ATLANTA, GA., November 25, 2019 – With the holidays quickly approaching, shopping is at the top of people’s to-do lists as they consider buying gifts or the latest gadgets during big seasonal sales. The end of the year also is a stellar time to score a deal when buying a car, with automakers offering lucrative holiday incentives, dealers trying to clear out their lots, and model-year changeovers of vehicle inventory. Accordingly, the experts at Autotrader recently rounded up some helpful tips for people hoping to buy or lease a new, used or certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle before the new year. 

“While most people don’t wake up to a brand-new bow-topped car in their driveway, that doesn’t mean a new car can’t be at the top of your wish list before the end of the year -- with a little research and insight, this is one of the best times for car shopping,” said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. “If you’ve been thinking about getting a new ride, now is a great time to buy or lease. Automakers and dealers alike are highly motivated to boost their year-end sales totals and make room for the new model-year vehicles coming to market, which means deals abound for consumers.”

Autotrader’s Year-End Car-Shopping Insights

When buying a new car:

- Dealers want to get rid of their 2019 model-year inventory before the new year, so be sure to check out the new outgoing 2019 models still available on dealer lots before 2020 hits. This is where you’re likely to find the best new-car deals, especially if the 2020 model of that vehicle has been redesigned.

- Take advantage of slow foot traffic in dealerships during December. Most people are spending time buying gifts and participating in holiday activities, and it is a notoriously slow time for car dealers who are hungry to make their monthly (and year-end) quotas. 

- Check your local dealers’ ads to see specific deals and incentives being offered, and check out top deals lists curated online by the experts at Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book to help guide your consideration set and how much you should pay.

When buying a used car:

- Since most used-car buyers are shopping for an everyday driver, it’s important to understand what you need and do your research accordingly. Read reviews, look into current average transaction prices, and really think about the function of your next vehicle. At the same time, be flexible and have more than one pick – the deals are out there, and you need to be ready to pounce.

- Be prepared - know your credit worthiness, understand your credit score, how much you can borrow and the interest rate for which you qualify. It is always a good idea to get pre-qualified before entering into negotiations. Line up a mechanic ahead of time to check out any used vehicle you’re seriously considering, and maximize the test drive.

- Don’t forget about certified pre-owned – these low-mileage, factory-certified vehicles provide additional warranties and often other perks, such as special financing.  Buying CPO can offer more peace of mind than buying from a private seller.

When buying a certified pre-owned car:

- Remember that luxury cars depreciate faster than models from volume brands, so that means buying a CPO luxury car is an especially good value over buying new.

- Look for incentives – some automakers offer incentives on their CPO inventory like cash back, special financing deals, and even some lease deals on their used certified models.

- While no CPO cars are actually that old, in general the older the car, the better the deal. Enjoy letting someone else take the majority of the depreciation off your hands by considering an older CPO vehicle for the best prices.

When leasing a car:

- Channel your good scout before going into the dealership. Know which specific model you want, which dealerships have that vehicle in stock, and what your trade-in is worth. And even if you plan to lease through the manufacturer’s financing arm, it’s smart to secure financing ahead of time through a bank or credit union to know where you stand financially.

- Understanding model year versus calendar year is important when leasing. If you have your eye on a 2020 model-year vehicle, leasing at the end of 2019 versus early in 2020 could have an impact on your monthly lease payments. Model year trumps calendar year when it comes to vehicle depreciation. 

- Think used – take advantage of the historic number of vehicles coming off-lease in 2019 by leasing a used/CPO model to reduce your monthly payments even more. You could save hundreds, if not thousands, over the leasing period by leasing used instead of new.

To learn more about bargains for car shoppers including shopping for a used car end-of-year checklist, how to find a CPO deal in December and leasing a car at the end of the year visit: https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/shopping-used-car-heres-end-year-checklist-281474979970711, https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/how-find-cpo-deal-december-281474979969211, https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/leasing-car-end-year-281474979970137.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, and add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com).

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com. 

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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Clients are increasingly turning to digital options to gain efficiencies.

ATLANTA – November 21, 2019 – Manheim’s investment in giving clients more ways to transact anytime, anywhere is driving greater confidence, with clients increasingly turning to the company’s digital platforms for their wholesale needs. Across Manheim, digital wholesale channels have seen exponential growth in 2019—hitting the two million transaction milestone in the first week of November. In addition to providing an efficient auction experience, Manheim’s digital platforms provide a safer way to buy while helping clients more effectively run their businesses.

“At Manheim, we’re enabling clients to transact when, where and how they want to, and more and more clients are realizing the significant benefits of going digital,” said Zach Hallowell, vice president of Manheim Digital. “With the largest audience of buyers and widest selection of vehicles, our digital platforms bring significant value to clients on both sides of the sale.”

In October, 48% of vehicles were sold to a digital buyer. Digital-only transactions—those that take place through Manheim.com, Manheim Express, OVE and Private Stores—are up 22% year over year, and Simulcast transactions are up 9% in that same timeframe. Some sellers in Manheim’s Digital Private Stores have seen as much as 50% growth in their sales.

Kirk Lamont, purchasing coordinator at Robinson Automotive, had this to say about buying in the digital wholesale marketplace: "In this day and age when you have so many devices, why not buy digitally? It’s an easier platform. As long as you do your homework up front, you know what you’re bidding on. One of the main benefits is when I have a client looking for a particular vehicle that I can’t find locally, I have the confidence to go outside my region, look at some cars and know they’re described as they should be. All I have to do is just push a button and buy a car."

In addition to growing its various digital-only platforms, Manheim has also ramped up the number of Digital Blocks across its physical footprint, which now comprise 20% of the company’s physical lanes (up 30% in the last three months). Digital Blocks provide all the things clients enjoy about a physical sale—the excitement, auctioneer and in-lane and online bidders. The only difference is that vehicles are shown on screens rather than being driven through the lanes

Manheim Tucson recently became the first location to go “all digital,” converting all of its lanes to Digital Blocks. Sales rates and vehicle values have continued to show strong results, proving that a digital sale can be just as successful as a physical one for buyers and sellers alike.

Through the end of 2019 and beyond, Manheim will continue investing in its digital platforms, bringing more choice and value to clients who transact in the largest and most trusted wholesale marketplace.

About Manheim (www.manheim.com)
Manheim® is North America's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With its omni-channel approach, Manheim Marketplace enables wholesale vehicle clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Approximately 17,000 team members help Manheim offer 7 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $61 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

Clients are increasingly turning to digital options to gain efficiencies.

ATLANTA – November 21, 2019 – Manheim’s investment in giving clients more ways to transact anytime, anywhere is driving greater confidence, with clients increasingly turning to the company’s digital platforms for their wholesale needs. Across Manheim, digital wholesale channels have seen exponential growth in 2019—hitting the two million transaction milestone in the first week of November. In addition to providing an efficient auction experience, Manheim’s digital platforms provide a safer way to buy while helping clients more effectively run their businesses.

“At Manheim, we’re enabling clients to transact when, where and how they want to, and more and more clients are realizing the significant benefits of going digital,” said Zach Hallowell, vice president of Manheim Digital. “With the largest audience of buyers and widest selection of vehicles, our digital platforms bring significant value to clients on both sides of the sale.”

In October, 48% of vehicles were sold to a digital buyer. Digital-only transactions—those that take place through Manheim.com, Manheim Express, OVE and Private Stores—are up 22% year over year, and Simulcast transactions are up 9% in that same timeframe. Some sellers in Manheim’s Digital Private Stores have seen as much as 50% growth in their sales.

Kirk Lamont, purchasing coordinator at Robinson Automotive, had this to say about buying in the digital wholesale marketplace: "In this day and age when you have so many devices, why not buy digitally? It’s an easier platform. As long as you do your homework up front, you know what you’re bidding on. One of the main benefits is when I have a client looking for a particular vehicle that I can’t find locally, I have the confidence to go outside my region, look at some cars and know they’re described as they should be. All I have to do is just push a button and buy a car."

In addition to growing its various digital-only platforms, Manheim has also ramped up the number of Digital Blocks across its physical footprint, which now comprise 20% of the company’s physical lanes (up 30% in the last three months). Digital Blocks provide all the things clients enjoy about a physical sale—the excitement, auctioneer and in-lane and online bidders. The only difference is that vehicles are shown on screens rather than being driven through the lanes

Manheim Tucson recently became the first location to go “all digital,” converting all of its lanes to Digital Blocks. Sales rates and vehicle values have continued to show strong results, proving that a digital sale can be just as successful as a physical one for buyers and sellers alike.

Through the end of 2019 and beyond, Manheim will continue investing in its digital platforms, bringing more choice and value to clients who transact in the largest and most trusted wholesale marketplace.

About Manheim (www.manheim.com)
Manheim® is North America's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With its omni-channel approach, Manheim Marketplace enables wholesale vehicle clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Approximately 17,000 team members help Manheim offer 7 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $61 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

Prestigious Annual Awards Name Kia Telluride Best New Model for 2020

IRVINE, Calif., November 20, 2019 – Following head-to-head testing, evaluation and data analysis of 2020 model-year vehicles, the experts at Kelley Blue Book today announce the 2020 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winners. Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Awards honor the top new model-year vehicles available in the U.S. market in 16 major categories, along with Kelley Blue Book’s newest award introduced last year, Best New Model. For 2020, the all-new Kia Telluride takes home top honors as Best New Model for its impressive combination of innovation and value in one of the hottest segments in the marketplace. 

Kelley Blue Book created the Best Buy Awards to help shoppers narrow down their new-car consideration list and purchase their next vehicle with confidence. These awards identify the best of all available 2020 models, with a special emphasis on value-per-dollar in both purchase and ownership experience.

“We understand how overwhelming it can be to shop for a new car, with so many considerations about hundreds of choices and many brand-new nameplates hitting the market every year,” said Karl Brauer, executive publisher for Kelley Blue Book. “For more than 90 years, Kelley Blue Book has helped shoppers find the right vehicle at the right price. The Best Buy Awards were designed to help consumers shop confidently by doing the heavy lifting for them. Our experts provide clear, detailed guidance on which specific car, truck, minivan and SUV models shoppers should prioritize and consider for their next new-car purchase.”

Starting with the more than 300 new models available for 2020, Kelley Blue Book’s annual Best Buy Awards are based on a year-long regimen of expert evaluation and testing of nearly every new vehicle available in America, with a specific focus on the best combination of quality, safety, comfort, driving dynamics, dependability, low ownership costs and affordability. As part of their decision-making process, Kelley Blue Book’s experts also analyze a wide array of vehicle-related data, including vehicle pricing, 5-Year Cost to Own data (which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, financing, fuel, fees and taxes for new cars), consumer reviews and ratings, and vehicle sales information. To be considered for Kelley Blue Book’s Best New Model award, the vehicle must be an all-new or significantly redesigned model offering a strong value proposition to consumers based on pricing, innovation and available standard technology and safety features.

2020 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winners

Best New Model: 2020 Kia Telluride

Simply put, the all-new Kia Telluride wowed us, boasting sophistication, practicality, comfort, and a host of standard safety features and technology, all in one of the leading segments on the market. Pair that with its substantial size, standout style, enjoyable driving experience and attractive starting price of just $31,690, and the Telluride’s impressive value story won our hearts as the Best New Model for 2020. 

Compact Car: 2020 Honda Civic

As the perfect combination of sporty yet practical, the fun-to-drive Honda Civic continues to be the benchmark for the compact car segment. The Civic’s variety of choices in body styles, trims and engines, along with its top-notch interior and plentiful standard equipment, offers unrivaled value in its class.

Midsize Car: 2020 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord offers handsome styling inside and out, a comfortable ride and capable performance, making it the quintessential family car. Despite being three years out from its last major redesign, the Accord continues to deliver on high expectations and remains on top with its enjoyable driving dynamics, value proposition and timeless design.

Subcompact SUV: 2020 Hyundai Kona

With loads of style packed in its youthful appearance, impressive safety systems, and choice of gasoline or all-electric powertrains, the Hyundai Kona returns this year as the Best Buy in its category.  The fuel-efficient Kona offers a terrific warranty, a long list of standard features and a variety of available upgrades to match your budget.

Compact SUV: 2020 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has a slightly revamped look for 2020 and continues to be a standout in its class with clean styling, a comfortable, roomy interior, and easy-to-drive demeanor. With a long list of features and a highly anticipated new Hybrid model coming soon, the CR-V epitomizes utility and dependability.

Midsize SUV – 2-Row: 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The smartly designed, roomy Hyundai Santa Fe is a well-appointed 2-row midsize SUV offering excellent value with a wide array of standard safety features and driver assist technology. With a spacious interior that pays attention to materials and build quality, the Santa Fe also has a top-notch warranty and impressive 5-Year Cost to Own and resale value numbers.

Midsize SUV – 3-Row: 2020 Kia Telluride

Not only is the all-new Telluride Kia’s largest, most sophisticated and most beautiful SUV to date, it’s the best among all players in its segment. The handsome and roomy Telluride includes a host of active safety features and amenities, along with a value proposition and warranty that propel it past the competition to the head of the pack.

Full-Size SUV: 2020 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is king of the full-size SUVs, a refined workhorse that artfully blends the ability to carry people in comfort with an appetite for true truck-like capability. With its rugged, chiseled looks and roomy, well-appointed interior, the Expedition also boasts a superb powertrain with notable fuel economy and tow ratings that exceed the competition.  

Minivan: 2020 Honda Odyssey

The value-packed Honda Odyssey remains the best family hauler, comfortably seating up to eight passengers with terrific quality and utility, refined driving manners and impressive safety features. The Odyssey shines in all areas, excelling in comfort, convenience and connectivity, along with class-leading low ownership costs. 

Pickup Truck – Midsize: 2020 Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado features best-in-class towing and impressive payload capacity at a price that is easy on the wallet. With its highly customizable cabin/box configurations and a comfortable interior with several convenient amenities, the Colorado also offers three different engines and solid resale values in its class.

Pickup Truck – Full-Size: 2020 Ford F-150

The best-selling vehicle in America remains the best bet among full-size pickups, and the Ford F-150 continues to impress. Filled to the brim with tech, convenience and safety features, the F-150 also offers six different engine choices, best-in-class payload capacity and impressive towing stats, all while being comfortable and roomy enough for families.

Electric Car: 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is the car that will make you believe in alternatives. With 258 miles of range (or more) on a full charge, several notable features, an impressive warranty and refreshing driving dynamics, the Kona Electric is an affordable everyman’s vehicle that is both easy to drive and easy to own. Bonus: Kona Electric still qualifies for a full $7,500 federal tax credit, along with any state and local incentives and rebates.

Plug-in Hybrid Car: 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid

Launched new for the 2018 model-year and winning a Best Buy Award three years in a row now, the Honda Clarity is offered in three very distinct variants: pure-electric, fuel cell, and PHEV. Boasting solid driving dynamics and a roomy passenger cabin, the Clarity’s plug-in powertrain features impressive range and fuel economy for the segment coupled with Honda’s notable safety, reliability and resale values.

Subcompact Luxury SUV: 2020 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is a true luxury SUV with subcompact dimensions, featuring upscale design and notable standard equipment. With fun driving dynamics and a value-laden collection of luxury, safety, performance, and technology smarts even in the base models, the Q3 is the new recommendable king of extra-small luxury SUVs.

Compact Luxury SUV: 2020 Audi Q5

With its sporty chassis and luxurious, tech-filled cabin, the Audi Q5 is a back-to-back Best Buy winner in its class, even among stiffer competition this year. Audi’s best-selling model continues to impress with its proven powertrain, superb interior and abundant technology.

Midsize Luxury SUV: 2020 BMW X5

The BMW X5 is one of the pioneers among luxury SUVs, and its most recent redesign has considerably upped its game. The latest X5 builds on its legacy with powerful, refined powertrains, class-leading ride and handling, and dynamic capabilities, standing out from the highly competitive class to capture its first Best Buy Award.

Luxury Car: 2020 Lexus ES

Offered with two powertrains (gasoline-only and gasoline-electric hybrid) to satisfy all, the seventh-generation Lexus ES swept us off our feet for the second year in a row and is more luxurious than ever. The ES effortlessly features superb comfort for all passengers, along with innovative technology at an alluring value.

For full coverage of the 2020 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards, including full editorial comments about each model, pricing details, videos and more, visit www.kbb.com/bestbuyawards.

To discuss this topic, or any other automotive-related information, with a Kelley Blue Book analyst on-camera via the company’s on-site studio, please contact a member of the Public Relations team to schedule an interview.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com).

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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Dealers on CDK Global DMS can now import both retail and lease deals into Digital Contracting on Dealertrack uniFI® platform; Lenders gain greater ability to contract

NORTH HILLS, N.Y., November 18, 2019 – Dealertrack F&I announced today an expanded integration with CDK Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDK) that brings together CDK Drive DMS and Dealertrack uniFI platform to enable faster funding for more dealers. Through the integration, dealers leveraging both systems can now seamlessly import their lease deals right from CDK Drive into Digital Contracting on Dealertrack uniFI platform, helping reduce manual data entry, contract errors and the frustrations of re-contracting. Lenders can gain the advantage of faster funding to the extensive CDK customer base.

The integration will assist dealers and lenders in addressing a pain point in the car buying process – filling out paperwork and contracts. According to the 2019 Cox Automotive Car Buyer Journey Study, less than half of consumers (42 percent) were satisfied with how long the process took at the dealership. Additionally, 47 percent of that time is spent negotiating and filling out paperwork.[1]

“Every extra step a dealer must take in the contracting process, from switching between systems to re-entering data, can cut into efficiency and detract from the car buying experience,” said Cheryl Miller, senior vice president and general manager of Dealertrack F&I and Titling Solutions. “Through the integration with CDK, we’re able to better connect data between systems to ensure dealers can drive the more accurate, streamlined workflow that today’s customer expects.”

Until now, most dealers have only been able to import retail deals from CDK Drive into Digital Contracting on Dealertrack uniFI platform. However, as leasing continues to hover at near-record levels, making up more than 32 percent of retail sales in 2019 according to Kelley Blue Book2 the need to offer the same import capabilities for lease deals has become a priority.

With the lease integration between Dealertrack and CDK, more dealers can now simplify the process of sending contracts electronically because customer information and all necessary deal data will automatically populate from the dealer’s DMS into Dealertrack uniFI platform – no matter the type of deal. Enabling this greater connectivity and paperless contracting workflow, dealers leveraging Digital Contracting on Dealertrack uniFI platform can deliver a superior customer experience with the ability to speed up funding from an average five days to as fast as same day.3

“Implementing this integration underscores our commitment and focus on providing an open environment through our secure, industry leading DMS platform that fosters continued innovation and delivers value-added experiences for our customers and the industry,” commented Bob Marvin, senior vice president, business leader, Core DMS at CDK.

For more information about this integration, visit go.dealertrack.com/LeaseContracts.

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1 Cox Automotive, Car Buyer Journey Study, 2019.

2 Kelley Blue Book, Monthly Best Info Report, September 2019.

3 Dealertrack User Data, August 2018 – August 2019.

About Dealertrack

Dealertrack provides industry-leading software solutions that give dealerships, lenders, and partners the confidence to thrive in an ever-changing automotive market. The company’s integrated suite of powerful easy-to-use products and services helps dealerships and their lending partners grow by increasing efficiency and improving decision-making. Dealertrack is part of the Cox Automotive family, a company that is transforming the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars. Dealertrack—along with its unmatched network of dealership and lending partners—is improving the car buying experience by embracing the technologies that will shape the future of automotive retail. For more information about Dealertrack, visit www.dealertrack.com.

About CDK Global, Inc.

With $2 billion in revenues, CDK Global (Nasdaq: CDK) is a leading global provider of integrated information technology solutions to the automotive retail and adjacent industries. Focused on enabling end-to-end automotive commerce, CDK Global provides solutions to dealers in more than 100 countries around the world, serving approximately 30,000 retail locations and most automotive manufacturers. CDK solutions automate and integrate all parts of the dealership and buying process, including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, parts supply, repair and maintenance of vehicles. Visit cdkglobal.com.

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Picard to foster collaborative relationships with NAAA, NIADA, IARA and others to influence
the future of automotive remarketing

ATLANTA, Ga. (Nov 12, 2019) – Building on its leadership within the industry and bold actions that are paving the way for clients to thrive, Manheim has named Julie Picard to the new role of vice president of Industry Partnerships. She will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for all automotive industry groups, including the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) where she is currently the president-elect and will serve as NAAA president in 2021. In addition, she will work with Cox Automotive’s Government Affairs and Industry Relations teams to address key issues facing its partners and the industry.  

“Julie’s reputation as a leader with high integrity and a clear vision for the future – combined with her strong relationships and influence in the industry – make her the ideal choice for this important role,” said Patrick Brennan, senior vice president of Manheim Marketplace. “Her knowledge of the economic, commercial and political environment will help others in the industry understand our vision for the future while driving our company, our industry and our clients toward innovative solutions.”

Throughout her 28-year career with Manheim, Picard has held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, starting with controller and manager of finance and administration for Manheim Seattle in 1992. Most recently, she served as west region vice president, developing and implementing strategies for 14 auctions designed to drive business growth, market share and profitability. Before that, her leadership positions included vice president and general manager of Manheim Pennsylvania where she oversaw the world’s largest auto auction and market vice president.

“Julie’s experience in the industry, business skills and leadership abilities made her an excellent choice to serve on our board,” said NAAA Chief Executive Officer Frank Hackett. “She values team engagement, collaboration, talent development and strategic planning, all of which are important for the advancement of our association and the vehicle remarketing industry.”

Picard is a graduate of the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an alumnus of the Cox Executive Leadership Program. She has been honored for her industry leadership as one of Auto Remarketing’s “2013 Women in Remarketing” and with the prestigious 2013 Laurie Dobberphul Top Achiever Award, presented by GE Remarketing.

About Manheim (www.manheim.com)

Manheim® is North America's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With its omni-channel approach, Manheim Marketplace enables wholesale vehicle clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Approximately 17,000 team members help Manheim offer 7 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $61 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

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New Strategic Partnership Brings Dealertrack Accelerated Title to the Total Loss Market 

NORTH HILLS, N.Y. & WESTCHESTER, Ill.--Dealertrack announces a new integration with IAA Inc. (NYSE: IAA), a leading global marketplace connecting vehicle buyers and sellers. Bringing together two industry leading technology solutions — IAA Loan Payoff™ and Dealertrack Accelerated Title®—will help mitigate the time-consuming process of managing a total loss claim requiring loan payoff and title release. Combined, this integration now offers lenders and insurers one cohesive digital solution that delivers positive and negative equity functionality, real-time payoff quotes, letters of guarantee, access to title vaults, and direct connection and ACH payments to lenders.

Based on internal analysis and interactions with multiple insurance providers, IAA estimates that there are more than 5 million cars declared a total loss each year and approximately 60 to 70% have loans that need to be paid off.1 The historically manual workflow of the total loss process typically takes 45 to 90 days to complete end-to-end.2 Based on the average price for cars declared total losses, this can tie up billions of dollars and slow consumers from returning to the auto retail market to purchase their next vehicle. This can negatively impact the customer experience and impede the productivity and profitability of lenders, insurers and the salvage auctions.

Integrating Dealertrack Accelerated Title and IAA Loan Payoff expands access to vehicle titles for all parties – lenders, insurers and salvage auctions. It creates a more digital, automated workflow that speeds up the loan payoff and title release process, lowering operational costs and easing friction between all parties.

“Time is money and lenders and insurers today cannot afford to get bogged down by the lengthy total loss settlement and lien payoff process,” said Kaitlin Gavin, vice president and general manager of Dealertrack Registration and Title Solutions. “Dealertrack Accelerated Title is a solution that no one else in the auto industry offers. Since inception, we have helped dealers efficiently submit more than $4 billion dollars in loan payoffs and receive expedited titles to ensure they can turn their inventory effectively.3 Partnering with IAA allows us to offer similar benefits to the total loss market, enabling insurers and lenders to seamlessly navigate total loss claims with negative equity that require a letter of guarantee from the lender.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with Dealertrack to address some of the most crucial pain points in the total loss claims process,” said Tim O’Day, president of U.S. operations for IAA. “By linking our strong insurer partner base with Dealertrack’s robust network of lenders, we’re building an unprecedented digital connection to ensure titles can be processed and claims can be closed faster than ever.”

Dealertrack sources auto loans from more than 7,400 lender partners and manages over 52 million paper and electronic titles, making them the largest automotive title management company in the U.S.4 Its Accelerated Title solution reduces the time it takes to process vehicle payoff and title release by up to 70%, creating cost savings for dealers accepting trade-ins.5 IAA Loan Payoff enables digital connectivity between insurance companies and auto lenders to address negative equity liens and a letter of guarantee resulting in a faster total loss settlement and lien payoff process.

The joint solution is currently in alpha pilot testing and will enter beta pilot testing in December 2019.

1, 2 IAA 2019 Data
3Dealertrack system data, September 30, 2019.
4 Dealertrack 2019 Data
5 Based on average industry timeframe for vehicle title release and vehicle payoff process of 18+ days, as determined by Dealertrack data.

About Dealertrack
Dealertrack provides industry-leading software solutions that give dealerships, lenders, and partners the confidence to thrive in an ever-changing automotive market. The company’s integrated suite of powerful easy-to-use products and services helps dealerships and their lending partners grow by increasing efficiency and improving decision-making. Dealertrack is part of the Cox Automotive family, a company that is transforming the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars. Dealertrack—along with its unmatched network of dealership and lending partners—is improving the car buying experience by embracing the technologies that will shape the future of automotive retail. For more information about Dealertrack, visit www.dealertrack.com.

About IAA
IAA, Inc. (NYSE: IAA) is a leading global marketplace connecting vehicle buyers and sellers. Leveraging leading-edge technology and focusing on innovation, IAA’s unique multi-channel platform processes approximately 2.5 million total-loss, damaged and low-value vehicles annually. Headquartered near Chicago in Westchester, Illinois, IAA has over 3,600 talented employees and over 190 facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. IAA serves a global buyer base and a full spectrum of sellers, including insurers, dealerships, fleet lease, rental car companies, and charitable organizations. IAA offers customers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at maximizing vehicle value, reducing administrative costs, shortening selling cycle time and delivering customers the highest economic returns. Buyers have access to industry leading, innovative vehicle evaluation and bidding tools, enhancing the overall purchasing experience. For more information visit www.iaai.com.

ATLANTA (November 7, 2019) –  It’s often said that for every car there is a buyer, however, the key to making the sale is giving buyers confidence in their purchases. For older and high mileage cars, certifications can give buyers the confidence they need to purchase vehicles faster, while giving sellers a competitive edge and stronger profits.

Research from a recent white paper from Manheim Consulting, “Certification Impact on Low Grade & High Mileage Units,” found certified wholesale vehicles sell faster and at rates four to eight percent higher than their uncertified counterparts. In fact, the benefits and returns only rise as mileage surpasses 75,000, signaling buyers are willing to pay a premium for the guarantee of a mechanically sound unit, even at a lower grade or higher mileage.

“Manheim’s goal is to build trust and confidence between buyers and sellers within the wholesale market,” said Brett Woods, vice president of Assurance at Cox Automotive. “While this data reinforces that vehicles with Certifications are at an advantage, we’re also reminded that giving buyers assurance before the sale is the best way to create a positive experience and earn loyalty.”

Manheim launched its own certification program, Manheim Certified, to improve profit margins for the seller and protect the interests of all parties involved. It provides buyers a 7-day, 300-mile guarantee, giving them more confidence to do business. If something does happen with the vehicle, Manheim will either repair the vehicle in-house, cover the costs of the repair or in periodic cases, take the vehicle back. In any case, sellers of Manheim Certified units are removed from the post-sale claims process, so they don’t have to worry about arbitration.

Further benefits and competitive advantages of certifications are:

- 4 to 8 percent greater returns per vehicle sale

- One third fewer arbitrations

- 6.6 percent more Simulcast sales

- 48 percent wider Simulcast audience reach and more bids per vehicle

Manheim Certified is currently available to all sellers in the Manheim marketplace. Vehicles must be under 125,000 miles, have an InSight Condition Report and be on-site to qualify. To learn more about how certifications help dealers sell inventory faster and increase buyer confidence when purchasing on the wholesale market, please visit www.manheim.com.

About Manheim (www.manheim.com)
Manheim® is North America's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for inventory management, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. With its omni-channel approach, Manheim Marketplace enables wholesale vehicle clients more efficient ways to connect and transact business how and when they want. Approximately 17,000 team members help Manheim offer 7 million used vehicles annually, facilitating transactions representing nearly $61 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.

Increased Real-time Access to Key Client Information Streamlines the Car Buying Process 

MISSION, KANSAS, November 7, 2019 — VinSolutions and INFINITI announce  the integration between INFINITI’s ICAR-X Sales app and VinSolutions Connect CRM, combining the two databases to give retailers unabridged access to key customer information from one centralized source. Through this integration INFINITI retailers now have the enhanced ability to offer a seamless online to in-store experience that clients prefer, giving INFINITI retailers a competitive edge and signaling an important milestone for the CRM as a platform pioneering the digital showroom experience. 

“INFINITI retailers know utilizing comprehensive data takes the guesswork out of creating a successful client experience, but want a convenient single-source collection process that complements the efficiency they’re trying to achieve with their clients,” said Lori Wittman, general manager of VinSolutions and senior vice president of Dealer Software Solutions at Cox Automotive. “With this communication between databases, ICAR-X is greater than the sum of its parts, and delivers on its promise to improve the showroom sales and data delivery processes to enhance INFINTI client interactions.”

Until now, INFINITI retailers seeking to leverage data to improve their sales strategy had to use the two independent databases, VinSolutions Connect CRM and INFINITI ICAR-X Sales, to collect key client information. This double process made for a less than optimal user and client experience.

With the enhanced INFINITI ICAR-X Sales patented app-based platform, retailer staff have access to both VinSolutions Connect CRM and INFINITI databases from a single portal. Sales consultants can search and enter data once in both systems without the need for double entry. ICAR-X Sales also helps retailers solve problems with information accessible at their fingertips, assist with a more professional consultation, and ultimately drive a better experience while making the vehicle buying process more efficient.

“Clients are becoming more inclined to prefer a retail experience that marries the convenience of digital with the tangible showroom experience, whether starting the process online or in a showroom” said Matt Wilson, Director INFINITI Global Client Experience. “ICAR-X Sales has already given staff at several INFINITI retailers using VinSolutions Connect CRM the ability to access the most up-to-date client data from a single source, paving the way to the coveted digital showroom experience that has proven to increase client satisfaction.” 

The ICAR-X Sales app is available on the Apple App Store, Google Play and the Microsoft App store for tablet and smartphone use.

About VinSolutions

As the provider of Connect CRM, a leading dealership customer relationship management system, VinSolutions helps more than 5,000 dealers make every connection count. VinSolutions products integrate dealership systems, processes and tools to deliver a single view of the customer across the business – so dealers can focus on building relationships throughout the sales cycle. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Mission, Kansas, VinSolutions fosters dealership success by providing a fully customizable suite of solutions, including equity mining, market pricing and desking tools, combined with the continuous, personal support of a designated Performance Manager. VinSolutions is OEM certified by every major manufacturer and is Autosoft, CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds and Dealertrack DMS certified. VinSolutions is a Cox Automotive™ brand.

About INFINITI

INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with representations in 50 markets around the world. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of luxury automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico and China.  INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its industry-leading client services, having received the top overall ranking in the 2018 JD Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index and AMCI's Most Trusted Brand in the luxury segment, as well as its world's first driver assistance technologies and daring designs. From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.

Find more information about INFINITI, its industry leading technologies and the all-new 2019 QX50 midsize luxury crossover at www.INFINITIUSA.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

Statesville, NC (Nov. 1, 2019) – Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation and Autotrader announced the return of the Tribute 2 Veterans presented by Autotrader program which will honor America’s heroes during a 2020 race weekend.

Starting today, friends and family of former service members can submit a veteran’s name to be featured on the No. 2 Autotrader Ford Mustang that Keselowski will pilot during the March 2020 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“Carrying the names of veterans to Victory Lane on my Autotrader Ford Mustang last year was one of the highlights of my 2019 season,” said Keselowski. “I’m incredibly thankful to have sponsors like Autotrader that provide my family and the Checkered Flag Foundation the opportunity to honor veterans in unique ways. We are always looking for creative opportunities to honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Featuring veterans’ names on my car again next season at Atlanta Motor Speedway is just one small way for us to honor these heroes, while also raising funds that will allow the foundation to continue its mission.”

The tax-deductible donation cost is $100 per submission to be part of the campaign, with proceeds benefiting the Checkered Flag Foundation in its mission to honor and assist those who have sacrificed for our country and our communities. Each veteran submission will receive a personalized certificate and a commemorative poster of the No. 2 Autotrader Ford Mustang displaying the names of the veterans along with a letter of thanks from Keselowski.

Those wishing to submit a veteran’s name can do so here. Submissions will be accepted through Tuesday, December 31, 2019.

Participating individuals in the program can use #Tribute2Veterans on social media to show their involvement and support of the program.

About Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation

Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation honors and assists those who have sacrificed greatly for our country and communities. Since 2010, the foundation has supported hundreds of organizations and individuals in order to help veterans and first responders during their road to recovery. Visit www.CheckeredFlagFoundation.org for details.

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today’s empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader’s comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

About Team Penske

Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 540 major race wins, over 620 pole positions and 36 Championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. Over the course of its 53-year history, the team has also earned 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. Team Penske currently competes in the NTT IndyCar Series, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team also races in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, in a partnership with Dick Johnson Racing, as DJR Team Penske. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.