Programs, products, finance context and operational facts for frontline automotive salespeople.
The vendor says its conversational AI can use selected Dealertrack dealership data and operating processes for mutual customers. Actual access depends on the enabled API scope, which was not disclosed.
Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, INFINITI, Honda and Acura owners can book participating dealerships through their brand apps, according to myKaarma. The release does not identify store counts or independent results.
DealerRock stores carrying Forest River brands can now authorize inventory access and automatic sold-unit reporting. Dealers control activation by company and rooftop; technical and security details remain undisclosed.
AI use among younger U.S. respondents was more than twice the older-buyer rate, yet physical retail remained central: Bain says nine in 10 respondents worldwide still completed their purchase offline.
In a 500-dealer survey, 36% of strongly data-driven franchise dealers said they met profitability goals, versus 19% of other respondents. The self-reported results show an association, not causation.
The initial Enterprise Customer Profile is designed to combine identity, sales, service and communication history across stores. Identity resolution and broader AI and reporting functions remain under development.
The latest federal inflation report shows vehicle ownership costs moving in different directions: fuel and repair pressure increased while motor-vehicle insurance remained below its year-earlier index.
The new platform combines payment and incentive data with automated checks for required fees, conditional discounts, financing terms and unavailable inventory. Its legal accuracy and dealer results have not been independently established.
The specialty-retail version can answer calls, submit service requests through a dealer website and transfer conversations to dealership staff or optional live agents. Pricing and independently measured results were not disclosed.
Dealertrack's credit index reached its highest level since April 2015 as approvals and lender access improved, while record-long terms, more negative equity and smaller down payments increased future risk.
Kelley Blue Book estimates September prices rose for a fourth month, while incentives remained below last year's level and lower-priced segments kept the annual increase relatively modest.
The new add-on can handle text and email conversations, search inventory, collect trade information and manage appointments. Pricing and independently measured results were not disclosed.
Kelley Blue Book estimates show EV volume rose 7.7% from the second quarter to a one-year high. The model-level results argue for selective inventory and shopping decisions, not a blanket EV recovery call.
Mutual customers are scheduled to receive Fullpath shopper summaries and website activity inside VinSolutions through year-end. Agentic functions remain a separate, optional layer.
The vendor says its new offering can answer service calls, gather vehicle concerns, schedule against store availability and automate follow-up. Pricing and independent performance results were not disclosed.
The optional connected-vehicle software is intended to track vehicle status, improve inventory visibility and support delivery preparation. Pricing, enrollment and technical details remain undisclosed.
The new purchasing option gives dealerships access to individual licensed vehicle renders without an API contract. Accuracy, permitted use and expiration still require asset-level controls.
The announcement moves beyond individual automated conversations toward coordinating tasks across dealership systems. Product compatibility and results still require store-level confirmation.
Official third-quarter reports show record hybrid demand at Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia while GM sales fell 5.5% and Ford sales declined 6.6%. The useful response is model-level planning—not a blanket bet on one powertrain.
Second-quarter retail units increased 13.8% and wholesale units rose 15.9%, while dealer-sourced acquisitions jumped 53.7% and gross profit per unit declined in both channels.
NHTSA closed its Wrangler and Gladiator investigation after FCA's recall addressed the condition; owners should still follow the park-outside instruction until their vehicle is repaired.
The revised outlook reflects stronger-than-expected demand and improving credit access, while a separate September forecast puts the average new-vehicle payment at a record $821 for the month.
Certain 2019–2024 Jaguar and Land Rover models need a free software update because a DC-to-DC converter failure can stop charging the 12-volt system and lead to loss of drive power and exterior lights.
Certain R1S, R1T and R2 vehicles need a free over-the-air update because an on-screen notification can obstruct the rearview-camera image while the vehicle is in reverse.
For the first time, shoppers can see whether a 2027 vehicle met federal pedestrian-protection criteria covering injury risk to the head, hips, legs, and knees.
Certain 2025 Tiguans need a free software update because the body-control system can reset, shutting off the engine or disabling lighting, warnings, controls, or the backup camera.
Certain 2026 Ioniq 9 SUVs need a free seat-software inspection and update because powered second-row seats may continue moving after contacting a person.
Certain 2018–2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, Atlas and Audi Q3 vehicles need a free steering-rack bolt replacement because corrosion can lead to a loss of steering control.
The IRS has finalized who can deduct up to $10,000 a year in interest on qualifying new-vehicle loans, including the U.S.-assembly, income and loan requirements buyers need to check.
August brought the broadest auto-credit access since 2015, but the average contract rate rose to 10.99% and a record 31.3% of loans stretched beyond 72 months.
August's average used-vehicle listing price was 7% higher than a year ago and the highest since December 2022, while inventory below $15,000 fell sharply.
Certain model-year 2023–2027 F-150 pickups need a free inspection because an improperly secured fuel tank can leak, stall the engine, or separate while driving.
Certain 2024–2027 Can-Am motorcycles need a free software update because the touchscreen cluster can reset, freeze, or stop displaying speed and safety warnings.
Certain model-year 2026 C-HR electric vehicles need a free battery-control software update because the high-voltage battery can become overcharged and shut down the drive system.
Certain 2024–2026 Jeep SUVs need a free software update because the tire-pressure monitor may miss low pressure or fail to illuminate its warning light.
Certain 2025–2026 Ram 1500s need a free radio-software update because the rearview image may not appear when the truck is shifted into reverse.
A new recall replaces two earlier campaigns for certain 2021–2023 Grand Cherokees, and vehicles already repaired under the old recalls need the new remedy.
NHTSA says a banned DTN60DB driver-airbag inflator has caused another death and urges inspections for used vehicles whose airbags deployed in a crash after 2020.
Certain 2025–2026 Outlanders and 2026 Outlander PHEVs need a free infotainment-software update because the rearview image may vanish while backing up.
A federal compliance deadline took effect September 1, requiring longer warnings for unbelted drivers and front passengers in newly manufactured vehicles.
Certain 2024–2026 Mustangs need new wiring-harness ground terminals because a fracture can cut drive power or disable headlights and the windshield washer.
Certain 2026 Broncos, Bronco Sports, Explorers, Mustangs and Rangers may lose drive power because their engine piston domes were manufactured incorrectly.
Regular gasoline stayed above $4 nationally throughout August, while diesel ended the month near $5.60; the useful response is to compare fuel cost per mile, not react to one fill-up.
Certain medium-size Pit Boss motorcycle helmets may not provide the impact protection required by federal safety standards; Bell will replace them or reimburse owners.
Certain B-Safe and Endeavours infant seats need a repair because a handle screw can loosen, allowing one side of the handle to separate and creating a fall hazard.
Mitsubishi plans to return to the North American pickup market with a truck produced at a Nissan plant, but the name, specifications, price and launch date remain unannounced.
Certain 2022–2026 Lucid Air sedans need a free software update because an exterior-lighting circuit can overheat, creating fire and lighting-failure risks.
Certain U.S.-built 2025–2026 EV9s need a front-passenger-seat inspection because a pinched sensor tube may prevent the airbag from being suppressed for a child restraint.
Certain 5 Series, 8 Series and 750e xDrive cars need a free driveline inspection because the driveshaft-to-differential connection can wear excessively.
Certain 2021–2023 Dodge Durangos need a new recall remedy because the rear spoiler may loosen and become road debris—even after an earlier recall repair.
Certain 2025–2026 Toyota Camry Hybrids need a free software update because the 7-inch instrument display may stay blank at startup and disable other safety functions.
Federal investigators are examining reports of a hard brake pedal and sudden loss of brake assist across GM, Honda and Acura models—but no new recall has been announced.
Federal investigators are examining failures reported after the earlier recall remedy and in newer L87-equipped vehicles—but this is not a new recall.
A radio-software fault can prevent the rearview image from appearing on certain 2026 and 2027 vehicles; an over-the-air fix is planned.
Mitsubishi's updated plug-in hybrid can handle more daily driving on electricity, but overseas and U.S. range figures are not directly interchangeable.
CFPB data shows $61.3 billion in auto loans originated in January 2026 while year-over-year credit inquiries declined in May.
A proposed multistate consent order combines an estimated $634 million in debt relief with new requirements addressing vehicle prices, optional products, consumer disclosures and dealer monitoring.
Cox Automotive's preliminary Manheim index turned negative year over year for the first time in 2026 as wholesale supply increased and auction conversion softened.
The Federal Reserve raised its target range by a quarter point, but dealerships should verify lender rate sheets instead of treating the policy move as an automatic one-for-one change in consumer auto financing.
New staff guidance says the price available to every buyer should be the most prominent amount across dealer and third-party advertising, while emphasizing that the FAQs are nonbinding and every advertisement remains fact-specific.
The federal advance estimate puts auto and other motor-vehicle dealer sales at $130.1 billion after seasonal adjustment, but the dollar measure does not isolate franchised stores or show unit volume, inflation-adjusted growth or dealership profit.
EIA's September 15 release shows a sharp nationwide increase in transportation-fuel prices, adding new cost and affordability questions for dealership operations without establishing how local vehicle demand will change.
Federal price data show modest monthly increases for new and used vehicles, while the maintenance-and-repair index rose faster and stood 5.2% above August 2025.
Cox's third-quarter survey put current-market sentiment at 41, while separate Manheim data showed older, lower-priced vehicles resisting depreciation as used retail supply tightened.
Hybrids represented approximately 15.7% of August new-vehicle sales while battery-electric share was approximately 6.2%, although NADA's accompanying chart lists each figure one-tenth of a point lower.
Estimated volume fell 5.8% from a year earlier, but calendar-adjusted demand produced the strongest annualized sales pace of the year and a sixth straight month above 16 million.
Ratified agreements cover more than 4,600 workers and commit over C$1 billion across Ontario operations, but the product plans remain future allocations rather than near-term U.S. dealer inventory.
Second-quarter finance data shows hybrids gaining share and carrying lower average payments than gasoline and electric vehicles, while loan balances and delinquencies continued to edge higher.
The automaker's 2030 plan pairs a larger regional product cadence with more hybrids, a U.S.-produced Santa Fe EREV and greater local parts content.
RV Industry Association data shows 19,948 units shipped to dealers in July, with a sharp monthly motorhome decline but materially different year-to-date trends by segment.
J.D. Power and GlobalData project a 16.4 million annualized sales pace, but rising payments, longer terms and weaker trade equity show where affordability is constraining the showroom.
Cox Automotive estimates new EV sales rose modestly from June but remained far below July 2025, while used EV sales, supply and prices all finished above year-ago levels.
The new quarterly tracker says 82% of dealers use AI, while only 29% have started adapting to AI-powered search and about one-third lack a clear way to measure results.
J.D. Power says ease, approval speed and lender relationships collectively account for 70% of the reasons dealers choose a lender, while 74% of respondents want more self-service capability.
Ford’s first Universal EV Platform vehicle puts a full-featured midsize electric pickup near Maverick pricing while testing a new factory architecture, LFP battery strategy, software stack and post-sale revenue model.
The NACS-equipped electric crossover returns in XLE and Limited grades, but Toyota's release gives two different range estimates for Limited AWD.
The CRM-native Service-to-Sales Agent analyzes customer, vehicle and service information before initiating trade conversations, putting consent, targeting and handoff quality at the center of the dealership decision.
Tekion says its scheduler is now certified through Volkswagen’s U.S. Dealer Digital Program, adding another OEM-approved path for managing appointments, advisor capacity and customer booking.
Certain 2019–2026 Ram 1500 pickups need an inspection because two rear-seat buckle anchors may not be properly attached to the body structure.
The planned system makes navigation, charging routing and vehicle data part of the native experience rather than a phone-only projection.
Toyota’s full-size truck and SUV gain Trailhunter packages, updated multimedia and TSS 4.0—but pricing and full specifications remain pending.
Edmunds found 29.6% of new-vehicle trade-ins were underwater in the second quarter, with an average deficit of $6,884.
The returning V-8, longer warranty coverage and aggressive July offers gave Ram dealers a materially different objection-handling story.
NADA reported 1.21 million hybrid sales and a 15.4% share, while battery-electric volume and share declined.
A strong June did not erase the softer six-month comparison, a distinction that matters for inventory, staffing and floorplan decisions.
The estimate arrived alongside $3,217 in average incentive spending and a 13.6% share of financed transactions at 84 months or longer.
Experian's first-quarter report put average terms at 69.48 months for new vehicles and 67.73 months for used vehicles.
The 81,893-vehicle campaign covers selected Toyota and Lexus models whose 12.3-inch display may fail to show required warnings.
A December forecast put negative equity on 26.9% of trade-ins and average incentives at $3,433, with substantially larger discounts on EVs.
The redesigned interface brought Mazda’s largest touchscreen to date and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The 320,065-vehicle campaign told owners to park outside and avoid charging affected Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids until repaired.
CDK’s survey highlighted access, recall outreach, mobile service and loyalty, but did not expose its full instrument publicly.
A software fault can prevent the rearview image from appearing or cause it to freeze; Toyota said dealers would update the Parking Assist ECU at no charge.
Eligible MINI EV and plug-in-hybrid owners could earn incentives, but vehicle, utility territory and participation terms control eligibility.
A branded offer report can make adjustments easier to explain, but participation cost, inspection changes and dealer execution still determine the channel's value.
