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  • L.J. Marhefka
    10:13 pm on July 23, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , , , KBB, , , ,   

    KBB: More Consumers Turn to Used Units, Plan to Pay with Cash 

    Buy New Or Used?

    IRVINE, Calif. — New research from the Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence Group revealed today that more vehicle buyers are apparently turning to used units, as well as tending to pay in cash rather than financing their purchases.

    The study findings showed some startling vehicle buyer sentiment about potential purchasing and financing plans.

    Stemming from what analysts believe to be unsteady economic conditions, the survey determined most in-market shoppers are planning to spend a relatively small amount of money on their next vehicle purchase. Additionally, KBB found these same consumers are more likely to buy a used vehicle versus a new unit.

    Furthermore and most relevant to auto finance companies, more than one-third of in-market vehicle shoppers involved in the survey say they plan to pay the entire cost of their next vehicle purchase in cash, and they are not influenced by incentive offers.

    KBB indicated 74 percent of the individuals surveyed plan to purchase a vehicle within the next six months. Of that cluster, more consumers emphasized they are in the market for a used vehicle (67 percent) rather than a new one (33 percent).

    Again, returning to what could pique the interest of finance companies, KBB found that 42 percent of used-vehicle shoppers and 20 percent of new-vehicle shoppers said they plan to pay the entire cost of their next vehicle in cash.   …Read More

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    1:44 am on July 22, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , Consumer Financial Protection Agency, , , ,   

    Fight Over Consumer Agency Looms as Overhaul Is Signed 

    WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed into law the most sweeping financial overhaul since the Depression, putting the country on a course toward a more muscular regulatory framework.

    The law gives the government authority to take over and liquidate failing financial firms, injects transparency into transactions involving financial instruments called derivatives and will restrict banks from making risky bets with their own capital. It directs agencies to write hundreds of new rules.

    But one provision that barely survived will have the most direct bearing on millions of ordinary people’s lives: a new agency meant to protect consumers from abusive financial products, called the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

    The proposal was the source of some of the most intense debates in the long struggle over the financial-regulatory overhaul, and the battles are far from over.

    The biggest looming one is over who will head the agency, and that heated up this week as liberal groups insisted the White House give the job to Elizabeth Warren of Harvard Law School—whose idea the agency was. Banking groups were urging key senators to oppose Ms. Warren, calling her an activist who would impose policies they argue would hurt the availability of credit, especially for those with low incomes. Click here to read more!

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    1:30 pm on July 8, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , , , Lease-IT-own-IT, RTO, , Used Car Leasing   

    Used Car Leasing / Lease Here – Pay Here 

    I was at the NIADA (National Independent Automobile Dealers Association) Annual Convention in Las Vegas in June where I noticed an increased attention to RTO (Rent-To-Own) and LTO (Lease To Own) as a model to provide transportation financing options.

    One of the great advantages to the LTO model for consumers is the availability to flexible transportation. Most of the LTO contracts I have seen have are renewable which limits the consumers commitment. This means that the consumer can drive several different automobiles during the same term as the typical BHPH cycle. Of course, each time the consumer re-contracts a lease to own vehicle, they need an additional “down payment (actually a “Capitalized Cost Reduction”).

    A great deal for the dealership is the ability to take the asset depreciation and in some states, the deferment of sales tax liability. While this may be a great option for some dealers, be careful! There are many ways to utilize RTO or Lease to Own in your sales/ financing model, however, there is only one way to do it right!

    If you are interested in learning more about Automobile Lease-To-Own Programs, please contact L.J. Marhefka at L.J. King and Associates by email at LJ@ljking.com.

    Thanks,

    L.J. Marhefka
    L.J. King and Associates
    email LJ@ljking.com

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    11:42 am on July 7, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    Auto Dealers – Are your delivery documents compliant? 

    I was speaking with an auto dealer recently who operates a BHPH dealership in the mid-west. He asked me if I would take a quick look at his delivery documents. Instantly, I knew his paperwork was terrible. When asked where he obtained his paperwork, he answered, “from a guy who stops by and sells oil pens, mirror hangers, and tire shine.” Needless to say, he was horrified when I advised that he likely didn’t have sufficient paperwork to legally repossess any of his delivered vehicles (in the event of non-payment). This was somewhat of a problem for the gentlemen since he has over 300 cars on the books.

    Where do you get your paperwork? How do you know it is compliant?

    If you have a question regarding your paperwork, send a message to me on Auttr.com or an email to lj@ljking.com.

    Remember, often doing it right is easier than doing it wrong!

    Have a great day!

    L.J. Marhefka
    L.J. King and Associates
    email LJ@ljking.com

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    12:18 pm on July 6, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    2010 is at the half-way point. Are you tracking 50% of your goals? 

    Well here it is, July 6, 2010. While I enjoy celebrating the 4th of July and all that comes with it, the day also serves as a kind reminder that the year is halfway over. I am never too excited about time flying by – there is too much life to live, fun to have, and cars to sell!

    Now to my point. Are you more than halfway to your annual goals? If so, congratulations (or maybe that means you set the bar too low). If not, have you analyzed and assessed your situation in order to understand your results?

    If you are like many, you didn’t even put your annual goals in writing! Take a little time today to record your goals for the second-half of 2010. Then create an action plan that will help you achieve your goals.

    Best of luck!

    L.J. Marhefka
    L.J. King and Associates
    lj@ljking.com

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    1:36 pm on July 5, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Big Three auto sales down in June 

    Detroit’s Big Three automakers saw June sales drop between 12 and 13 percent as buyers pulled back from the previous month, suggesting that the hot May sales may have been an aberration. So automakers on Thursday were touting their year-over-year June sales numbers, which compared favorably with 2009’s depressed figures.

    Hyundai was the world’s only major automaker to buck the downward trend, reporting a 4 percent June sales increase from May and a 35 percent jump compared with June 2009.

    (More …)

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    11:53 am on July 1, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    Thought for the day – Master the basics of your business! While the “basics” are often not sexy, glamorous, or fun, they are essential to your success. Take a few minutes to assess your business to make sure you are mastering the basics.

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    2:22 am on June 28, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: Frank Myers, , , , National Quality Dealer, ,   

    Frank Myers Auto Named Number One Small Business In North Carolina

    A used car dealership in Winston-Salem, NC has been named the “Best of the Best” in the state of NC

    PRLog (Press Release) – Jun 25, 2010 – Frank Myers Auto Maxx, a cutting-edge used car dealership in North Carolina, has been recognized as the number one small business for 2009-2010 by Business Leader magazine, a leading business publication focused on the companies, leaders and trends in the North Carolina business community.

    Frank Myers Auto Maxx was honored before a capacity crowd on June 24th at a trio of awards dinners held simultaneously in Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte, NC. The hugely successful independent auto dealerships, owned by Certified Master Dealer Tracy Myers, realized an astonishing 1-year growth of 22% and a 5-year growth of a whopping 133%. (for more click here: http://www.prlog.org/10760373-frank-myers-auto-named-number-one-small-business-in-north-carolina.html)

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    5:00 pm on June 25, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , , , , , ,   

    Thanks to all of the folks in the auto industry that made an effort to contact thier Senators and Representatives asking that auto dealers remain exempt from the CFPA. I know of several instances where these legislators did not understand the adverse impact that this would have caused not only to dealers but also to car buying consumers.

    As you may already know, after a 20-hour conference, auto dealers continue to be exempt from the bill. I spoke with Keith Whann earlier this morning where he expressed cautious optimism. He advised that once he has had the opportunity to review the exact language of the 2000-page Bill, he will likely have additional comments, which I look forward to hearing.

    Thanks again to all of those that helped! And a special thanks to Keith Whann and the group at Federal Advocates in Washington, D.C.

    L.J. Marhefka

     
  • L.J. Marhefka
    9:33 pm on June 24, 2010 Permalink | Log in to leave a Comment
    Tags: , , , , , , ,   

    Easy way to send a message your Senator and / or your representative 

    Please contact your Senator and your Representative in as many ways possible asking that auto dealers be exempt from the regulatory control of the new Consumer Financial Protection Act.

    Here is one way to contact your Federal Government:

    http://2gov.org/

    Also, go to: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

     

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