Analysis

MIAMI — Since LeaseTrader.com launched in 1999, the average age of lessees on the site has climbed almost six years, and the age group that has shown the most growth in the last five years has been the age 50-and-up demographic, according to the Web site. More specifically, LeaseTrader.com noted that lease drivers on the site during […] [Read More]

RICHMOND, Va. — As part of its Regional Giving Program, the CarMax Foundation awarded two grants this week to non-profit organizations. The foundation awarded the Texas Lions Camp — which is located in the San Antonio area — a $22,500 grant on Monday, and then on Tuesday the foundation announced a $5,000 grant for Junior Achievement of Oklahoma. The […] [Read More]

ROCHESTER, Mich. — Foresight Research, a firm near Detroit specializing in the auto industry, found a strong connection between vehicle buyers and attendees at auto shows, especially in the Midwest. Its research study determined 70 percent of show attendees who said they were influenced to purchase a new vehicle recalled spending 30 minutes or more at the […] [Read More]

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — R. L. Polk & Co. executives highlighted the amenities of their new corporate headquarters, stressing the location will make doing business with major automakers easier. All Polk employees now will be consolidated into a single site that's less than two miles from where the company currently resides. Polk will occupy nearly five floors of […] [Read More]

DETROIT — The General Motors Foundation has teamed up with the William J. Clinton Foundation to donate 30 GMC trucks and supplies to earthquake-stricken Haiti. Two of the trucks were slated to be sent to Miami last week as part of the NFL Little Haiti Outreach Event that was being held in the Sant La Haitian […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Readers of AutoRemarketing.com came in droves to learn more about what further recommendations the National Auto Auction Association made concerning vehicles that should no longer be sold at auction. NAAA's recommendations stemmed from the ongoing turmoil surrounding certain Toyota units. Readers also were interested in General Motors officials giving their stance that the Pontiac […] [Read More]

DETROIT — Dealership closings hit an all-time high last year, as the attrition level was eight times as high as the normal rate, according to Urban Science's Franchise Activity Report. Specifically, the number of dealers in the U.S. dwindled down to 18,841, an 8-percent decline, or 1,605 closings. Comparatively, 1 percent is what's typically considered a "normal" […] [Read More]

SOUTH AMBOY, N.J. — The DCH Auto Group is looking for a healthier company outlook beyond just retail sales figures. The group recently launched a comprehensive wellness program for its employees and families. The program, called DCH Life Roads, incorporates a variety of strategies and plans intended to boost wellbeing. It also encourages employees to get […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — In the aftermath of its recalls, Toyota has lost more than a fifth of the shoppers who had been thinking about buying one of the brands, according to Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com. The company also indicated that consideration for the brand has been pushed down to No. 3 behind Ford and Chevrolet, respectively. Specifically, […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Though Toyota certainly saw a drain in purchase intent during the midst of the "recall frenzy," interest in the brand has begun to rapidly recover in the days following the automaker's announcement of a fix, according to Edmunds.com. Contrary to some other reports, Edmunds.com sees Toyota bouncing back even more quickly. "Toyota purchase […] [Read More]