Dealers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mitsubishi Motors taps Texas port to boost US auto distribution

The company selected Port Freeport to improve its transportation flows to Gulf and Midwest dealer partners.

By Alejandra Carranza • July 15, 2026

Facing high costs, Volkswagen aims to halve model lineup

The global automaker seeks to cut equipment options by up to 75% and its production capacity to 9 million units.

By Greg Kable • July 14, 2026

Owner of small dealership group already thinking big

Eric Gentry has expanded the staff and plans more facility upgrades at his newly acquired Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

By Alysha Webb • Updated July 14, 2026

Gas prices might help offset glut of off-lease EVs

EV lease returns are on the rise — and if pump prices ramp up again, supply and demand might find a balance that’s good for dealers.

By Jim Henry • July 13, 2026

Fox Motors uses AI to tackle problems, capitalize on opportunities

The dealership group's former CIO, Yuriy Demidko, shared his favorite AI fixes with WardsAuto.

By Alysha Webb • July 8, 2026

GM issues recall, stop-sale order for rear power seat fault in Cadillac Vistiq

The third-row power-folding seatback may fail to reverse when a person gets in the way.

By Eric Walz • July 8, 2026

Serra Automotive Group grows with decentralized management

A dealer partner across the street from the auto group's latest CDJR acquisition made the store attractive, said president Matt Serra.

By Alysha Webb • July 6, 2026

US blocks quick USMCA extension, putting annual review process into motion

The U.S., Mexico and Canada will continue negotiating about potential adjustments to the trilateral free trade agreement, which will remain in place until at least 2036.

By Phil Neuffer • July 2, 2026

Why are vehicle recall numbers so high?

Several large-scale safety debacles led to “a paradigm shift” in the way NHTSA tackles recalls. What's followed has been painful to automakers — and a mixed bag to dealers.

By Steve Finlay • July 1, 2026

Dealership group creates its AI solutions in-house

Jeff Wyler Automotive Family employees harness tech training to build AI tools that boost efficiency.

By Alysha Webb • June 30, 2026

For CarMax, lower profits are part of its short-term growth strategy

The used-car retailer says accepting lower gross profits per unit lets it keep retail prices down and increase sales.

By Jim Henry • June 26, 2026

New-car sales: unsteady as she goes

Cox Automotive is sticking to its mildly optimistic new-vehicle sales forecast, despite uncertainty about the U.S. economy.

By Jim Henry • June 25, 2026

How first-time buyers secured a Pennsylvania CDJR dealership

Ahmed Fayed was a general manager with a dream. Robert Palmese, a car enthusiast in another industry. The stars aligned for them to create PalmEasy Motors.

By Alysha Webb • June 22, 2026

Family-owned Fette Auto Group buys Ford dealership in New York

The barn-like facility will retain its small-town identity, and give the Fette family an opportunity to expand inventory and its service business.

By Alysha Webb • June 18, 2026

Fed ends bias toward more easing, holds benchmark rate steady

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh repeatedly said the central bank’s monetary policy committee will push down inflation toward its 2% goal.

By Jim Tyson • Updated June 17, 2026

New York dealer boosts customer convenience with mobile service

Software provider Curbee claims almost 40% of repair orders can be done off-site.

By Jim Henry • June 17, 2026

Adapting AI to auto dealership operations is a work in progress

Ohio dealer Kyle Pisani uses artificial intelligence to maximize sales, fine-tune operations and measure performance.

By Alysha Webb • June 15, 2026