WardsAuto Marks 100th Year

WardsAuto, one of the oldest continuously operating media outlets covering the auto industry, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

By WardsAuto Staff • Jan. 4, 2024

Toyota Expands Its Digital Auto Retailing Tool

In developing Smartpath, the automaker heeds its dealers’ feedback.

By Steve Finlay • Jan. 3, 2024

MSRPs, Transaction Prices Outpace Inflation, But Will They Last?

A J.D. Power executive looks ahead to what dealers can expect in 2024.

By Srini Rajagopalan • Dec. 29, 2023

Dip in Service Volume Is Warning Shot for Dealers

Dealers must offer first-rate service to restore customers’ trust, reports Cox Automotive.

By Nancy Dunham • Dec. 27, 2023

Blue Sky Values Stay High

Haig reports 2023 may be the third-most active year ever.

By Jim Henry • Dec. 26, 2023

Auto Consumer Brand Loyalty Making Modest Rebound

Brand loyalty has “been flat for a long time,” says Tom Libby, an S&P analyst.

By Steve Finlay • Dec. 22, 2023

Kia Backing Up Its Belief in BEVs, Marketing Exec Says

The automaker tells dealers they can sell BEVs, no matter their location.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 20, 2023

InsuranceTech: What Is It? Why Should Dealers Care?

There are four ways to turn this latest digital innovation into a competitive advantage.

By Craig Eagleson • Dec. 18, 2023

Dealers Can Take a Peek Into Customers’ Mindsets

Cars.com Experience Report guides brands, stores to entice customers.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 15, 2023

EV Transition Threatens Global Auto Parts Makers

The head of the Germany-based Center of Automotive Management predicts suppliers will cut their workforce by about 20% because of the shift from internal-combustion vehicles to electric vehicles.

By Jens Kastner • Dec. 14, 2023

Tires Are the New Oil Change

CDK study explores how EVs will boost service work.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 12, 2023

How Dealers Spark Enthusiasm in Their Technician Ranks

Straightforward career paths, merit-based incentives are keys to keeping top talent.

By Steve Finlay • Dec. 6, 2023

Asset Tracking: Efficiency for OEMs, Yards and Drivers

It’s easier for storage-yard personnel to collect vehicles when they know exactly where they are.

By Adrian Jennings • Dec. 5, 2023

Showrooms Come Alive With the Sound of Music

Choosing the right playlist for your dealership’s background sound can create a comfortable sales environment.

By Steve Finlay • Dec. 4, 2023

Amazon Drives Into Retail Auto Business

Here’s what dealers need to know when comparing the Amazon and Costco auto programs.

By Alysha Webb • Dec. 1, 2023

How to Turn 100-plus Cars a Month

Dealer who bills himself “world’s most successful car salesman” says it’s all about business structure.

By Jim Henry • Nov. 30, 2023

Acquiring More Used-Vehicle Inventory With Video Offers

Dealers need to make their emails stand out from the crowd. One solution to grab your customers' attention is video. Specifically, videos that make personalized cash offers to a specific customer for a specific vehicle.

By Jason Ezell • Nov. 29, 2023

Dealers Face New Safeguards Rule Requirement

FTC set to enforce its security breach amendment beginning this spring.

By Nancy Dunham • Nov. 28, 2023

Fostering Transparency Between Insurers, Auto Repair Shops

By providing insurers with instantaneous access to diagnostic information, repair shops can quickly and precisely identify the extent of damage and the required repairs.

By Brian Herron • Nov. 27, 2023

How Green Is My Bank Account?

Some EV buyers prioritize cash over climate savings.

By Steve Finlay • Nov. 22, 2023

Wholesale Marketplace Designed to Move Used EVs

Plug helps dealers, fleet owners speed transactions.

By Alysha Webb • Nov. 21, 2023

Say Goodbye to Paper: The Future of Car Titles

Like so many other assets in our lives, the car title should be digitized, enabling the transfer of vehicle ownership in minutes, rather than weeks. No more titles getting lost in the mail, no more fraud, no more delays.

By Will Treves • Nov. 20, 2023

Fintech Aims to Ease Anxiety of Used-Car Transactions

The new system offers dealers a payment platform and sells F&I products.

By Alysha Webb • Nov. 16, 2023

Retail Prices Dip, But Inventory Remains High

Dealers should watch for more profitable times ahead.

By Nancy Dunham • Nov. 15, 2023

Dealership’s Tech Apprenticeship Program Keeps Service Rolling

Dealers who want to overcome the tech shortage should partner with high schools, technical colleges, says Fixed Ops director.

By Alysha Webb • Nov. 14, 2023