Ally Financial Inc., the number one overall retail automotive finance company has expanded its financial program to include a course on Auto Finance. This class is designed to provide consumers with easy-to-understand information on car buying, leasing and options with auto insurance.

“Consumers are wise to equip themselves with personal finance knowledge that can help them make educated decisions when buying or leasing a vehicle,” said Mike Kane, vice president of Consumer Credit Operations at Ally Financial.

The automotive finance curriculum provides consumers with information on:

- The pros and cons of buying versus leasing a vehicle.

- How to shop for a vehicle.

- Key terms to know when buying or leasing a vehicle.

- The ins and outs of vehicle insurance.

- Optional features that consumers may consider on their finance contract or lease agreement.

The class offers community-based, in-person sessions, as well as online courses through www.allywalletwise.com. Ally plans to continue updating the curriculum with new features and content over time. “With both the in-person and online options available, Wallet Wise can provide consumers with valuable information that can be applied to many personal finance challenges, helping them achieve their longer-term goals.”

Santa already knows who’s been naughty and nice (after all, the Honda Naughty-or-Nice-atron told him), so he spent some time relaxing and surfing the 'net this week where he found some interesting automaker news. Here’s a roundup of a few of the top stories.

Use OnStar to Find Santa

OnStar advisors will be standing by on Christmas Eve to provide a "Santa Update" to OnStar subscribers. Just push the blue OnStar button in your car to find out the location of Santa, based on data from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), who has helped track Santa's journey for more than 50 years. Don't have OnStar? Check out the Official NORAD Tracks Santa website.

Got a Ford Explorer Question for Snoop Dogg?

No, that’s not a typo. Snoop Dogg, Bret Michaels, and Funkmaster Flex are some of the celebrities Ford has tapped to answer consumer’s questions about the 2011 Ford Explorer. Ford has been collecting questions from its fans on Facebook. The video responses are slowly being posted on the Ford YouTube site and the Ford Facebook page. A more traditional TV ad campaign will launch in January 2011.

MINI to Offer Standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio

MINI USA has announced that it will offer SIRIUS satellite radio as standard equipment on new model year 2011 MINI cars. Buyers who purchase a new 2011 MINI – including the new 2011 MINI Countryman – will receive an introductory one-year subscription to the “SIRIUS Everything” package. Standard subscription rates apply for future years.

Nissan Makes 2011 Nissan Versa Enhancements

Beginning with December production, all 2011 Nissan Versa trim levels will come standard with power windows and door locks. The MSRP of the 2011 Versa Sedan 1.6 Base 5MT model remains the same at $9,990.

TD Bank Group Acquiring Chrysler Financial

TD Bank will purchase Chrysler Financial for approximately $6.3 billion. The acquisition will give TD all of Chrysler Financial’s processes and technology, as well as its existing portfolio of retail assets in the U.S. and Canada. This move helps position TD as a top 5 bank-owned auto lender in North America.

Merry Christmas from the CarLocate.com Team!

You don’t plan specifically to cause a car accident (or to be in one at all, for that matter!). Nevertheless, in most states, you still must plan for how you’ll pay for injuries and property damage done to others if you cause an auto accident.

While there are a number of auto insurance carriers out there, we wanted to let you know about several programs that are available directly from the automakers or from their associated finance companies. These programs will help you be prepared in case of an accident – while also providing you some nice auto owner-specific benefits.

Automakers offering car insurance programs include:

• Audi
• BMW
• Chrysler Group (Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles)
• Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Vehicles)
• General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Vehicles)
• Subaru

By buying car insurance from your automaker or its finance company, you’re often able to take advantage of special group discount rates on the price of your insurance. In many cases, you’ll also receive towing or other concierge services that go beyond what other auto insurers might provide. By bundling your auto and home insurance coverage together, you’ll likely receive further discounts. In addition, most auto insurance programs from the automakers require body shops to make collision repairs using only genuine manufacturer replacement parts.

For specific information on each of these programs, check out our article Vehicle Insurance Programs from the Automakers.

Related Stories:  9 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance | Automaker Perks and Programs