March 2021

TORONTO –  Dilawri Group of Companies, a Canadian automotive group, has launched what it is describing as a complete omni-channel purchasing experience in which customers can connect with the dealer through live video, chat, SMS text, email, phone and at the store. Dilawri Group, which operates 76 franchised dealerships representing 35 automotive brands, said that with the new experience, customers can see a seamless online and offline shopping experience by digitizing and fully integrating the automotive purchase process. Called Dilawri Anywhere 2.0, the experience offers features such as transparent website pricing and… Read More »Dilawri Group launches omni-channel car purchasing

WOBURN, Mass. –  The BMW 5 Series is the best car to buy used over new, according to a new study from car search engine iSeeCars.com. The 5 series led iSeeCars’ list of the top 15 cars with the greatest change in price between gently used and new versions. The BMW 5 Series midsize sedan is joined by another BMW sedan, the compact 3 Series, in the No. 9  spot. The third-ranked Infiniti Q50, seventh-ranked Infiniti Q60 and the 10th-ranked Mercedes-Benz CLA were additional luxury sedans on the list. “Buyers who… Read More »Best cars to buy used: Many are luxurious

Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2021, 03:23 PM FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. –  In its second acquisition-related move in less than a week, LMP Automotive Holdings said Tuesday it signed a definitive agreement to purchase 85% of both Central Avenue Chrysler Jeep and Chrysler Jeep of White Plains. Both stores are located in the New York metro area: the former is located in Yonkers, N.Y.; the latter in White Plains, N.Y. LMP anticipates the deal to close in June. The dealerships are expected to add annualized revenues of about $270 million and bump LMP’s… Read More »LMP signs deal to buy majority share of 2 New York stores

ATLANTA –  Manheim Pennsylvania brought back its annual Xtreme Spring Sale last week, seeking to fulfill its commitment to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley. The event was canceled last year because of COVID-19. Participating dealers in the physical and digital sale event had an opportunity to bid on nearly 400 unique vehicles. A replica 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe was auctioned off for $154,000, with proceeds benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Manheim technicians and body shop employees assembled that vehicle in-house. Of the 398 cars offered during the sale, 259… Read More »Manheim Pennsylvania’s Xtreme Spring Sale makes comeback

Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2021, 11:51 AM FORT WORTH, Texas –  Finance company managers might do a little “happy dance” when they can establish a direct payment pipeline between the company and their contract holders. Payix finalized a payment processing agreement this week that might be work a rhythmic reaction, too. Payix announced this new bank sponsorship agreement with MetaBank encompasses both ACH and CARD transactions. The company explained the agreement expands Payix’s merchant services capabilities, allowing Payix to provide its clients — primarily lenders and loan servicers — additional processing products… Read More »Payix finalizes new payment processing agreement

ORLANDO, Fla. –  US Equity Advantage (USEA) is looking to ensure its technological infrastructure can meet the demands triggered by the company’s aggressive expectations. In a move the company said will enrich the customer experience, improve efficiencies and allow it to scale quickly to meet growth projections, USEA announced this week that it has replaced its legacy phone system with a cloud-based contact center solution. Following a rigorous vetting process, the company selected Five9, a top-rated leader among contact center as a service (CCaaS) providers, for its cloud innovations that will… Read More »USEA invests in next-generation contact center solution

Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2021, 11:37 AM SCHAUMBURG, Ill. –  Oftentimes, it can take plants at least 60 to 90 days to germinate, grow and produce flowers, fruit or vegetables. Now that it’s springtime, the 13 states with the highest rates of 30-day delinquency at the close of 2020 soon might be fertile fields for a repossession harvest. According to Experian’s Q4 2020 State of the Automotive Finance Market report, analysts discovered a baker’s dozen of states with 30-day delinquency rates of 1.83% and higher. That group included: Maryland: 3.17%Mississippi: 3.04%Louisiana: 2.66%Alabama:… Read More »13 states that soon might be ripe for first repossession harvest of year

CARY, N.C. –  Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2021 Women in Remarketing honorees in the March issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website. Next up is Ellen Westpfahl, who is assistant general manager at Manheim Orlando Market Center. Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in the remarketing industry? But, also, what aspect(s) of the business would you change — and how? Ellen Westpfahl: The people that I have met along the way have impacted my entire life, first starting at Avis Rent A Car in… Read More »Women in Remarketing: Ellen Westpfahl of Manheim

CARY, N.C. –  Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2021 Women in Remarketing honorees in the March issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website. Next up is Chipo Taylor, who is regional controller – Southwest at XLerate Group. Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in the remarketing industry? But, also, what aspect(s) of the business would you change — and how? Chipo Taylor: I enjoy the client, customers, employees, and my counterparts. I enjoy everyone I interact with every day. This industry is so dynamic and amazing… Read More »Women in Remarketing: Chipo Taylor of XLerate Group

CARY, N.C. –  Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2021 Women in Remarketing honorees in the March issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website. Next up is Laura Wehunt, who is vice president of automotive valuations at Black Book. Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in the remarketing industry? But, also, what aspect(s) of the business would you change — and how? Laura Wehunt: I enjoy the people in this industry. This is a fast-paced environment, especially during this rollercoaster ride that has been… Read More »Women in Remarketing: Laura Wehunt of Black Book