Dealers
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Tasos Katopodis / Stringer via Getty Images
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 -
Getty Images
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 -
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 -
Caitlin Mullen/WardsAuto
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 -
Courtesy of Stellantis
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 -
Robin Warner/WardsAuto
Profile // Wards 10 Best Awards2027 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 -
Steve Finlay/WardsAuto
ColumnLaFontaine 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 -
Robin Warner/WardsAuto
Profile // Wards 10 Best AwardsVolvo 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 -
Robin Warner/WardsAuto
Profile // Wards 10 Best Awards2027 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 -
Courtesy of Toyota
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 -
Courtesy of Acura
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 -
Robin Warner/WardsAuto
Profile // Wards 10 Best AwardsThe 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 -
Courtesy of Porsche
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 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Wards 10 Best AwardsHistoric 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 -
Courtesy of Volkswagen
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 -
Courtesy of General Motors
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 -
Courtesy of Detroit Auto Show
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 -
Bengt Halvorson/WardsAuto
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 -
Getty Images
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 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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 -
Permission granted by Ben Sporn/VIP Auto Group
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 -
Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Ford announces CPO program for commercial vehicles
Ford Pro Advantage will offer customers affordable used trucks and vans through a national sales network of more than 700 commercial vehicle centers.
By Eric Walz • Sept. 30, 2026 -
Permission granted by Benzel-Busch Mercedes-Benz
ProfileA Mercedes-Benz dealership’s service director embraces AI to improve turn time
Keeping the customer communication personal but using AI behind the scenes has made all the difference.
By Alysha Webb • Sept. 28, 2026 -
Courtesy of Toyota
Q&AToyota’s US sales boss talks EVs, hybrid trucks and maintaining affordability
With multiple EVs, Toyota has “gas-price-proofed our lineup,” its head of U.S. sales told WardsAuto.
By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 24, 2026 -
Courtesy of Hyundai
Hyundai sees growth in hybrids, robotaxis and physical AI
Hyundai Motor Group’s recent CEO Investor Day served to underscore how the company’s recent technology investments fit in with making more cars, more profitably.
By Bengt Halvorson • Sept. 21, 2026 -
Courtesy of Genesis
Cox raises 2026 new-car sales forecast on positive indicators
Gas prices aren't slowing sales, and wealthier buyers are accounting for a bigger piece of the market, according to the industry analysts at Cox Automotive.
By Jim Henry • Sept. 21, 2026
