Industry Voices | Adapting to the Post-Incentive Era of EVs

The One Big Beautiful Bill will deny consumers and fleets access to key credits for vehicles and infrastructure, but advanced manufacturers may still benefit through targeted investment and production incentives.

By Thomas Alongi • Aug. 18, 2025

EV Public Charging Woes Still Stall Dealer Sales

While home charging delivers strong satisfaction, public networks continue to frustrate EV buyers with cost, payment and reliability issues, reports J.D. Power.

By Jim Henry • Aug. 15, 2025

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

Jack Hollis Joins Accrual Equity to Drive Auto Retail Growth

Fresh off his January retirement from Toyota, Jack Hollis returns to the industry as a managing partner at Accrual Equity Partners.

By Jim Henry • Aug. 14, 2025

Invisible Powerhouse: Parts Departments Drive Dealer Profits

Parts departments may fly under the radar, but they fuel nearly every dealership function. Experts share strategies to boost visibility, efficiency and profitability.

By Steve Finlay • Aug. 13, 2025

Dealers Drive August Momentum with July’s Richest Incentives

Steady prices and pent-up demand set the stage for a strong Q3.

By Nancy Dunham • Aug. 12, 2025

Dealers Navigate Used-Car Squeeze

The Manheim Index hit 207.4 in July, with average wholesale values near $19K. As supply tightens – especially among late-model off-lease vehicles – dealers must choose between preserving margin or chasing volume.

By Jim Henry • Aug. 11, 2025

AI and Alignment: The New Formula for Fixed Ops Success

To succeed with AI in fixed ops, dealerships need emotionally intelligent leaders who embrace change.

By Alysha Webb • Aug. 8, 2025

Auto Loan Market Expands, But So Do Late Payments

Younger buyers lead in delinquencies as originations hit $188B in Q2, reports the New York Fed.

By Jim Henry • Aug. 7, 2025

American Honda’s New Insurance Arm Opens New F&I Opportunities for Dealers

Honda’s entry into the insurance space has dealers optimistic about new ways to enhance F&I profits and customer loyalty, even as program details are finalized.

By Alysha Webb • Aug. 6, 2025

Industry Voices | Auto Marketing AI: Data Quality is Key

Automakers who treat AI readiness as a strategic mandate—not just a technical hurdle—will capture long-term value.

By Ellen Gates • Aug. 5, 2025

Fixed Ops Fuels Profits as Big 6 Dealers Post Record Q2

The six largest publicly traded new-car retailers saw record second-quarter results in fixed operations, with Lithia Motors alone reporting nearly $1 billion in aftersales revenue.

By Jim Henry • Aug. 4, 2025

Industry Voices | Tech Overload Is Blocking Profits in Your Service Lane

Disjointed tools force advisors into tedious admin work, stealing face time with customers. Here’s how to restore human connection and boost repair order values.

By Euwart Anderson • July 31, 2025

Used EVs, Not Tax Credits, May Hold Key to Electric Growth

Dealers brace for tariff impact, margin pressure and EV realignment as market plateaus near 15.6 million SAAR.

By Nancy Dunham • July 30, 2025

Megadealers Boost Tech Headcount to Meet Growing Demand

Franchised dealers are reporting big second-quarter gains in service and warranty work, with Sonic, Group 1 and AutoNation all seeing double-digit fixed ops revenue growth.

By Jim Henry • July 29, 2025

Industry Voices | Think Outside Your (Desking) Box

Rethinking dealership desking strategies in a changing marketplace.

By Damon Walker and John Stephens • July 29, 2025

Fraudster Vanishes With Corvette; Capital One Strikes Back

Capital One launches ProtectID, a real-time fraud detection tool to help dealers flag synthetic identities, credit washing and income misrepresentation before vehicles leave the lot.

By Steve Finlay • July 28, 2025

High Credit Scores In, High Inventories Out

Ally and GM Financial are growing loan originations without loosening lending standards.

By Jim Henry • July 25, 2025

OBBBA Supercharges Facility Deductions for Dealers

Bonus depreciation is back at 100%. Dealers can fully deduct qualified asset purchases – including floorplan interest and loaner fleets – acquired after Jan. 20, 2025.

By Alysha Webb • July 24, 2025

Younger Buyers Struggle With Delinquencies, But Lenders Still Say Yes

Millennials now carry the highest average new auto loan balance – over $30,000 – while Gen Z shows the fastest growth in loan activity, despite higher delinquency rates.

By Alysha Webb • July 23, 2025

Gen Z, Millennials want it all – insurance and F&I add-ons

Polly reports 84% of Gen Z and millennial buyers want the option to buy insurance during a vehicle sale – and many say they'd also buy more F&I products if they save on insurance.

By Alysha Webb • July 22, 2025

Better Call Handling Boosts Service Loyalty, Study Finds

Despite OEMs' focus on online scheduling, two-thirds of service appointments still happen by phone.

By Steve Finlay • July 21, 2025

Early July Shows Price Softness – Except for EVs and Trucks

Trucks edge up, EVs lead year-over-year gains despite market-wide dip.

By Nancy Dunham • July 18, 2025

Summer Squeeze: Margins Tighten as Prices Diverge

Dealers face what Cox Automotive’s Erin Keating calls “the big squeeze,” as rising MSRPs clash with flat consumer demand and growing EV uncertainty.

By Nancy Dunham • July 17, 2025

Industry Voices | Smarter Financing: Why Dealers Must Rethink How They Choose the Right Lenders

As lender programs grow more complex, relying on gut instinct or outdated methods in the F&I office can slash margins and sink deals.

By Phillip Battista • July 16, 2025

Manheim Detroit Showcases Scale Amid Industry Uncertainty

Manheim is scaling EV capabilities as it positions itself as the industry’s go-to EV resale partner.

By Nancy Dunham • July 15, 2025