Industry Group Seeking Tax Breaks to Encourage Safety Technologies
Heavy truck safety is improving with the introduction of new, but expensive, technologies. New safety technologies include radar systems, rollover protection and improved brakes. To help operators pay for these technologies, an industry trade group, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, is lobbying for special federal tax breaks.
Lithia Motors Launching Superstore Chain for Used Vehicles
Following the success of CarMax, Lithia Motors will launch a national used-car superstore chain. Even though AutoNation couldn't make the model work, Lithia says the strategy can work with proper execution. Lithia already ranks high in used-car margins among publicly traded auto groups.
New JD Power Study Disputes Certified Price Advantage
An earlier JD Power study estimated the typical price gap between a certified vehicle and comparable non-certified model at nearly $1,700. A new study narrows the gap to $361. The company cites difference in study methods for the disparity.
Demand High for Vehicles 3-to-5 Years Old
CNW Research reports a shortage of vehicles in the 3-to-5-year-old range. So dealers are ramping up prices for these vehicles. Fewer off-lease vehicles, longer finance contracts cited for shortage
ATC-Onlane Shows Its Muscle as Competitor in Auto Auction World
What do you get when you merge two online auto auctions? Well, one "great" online auto auction called ATC-Onlane, Inc, of course! Rapid growth in its first year is a good indication of how successful the company will be with more than 30,000 registered dealers already onboard.
