NADA Retention Review: Passenger Cars
NADA Perspective_February 2014
AutoNation’s Mike Maroone on How Used Car Performance Increased Profits
AutoNation Inc. saw fourth-quarter earnings rise 31% as the company had stronger used vehicle sales that pushed up overall revenue. The retailer operates the largest network of US dealerships. During the past two years, AutoNation has seen earnings climb, much to do with high used car prices and a pickup in new vehicle sales. Here’s […]
Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices by Segment – January 2014
- ADESA Analytical Services’ monthly analysis of wholesale prices showed that January average prices were $9,983
- Up 3.4% over December 2013, and down 0.5% relative to January 2013
- In past year, Fullsize Cars had largest value drop at 12.2%, and Mini SUVs had the largest gain percentage at 11%
PARS Marks 15 Years of Automotive Transportation and Logistics Leadership
PARS, Professional Automotive Relocation Services, Inc., is celebrating its 15th year of business as a leading provider of automotive transportation and logistics services.
In 1998, former Buick Fleet Director Jim Christiano first opened PARS for business, seeking to set a new standard for excellence in drive-away moves. In its first year, PARS quoted 50 moves a day and received 10 orders. Since then, the company has grown dramatically, recently moving into new 10,000 square-foot headquarters in Gainesville, VA, and opening 14 offices.
Today, PARS provides automotive relocation services throughout the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Customers can access a fully interactive website allowing them to obtain quotes, place orders, and access up-to-date order status information. PARS moves thousands of vehicles each year while offering its customers an increasingly comprehensive list of value-added services.
Lori Rasmussen, President, now heads the business, representing the second generation of the Christiano family. She joined PARS in 2004, successfully leading the business’ growth and overseeing its investment in leading-edge technology.
Luxottica Goes Global with PHH Arval Global Alliance
In 2010, the world’s leading eyewear company, Luxottica, chose Arval when it switched from company-owned fleets in each country to a global, full-service leasing car policy. The decision quickly proved its merit by yielding benefits that included reduced fleet costs to greater management control in little more than a year after it was implemented.
Mobility is a vital part of Luxottica’s business, both for its managers, as well as its sales and marketing staff, who work with a vast network of retail outlets. Luxottica is the world’s largest eyewear manufacturer. Until 2010, Luxottica’s subsidiaries purchased their own fleet vehicles, with managers able to choose any brand up to a maximum list price.
Then, Luxottica turned to international full-service leasing with Arval.
