The number of franchise dealerships in the U.S. remained stable in 2023, according to the latest research from Urban Science. The automotive consulting and technology firm’s 2023 year-end Automotive Franchise Activity Report found there were 18,347 dealership rooftops nationally as of Dec. 31, 90 more than at the end of 2022. Meanwhile, the number of […] [Read More]

It’s a joint episode of the Auto Remarketing Podcast and the EVs for Everyone Podcast, featuring their respective hosts, Joe Overby and Elena Ciccotelli! Joe and Elena connected at NADA Show 2024 earlier this month in Las Vegas for a conversation in which each asked the other five surprise questions. They chatted about their first […] [Read More]

Upstart helped Kia put more charge into the electric-vehicle space. The financing firm fueled by artificial intelligence highlighted that Kia used Upstart Auto Retail Build & Price Reservations as the exclusive reservation and deposit system for the launch of the new Kia EV9 SUV in the United States. The feature was available to all Kia […] [Read More]

Auto Link continues to build on its strategic partnership with Auto Financial Group (AFG). According to a news release distributed on Wednesday, AFG clients can now leverage Auto Link’s widget technology to provide a payment comparison calculator on any page of their website without the need of website coding. Serving more than 225 financial institutions […] [Read More]

The industry’s fight against fraud doesn’t appear to be getting any easier. Experian recently released its 2024 Future of Fraud Forecast, which identified five fraud threats consumers and businesses should be cautious of this year. Experts said today’s fraudsters are sophisticated and deploy the latest technology, such as generative artificial intelligence, to dupe consumers and […] [Read More]

On Tuesday, Open Lending Corp. gained its third partnership so far this month, aligning with insurance pricing solution provider Akur8 to complement its proprietary Lenders Protection platform. The provider of risk analytics solutions for financial institutions highlighted that this partnership leverages Akur8’s ability to produce fast and accurate predictive insurance pricing models. The company said […] [Read More]

Dealer Trade Network has unveiled its new headquarters. The new 17,500-square foot facility in Louisville, Ky.’s Eastpoint Business Center was officially opened Tuesday with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring a dedication proclamation by Mayor Craig Greenberg. Guests at the ceremony were given a tour of the building, which the company said showcased its […] [Read More]

There has been less than a percentage point of change in wholesale vehicle values since January, but prices are showing significant declines across the board when compared to early 2023. And this softening has occurred even though wholesale vehicle supply is “relatively tighter for this time of year,” Cox Automotive said in analysis accompanying a […] [Read More]

Classic country music fans might know the 1990 song by Vern Gosdin titled, “This Ain’t My First Rodeo.” Experienced used-car managers might be singing a similar tune while navigating by spring market signs, according to the latest wholesale market recap Black Book released on Tuesday. Black Book reported overall wholesale values dipped only 0.23%, while […] [Read More]

Consumer interest in electric vehicles has plateaued and dealers want some relief from pressure to sell them. That was the message that emerged from speakers during the J.D. Power Auto Summit earlier this month in Las Vegas. “Interest (in EVs) has been improving pretty nicely over the last few years, but it has kind of ... [Read More]