Recent Stories
Adding alternative data to customer credit scores helps dealers, lenders

For customers returning to — or entering — a vehicle shopping market with higher transaction prices and interest rates, boosting a score even slightly could have a major impact on vehicle affordability.
Automakers, captives ease back on leasing

Leasing is becoming too expensive to incentivize, experts say, and automakers are prioritizing profits over loyalty.
Gen Z: Coming to a dealership near you

Time will tell if the youngest drivers in the vehicle market are seeking transportation models radically different from what's available today, but the backgrounds and budgets of these buyers will be key to unlocking the mystery.
A used-vehicle retailer taps data to aid subprime consumers

Franchised retailers considering bringing auto insurance in-house should take note of those using data to keep offerings affordable.
Lithia, Asbury focus on finance options

Public dealership group Lithia Motors relies on specialized finance agents to help customers stay in the market, while rival Asbury Automotive launched an online loan marketplace to expand customer finance offerings.
Online F&I product sales help Volvo fix 'glaring' problem

Volvo Cars Financial Services has partnered with F&I software company Darwin to raise subpar per-vehicle profits.
Subprime military lender shuts down

Security National Automotive Acceptance Co. began informing employees and auto dealers last week that it would discontinue purchasing auto contracts and liquidate its portfolio.
GM Financial revenue rises on increased penetration of GM business

CEO Dan Berce credited the automaker's support and a mutual plan to grow the portfolio.
Auto lenders cut interest rates on new-vehicle loans

The reduction occurred at a good time for auto dealers, an Edmunds analyst says, as they need help clearing out an unusually high level of 2018 models still on lots.
MaximTrak co-founder steps down 3 years after sale to RouteOne

Jim Maxim remained president of F&I sales tool provider MaximTrak since selling the company in 2016. He's now stepping down and being replaced by Imran Mussani, vice president for product development and support operations, as MaximTrak and parent RouteOne continue to unite.
Auto scams at dealerships top-cited consumer gripe in 2018

In the Consumer Federation of America's annual report, some of the most egregious treatment occurred inside the F&I office.
Tesla leasing partner sells 60% stake to tech company

MUSA Auto Finance, a tiny leasing company that abruptly halted new business last fall after a partnership with Tesla overwhelmed its capital resources, has been purchased.
Redefining ‘the boss' increases store's sales

With a new leader — and his bold online persona — at the helm, Brooklyn Mitsubishi has augmented its social media presence and leveraged data mining tools to increase customer traffic and vehicle sales.
GM Financial's net income falls even as revenue hits record high

Higher interest expenses and income tax provisions dragged down earnings for the quarter.
Three top execs depart Cox subsidiary NextGear Capital

An interim head for the floorplan financing unit has been appointed from within the company until a permanent replacement is found.