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

Explore the Trendline➔

Artificial Intelligence

Automakers and dealers alike are increasingly seeing the use case for AI within their operations. Explore some use cases in this trendline.

By WardsAuto staff

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

Lithia Motors prioritizes used-car sales as part of resilience strategy

Uncertainty fueled by many factors, including tariffs and cooling demand for electric vehicles, is behind the focus.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 28, 2025

Auto lenders are on the lookout for credit washing scams

In some instances, low-risk consumers on paper may actually be fraudulent borrowers, according to TransUnion.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 27, 2025

Trump to raise Canada tariffs by 10%

The announcement comes days after trade talks with Canada were suspended over an anti-tariff TV ad featuring parts of a 1987 speech by then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 25, 2025

LTA Auto Group makes first Northern California acquisition

The boss of the group’s parent company told WardsAuto that it plans an ambitious expansion plan in the Golden State.

By Alysha Webb • Oct. 22, 2025

US auto market bifurcated, report says

Data from the company’s Q3 2025 quarterly review highlights sales markets being driven by both bargain hunters and big spenders.

By Steve Finlay • Oct. 21, 2025

New-vehicle average transaction price hits record-high in September

The average new car cost topped $50,000 for the first time ever last month, according to Cox Automotive.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 20, 2025

Used vehicle prices rose slightly in September: Cox Automotive

Data showed brisk sales in Q3, but challenges lay ahead for Q4.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 17, 2025

US Auto Trust nabs Ferrari dealership as part of Boardwalk Auto acquisition

The deal also includes Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani and Czinger franchises.

By Alysha Webb • Oct. 15, 2025

Ford names global leaders for manufacturing, retail business

Bryce Currie and Andrew Frick now have expanded responsibilities as the company advances its Ford+ business strategy.

By Kalena Thomhave • Oct. 15, 2025

Amazon Autos expands used vehicle financing options

The e-commerce giant has partnered with Chase, Santander and Wells Fargo to give buyers additional lending choices.

By Larry Avila • Updated Oct. 17, 2025

EV demand isn’t falling off a cliff: Urban Science

Despite the end of a key tax credit, five other factors are still supporting demand for battery electric vehicles sales, per the consultancy.

By Alysha Webb • Oct. 9, 2025

Welcome to the new WardsAuto

We have a new website as a result of our combination with Automotive Dive. Here's a reminder of our mission.

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 3, 2025

Online vs. phone: Who wins in service appointments?

Despite OEMs’ digital push, most customers still prefer calling to book service – and expect real people, not endless phone trees.

By Steve Finlay • Oct. 1, 2025

New 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid plays to Subaru’s core audience

The offroad-oriented Japanese brand plots a hybrid future without losing the plotline.

By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 30, 2025

EV incentives dry up, costs stay high

Analysts say hybrid and plug-in hybrid growth will help offset declining pure-EV sales, giving dealers time to recoup charging and training investments.

By Alysha Webb • Sept. 30, 2025