Analysts attributed the sales improvement partly to discounts offered buyers.

However, Mr. Barr also said the sponsor does have the right to sell the units without offering buyers prior access to them.

Suppliers often offer larger buyers an on-site representative to manage the oil store, manage distribution and monitor usage.

They outbid Cooke's son, John, who offered $680 million, and several other prospective buyers.

They post discounts the companies choose to offer and link buyers directly to sites where they can make purchases.

But some lawmakers immediately criticized the new plan for terms it offers potential buyers that they said could actually increase the cost of the bailout for taxpayers.

Many large cars still offer buyers a decent feature-per-dollar ratio and bottom-line prices only slightly higher than mainstream midsize sedans.

"Rather than being a lost building on a side street, this offers manufacturers, as well as buyers, the amenities that are necessary when people come in from out of town."

Morningstar says the funds "offer prospective buyers the comfort of an established track record and their portfolio managers the luxury of putting assets to work gently."

A leading American player has to have a strong brand image, a dealer network that offers good service and most important, put buyers first, Mr. Press said.