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Autos and the New Generation

Nicky — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:47:21 +0000

Generation Y adults are making it more difficult for the auto world by not having such a large dependence on cars. Todays generation is more likely to buy items such as software, computers, smart phones, or music. Motorists from the ages of 21-30 make a up market of about 80 million people.
Although sales are not expected to decrease, they will not likely be as high as the baby boomers generation who make more multiple car purchases and view cars as a status object. Instead, they are looking for cars that are more affordable and simplistic.

The generation Yers tend to see cars as an environmental threat. Even with the new Hybrid and electric cars, many still view autos as being a polluter. Auto manufacturers and dealers alike are scrambling to find a way to appeal to this generation as the baby boomer’s generation turns 65 next year and won’t be their largest consumer base any longer.

Leadpile works closely with auto finance leads and still has a large demand that tell us people are still interested in purchasing vehicles. Todays consumers might be looking for different types of vehicles,but they are still looking nonetheless.

Gas Prices Drop

Nicky — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:42:43 +0000

Gas prices should begin to decline, according to survey editor Trilby Lundberg. Lower prices of crude oil due to the recent oil disaster should reflect lower prices for gasoline. Just a couple weeks ago, an average barrel price was between $81-82.50 and has dropped between $75-78.

The current national average for regular, unleaded self-serve gas is $2.77. The highest gas prices are currently in San Francisco at $3.21 per gallon, and the lowest prices are in Jacksonville for $2.54. If the gas prices continue to coincide with oil prices, we could expect lower prices.

Cheaper gas prices can lead to more people going online for auto finance loans to get back into driving! Leadpile has a large demand for these lead types, and hopefully a price decline in gas will help those people in affording a car.

What Daily Habits Really Cost

Monica Vo — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:11:13 +0000

These days, everyone is looking for a way to save some of the hard-earned dollars we are all clinging onto so tightly. Most people would probably say they have really cut back on their spending. However, people spend money as a part of their daily routine and a couple bucks here or there never really compute to the reality of what that number looks like over the course of a year. Walletpop.com recently published an article highlighted exactly what some of these bad habits really cost you, and after reading it, you might cringe yourself. According to the article, if a person participates in all of the daily spending habits, they are looking at around $12,288.50 per year. We’ve listed just a few of these habits that were highlighted in the article below.

Soda
For example, if you go to the vending machine or the gas station one time a day and spend $1.50 on a soda, that translates into $547.50 a year (before tax). Make that three a day and that’s a whopping $1,642.50.

Coffee
The daily trip to the barista for one cappuccino a day will cost you on average $1,442 per year. If it’s only during the work week, you’re still looking at $1,031 per year.

Lottery
A buck to win millions of dollars.

Doesn’t sound bad, does it? But, you do that every day and you’re looking at $365 per year in lottery tickets. And do people usually just buy one? Probably not. Statistics say you have more chances of getting in a car accident, plane accident or struck by lightening than winning the lottery. Doesn’t mean it’s impossible to win. After all, Hurley won, right? But, wouldn’t you like to put that $365 back into your savings account?

French Fries
Now we all know how bad French Fries are for you, so never mind the medical expenses they may cause down the road from health problems. But, getting fries with your combo meal three times a week at a fast food restaurant will cost an extra $80 per year. Get fries with your restaurant meal twice a week and you are looking at $312 per year.

Car Maintenance
Before you go out and purchase a new car, consider the cost to keep your current one. Small changes in the maintenance of your car can save money and is much less expensive than a car payment. Driving your car with the correct amount of pressure in the tires could save you as much as $172 per year. A clogged air filter could cost $180 per year.

Cigarettes
This is one of the more expensive categories. A pack of cigarettes at the gas station will cost anywhere from $5 to $10/pack depending on what state you live in. At that price, one pack per day translates between $1825 and $3650. Make that two packs a day and you are looking at $3650 to $7300 per year.
There’s probably 50 other things we all mindlessly spend money on, but it’s always good to take a step back and evaluate the budget and determine where to cut back and where to spend more. We still have to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, so if that Starbucks coffee or lottery ticket puts an extra bounce in your step, then by all means enjoy it.

Looking To Purchase A Car & Don’t Have A Down Payment?

Mari Woods Holt — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:23:58 +0000

We all know payday loans don’t exactly have the best image, however there are a need for them in certain situations. I came across this article on personalmoneystore.com, discussing a very interesting type of loan. This “automobile down payment loan” is said to be a loan that no credit check is performed, and there is no collateral securing this loan. However, after reading more about this, I thought this reminded me of a payday loan, but with a different name.

We all know lending requirements have gotten a lot more strict, however consumers still need to pay close attention to the specifics of any money they are getting. Don’t get me wrong, this is not necessarily a bad thing that consumers should not look at. However, maybe the key to getting a more positive image on the payday loan industry is to put different “names” on the loans. Leadpile will keep an eye out for any other names we identify as a payday loan.

GM & Ford Have A Bright Idea!

Mari Woods Holt — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:45:11 +0000

Hyundai started the trend and now GM and Ford are jumping on the bandwagon. These automakers have rolled out new “job loss” protection plans for those looking to purchase a car. According to The Washington Post, “U.S. automobile sales are barely running above an annualized pace of 9 million this year. By comparison, car companies in recent years have sold 16 million to 17 million vehicles. Analysts say the sharp drop suggests that Americans have grown so reluctant to buy new cars that they are even holding back on replacing vehicles that have been in accidents or no longer run.” GM’s job loss plan would cover up to nine car payments of $500 each for customers who lose their jobs, and Ford is offering payments of up to $700 for 12 months.
I am not sure of the specific details of these plans and what sort of “criteria” they set, however this is a positive for those that were a little reluctant on buying a new car. With a little (or lot) of government help, and these sorts of plans being rolled out, maybe there is some chance the auto industry can get back on it’s feet????? Leadpile Lead Exchange is excited about the possibility that there might be some light at the end of this very loooooooong tunnel.

WANTED: Car Czar

Mari Woods Holt — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:59:30 +0000

Here is the latest news on what is going on with the struggling auto industry. Automakers are trying to get congress to approve a bailout for them, yet FORD has announced it does not need any help. However, congress wants to add a stipluation in with this potential “deal”… that is a “car czar”. This car czar would potentially be there to monitor every aspect of the money, evaluate the business relationships they have, and oversee everything else related to the industry.

So, what is a car czar and what is congress wanting this “person” to do? According to NPR news, a few traits that is recommended is someone who knows industrial companies and can follow the money. Another person states the car czar must have financial smarts who is going to make decisions that are going to benefit Americans. However, is this something one person can truely take on? How about a committee that governs these future decisions that are made?
Leadpile Lead Exchange is definitely interested in this industry because we work a lot with the auto finance lead type. What happens in the automakers “world” affects our marketplace. We will be keeping an eye on what happens with the automakers and if they really decide to hire a car czar.

The Importance Of The Internet To The Auto Industry

Mari Woods Holt — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:07:56 +0000

In past years, the internet did not play a big part in a company’s product sales. Today, this is certainly not the case. The internet is a major player in generating revenue for all industries. Specifically, financial related websites are very popular for consumers to find out information and also purchase items. Leadpile Lead Exchange is no different. The highest demanded leads in our marketplace are financial related lead types. These are companies wanting to provide financial services to consumers looking for assistance.
The auto industry is also no different than our marketplace, and other companies generating business online. According to DMNews, internet generated car sales will rise from 5.1 millions in 2007 to 7.7 million in 2012. This means that auto makers, no matter what their future status is, need to be visible on the internet in order to generate car sales. This would mean that with the tight economy and not as many people out shopping for a car, auto makers must utilize search engines and SEO efforts to get the much needed attention of consumers. DMNews also stated that Nissan North America, Chrysler and GM have done the best with utilizing search marketing.
So does this also mean that those auto lead exchanges that are not focusing on any other lead type are suffering right now? My guess would be yes. Leadpile Lead Exchange is also feeling the effects of less consumers online looking for a new car, however that is why diversifying the lead types we generate is so very important. People are in dire need of other financial services besides just getting a new car, and we want to be able to help with that.

GMAC Only Lending to 700+ FICO

Mari Woods Holt — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:02:06 +0000

In recent news, GMAC announced it would only offer auto loans to consumers with a credit score of 700+. According to Reuters.com, GMAC is only wanting to extend credit to those with good credit, and is also saying it will be doing more shorter term loans. This is in direct response to the economy and what is happening to the auto industry. GMAC expects these changes to remain in place until the economy stabilizes. In addition to these changes that are affecting consumers, GMAC says, “it has increased the rate it charges car dealers for providing standard auto financing by 75 basis points.” Therefore, this is not only affecting the consumer who is getting the car, but also those that are selling the cars.
Leadpile Lead Exchange works a lot with auto finance and car purchase leads. Situations like this, in the lending world, are going to affect the average “joe” who buys a car. This is where the auto finance lead type could become more demanded because generally you are talking about consumers that don’t have the perfect credit like GMAC is wanting. These consumers still need funding and there are still options out there for them, even though their credit is not “perfect”. Those dealers being affected by the GMAC decision should look at joining our lead exchange. We have the ability to connect you with consumers that are looking for a car and want it now.

Tesla Roadster: Auto Makers Biggest Threat?

Mari Woods Holt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:19:36 +0000

With all the demand for autos to become more eco-friendly, high performance AND attractive looking, Tesla Motors feels like they have what people are maybe looking for. This high demanded car is the Tesla Roadster. The battery operated car is a 2 seater sports car that you can customize fully. Unfortunately, the price tag is not affordable to most consumers at $109,000. According to their website, there is a 12 month wait to get one built. Their goal is to roll out a 4 door sedan at around $60, 000, which is much higher then the GM’s sedan (Volt)they will be rolling out in 2010. GM is estimating the cost of their battery operated sedan to be around $40,000. I will say there is a very interesting fact about the chairman of Tesla Motors, and that is that he was the co-founder of Paypal. Time will tell if this Silicon Valley start-up can get the auto world headed in the right direction towards a more eco-friendly world.
Leadpile Lead Exchange generates a lot of auto finance leads. Unfortunately, I am not sure we are going to come across advertisers/dealers in our marketplace able to provide this new beauty…..yet. However, we do welcome any company able to generate auto finance leads!

GM Discount Going Away… Get Your Auto Finance Now!

Mari Woods Holt — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:19:06 +0000

Now might be the time to go out and get your new GM auto. According to MSNBC, the employee discount promotion will not be extended past the end of this month. If you are wanting any type of GM, now would be the time to go out and get it and save some money! The discount was saving some consumers anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars on that new car. This promotion has been going on since mid August, however sales are still down from the year before. Fortunately, it has allowed GM to have less of a “slump” compared to Ford and Chrysler.
If you are a consumer who is wanting to get that new auto NOW.. Let Leadpile connect you with dealerships in your area. Go to my loan and debt website to get matched up with an auto dealer.
If you are a publisher or advertiser, we would love to work with you here at Leadpile Auto Lead Exchange to connect consumers with dealership near them!