The Weekly

Dealer Matt Bowers is pursuing multi-state expansion, while keeping an eye on Carvana

“I'm looking for stores that make an impact to me financially, to the people around me,” said Matt Bowers. (3 min. read)

Morrie’s Auto Group capitalizes on market blind spots with used EV strategy

While skeptical competitors avoided EVs, Director Eric Miller was systematically acquiring vehicles with structural cost advantages. (3 min. read)

Anna del Villar

Tariff pressures are pushing Mazda to double down on higher-margin SUVs

Mazda estimates that U.S. tariffs on auto imports from Japan (recently reduced to 15% from 27.5%) will still cost $1.58 billion. (3 min. read)

Podcast Recaps

The time bomb in labor rate increases (and how dealers are maximizing profit)

Featuring Rob Scott from Bob Johnson Auto Group, and Robert Wooden, founder of Wooden Automotive Consultants

‘If you have an electric vehicle in your inventory, get rid of that thing,’ says Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH)

After federal EV tax credits sunset in a few weeks, Moreno expects EV demand to collapse to just 5–7% of sales. (3 min. read)

Zachary Visconti

Tricolor bankruptcy sparks fraud probes, banks face heavy losses

Tricolor has sold nearly $2 billion worth of asset-backed securities since 2022, many of which remain outstanding. (3 min. read)

How Detroit-based LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC went from missed sales to market leader

To stay ahead, the dealership is adding a mobile body shop van, tracking gap claims, and offering multi-state EV repairs. (3 min. read)

Cronin Auto Group expands with acquisition of Hirlinger Chevrolet in Indiana

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

Anna del Villar

The Breakdown

Auto lenders are tightening loan access—but some dealers are taking matters into their own hands

Larger loans, riskier buyers, and fewer trade-ins

Anna del Villar, +1

Volkswagen commits $1.2 billion to AI by 2030 in bid to boost speed, cut costs

“With artificial intelligence, we are igniting the next stage on our path to becoming the global automotive tech driver," said Hauke Stars, member of Volkswagen’s Board of Management. (3 min. read)

FTC’s Holder Rule interpretation adds new pressure on auto dealers, lenders

The way it’s enforced has shifted, and that shift widens exposure for finance companies and puts dealers under sharper compliance scrutiny. (3 min. read)

Ash Savage

Inventory shortages push more car buyers to order cars still in transit — report

CDK Global’s Ease of Purchase score rose to 89% in August, up from 86% in July and 77% in June. (2 min. read)

Insights & Trends

Credit card fees are gaining traction in auto retail, but missteps can trigger penalties

Dealer Pay CEO Julie Douglas joined the Daily Dealer Live show to discuss the complexities of managing compliance concerns with credit card fees. (4 min. read)

Zachary Visconti

Lithia Motors expands with the purchase of two South Florida dealerships

CDG News alert (1 min. read)

Anna del Villar

Podcast Recaps

"Money's not in the CRM, it's in the DMS!”—tracking the pulse of AI in dealerships

Featuring Art Dessein, Vice President of Sales at Impel