Automotive and Insurance Industry News

Auto Industry Announces 'Hire The Heroes' Program

 MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 31/ -- In an effort to combat a looming shortage of qualified auto repair technicians, a leading automotive industry group is joining forces with the U.S. military to match qualified recent military veterans with available jobs.   

The new initiative, known as Hire the Heroes, will provide links between auto dealers and military outplacement agencies to make career paths in auto retailing available to veterans making the transition to civilian life. The pool of recent military veterans includes technologically savvy, motivated workers whose skills may be easily adaptable to auto repair positions and other auto dealership careers. 

Banker's Integration Group Provides Auto Dealers With Online Financing Compliant with Patriot Act Plus FTC Mandates  

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 31/ -- Bankers Integration Group a web-based financial interface that links lenders with auto dealers, announced it is the only online auto loan software compliant with the Patriot Act and FTC Mandates.  

The BIG software provides dealers with loan compliance for The Patriot Act, which requires auto dealers to report the sale of a vehicle to known terrorists.  Dealers not in compliance are subject to fines up to $10 million.  Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandates that all auto dealers store auto loan applications up to 25 months. BIG will store the data for 36 months at no charge to dealers.

Dodge Ram SRT-10 Guinness World Record Holder 

CHELSEA, Mich., Feb. 2/ -- The Dodge Ram SRT-10, powered by a 500-hp Viper engine, blasted into the Guinness Book of World Records as the "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck." 

Not modified in any way for additional power or enhanced aerodynamics, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 posted a two-lap, both-directions average speed of 154.587 mph on the 4.71-mile oval at the DaimlerChrysler Proving Grounds. The record run by the Dodge Ram SRT-10 was certified by Guinness World Records.  The previous record was 147.54 mph, set last July by the Ford SVT F-150 Lightning, before the Dodge Ram SRT-10 went into production. 

Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Santa Fe Win '2004 Car Book Best Bets'  

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 2/ -- Four of the six Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. were named "2004 Car Book Best Bets" by publishers of The Car Book 2004.  The Hyundai Accent, the  Elantra, the Sonata sedan and the Santa Fe sport utility vehicle were honored as "2004 Car Book Best Bets" in the latest edition of The Car Book.   

The awards are based on objective information collected from the government and independent sources.  Only those vehicles that have ratings all of the key Car Book categories are considered as potential Best Bet candidates. 

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