Dealers
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Courtesy of Toyota
Auto finance in Q2 reflects boom in hybrid sales
Hybrids are surging in popularity; their monthly payments are lower on average than EVs and internal combustion engine models.
By Jim Henry • Sept. 3, 2026 -
Courtesy of Performance Brokerage Services
Utah-based dealership group acquires CDJR and GMC stores in Idaho
But new car sales are a small part of Mountain West Auto Group’s vertical integration.
By Alysha Webb • Sept. 2, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of Toyota Motor North America
TrendlineTop 5 stories from WardsAuto
Automakers are evaluating their long-term strategies, revisiting their product mix, and approach to both retail and manufacturing approach along the way.
By WardsAuto staff -
Courtesy of Hyundai
Hyundai, Amazon Autos aim for international expansion
At this time the automaker and e-commerce tech giant's online sales partnership remains limited to the U.S.
By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 1, 2026 -
Courtesy of Auto Exchange Chevrolet GMC
General Motors gives first-time dealers a chance to turn around troubled store
Alex Feldman and Michael Gitlevich refused to be discouraged when a broker told them no OEM would approve them as franchise owners.
By Alysha Webb • Aug. 27, 2026 -
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi confirms US-bound, Nissan-based pickup
The brand plans to shift from four models now to six by the end of 2027 — with a pickup and maybe an SUV in the works.
By Bengt Halvorson • Aug. 26, 2026 -
Getty Images
Why are auto loans surging at the low end of prime?
The industry is keeping an eye on rising loan volumes and borrowers' shifting credit ratings. We asked some experts to help make sense of the trendlines.
By Jim Henry • Aug. 25, 2026 -
Courtesy of Stellantis
Q&AStellantis’ US planning chief plots out Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram future
Highly modular vehicle platforms and flexibility on electrification will be key to seeing the vision through.
By Gary Witzenburg • Aug. 20, 2026 -
Courtesy of Sunny Rathore
A first-time owner partners with his employer to open a Nissan dealership
The opportunity appeared when Group 1 unexpectedly closed one of its Austin stores.
By Alysha Webb • Aug. 19, 2026 -
Getty Images
Carvana flourishes as used-car inventory grows
The second quarter saw Carvana set all-time records for revenue, net income and retail units sold.
By Jim Henry • Aug. 17, 2026 -
Permission granted by Sonic Automotive
Sonic Automotive aiming for ‘sweet spot’ of used-car market
President Jeff Dyke says used-car sales jump when average prices equal half of new-car prices.
By Jim Henry • Aug. 14, 2026 -
Permission granted by LaFontaine Automotive Group
Michigan-based LaFontaine Automotive Group joins Amazon Autos
The partnership promises transparent pricing and a streamlined purchase process, and LaFontaine says it’s the next evolution in an omnichannel retail strategy.
By Eric Walz • Aug. 11, 2026 -
Getty Images
Manheim index shows used EV values are rising
Gas prices increased in July after easing in June, keeping demand for used EVs firm, an analyst said.
By Jim Henry • Aug. 11, 2026 -
Burak Sür via Getty Images
Penske Automotive Group is riding a wave of lease returns
The surge of lease returns is good business even if lessees get their next vehicle at a different dealership.
By Jim Henry • Aug. 10, 2026 -
Fahroni via Getty Images
Group 1 Automotive overhauls its branding strategy
The company is pivoting away from legacy dealership names while acquiring a large footprint in markets it occupies.
By Jim Henry • Aug. 7, 2026 -
Courtesy of Nissan Motor UK/SMMT
UK automaker discounts on EV purchases not sustainable, trade group warns
Despite a double-digit jump in July new-vehicle registrations, the nation’s industry body claims automakers are “hemorrhaging billions” of pounds.
By Paul Myles • Aug. 7, 2026 -
Courtesy of Lithia Motors
Despite record revenues, Lithia works behind the scenes on customer affordability
The biggest U.S. megadealer group is adopting a new dealership management system and reconfiguring its organization.
By Jim Henry • Aug. 4, 2026 -
Courtesy of Asbury Automotive Group
Asbury Automotive’s big DMS switch hits the home stretch
The megadealer has converted 70% of its operations to a new, cloud-based system it hopes will access productivity and efficiency gains.
By Jim Henry • July 31, 2026 -
Getty Images
The Niello Company uses AI to make its dealerships’ staff more effective
While the California dealer group already puts AI to use in a range of tasks from compliance insights to crafting pay plans, its sales and finance director has suggestions for the future.
By Alysha Webb • July 29, 2026 -
Courtesy of Tesla Inc.
Amid an affordability pinch, premium brands risk losing luster to tech
Car shoppers are reprioritizing expectations, and having advanced technology in their vehicles matters — especially for those under 45, a recent study finds. So what can legacy OEMs do?
By Bengt Halvorson • July 27, 2026 -
Getty Images
Ally Financial sees loan applications rise to record levels in Q2
The lender's increase in applications from the top of the purchase funnel allows it to be more selective while growing volume.
By Jim Henry • July 24, 2026 -
Courtesy of Toyota
Penske and Mitsui seek to take Penske Auto private in $3.8B deal
Two current owners of global retailer Penske Automotive Group are offering $210 a share, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
By Jim Henry • July 23, 2026 -
Getty Images
Why auto dealer M&A activity could hit record levels in 2026
Dealers are increasingly eyeing luxury brands as well as volume franchises such as Honda and Toyota. But that's only part of the surge.
By Jim Henry • July 22, 2026 -
Courtesy of Kia America
Kia recalls nearly 463K Telluride SUVs due to fire risk from overheated power seat motors
To date, Kia has received no reports of injuries or crashes related to the issue despite several reports of fires beneath the front seats.
By Kalena Thomhave • July 17, 2026 -
Permission granted by Jay's Chevrolet
A first-time buyer from Canada becomes a dealer principal in Ohio
Satisfying the longtime owner’s demands was the biggest hurdle, said Jay Trivedi.
By Alysha Webb • July 17, 2026 -
Courtesy of Rivian
California offers $3,500 point-of-sale rebate for first-time EV buyers
The instant rebate is part of a broader $600 million incentive package Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law to keep the state a leader in clean transportation.
By Eric Walz • July 16, 2026
