The newly launched vAuto Test Drive is a digital platform designed to give dealers an opportunity to preview, test and contribute to the development of new and largely AI-powered inventory management tools. +

A new, autonomous, CRM-embedded Virtual Contact Assistant is the first in a “landmark” series of new and upcoming features from VinSolutions. +

Cox Automotive’s Tessa Nadik offers a multipoint strategy dealers can use to catch up to and keep pace with AI-equipped car shoppers, including adjustments to inventory data, dealership information and website content. +

Organizers say the technicians who competed in this year’s Top Tech Finals demonstrated skill, professionalism and a commitment to excellence. +

Kelley Blue Book’s latest report finds seasonal trends and underwhelming incentives pushed July’s average new vehicle transaction price to $49,855. +

Cox Automotive’s new AI in Auto Retail Tracker finds a rapidly growing gap between AI-equipped consumers and the dealers vying for their business. +

The Credit Availability Index climbed to 105 in July, its highest level since December 2015, but a key indicator declined for the fourth straight month. +

“‘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. +

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. +

A supplier fire and high demand helped the Honda CR-V outsell the Ford F-Series by more than 16,000 units in the first half of the year. +