning is the lifeblood of any retail used-car operation, but can’t happen without having good technicians. And though the struggle to find and keep technicians isn’t new, it’s still very real. Just ask Greg Cole, dealer principal of Athens Chevrolet in Athens, Ga. Cole said his Georgia dealership is in “a situation that is unique to me.” About 20 miles west of his store is Winder, Ga., home of one of Carvana’s inspection and reconditioning centers. That puts Cole’s store in ... [Read More]

This feature is part of Auto Remarketing’s upcoming “Beyond the Transaction” edition, which is the May print issue of the magazine.  It is available for Cherokee Media Group Premium subscribers now.  Electric vehicles, new technologies designed to help drivers drive more safely and the sheer need for speed when it comes to finding the right used vehicle for their retail and wholesale customers, has caused auctions and other wholesale providers to rethink vehicle reconditioning. Leading the way is [Read More]

This feature is part of Auto Remarketing’s upcoming “Beyond the Transaction” edition, which is the May print issue of the magazine. It is available for Cherokee Media Group Premium subscribers now. During discussions with vehicle transport industry representatives, a common theme emerges: The industry has lagged behind the freight shipping industry in the area of technological innovation. “They have been a lot more tech forward than us historically,” said Mike Scenna, vice president of sales and operations for Preowned Auto Logistics. “We often say we’re 10, 15 years behind the freight side of the house,” said Joe Kichler, vice president of logistics for Cox Automotive. But that seems to ... [Read More]

This feature is part of Auto Remarketing’s upcoming “Beyond the Transaction” edition, which is the May print issue of the magazine.  It is available for Cherokee Media Group Premium subscribers now.  Dan Kennedy says the volume vs. capacity situation in auto transport seems to be on the mend. “For a while, [there was] more volume than capacity, but now it seems like things are starting to align,” said Kennedy, who is senior vice president of business development for CT Services. “Loads seem to be moving a little faster.” Joe Kichler agreed that capacity is a top transport industry issue, saying “we’re starting to see volume come back.” Capacity and available drivers are down from pre-pandemic levels, he said, especially on the wholesale side. “But depending on how quick that comes back and some of the new technology, there are going to need to be ... [Read More]

Amid an ocean of affordability challenges in the used-car retail market, a droplet of “hope” remains. In fact, Kevin Roberts of CarGurus said it’s possible for average used-car prices to show a double-digit-percentage decrease, even as headwinds keep them above pre-COVID levels. “While it’s still challenging to find that elusive affordable car, there’s hope for […] [Read More]

There’s an anniversary coming up this summer. But it’s not exactly one the used-car business — and especially the certified pre-owned segment — is looking forward to. During Cox Automotive’s Q1 2024 Industry Insights and Sales Forecast conference call in late March, senior director of economic and industry insights Jeremy Robb noted that the severe drop in auto leases caused by the COVID pandemic is about to start coming home to roost ... [Read More]

The level of brand loyalty among CarMax customers has stayed pretty much the same since 2017 — only the brands have changed. Back then, CarMax pored through its data to look at the brands, models and types of vehicles its customers repurchased the most. This month, the national used-car retailer went back through its sales […] [Read More]

It’s 2024, and the turmoil that surrounded the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association in 2021-22 is gone, if not forgotten. “The past is a cancer,” said Wendy Rinehart, executive director of the NIADA-affiliated Ohio IADA. “We beat the cancer.” The focus now for NIADA, its state affiliates, its members and the independent dealer community at large — which includes the vendors that serve it — is unwaveringly forward. And that has its leaders, members and industry partners excited about ... [Read More]

AutoCanada wrapped up its fiscal fourth quarter with stronger new-car sales pushing total year-over-year revenue up by 6.9%. But while demand for new cars and parts, service and collision repairs was high, the dealer group experienced softer used-vehicle sales, especially in the U.S. Chief financial officer Azim Lalani said during the call to discuss fiscal full-year and Q4 results that Canadian same-store used retail vehicle units sold decreased by ... [Read More]

The “dramatic” declines in used electric vehicles last month no doubt caused some head-scratching for those in the business of remarketing or retailing these cars, but the near 32% drop may open up some opportunities for consumers and dealers alike. The average price of a 1- to 5-year-old used electric vehicles in February was $30,904, […] [Read More]