Wholesale

ATLANTA — Manheim's Tom Webb recently analyzed the financial data of the seven largest publicly traded dealership groups for the fourth quarter of 2009. Webb reported in his March Auto Industry Brief that he found positive trends in regard to both gross margins on used-vehicle sales as well as unit volumes. Webb determined that gross margins […] [Read More]

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Auction values were softer than expected during February, and the ADESA Canada Used Vehicle Price Index fell sequentially for the fifth consecutive month. Resale prices, again, saw a downward impact from the glut of new and used inventory at dealerships, as a number of factors hindered dealers' ability to move units. Specifically, ADESA's data — […] [Read More]

OTTAWA, Ontario — As the economy in Canada continues to struggle, the aftermarket aspect of the auto industry has been impacted. To shed some light on what the future may bring, the Aftermarket Industries Association of Canada will host a conference to help executives anticipate future trends. The association shared some details this week about the speakers' lineup for […] [Read More]

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Porsche Cars Canada recently launched a new marketing campaign that may "surprise" shoppers by highlighting attributes of the brand's vehicles that may not be the first things that come to mind when they think about Porsche. While the automaker's lineup might be better known for its performance, the "Porsche, unexpected" campaign sets out […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Late Tuesday, Saab Cars North America selected the place that will serve as its new headquarters. Where will the newly independent automaker set up shop? The new headquarters will be in Royal Oak, Mich., which means Saab is keeping about 2,000 jobs in North America. The automaker plans to invest $2.4 million to enhance its U.S. sales and marketing operations […] [Read More]

PALO ALTO, Calif. — High Gear Media recently finished the complete design of an automotive Web site operated by a CBS-owned television station in Minneapolis. The site for WCCO-TV incorporates all of the content produced by High Gear Media, which includes vehicle shopping tools and pricing information, as well as reviews and features from its network […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — In an effort to support dealers and drive sales, Toyota Financial Services said Tuesday that franchised dealers can now get a $450 credit on each recalled model purchased via various Toyota remarketing Web sites and Toyota-sponsored auctions. The TFS credit can be applied to certify these vehicles, which can ultimately mean lower transaction prices for consumers. […] [Read More]

TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda on Tuesday issued a recall of more than 400,000 Odysseys and Elements after receiving complaints that the brake pedals feel "soft" or are not working as well as expected over time. The units covered by the recall include approximately 344,000 Odyssey and 68,000 Element vehicles from the 2007-2008 model years. The automaker said it intends to […] [Read More]

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Toyota's boosted incentive spending is not expected to affect the automaker's residual values in the long run. However, if these heightened incentives remain for more than three to six months, which is quite possible, there is likely to be some significant downward impact, according to the latest analysis from ALG, which examined the […] [Read More]

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In a move that could help boost sales for the automaker in a highly profitable segment, Chrysler has rolled out a revamped certified pre-owned vehicle program that, among other improvements, includes a greater number of the automaker's dealers offering CPO models. The re-launched program features a dedicated CPOV Web site, in addition to […] [Read More]