A new Impel report cites high rates of unanswered calls and mishandled leads, lost revenue and low winback rates to make the case for agentic AI as the next operating standard in automotive retail. +
Lotlinx’s 2026 Inventory Health Survey finds ample room for improvement in the way franchised dealers identify and minimize “at-risk” units. +
In a reversal of a reversal, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved a rebate for first-time ZEV buyers to offset the loss of a federal tax credit. +
“‘Mid’ is in,” say Kelley Blue Book analysts in their latest monthly report, which finds smaller SUVs contributing to a sub-$50,000 average transaction price. +
FocalGraph Connect uses AI to help dealers identify more anonymous shoppers without replacing their customer data platforms, CRM or DMS. +
Dealertrack’s Credit Availability Index rose to 104.6 in June, registering its biggest increase so far this year and its highest mark since December 2015. +
The National Automobile Dealers Association has opened the Summer 2026 edition of its semi-annual Dealer Attitude Survey, a “report card” that informs high-level discussions with factory executives. +
VantageScore’s new credit scoring model promises better auto loan predictions with post-pandemic data and proprietary, AI-powered GAIN attributes. +
The WSADA has filed suit against Volkswagen subsidiary Scout Motors, alleging the EV maker’s direct sales plan runs afoul of state franchise laws. +
Ikon Technologies’ Christopher Schouten says AI routing is helping dealers retain more service customers as the industry average for dropped calls stands at 13%. +
