Dealers

Penske Automotive Group reports Q3 ahead of take-private deal

The dealer group saw revenues rise and profits fall year over year, but skipped the usual earnings call with investors as it awaits regulatory approval for the transaction to take it private.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 6, 2026

Sonic Automotive preps to launch brand awareness campaign for EchoPark

The campaign will cost $5 million to $7 million in the fourth quarter alone and aims to correct what executives see as lagging recognition for the 12-year-old used-car retail sales subsidiary.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 5, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 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

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid is an electric vehicle that runs on regular gas

Unique e-Power propulsion makes the Rogue Hybrid drive like an electric vehicle with a gasoline engine under the hood — and the accomplishment earns it 10 Best recognition.

By Bob Gritzinger • Nov. 4, 2026

2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR Sport feels more electrified

Performance tuning from Toyota Gazoo Racing adds a fun-to-drive factor to this efficient plug-in hybrid SUV — making it a Wards 10 Best winner.

By Drew Winter • Nov. 2, 2026

Asbury’s DMS platform shift is paying off for dealers and shoppers

The Tekion transition has boosted efficiency and productivity and streamlined the experience — and that eases pressure to cut margins despite an uptick in inventory of off-lease vehicles.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 2, 2026

Fed holds main interest rate steady despite accelerating inflation

Two policymakers on the Federal Open Market Committee dissented in favor of raising the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point.

By Jim Tyson • Oct. 29, 2026

Lithia Motors is seeing benefits from AI in service ‘pre-sales’

CEO Bryan DeBoer said AI agents rarely miss an opportunity to offer to change your windshield wipers, and it’s resulting in increased sales at the U.K. dealerships that already have the tech.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 28, 2026

Ally Financial sees significant growth in auto loan, lease originations

A strategy to have dealers pass through all applications, whether or not they meet approval standards, is paying off.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 27, 2026

Brampton sale, tariffs loom over Stellantis-Unifor labor talks

Experts see a recent strike authorization vote giving the union more tools to exact pressure, but ahead of the U.S. midterms neither side appears to be in a rush.

By Keith Nuthall • Oct. 27, 2026

2027 Hyundai Palisade’s advanced hybrid powertrain provides best of both worlds

The hybrid beats V-6 versions in power and efficiency: 30 mpg combined versus 20 mpg.

By Drew Winter • Oct. 26, 2026

LaFontaine Auto Group goes all-in with high-tech inspection system

UVeye’s CEO envisions its vehicle-scanning devices will someday be ubiquitous, including at places such as grocery store parking lots.

By Steve Finlay • Oct. 26, 2026

Volvo EX60 is a brilliantly executed EV

The midsize electric SUV offers more than 500 hp, very fast charging and space-efficient packaging.

By Gary S. Vasilash • Oct. 23, 2026

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic Electric delivers effortless performance

The GLC’s combination of strong performance and 350 miles of range without a gigantic battery pack wowed all the judges.

By Robin Warner • Oct. 19, 2026

Penske Automotive goes private at $16.3B valuation

Mitsui & Co. and Penske Corp. are purchasing the remaining stake they don’t own, dividing Penske Automotive roughly 64-36 Penske-Mitsui.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 15, 2026

Acura plans bigger SUV, off-roader, and new generation of hybrids

An 8-passenger SUV and V-6 hybrid powertrain are among the products in the pipeline for Honda’s luxury-performance brand.

By Bengt Halvorson • Oct. 15, 2026

The Rivian R2 Performance is excellent from the start

More than a sequel to the R1, the R2 Performance has an impressive power output at an affordable price, landing its propulsion system a prestigious award.

By Gary S. Vasilash • Oct. 14, 2026

Porsche steers toward gas, leans less on sales volume for profitability

The performance brand is no longer relying on a rapid shift to EVs and is instead renewing its focus and investments on combustion engines and plug-in hybrids.

By Greg Kable • Oct. 13, 2026

Historic shift: 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards go entirely to electrified powertrains

It’s the first time in the awards’ 32-year history that no pure internal-combustion engine wins: Four BEVs, four HEVs, and two PHEVs claim the top honors in 2026.

By WardsAuto • Oct. 13, 2026

First Drive: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas re-ups SUV formula for the family

VW said that it “perfected the recipe” for the Atlas, with a new look, more power and better fuel economy — but a hybrid version remains a couple years away.

By Tanya Gazdik • Oct. 12, 2026

Soaring fuel costs impact some used-car prices in Q3

According to the latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, wholesale depreciation accelerated and high gas prices boosted demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 8, 2026

Top automotive conferences of 2027

The major industry gatherings in the upcoming year will continue to focus on emerging technology, including a rollout of new hybrid powertrains, vehicle connectivity, software, AI and digital retail.

By Eric Walz • Oct. 8, 2026

2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV review: Soft launch, strong vision

Mitsubishi’s first electric vehicle in years is a pragmatic prelude to a brand remake.

By Bengt Halvorson • Oct. 7, 2026

Car loan interest tax deduction disappoints dealers, lenders

In its implemented form, the auto loan interest tax deduction included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a dud for many consumers, as it excludes negative equity carried over to new loans.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 6, 2026

CarMax sales surge, buoyed by cost-cutting

A combination of changes including sourcing more cars from customers, boosting captive financing, and revising warranty and service offerings, have helped the used-car retail giant cut costs.

By Jim Henry • Oct. 5, 2026

A family dealership revolutionizes its operations with AI

As VIP Auto Group's CMO, Ben Sporn has helped build AI-based solutions to overhaul the company’s e-commerce parts business and improve its fixed operations.

By Alysha Webb • Oct. 1, 2026