For the 12th year, Chicagoland’s new-car dealers saluted the military with a month-long event that raised more than $70,000 for programs to support local service members and their families.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association’s 12th annual Drive for the Troops in partnership with the USO included more than 80 area dealerships hosting community-focused fundraising events and activities such as car shows, summer barbecues and online campaigns.

In addition, dealerships contributed donations for every test drive taken throughout July.

CATA said the Drive “ignited strong community engagement” and highlighted the vital role of the USO in supporting those who serve.

“Drive for the Troops continues to be a shining example of how our local dealerships step up, not just as businesses, but as dedicated community leaders,” CATA chairman Ryan Kelly said. “This year’s campaign was another powerful reminder that our communities are eager to rally around our service members, and we are proud to once again support the USO’s mission.”

The $72,047 raised in this year’s event brought the program’s total to more than $1.2 million through nearly 800 dealership-led events since its inception.

“The impact of Drive for the Troops is profound, and the USO is incredibly grateful for the continued support from the CATA and Chicagoland’s new-car dealers,” USO executive director Christopher Schmidt said. “These funds help ensure we can continue offering hundreds of vital programs, services and moments of connection for service members and their families.”

Lithia & Driveway raises repurchase authorization

Lithia & Driveway announced an increase to its share repurchase authorization by its board of directors of $750 million, bringing its total repurchase capacity to $1.08 billion.

In the third quarter to date, LAD, which operates some 450 locations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., has invested $242 million to repurchase approximately 812,000 shares at a weighted average price of $298 per share.

Total repurchases in 2025 of $492 million represent 6.1% of shares outstanding.

“Today’s increase underscores our long-term conviction in LAD’s strategy and the cash generation of our omnichannel model,” president and CEO Bryan DeBoer said. “With the strength of our business and our shares trading below intrinsic value, repurchases are an attractive and value-accretive complement to our continued investments in growth, all guided by disciplined return on invested capital and our commitment to maximizing shareholder returns.”