The automotive industry in 2025 was defined not by a single dominant trend, but by a complex interplay of affordability crises, global trade adjustments, and a bifurcated consumer market. For auto dealers, addressing this landscape means accepting that the traditional business model is over, and the F&I department is no longer just a profit center. […] [Read More]

A dealership M&A transaction announced last week includes a case of two dealership groups headed in the same direction. South. For the buyer, Canada-based Go Auto, the acquisition of Car Pros Hyundai Renton, Car Pros Kia Renton and Car Pros Kia Tacoma in Washington is a part of a plan to expand its presence in […] [Read More]

For independent dealers, the view inside the dealership looks like recent business as usual. For franchised dealers, it looks … empty. According to Cox Automotive’s Q4 Dealer Sentiment Index, customer traffic in dealerships overall during the past three months matched its lowest level since the depths of the COVID pandemic in the second quarter of […] [Read More]

For many general managers, running a dealership feels like the pinnacle of a career in automotive retail. You’re steering sales and service, balancing gross margin against expenses, and managing a team while keeping customers satisfied. But for those with bigger ambitions, there’s another step: ownership. Becoming a dealer principal is a defining leap. Your operational […] [Read More]

This week, Flexcar, a month-to-month car lease company, announced a partnership with Carrington Labs, a leading provider of credit risk analytics and cash flow underwriting models. Through this partnership, Flexcar said it will strengthen its credit risk capabilities and enhance its underwriting performance, helping more drivers access the flexibility and convenience of month-to-month car leases. […] [Read More]

Ascent Dealer Services, a provider of F&I performance, training, and profitability solutions, recently named Rob Johnson as its new vice president of acquisition. Johnson possesses more than eight years of specialized experience in the automotive and F&I sector. He began his career with Protective Asset Protection, one of the largest insurers in the F&I industry, […] [Read More]

There’s a new captain at the helm of AutoCanada. And even with “interim” attached to his title, Sam Cochrane is very clear about the course he’s set for the Edmonton-based dealership group. Having navigated stormy seas as chief financial officer for the past year and a half under former executive chairman Paul Antony, the interim […] [Read More]

Cars Commerce has added a veteran software engineer as its chief technology officer. The company said Cormac Twomey, who takes over effective Dec. 10, will be responsible for speeding innovation, scaling the technology platform, driving the company’s ascent in artificial intelligence and enabling automotive retail and wholesale. “Under his leadership, we will enhance our technological […] [Read More]

A portion of this spring’s Used Car Industry Summit will focus on how the remarketing and retailing of used electric vehicles will be important for auctions, consignors and dealers to handle. More evidence as to why Cherokee Media Group is collaborating with Recurrent for conference sessions so attendees can get more plugged into used EVs […] [Read More]

Will 2026 be the Year of Artificial Intelligence in the auto retail industry? AI-native automotive retail technology company Spyne believes that will be the case based on the results of its 2026 U.S. Automotive Market Sentiment & Dealer Operations Report, which found 76% of U.S. dealerships plan to increase their AI budgets next year. That […] [Read More]