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Sidney Haider
Add.On.Auto
President
Accessories Build Revenue
Simple, effective & profitable accessories sales boost your bottom line.
- [Read More] |
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Karolyn Hart
Wireless Ronin Technologies
Director of Business Development
Digital Signage System Benefits
How attractive signage systems engage customers and benefit your dealership.
- [Read More] |
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Jim Donovan
Royal Administration Services
National Account Manager
Solutions for Independent Dealers
A one-stop shop for vendor solutions needs.
- [Read More] |
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Stats and Smart Charts
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Newspapers Suffer Dramatic Revenue Dive
[Click to enlarge graphic]
 Outlook for newspaper publishers in US is dismal Newspaper advertising revenues declined 16.4% in 2008 to $37.9B By 2012, spending will slide to $28.4B Financial pressure on newspapers is enormous Online newspaper ad revenues declined by 0.4% overall compared w/ 2007, to $3.2B |
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Industry Conferences
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AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference & Expo New Orleans, LA January 21-23, 2009
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NADA Convention & Expo
New Orleans, LA January 24-27, 2009
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Orlando, FL January 26-27, 2009
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San Diego, CA Feb 4-9, 2009
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Las Vegas, NV February 25-26, 2009
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People Going Places
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Jackie Blazek
PAR North America
Western U.S. Sales Director
Jackie Blazek has been named Western U.S. Sales Director for PAR North America, a subsidiary of ADESA. Blazek worked most recently as Senior Manager at HSBC Auto Finance in San Diego. Her background includes sales project management, developing and maintaining client relationships and human resources. Blazek holds a bachelor's degree from Keystone College in La Plume, PA.
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Don Gottwald
Automotive Finance Corporation
President and CEO
Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC) has named Don Gottwald as President and CEO. Gottwald most recently served as EVP of Dealer Business for HSBC Auto Finance. In this role, he was instrumental in the strategic leadership of the company's originations, marketing, sales, product management, pricing and analytics, responsible for servicing 8,000 commercial customers. Prior to working at HSBC Auto Finance, he spent 12 years in roles of increased responsibility with GMAC Financial Services.
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| Internet Sales & Marketing |
CarFolks.com Waives Fees
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CarFolks.com will waive 2009 fees for auto industry professionals who upload featured pages to the site. The pages are designed to let dealers receive feedback from customers who rank their shopping experiences at specific dealers -- thereby helping them find dealers with the best reputations. The company had planned to start charging monthly fees in January, but decided to give dealers a break due to the tough economy.
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Hyundai Takes Worry Out of Purchasing
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Hyundai Assurance Program allow buyers or lessees to return vehicles for up to a year if income or ability to drive is lost. This program provides peace of mind, and consumers have responded quickly with both increased interest and intent to buy. Purchasers and lessees must have made at least two scheduled payments and be up-to-date in order to qualify. The Assurance Program, intended to cover negative equity, appears to be paying off.
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| Service & Parts Management |
Consumers Keeping Vehicles Longer
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Economic downturn has consumers holding on to their vehicles longer, even with added repair and maintenance costs. Dealership service departments are busier than showrooms. Aftermarket is responding with more products, and extended warranty business is up.
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Tires Now More Profitable to Dealers
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Tires used to carry a stigma of low margin, high maintenance for dealers. Now incentive programs, better technology have improved dealer profits. Web-based tools help maintain just-in-time inventory mix that's easier to manage and sell.
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| The Green Dealership |
Ford Plans Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) for 2011
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With Magna providing drive train and battery module components, Ford plans to produce a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for 2011. The vehicle is expected to have 100-mile range and recharge in 12-hours from 110-volt AC power outlet or half that from 220-volt source.
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Toyota Keeps Its Hybrid Strategy
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Toyota is moving forward with big plans to develop and sell more hybrids. Up to 10 new hybrids will be rolled in next five years, despite the global economy; models include the newly debuted (new) Prius and Lexus HS 250h. Toyota says it is committed to keeping up its R&D efforts.
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| F&I Administration |
E-Signature Added to ServiceMenu
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MenuVantage has upgraded ServiceMenu with E-Signature. ServiceMenu provides customers with customized menu presentations. E-Signature streamlines the entire service process.
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Putting a Dollar Sign on Identity Theft
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'Red Flag' regulations to guard against identity theft go into effect May 1. Now auto dealers and financial institutions have to follow safeguards that will make it easier for them to spot identity thieves. For example, dealerships should ask buyers for multiple sets of ID, since most ID thieves have only one set on them.
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| Used Vehicle Sales and Remarketing |
Used Car Market Down Over Last Year but Headed Back Up
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Average used car values are still down 7.4% year-over-year, but Dec saw significant improvement over Oct and Nov signaling a market change in direction. Dealers are buying at auctions again as consumer confidence is up and used car, particularly certified, sales are improving.
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Wholesale Pickup, SUV Prices Appear to be On Way Up
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Deep losses in used wholesale pickup and SUV prices on record fuel prices rebounded in Dec over Nov as fuel prices dropped and consumer confidence improved. Sedan values actually dropped without fuel price pressures while crossovers and vans held steady.
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| Aftermarket Trends & Issues |
Aftermarket Crash Parts Still Generating Debate
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Legislation and legal maneuvering covering the use of aftermarket crash parts continues to generate heated debate. Insurers want liberal use of aftermarket parts, automakers and many repair shops prefer OEM parts. At the heart of the issue is cost versus quality.
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Alpine Makes Green Contribution With Lightweight Products
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Alpine Electronics has introduced Eco-tainment products designed to be lighter, more efficient. The weight savings help automakers improve fuel economy, offer more flexibility in vehicle design and use less energy.
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