NADA Show 2025: Top 3 auto industry trends to watch for

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Hey, everyone—If you’re going to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show this year, you know how it can be—thousands of dealers, vendors, and industry leaders all packed into one event.

It’s exciting, but it’s a lot.

Which is why we put together this guide of some of the biggest trends and topics that will be front and center this year—

So whether you’ll be walking the show floor or following along from home—you’ll have the inside scoop.

Let’s get into it.

—CDG

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T-minus two days until the biggest event in automotive retail kicks off in New Orleans—the 2025 NADA Show.

Every year, NADA (a trade organization representing 16,500 franchised dealers) hosts this huge four-day mega-conference, bringing together car dealers, automakers, vendors, and industry insiders. It’s the ultimate opportunity to network, share insights, and gear up for the year ahead.

And when I say huge, I mean massive.

By the numbers:

  • 22,000 attendees expected

  • 600+ events on the agenda, including over 100 educational sessions like workshops, TED Talk-style presentations, and peer-to-peer advice.

  • 500 exhibitors on the expo floor

  • Over 1 million square feet to explore

Melissa Wolpert, NADA’s Senior VP for Meetings, Conventions, and Expositions, leads a team of 12 women who manage the event’s complex logistics. And for Melissa, the NADA Show is more than just a trade event—

“It’s also somewhat of a reunion. There’s a great buzz and feeling throughout the show that you’ll see,” she told me.

At its core—the NADA Show is one of the best networking opportunities for dealers and vendors. But it’s also where dealership leaders turn to get informed about the latest best practices, trends, and strategies shaping the industry.

And while the NADA Show doesn’t have official themes, three major topics are clearly dominating this year:

1. Dealers are starting to leverage AI in droves.

This year, AI is everywhere—no fewer than 16 educational sessions at NADA are focused on artificial intelligence. From recruiting and sales to supply chains and digital marketing, dealers are beginning to integrate AI into almost every part of their operations.

Some examples include generative AI chatbots, virtual voice assistants, and machine learning for predictive analytics.

  • In fact, 80% of dealers indicate they have plans to invest in AI in 2025, per Lotlinx.

  • But there are still gaps—78% of dealerships reported being unsure about how to effectively use predictive data.

  • And the number of dealers who feel they are getting value from their new AI tools is currently 65%, down from 74%, according to CDK Global.

The excitement around AI is palpable, but dealers are also realizing that these tools aren’t instant fixes.

It all comes down to understanding what AI can actually do for the dealership and where it can be put to the best use. The NADA sessions aim to fast-track this education by allowing dealers to learn from experts and each other.

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But as dealers get more technologically advanced—

2. Dealerships are becoming more exposed to cybersecurity threats.

It’s something thousands of dealers learned the hard way after a cyberattack caused widespread dealership management systems (DMS) outages this past summer.

The borderline crisis resulting from the outages placed a renewed emphasis on cybersecurity for dealerships. Especially when it involves the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is scrutinizing dealers more and more.

And no dealer is immune. Even after the CDK incident was resolved, cyberattacks surged about 155% as of late September 2024.

Which is why I expect the NADA Super Session “Don't Hope, Prepare: Cybersecurity Strategies” to be packed. Led by White House Cyber Director Harry Coker, this session will feature a panel of experts discussing how to prevent, respond to, and recover from attacks.

  • When: Thursday, January 23, 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. CT

  • Where: La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom C

We live by our motto – No Lead Left Behind!

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Call Team Six, a motivated team that does not give up. Reserve your personalized consultation slot now at our private suite across from the NADA convention center.

Complimentary catered food/drink, and your own cool “swag bag” are waiting!

The third trend that caught my eye is not new. However, it’s arguably one of the most important…

3. Dealers are prioritizing fixed operations (service + parts).

Over the years—I’ve noticed the discourse around improving fixed ops efficiency has ebbed and flowed. But once the pandemic set in—all eyes shifted back to vehicle service.

Some dealers were selling cars way above MSRP and raking in huge profits, but as new and used car inventory depleted—service became even more vital to keep profits flowing.

And today—as new and used vehicle gross profits decline—fixed ops gross profit is actually up 5.4%, according to the financial results of more than 3,900 U.S. franchised dealerships.

Big picture—the fixed ops conversation isn’t going away anytime soon. And NADA 2025 has several service focused sessions to take advantage of like:

All said and done—NADA typically has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest happening in the auto industry, and this year is shaping up to be no different.

Keep reading on to find out where I’ll be on the show floor—along with some other tips to make the most of your trip to the Big Easy. See you there✌️ 

See the schedule for the 2025 NADA Main Stage Keynote Speakers.

📍Order a Hurricane from Pat O'Briens 

📍Get a beignet and chicory coffee from Cafe Du Monde

📍Take in some of the city’s best jazz music at The Spotted Cat Music Club

📍Do a whiskey tasting at the Sazerac House distillery

📍Have a top-tier meal at The Commander’s Palace

Where can I stay? If you didn’t book a hotel when you registered for NADA, there are still a ton of nice hotels with availability, like the NOPSI Hotel, Hotel Tonnelle, and the Higgins Hotel.

How do I get to the convention? Free shuttle buses are available from Thursday, January 23, to Sunday, January 26, 2025, making it easy to get to and from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and official NADA hotels. There’s also a Rideshare Zone, located directly outside of Lobby G for Uber and Lyft users. Driving to the show? There’s plenty of parking available at the convention center. Reserve your space ahead of time.

What do I do when I get there? Get your registration badge in Lobby A and Lobby E.

What events are going on at the show? Every second of NADA is packed with moderated workshops, motivational speakers, interactive sessions, and deep-dive presentations on the latest dealership best practices. See the full schedule here.

Thanks for reading. See you on Thursday for the next edition of The Breakdown…

—Car Dealership Guy

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