News
Automotive Dealers Are Ready for AI to Deliver Outcomes and Skip the Hype, According to New Cox Automotive Study
Cox Automotive's AI Readiness in Auto Retail study uncovers the momentum of AI adoption, with the majority of dealers agreeing AI is a permanent fixture in automotive retail with potential to generate benefits for their business. Proliferation of AI hype and solutions have garnered attention, but skepticism exists among dealers whose trust issues are centered around data sources and need for more education, indicating proven partners matter. Dealers that are fully embracing and optimizing AI...
Autotrader Finds Dealers Miss Key Sales and Wasted Ad Budgets with 92% of Vehicle Sales Untraceable
ATLANTA, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, reports new findings from Perficient fueled by Clarivoy data on the limitations of current sales tracking in dealerships in its latest white paper, "From Click to Car Sale: How Multi-Touch Attribution Improves Marketing Measurement for Auto Dealers". According to Clarivoy data, in a sample set of 875k automotive sales, only 8% were traceable in CRM, which means 92% were people who never submitted an inquiry that...
Cox Automotive Executive Vice President and vAuto Founder Dale Pollak Releases New Book, "Invested: The New Science, Strategy & System of Used Vehicle Investment Management"
"Invested" introduces the new Variable Management strategy, which brings investment management principles to used vehicle operations, upending the fundamental beliefs and best practices that have shaped the industry for more than a century. Launching at NADA 2025, "Invested" is Pollak's seventh book that explores how implementing the Variable Management strategy helps dealers address current operational deficiencies that accelerate ongoing ROI erosion. "Invested" encourages used vehicle...
Cox Automotive Forecast: Despite Q4 Slowdown, New-Vehicle Sales Expected to Hit 16.3 Million in 2025, Up Nearly 2% from 2024; Best Result Since 2019
December's new-vehicle sales pace is expected to finish near 15.9 million, down from last year's 16.8 million level and up slightly from November's 15.6 million. December sales volume is expected to reach 1.46 million, down 3.5% from last year but up 12.7% from November. Thanks to a strong start in 2025 and a robust third quarter, full-year new-vehicle sales volume is forecast to finish at 16.3 million, according to Kelley Blue Book counts, the industry's best result since 2019. ATLANTA, Dec....
Cox Automotive Forecast: First Quarter New-Vehicle Sales Expected to Increase Year over Year as Market Momentum Shows Signs of Fading
As market momentum fades, March's new-vehicle sales volume is expected to reach 1.43 million, up 15.2% from last month's total but down 1.4% from year-ago levels. The new-vehicle sales pace in March is expected to finish near 15.9 million, up 0.2 million from last year's 15.7 million pace but down from February's 16.0 million level. First-quarter new-vehicle sales are forecast to grow year over year by less than 1% as prices rise and sales incentives are dialed back. Full-year forecast...
Cox Automotive Forecast: January U.S. Auto Sales Expected to Gain More Than 5% Year over Year Despite Harsh Winter Weather
Sales volume in January is forecast to reach 1.125 million, reflecting a 5.2% increase from last year's total but a 25.3% decrease from December. January's new-vehicle sales pace is expected to reach approximately 15.8 million, representing an increase of 0.8 million compared to last January's pace of 15.0 million but is a decline from December's 16.8 million level. New-vehicle sales in January are expected to stay positive year over year for the fourth consecutive month, although they will...
Cox Automotive Forecast: New-Vehicle Sales Return to a Slower Pace in July, With Little Upside Expected in Second Half
The new-vehicle sales pace in July is expected to finish near 15.6 million, up modestly from last month's 15.3 million level and down from last July's 15.8 million pace. Sales volume in July is forecast to reach 1.30 million, up 1.2% from last year and up 2.5% from last month. Consumer demand for new vehicles remains steady at a slower pace, with little upside expected in the coming months. ATLANTA, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- July new-vehicle sales, when announced next week, are expected...
Cox Automotive Forecast: New-Vehicle Sales in February Expected to Rebound After Slow January, 16.3 Million SAAR Anticipated
February's new-vehicle sales pace is expected to reach approximately 16.3 million, up 0.6 million from last February's 15.7 million pace and an increase from January's 15.6 million level. The sales volume is expected to reach 1.250 million in February, up 11.3% from last month's total but down 0.3% from last February. The February sales pace is forecast to increase year over year for the sixth consecutive month, spurred on by buyers who delayed their purchases from January. ATLANTA, Feb. 24,...
Cox Automotive Forecast: New-Vehicle Sales in June Slow from Accelerated Spring Pace; Second Quarter Sales to Finish Higher Year Over Year, As Large Automakers Gain Share
The new-vehicle sales pace in June is expected to finish near 15.3 million, up from last June's 15.0 million pace, but down from last month's 15.6 million level. Sales volume in June is forecast to finish down 6.3% from last year, lower by 15.2% from last month. Thanks in part to strong results in April and May, second-quarter new-vehicle sales will finish nearly 2% higher year over year, as the market slows after the spring surge. ATLANTA, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- June new-vehicle...
Cox Automotive Forecast: November U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Expected to Decline 8% Year Over Year as Higher Prices and Slowing EV Sales Hit Market
November's new-vehicle sales pace is expected to finish near 15.7 million, down from last year's 16.5 million level and up from October's 15.3 million pace. Sales volume is expected to reach 1.27 million in November, down 7.8% from last year and down 1% from last month. Electric vehicle sales are expected to remain low following the tax credit's expiration, which will affect November's totals. ATLANTA, Nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- November's new-vehicle sales, when announced next week, are...
Cox Automotive Forecast: October U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Pace Expected to Slow to 15.7 Million; EV Sales Slump Weighs on Market
October's new-vehicle sales pace is expected to finish near 15.7 million, down from last year's 16.1 million level and down from September's strong 16.4 million pace. Sales volume is expected to reach 1.30 million in October, down 3.1% from last year but up 2.7% from last month. Electric vehicle sales are expected to drop sharply following the tax credit's expiration, affecting October's totals. ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- October new-vehicle sales, when announced next week, are...
Cox Automotive Forecast: September New-Vehicle Sales Up 6% Year Over Year; Record Electric Vehicle Sales Help Charge Strong Third Quarter
September's new-vehicle sale pace is expected to finish near 16.2 million, up from last year's 15.8 million level and higher than August's 16.1 million. Q3 sales volume is expected to reach 4.14 million, down from Q2 but higher by 6.2% year over year. Cox Automotive is adjusting its full-year forecast higher, as sales momentum continues. Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Q3 are expected to hit a record of 409,000 as buyers rush to close deals before government-backed incentives end. The prior...
Cox Automotive Forecast: Tariff Concerns Drive New-Vehicle Sales Growth in April, As Inventory Tightens
April's new-vehicle sales pace is forecast to reach approximately 16.4 million, up 0.4 million from last April's 16 million pace but down from March's surprising 17.8 million level. The new-vehicle sales volume is expected to reach 1.395 million in April, up 4.6% year over year but down 12% from last month. A surge in "pre-tariff" buying is negatively impacting inventory levels, which will likely push prices higher in April and keep stronger sales growth in check. ATLANTA, April 23, 2025...
Cox Automotive Presents Diane Maher with 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award
Diane Maher, president and chief strategy officer of DP Fox Ventures LLC and president and chief operating officer at Fox Motor Group, has been honored as the 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year. Maher is recognized for her leadership in the automotive industry, community advocacy and notable philanthropic efforts. The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award includes a $10,000 donation to a charity of the winner's choice and a $10,000 Barbara Cox Memorial Scholarship for a Northwood University...
Cox Automotive Redefines Omnichannel Platform Enabling Complete Digital Car Buying Across Any Channel
Breakthrough e-commerce technology powers full online transactions on client sites and third-party marketplaces simultaneously ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive, the global leader in automotive technology and services, today announced it has built the automotive industry's first true omnichannel digital retailing platform that enables complete vehicle purchases across multiple digital channels simultaneously. The platform allows automotive sellers to offer full e-commerce...
Cox Automotive Signs Intent to Acquire Bel Air and Tallahassee Auto Auctions from BSC America
Acquisition Grows Manheim Footprint Covering More Than 6,500 Acres Nationwide ATLANTA, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive has signed an agreement with BSC America (BSC) indicating the intent to acquire its Bel Air Auto Auction near Baltimore, Maryland and Tallahassee Auto Auction in Tallahassee, Florida. The agreement is expected to close in the coming weeks, at which time the two auctions will become part of the largest wholesale marketplace, which operates under Cox Automotive's...
Cox Automotive Study Finds Digital Retailing, External Partnerships and AI Key to Dealer Success and Profitability
ATLANTA, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive's Digitization of Automotive Retail Study reveals a growing momentum toward more efficient, connected, and AI-enabled vehicle retailing. As consumer expectations shift, nearly half of franchise dealers now offer a fully online purchase experience-doubling in just two years-marking a decisive industry evolution that also links increased digitization to profitability. The research highlights that 7 in 10 buyers say completing steps online...
Cox Automotive to Showcase New Retail and Inventory Solutions at NADA Show 2025, as the Auto Industry Gains Momentum
U.S. auto dealers will see new technology and solutions from Cox Automotive during the 2025 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, taking place Jan. 23-26 in New Orleans. Cox Automotive will showcase the latest improvements to its key retail solutions, including Deal Central, Xtime, vAuto and Autotrader. In wholesale, Manheim kicks off its 80th anniversary with investments in support of used EVs and more; the company's industry-leading logistics brand, Central Dispatch, unveils...
Cox Automotive's 2025 Outlook: Market Growth, Improving Affordability, and Higher Buyer Satisfaction Expected in Year Ahead
Cox Automotive forecasts a positive economic outlook for 2025, with new-vehicle sales expected to reach 16.3 million units, a 3% increase from 2024. Electrified vehicle sales will grow further in the year ahead, accounting for one out of every four vehicles sold in 2025. Vehicle affordability is expected to improve in 2025, with expanding credit availability and declining auto loan rates. ATLANTA, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive has released an optimistic outlook for the...
Cox Automotive's Car Buyer Journey Study Reveals Record High Satisfaction Among New and EV Buyers
The 2024 Car Buyer Journey Study by Cox Automotive reveals record high satisfaction among new-car buyers, driven in part by advancements in digital tools and seamless integration of online and in-dealership activities, known as an omnichannel buying experience. New-vehicle buyers reported a record 75% satisfaction rate with the overall shopping experience, with dealership satisfaction reaching a historic high of 81%. The EV market continues to lead in customer satisfaction, with 82% of new EV...
FordDirect and Cox Automotive's VinSolutions Strengthen Their Partnership with Smart VINCENT Integration
Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers will save time in customer, vehicle and incentives searches with Smart VINCENT. Sales and transaction processes are streamlined with improved customer relationship management. The Smart VINCENT integration marks the fifth innovation between VinSolutions and FordDirect since 2024 and will be showcased at the NADA Show 2025. ATLANTA, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VinSolutions, Cox Automotive Inc.'s AI-powered marketing, sales and service solution suite, today...
Jonathan Smoke Named Cox Automotive Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer
ATLANTA, Nov. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive announced today that Jonathan Smoke has been named executive vice president and chief strategy officer, effective Nov. 10. Smoke will succeed Amy Mills, who will be departing at the end of the year, following the announcement in July of her retirement after nearly 25 years of service at Cox Automotive. Since joining Cox Automotive as chief economist in 2017, Smoke has been an integral part of the company's strategic planning process and a...
Kelley Blue Book Introduces "Fork in the Road: Drive & Dine Guide"
Comprehensive Guide to Cars That Make Snacking On the Go a Breeze and the Best Car-Friendly Bites ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive brand, has been trusted by consumers for nearly 100 years for car research and pricing. Now, Kelley Blue Book is taking that expertise from the driver's seat to the drive-thru window-announcing an all-new guide to finding the top vehicles and features to make dining on the go safer and more enjoyable, as well as the...
Manheim Index Declines in March, But Wholesale Auto Auction Activity Increases as Tariffs Become Reality
Wholesale used-vehicle values rose on a non-seasonally adjusted basis in March, month over month and year over year, but increases were below seasonal norms, sending the Index lower. The quarter ended with a reacceleration of the "spring bounce," coinciding with the White House auto tariff announcement. Though it's early, auto tariffs may already be impacting wholesale values. The new tariffs are expected to affect sales, inventory and pricing in the used-vehicle market. ATLANTA, April 7,...
Manheim Index: Used-Vehicle Values Stabilized in 2024, As Industry Faces Inventory Challenges in Year Ahead
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) ended 2024 with a year-over-year increase for the first time since 2021; the gain of 0.4% was below the long-term average of 2.3%. Used-vehicle values experienced weaker-than-expected price performance in the first half of 2024 but saw stronger prices in the second half, marking the end of the used-vehicle price correction period. Used electric vehicles saw higher depreciation levels throughout most of 2024; prices began to stabilize in the second...
Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index Dips in September as Q3 Closes Strong; Q4 Outlook Turns Cautious
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index slipped to 207.0 in September, down 0.2% from August but up 2% year over year, reflecting seasonal adjustments. As Q3 closed, wholesale values remained higher than typical seasonal depreciation trends. Used electric vehicle (EV) values rose 6.4% year over year in September, continuing six consecutive months of stronger appreciation than the overall market. ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and...
Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index Rises in June as Auto Market Continues To Be Impacted by Tariff-Driven Volatility
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index climbs to 208.5, up 6.3% year over year and 1.6% month over month, reflecting seasonal strength despite tariff-driven volatility. Retail demand remains solid as off-lease supply continues to tighten, supporting higher used-vehicle values. The used-vehicle market is showing signs of normalization and resilience, outperforming the new-vehicle segment in terms of stability. ATLANTA, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix,...
New Cox Automotive Study Finds Dealerships Have Lost 12% of Service Visits to Competition Since 2018
Dealerships face market share erosion within fixed operations. Growth opportunities exist from an aging carpool, consumer need for digital communication and convenience, and untapped service lane sourcing. ATLANTA, Nov. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study from Cox Automotive shows a crisis in dealer service retention. Despite a rise in overall number of service visits, U.S. dealerships are losing customers to independent competitors at a steady rate. This is because cars on the road are...
Q4 2025 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index: Dealer Caution Deepens as Market Sentiment Falls; EV Outlook and Profits Weaken While New-Vehicle Inventory Grows
Dealer sentiment fell sharply in Q4, with both current and future market indices well below the positive threshold, as franchised and independent dealers alike signaled widespread caution. Customer traffic and profitability reached new lows, with franchised dealers experiencing the steepest declines and independents also reporting significant pressure from rising costs and weaker demand. The outlook for electric vehicles deteriorated further, especially among franchised dealers, as future EV...
Spring Optimism Boosts U.S. Automobile Dealer Sentiment, Despite Weak Profits, Growing Costs
ATLANTA, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Q1 2025 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) reports that the U.S. automobile dealers' view of current market conditions increased from an index score of 42 in Q4 2024 to 44 in Q1 2025. The survey, conducted in late January and early February, indicates an upward shift in dealer sentiment. The current market index score increased year over year. However, the score of 44 - below the threshold of 50 - indicates more dealers view the market as...
Three Cox Automotive Executives Recognized Among 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry
ATLANTA, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive leaders Grace Huang, president of Inventory Solutions; Marianne Johnson, executive vice president and chief product officer; and Lori Wittman, president of Retail Solutions, have been named among the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News. They and their co-honorees from across the automotive industry are featured in the May 19 issue of Automotive News and will be celebrated this evening at a gala at The...
Xtime Adds New Features to Modernize the Automotive Service Experience
New features focused on customer communications and workflow transform dealership service departments into customer-centric powerhouses. New, improved video and image capture and share, plus enhanced dealer texting and chat features simplify customer communications while improving the overall customer experience. Xtime's new features can grow fixed operations profits with every appointment while creating superior customer experiences across end-to-end processes. ATLANTA, Jan. 17, 2025...