Oh, not much, just the way people buy used vehicles. Questions of the day: — Are BDCs departments still relevant? — Are BDCs worth the additional expense? This is why we’re asking: The pandemic greatly impacted the consumer’s ability or desire to purchase used vehicles. In some states, it was literally illegal to go to […] [Read More]

Vehicle dependability is slipping, according to the latest research from J.D. Power. The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study found vehicle owners are experiencing more problems after three years of ownership, which the research firm said indicates a decline in long-term vehicle dependability. The industry average increased by 4 problems per 100 vehicles year-over-year […] [Read More]

While car prices were high in 2023, car buyers — especially used-car buyers — were increasingly happier with their experience, according to the latest research from Cox Automotive. Cox’s recently released 2023 Car Buyer Journey Study found 69% of all car buyers reported being highly satisfied with their shopping experience, up from 61% in 2022. […] [Read More]

There was a bit of relief in the wholesale used-vehicle market last month, and not just in terms of prices falling year-over-year. January’s month-over-month steadiness in used-car prices was a respite from the volatility in 2023. Cox Automotive’s Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index for January came in at ... [Read More]

Sure, franchised dealer used-vehicle sales in 2023 fell 7% compared to the previous year and used retail prices declined 3%. Nonetheless, it wasn’t such a bad year for the used market, and 2024 won’t be so bad either, Jonathan Banks, J.D. Power vice president of product development, valuation services, said during the J.D. Power Auto Summit preceding NADA Show 2024. “At first blush (2023) looks like a really challenging year. But actually, it was ... [Read More]

While the groundhog hasn’t delivered his forecast yet, it seems spring might be on the way in the wholesale car market. Used-vehicle prices were down again as January ended, but the pace of depreciation is decelerating, according to the latest report from Black Book. “For three consecutive weeks, the overall wholesale market has exhibited a […] [Read More]

Welcome to the new year, your new normal. Don’t worry. It’s not that scary! As an industry, our No. 1 addiction is the next shiny object. It’s our Achilles’ heel. The latest trend, the latest opinion and the latest “easy way to do it better, faster and more profitably.” It always comes down to two […] [Read More]

The transition to electric vehicles is currently generating millions of pixels. The once seemingly smooth path to an all-electric future is now strewn with some unexpected potholes, but one vehicle type in the current mix deserves some added attention. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can offer a good solution in regions with limited charging infrastructures and for […] [Read More]

“Normal” hasn’t often been a word to describe the auto industry in the last four years, but 2024 could be the return of stability and typical market patterns. That includes a “normal seasonal trend” when it comes to depreciation in the wholesale vehicle market,  along with “modest growth trajectory” in the new-car segment, Black Book […] [Read More]

Auto logistics providers anticipate a large increase this year in the volume of battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs, they transport. Two areas stand out when discussing handling those electric vehicles versus internal combustion engine vehicles, and each area has its own ramifications for the industry. “The two biggest differences are mass and helping ensure the battery […] [Read More]