Don’t Be Fooled by the Uptick: Retail Sales Headed for a Slowdown

Cox revises 2025 sales forecast downward, citing weak consumer confidence, tighter credit and no signs of the COVID-era tailwinds that once lifted demand.

By Alysha Webb • May 2, 2025

Converting Customer Charging Pain Points into Profitable Solutions

Faster chargers, better education and cost conversations are keys to EV success.

By Nancy Dunham • May 1, 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

Dealers Turn ‘Made in America’ Into Tariff-Smart Sales

As tariffs take hold, dealers spotlight U.S. production to boost sagging sales.

By Alysha Webb • April 30, 2025

Public Dealer Groups Lean on Fixed Ops Amid Tariff Fears

Dealers add techs, shifts and smarter scheduling to maximize service capabilities.

By Jim Henry • April 30, 2025

Watch for Red Flags in Remote Deals

Thumbprints, notaries and vigilance stop scammers, save headaches.

By Jim Henry • April 29, 2025

Inventory Alert: Sub-$30K Cars May Soon Vanish

Most sub-$30K cars are imports vulnerable to 25% tariffs.

By Alysha Webb • April 28, 2025

Hybrid First, BEV Later: Dealers Should Expect to Travel a Stair-Step Path

With PHEVs outpacing BEVs in U.S. buyer interest, dealers should adjust messaging.

By Steve Finlay • April 25, 2025

Captive Insurance Plans Offer Risk Control, Big Savings

Group captives can reduce health care costs by up to 30%.

By Alysha Webb • April 24, 2025

Security Breach Just One Click Away

Discover how your employees help hackers break into your system – without even knowing it.

By Steven Finlay • April 23, 2025

Dealer Shortage Delays Nio European Firefly

The Chinese automaker is seeking more contracts to build sales and servicing networks for its entry-level BEV.

By Paul Myles • April 22, 2025

J.D. Power: Prepare Now for Price Volatility

Brands relying more heavily on imported models will be hit hardest as Q3 pricing shifts loom.

By Nancy Dunham • April 22, 2025

Dealers Flip the Script: Car Buying Moves into the Fast Lane

Dealers need used-car inventory and are using subtle offers to appraise and buy during service visits.

By Steve Finlay • April 21, 2025

Tariffs, Long Loans Stretch Buyers – and Dealer Risk

Record-long 84-month loan terms, soaring payments and tariff turmoil put pressure on affordability and inventory planning.

By Nancy Dunham • April 18, 2025

Senator: Tariffs Will Launch Auto Industry ‘Golden Age’

Sen. Bernie Moreno defies industry outlook, calling tariffs short-term pain, long-term gain at Auto Forum New York.

By Jim Henry • April 16, 2025

Fast EV Valuations? There’s an App for That

Dealers get fast, data-driven EV valuations with Plug’s new Trade Desk tool.

By Alysha Webb • April 16, 2025

Dealers Tackle Tariff Confusion With Facts, Not Fear

Dealers ease worry after 4,000% rise in tariff-related questions.

By Alysha Webb • April 15, 2025

Legendary Dealer Jack Fitzgerald, Jr. Dies at 89

Dealer icon Fitzgerald championed transparency, mentorship and employee ownership.

By Steve Finlay • April 14, 2025

Dealers Brace for BEV, Tariff Price Crunch

March sales surged – but summer sticker shock looms for budget buyers.

By Nancy Dunham • April 11, 2025

Dealers Rush to Buy Amid Tariff Fears

Seasonal trends break as dealers race to beat looming tariffs.

By Jim Henry • April 10, 2025

EV Demand Holds Strong Despite Political Shifts

Tesla’s dip doesn’t slow overall EV shopper momentum.

By Nancy Dunham • April 8, 2025

Industry Voices | Compliance Is the New Customer Trust Currency

Trust hinges on strong safeguards, smart tech and airtight compliance practices.

By Robert Newman • April 8, 2025

Fewer Cars, More Friction: Tariffs Rattle Dealership Floors

Dealers brace for low inventory, rising prices and shopper dissatisfaction.

By Alysha Webb • April 7, 2025

Fixed Ops Fix: New Dealer Sees 81% Profit Jump in Months

Warranty focus, leadership hire drive quick success for new dealer Nathan Shaver.

By Alysha Webb • April 4, 2025

Charged Uncertainty: Dealers Weigh In as Politics, Tariffs Cloud the Road Ahead

With BEV adoption stalling in some markets and political winds shifting, dealers across the U.S. share what’s really driving (or slowing) electric vehicle sales.

By Steve Finlay • April 3, 2025

Trump Installs 10% Baseline Tariff, Country-specific Duties

The new duties will not be stacked on top of automotive-specific tariffs set to begin April 3, and exemptions for USMCA-compliant products remain in effect.

By Philip Neuffer • April 3, 2025