Experian Automotive’s Q3 auto finance report finds EVs were leased at a significantly higher rate than a year ago, setting the stage for a future disruption to the used car market. +
Cox Automotive’s Q4 Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index finds dwindling optimism among retailers as escalating costs, prices and uncertainty affect profits and consumer confidence. +
U.S. dealers enjoyed gains in F&I profit per vehicle retailed, products per deal and monthly F&I income in the third quarter, offsetting losses in average front end gross and total gross per vehicle. +
CDK analysts report U.S. dealers earned a 66% “Easy to Purchase” score last month, down from 85% in October and the single lowest score in the survey’s history. +
Hudson Automotive Group has acquired all 15 Baton Rouge, La.-area All Star Automotive dealerships, which collectively account for 17% of the market’s new vehicle sales. +
Protective’s Rick Kurtz urges dealers and agents to maximize F&I product sales by treating every presentation as an opportunity to help customers manage affordability and mitigate risk. +
A new Cars.com survey of U.S. car shoppers finds 44% are already using AI-powered search tools built into online marketplaces and 97% believe AI will affect their vehicle selection. +
Ford dealers in select cities have a new marketplace for certified pre-owned units: Amazon Autos, where shoppers can secure financing, start their paperwork and schedule a dealership visit. +
Team Velocity and VINCUE have partnered to launch Trade Cycle Intelligence, a new, AI-based solution designed to target and engage customers who may be in the market for a new vehicle. +
Lotlinx analysts say new vehicle sales and supplies improved in a third quarter marked by a run on new EVs while a growing need to clear out 2025 units could produce an incentive-rich Q4. +
