Expert advice: Unlocking AI’s full potential in automotive retail for 2026

Discover how AI can help dealers build trust, streamline operations, and drive sales from the experts at from Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer.

By Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer • Dec. 15, 2025

One Penske dealer group acquires another Penske dealer group

The acquired Toyota and Lexus dealerships collectively sold more than 28,000 new and used vehicles in 2024.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 12, 2025

Asbury Automotive promotes Dan Clara to CEO

He becomes the dealership group’s new president and CEO after serving since February as chief operating officer.

By Jim Henry • Dec. 11, 2025

Fed trims main rate by quarter-point, forecasts one cut in 2026

Policymakers reduced borrowing costs for the third time in 2025 amid persistent signs of cooling in the labor market.

By Jim Tyson • Dec. 11, 2025

LA Auto Show vehicles reveal dealers must prepare for electrified future

With myriad electrified powertrain options now on the market, automakers told WardsAuto they are committed to boosting training for dealer sales staff.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 9, 2025

Rush to beat fed EV tax break still weighs on market: Experian

Deals signed off before Sept. 30 continue to percolate through to vehicle sales.

By Jim Henry • Dec. 8, 2025

Going beyond “look to book” to improve appraiser performance

Unlock the secrets to appraising more cars — and making every offer count.

Dec. 8, 2025

Sonic Automotive to regrow, revise EchoPark network

President Jeff Dyke discusses his company’s new approach to refocus the used-only dealerships.

By Jim Henry • Dec. 4, 2025

Megadealer Rita Case still keen on car industry

The head of a major dealership group credits technology for taking auto retailing to greater efficiencies.

By Steve Finlay • Dec. 2, 2025

Carter Myers Automotive moves into Maryland with Toyota and Hyundai acquisitions

Virginia-based dealership group likes smaller cities where its culture thrives.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 1, 2025

Why a proactive acquisition strategy is dealers’ best defense against inventory volatility

Stay ahead of inventory swings—discover smart sourcing strategies and digital tools for dealers.

Dec. 1, 2025

How Mohawk Honda drives end-to-end used vehicle success with vAuto Solutions

See how the right data, strategy and workflows help Mohawk Make More.

Dec. 1, 2025

Grappone Auto Group secured for the family as daughter buys out dad

Amanda Grappone Osmer sells off Toyota franchise to keep control of the group for future generations.

By Alysha Webb • Nov. 25, 2025

Carvana on target to sell 3M cars in next 5-10 years

The mega-dealer group’s acquisition of auction site Adesa is starting to pay dividends, per a recent earnings call.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 20, 2025

Ford to sell certified pre-owned vehicles on Amazon Autos

As part of a new partnership with the e-commerce giant, customers can purchase a CPO Ford vehicle online, then pick up in-person at a local dealer.

By Eric Walz • Nov. 18, 2025

In automotive lending, AI and people are better together

Technology should empower, not replace, human judgment. AI can predict probabilities, but people understand possibilities.

By Aaron Bickart • Nov. 17, 2025

US, South Korea formalize details of July trade pact

The U.S. will limit tariffs on imports from South Korea to 15%, including on cars and auto parts. The rates are retroactively effective as of Nov. 1.

By Phil Neuffer • Updated Dec. 2, 2025

Auto sales are years away from industry’s pre-COVID levels: Asbury CFO

While Asbury saw record third-quarter revenues, CFO Michael Welch said the industry's vehicle sales remain short of the 17 million reached in 2019.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 14, 2025

Subprime auto loans fall as lenders tighten credit in Q3

Increases in auto delinquencies spook credit companies, while the New York Federal Reserve reports 90-day late payments are the highest since Q2 2020.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 12, 2025

Penske, Group 1 hoping for luxury-car bonanza at year’s end

Traditional holiday consumer incentives by premium brands are expected to boost dealers’ bottom line.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 7, 2025

Autobahn Fort Worth’s luxury franchises add Cadillac dealerships

Group President Brendan Harrington said Autobahn’s Texas acquisitions provide vehicle solutions for the entire family.

By Alysha Webb • Nov. 5, 2025

Sonic Auto Q3 results: Customer trades are aces for franchised versus used-only stores

Trade-ins achieved better prices for new-car dealers than those seen from auction houses.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 5, 2025

AutoNation reduces its exposure to low-margin EVs

The megadealer is looking to increase luxury-brand sales to boost profits going into the new year, CEO Mike Manley said on the company’s earnings call.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 4, 2025

Fairhurst Automotive acquires CDJR dealership using trust funds

Stellantis is more open to providing opportunities to first-time owners than other OEMs, according to an M&A specialist.

By Alysha Webb • Oct. 29, 2025

Automotive industry conferences to watch in 2026

Expected focus areas of the industry events next year include electric vehicles, hybrid powertrains, battery technology and the expansion of vehicle software and connectivity.

By Eric Walz • Updated Feb. 2, 2026