Blog History

Most Viewed Posts

Your resource for developing sales and leadership excellence.
MaddoxSmye — Helping Leading-Edge Companies Close More Sales.
Nationwide — Buying Sub-Prime Paper Since 1954.
ad banner

The definition of a Blog, also known as a Web log, is: a frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links.

I’m fortunate in that as I cover the used-vehicle industry as a trade journalist, I’m exposed daily to news, opinions, rumor and facts about our industry as well insight and analysis from the nation’s leading experts, which includes our core readers — used car dealers. That places me in a perfect position to pass along what I’ve heard about our business to you. This blog will contain facts and opinion about the news of the day, trends and, yes, controversial topics. DBJ is a dealer advocacy publication. This blog will contain information designed to help dealers make better business decisions and, ultimately, add to their bottom line.

- Peter Salinas

Sat Feb 9th, 2008 1:35PM

What Will They Do with their Checks?

I interviewed long-time contact Art Spinella yesterday regarding the U.S. Government's tax rebate checks.

Art, president of CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore., said his polling shows that consumers will spend the money on buying down debt. Last time the government sent us some of our money back in 2001, 60 percent of the cash went toward an automotive-related purchase. This time, he said only 15 percent of those polled planned on spending it for an auto-related purchase. Still at $167 billion, that's $11 billion dealers need to fight for. I must question CNW's findings that 60 percent of the taxpayers want to buy down debt with the rebate. I believe that may be what they said they WANT to do with the money, but I have a hard time believe that is what the WILL do with the checks. I think more of it will be spent on big screen TVs, fishing equipment or a new coach or bathroom remodel than paying off the old credit card. What do you think? Send me an email at and I'll post some of your responses.

back to top