AutoCanada’s interim CEO is interim no more. Sam Cochrane, the chief financial officer who has been serving in the top executive position since former executive chairman Paul Antony’s departure in October, has been named CEO of the Edmonton-based dealership group. AutoCanada made the move official with an announcement Wednesday. Cochrane will continue as CFO — […] [Read More]

Much about the auto industry these days is volatile. The franchise dealership network, on the other hand, has remained remarkably stable. In its 2025 Year-End Automotive Franchise Activity Report, Urban Science reported the number of franchise stores was up last year, but by just 24 rooftops, rising to 18,398 from 18,374 in 2024. The report […] [Read More]

If the December numbers for Costco Auto’s certified pre-owned and select pre-owned programs were very good, the January numbers were eye-popping. After demand for CPO and SPO vehicles held steady through much of 2025, Costco reported a strong 10% year-over-year jump in December. That jump transformed into a giant leap in January, when Costco member […] [Read More]

The son of Kunes Auto & RV Group’s owner is stepping away from the company. Scott Kunes is leaving his role as chief operating officer of the Wisconsin-based business “to pursue new entrepreneurial opportunities and personal aspirations,” the company said in a news release. The company said Kunes helped guide it through “a transformative period”, […] [Read More]

Compliance isn’t a one-time box to check; it’s a business health indicator. For dealers using GPS and starter-interrupt devices, staying compliant protects more than your portfolio. It protects your reputation, your customers, and your long-term growth. A dealer compliance health check is a proactive way to assess whether your policies, processes, and technology align with […] [Read More]

One of the keynote presentations from Used Car Week 2025 featured Micah Tindor and Elizabeth Stegall of Cox Automotive for a session titled, “Guiding the Modern Buyer with Trust, Tech & Smarter Trade-Ins.” Valuable study findings and dealership recommendations now are available through this episode of the Auto Remarketing Podcast. Listen to the presentation in […] [Read More]

The dates change, but the name at the top remains the same. Toyota claimed the car category’s Overall Brand Award in Canadian Black Book’s 2026 Best Residual Value Awards for the fifth consecutive year. Not coincidentally, that’s also how many years the award has been presented. Toyota also won the Overall Brand Award for SUVs/trucks […] [Read More]

Key Auto Group is now in on the FFUN. The FFUN Group announced it has acquired Key Auto Group, a deal that adds four auto dealerships and a collision center to the Saskatoon-based dealership group. The deal includes three stores in Yorkton, Saskatchewan — Key Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, Key Yorkton and Yorkton Toyota — […] [Read More]

Canadian dealers, franchised and independent, are facing a volatile supply environment and compressed profit margins across multiple fronts.  And more than ever, add-ons and F&I offerings are integral to dealership bottom lines. When done well, the business office often drives repeat sales while building trust and reinforcing its individual brands as a dealer. Jake Stacey, […] [Read More]

Perhaps some individuals already in your subprime auto finance portfolio are getting a “wake-up call” this week courtesy of consumer advocates who are orchestrating a financial education program. Debt Awareness Week began on Monday with officials at Debt.com, a resource for personal finance education, offering expert advice on debt relief, credit counseling, budgeting, and financial […] [Read More]