Recent Stories
Trump to award Roger Penske Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Trump praised Roger Penske's racing achievements. Last month, Penske became the most decorated racing owner.
Vendors and lenders, make your value known — quickly

Many dealers are fatigued by pitches and updates from their partners, and some are questioning the value and cost of services.
As compliance pressures grow stronger, dealers and lenders must evolve

As dealers confront pressures they didn't face a few years ago, such as declining new-vehicle sales and shrinking profits, they may struggle to master the balance between compliance objectives and profit goals.
Lenders tightened reins after Great Recession

After the Great Recession, many floorplan lenders tightened dealers' loan agreements, which has helped detect early signs of trouble but also raises the bar for dealers. Several prominent auto lenders have sued dealers over the last 18 months for selling vehicles out of trust.
Striking balance between compliance and profit

Some fear that, as dealership profits continue to narrow, dealers' attention may turn away from compliance as they put more emphasis on reducing costs and creating new profit centers.
Group 1 launches online sales platform

Group 1's AcceleRide allows visitors to browse new and used inventory, customize features, select financing and payment terms and coordinate delivery to their home, office or local dealership.
Renault could provide FCA with a captive opportunity

A Renault-FCA tie-up doesn't necessarily mean that Renault's RCI Financial Services will replace Santander.
Data can improve communication, coordination, convenience

Auto lenders have long used their massive data pools for credit decisions, but today many are using datasets to work better with their customers.
Data turns dealers into mind readers

Dealers are rarely considered oracles, but with intelligent use of data, they'll be one step closer to reading consumers' minds.
How credit unions can boost dealerships' profit

Credit unions should expand ties to dealers -- with an eye on the service lane, F&I product sales and used-vehicle inventory -- to give dealerships additional profit avenues, dealers say.
Public dealership groups: Small in number, huge in clout

Public ownership of big dealership groups helped transform an industry made up mostly of self-funded small businesses into one flush with cash from big banks and private-equity firms.
Ford Credit gets personal with leasing process

Ford Credit last month started pilot programs that provide personal lease assistants and personalized online vehicle offers to improve the lease-end experience for customers.
Ford Credit pilots aim to retain customers after lease end

Ford Credit last month started pilot programs that provide personal lease assistants and personalized online vehicle offers to improve the lease-end experience.
AutoNation's higher-margin strategy works

AutoNation's strategy to lift new-vehicle margins has worked and will play out beyond the first quarter. But its decline in new-vehicle sales was much sharper than the industry's.
Why Penske's F&I profits shine less

Penske routinely ranks the lowest in F&I per vehicle among its public dealership peers. High F&I profit per vehicle is largely driven by F&I product sales and training, but that's not all that's behind it.