Market Pulse

Why dealers are drowning in traffic they can't convert (+ how to fix it)

Featuring Scott Traylor, Vice President at Mia Labs

14 July 2026

Dealer Strategies

Downing Auto Group on logging the top stores for their brands in Louisiana

“Whether that’s a sales process, service drive process, or reporting, we look to have those core processes aligned regardless of manufacturer or location.” (3 min. read)

Consistency leads MileOne to top of service scheduling effectiveness study

“When we’re inventing this kind of measurement, we do it through the eyes of a consumer,” said Fran O’ Hagan, CEO of Pied Piper.

Audi simplifies 2027 lineup with new trim strategy to streamline vehicle ordering

The move will change how dealership sales teams need to present vehicles to customers. (3 min. read)

Dodge brings back ‘power dollars’ as gas-powered Charger sales surge

Buyers of the 420-horsepower Dodge Charger R/T and R/T Plus SIXPACK models are eligible for a $4,200 cash allowance. (3 min. read)

Successful dealer-athlete partnerships require strategy, not star power, experts say

A strong partnership can strengthen manufacturer relationships, support efforts to secure new points and aid employee recruitment and retention. (3 min. read)

DIY auto maintenance gains momentum as dealers face growing service competition

“As economic uncertainty persists and vehicle dependency remains high, DIY auto maintenance will continue to gain traction with consumers,” said Nathan Shipley, automotive industry analyst for Circana.

Nearly 5 million vehicles need Takata airbags replaced

CARFAX data shows numbers dwindling from the initial 40 million

Cardinale Automotive Group acquires 2 Calif. dealerships in 2 deals

CDG News alert (2 min. read)

Julie Walker

The Breakdown

Two departments, two important rules: Keep it simple, keep it honest

The best or nothing

Julie Walker, +1

12 July 2026

The Weekly

Inside the 150K+ vehicles under $10K sold per month + Ed Morse Automotive makes Mercedes-Benz deal official

A look at this week's top stories.

11 July 2026

No color: More than 80% of vehicles on market now grayscale

iSeeCars study shows dealers, consumers playing it safe (3 min. read)

Volkswagen workers push back as Blume seeks support for massive restructuring plan

Union representative Thorsten Groeger warned Volkswagen that cutting jobs could trigger a "major conflict" with workers. (3 min. read)

Senate panel to vote on bill tightening U.S. restrictions on Chinese automakers

The legislation would also restrict automobiles, parts and vehicle software developed in partnership with China and other "adversarial nations." (3 min. read)

Ed Morse Automotive Group makes Mercedes-Benz deal official, enters Montana

“With the addition of Mercedes, we're truly becoming a group that sells everything,” Teddy Morse said. (4 min. read)

Julie Walker