Dealers
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Diehl Automotive Group adds Toyota, VW dealerships amid buying spree
CEO Corina Diehl said a refined corporate structure has helped accelerate its M&A process, and identify unique opportunities like a collision center addition.
By Alysha Webb • May 1, 2026 -
A single-point dealership sells to a larger auto group to remain competitive
Derek Sylvester, former owner of the Chevy store, will continue working there along with his two daughters and nephew.
By Alysha Webb • April 30, 2026 -
Explore the Trendlineâž”
Courtesy of Kia Corporation
TrendlineArtificial Intelligence
Automakers and dealers alike are increasingly seeing the use case for AI within their operations. Explore some use cases in this trendline.
By WardsAuto staff -
2027 Infiniti QX65 review: Luxury fastback SUV makes a smooth statement
The QX65 channels FX design flair and delivers refinement and comfort for the road, not necessarily the trail.
By Eric Walz • April 29, 2026 -
JLR recalls more than 170,000 US mild hybrids over power loss
A remedy for the issue that could lead to DC-DC converter failure is "currently under development," according to a JLR letter filed with NHTSA.
By Paul Myles • April 27, 2026 -
Fixed Ops, F&I carry the load for dealerships in Q1
Tariffs imposed a year ago temporarily restored some of the pricing power dealers had lost because of higher new-car inventories, a Presidio-NCM study said.
By Jim Henry • April 27, 2026 -
Ally Financial grows auto loans despite lukewarm sales environment
Executives said the bank’s dealer financial services unit remains choosy on auto loan approvals, amid record-high credit applications.
By Jim Henry • April 23, 2026 -
Todd Blue gets his Porsche store through 4 dealership purchase in California
The deal with Umansky Auto Group also included Audi, Land Rover and Honda dealerships in Livermore.
By Alysha Webb • April 21, 2026 -
CarMax prices start to fall as turnaround plan begins
New CEO Keith Barr said lower prices beget more sales, but cost cutting moves are still on the table.
By Jim Henry • April 17, 2026 -
Column
Build it and they will come? Not always in the auto biz
Automakers today are less likely to build multiple vehicle configurations that don’t sell well.
By Steve Finlay • April 14, 2026 -
Vann York Auto Group acquires Hyundai, Kia stores
Adding human capital supported Vann York Automotive Group's recent Hyundai and Kia store acquisitions.
By Alysha Webb • Updated April 13, 2026 -
Low inventories, income-tax refunds raising used-vehicle values
High prices for new vehicles are prompting new-car shoppers to pivot to used vehicles, and that boosts used-car demand, Cox Automotive said.
By Jim Henry • April 9, 2026 -
End of EV mandate tempts out-of-state buyers to acquire California dealerships
But other regulations still make the state undesirable to some potential automotive franchise owners.
By Alysha Webb • April 8, 2026 -
Iran war casts shadow on sales outlook at NY Auto Forum
Both JD Power and Cox Automotive expect their earlier 2026 new-vehicle sales forecasts to hold — but a drawn-out war could change things.
By Jim Henry • April 6, 2026 -
State dealer laws add up to $5K to a new vehicle’s price, think tank finds
“Protecting an incumbent distribution channel is not the same as protecting consumers,” the International Center for Law & Economics concluded in an issue brief.
By Eric Walz • April 3, 2026 -
Three stores, two buyers and one seller: The complex tale of the Hello Auto sale
Ghreiwati Auto Group acquired Mazda and Kia stores in Southern California, while a Subaru store went to a different buyer.
By Alysha Webb • March 31, 2026 -
Why the Iran war hasn’t yet affected US vehicle sales forecasts
Cox Automotive notes that it historically takes months of high gas prices to broadly impact new-vehicle sales.
By Jim Henry • March 31, 2026 -
Base Station travel trailer boasts Honda design and engineering
The pandemic introduced a new generation to the outdoorsy lifestyle, and the Honda-engineered, U.S.-built product could drive these younger active types to the brand and its dealerships.
By Bengt Halvorson • March 30, 2026 -
Hyundai plans to launch 36 ‘new and enhanced’ vehicles in North America through 2030
The plans are part of a $26 billion investment commitment in U.S. manufacturing the company announced last year.
By Eric Walz • March 27, 2026 -
New CarMax CEO Barr looks to tech for better UX
After some rough quarters and a loss of market share to rivals like Carvana, leadership is focused on an interface that’s easier to use.
By Jim Henry • Updated March 31, 2026 -
Dealers need to step up and educate on EV charging: JD Power
The firm underscored that EV drivers have a lot to navigate to understand the best home-charging option — and dealers are in the best position to help.
By Bengt Halvorson • March 25, 2026 -
Column
Dealers chafe as Scout Motors plans to sell cars factory-direct
Despite legal opposition, dealer-less sales are “100% of the plan,” says Scott Keogh, CEO of the VW Group’s spinoff automaker.
By Steve Finlay • March 25, 2026 -
Brand loyalty and family guided this Miami dealer’s acquisition
Luis Somoano, who owns two Miami-area Ford and two Lincoln stores, says he purchased the second Ford store with his daughters' success in mind.
By Alysha Webb • March 23, 2026 -
Obtained from Carmax
CarMax appoints Keith Barr as CEO
He joins the used-car retailer after serving as chief executive of InterContinental Hotels Group.
By Jim Irwin • March 18, 2026 -
Third-generation dealers branch out with RBM Automotive Group
The first move for brother and sister David Ellis and Casey Frames was to acquire Porsche, Land Rover and Nissan dealers in Greenville, South Carolina from Asbury Automotive Group.
By Alysha Webb • March 17, 2026 -
FTC warns 97 auto dealership groups about deceptive pricing
The letters stress the need for truthful and transparent pricing in the automotive industry.
By Jim Irwin • March 16, 2026