Posted in Rumors

F&I data: Share of car owners upside down on loans creeps up in Q2

In the second quarter of 2024, the percentage of consumers with negative equity was smaller than in 2019 and 2020. But compared with five years ago, the amount of negative equity that consumers have today is nearly $1,000 more.

Posted in Rumors

F&I tip: The finance team should be product experts

F&I managers should make sure that each customer leaves knowing what the product is, how to file a claim and how they benefit.

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Public dealerships’ F&I gross profits fall in Q2 but most above $2,000 a vehicle

AutoNation, Lithia, Group 1, Sonic and Asbury all had same-store finance and insurance gross profit per vehicle above $2,000 in the second quarter.

Posted in Rumors

CDK Global outage highlights gaps in finance office preparation

Finance managers had to adapt with no notice or preparation, and many came out of the experience with important lessons learned.

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Westlake Financial launches fleet financing product to power micro leasing at dealerships

The vehicles used in micro lease programs can fall into a gap not covered by traditional floorplan or rental financing.

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Guest commentary: What’s keeping Larry up at night?

Dealers need to protect customer information, train staff and invest in technology to sleep better at night.

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Lithia’s captive finance company Driveway Finance turned a Q2 profit

Lithia Motors Q2 2024 earnings: After just a few years of operation, Lithia’s relaunched captive finance car loan company Driveway Finance Corp. turned a profit during the second quarter and was on track to stay that way.

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Judge upholds $350,000 award against Michigan dealership for wrongful repossession

A federal judge upheld a $350,000 punitive damages award against a Michigan dealership in a spot delivery and wrongful repossession case.

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Property insurance: Dealer hurdle over EVs

Zurich Insurance Group issues recommended best practices for dealerships servicing EVs that could add costs.

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2 FTC commissioners call dealership discrimination claim by agency an overreach

The Coulter Motor Co. case saw further debate among the Federal Trade Commission over the validity of the agency bringing discrimination claims using the FTC Act’s unfair practices language.