Dealertrack’s Credit Availability Index increased to 98.3 last month, offering a counter to affordability concerns and continuing a trend toward loosening conditions that began more than a year ago. +

A new survey finds the 15% of dealers who have integrated or embedded AI tools and processes at their stores are more likely to report improved revenue, profitability and efficiency. +

Kelley Blue Book reports the average transaction price for a U.S.-sold new vehicle exceeded $50,000 for the first time in September despite increased incentive spending. +

Despite tightening among captive finance companies, the Credit Availability Index was essentially flat on a month-to-month basis in September, ticking back up to July’s 98.1 mark after falling by 0.2% in August. +

Carvana has added Park Cities Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to its growing franchised dealership footprint, bringing increased access to trade-in units as well as new risks for investors. +

Cox Automotive analysts say the average price of a pre-owned vehicle purchased from a U.S. dealer ticked down to $25,393 in August as sales improved amid a strong showing for CPO units. +

Americans spent an average of $49,077 to buy a new vehicle in August as KBB analysts report the biggest year-over-year price hike since 2023, driven by new models and strong EV sales. +

U.S. auto dealers remain confident in the market despite slowing profitability and traffic, expressing “cautious optimism” thanks to strong sales and low unemployment. +

Kelley Blue Book analysts say strong, steady incentive spending kept new vehicle prices in check in July, a month in which EV discounts soared to record highs ahead of significant changes to federal policy. +

Strong July sales reports were matched by a third consecutive month of improved credit access, according to Dealertrack’s latest Credit Availability Index, which climbed to 98.1. +