A study released by Marchex and based on 8 million calls to U.S. auto dealers found that nearly one-fifth of calls went unanswered or were abandoned by the customer, representing millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Despite the expected decline, October looks to be relatively strong on strong replacement demand in hurricane-impacted states and higher incentive spending. Kelley Blue Book analysts, however, believe these are indicators that new-vehicle demand is still contracting.
The latest edition of eLEND Solutions’ Digital Retailing Survey finds most dealers describe themselves as willing to adopt digital retailing but actual adoption rates — and levels of understanding — are wanting.
Auto/Mate’s annual User Summit drew more than 100 customers for three days of sessions and networking.
Flick Fusion’s new VidCom mobile app was designed to offer auto dealers a multiplatform video communications tool.
Fair’s latest funding round was led by BMW iVentures and includes investments from Penske Automotive Group and other investors. The startup also raised nearly $1 billion in debt funding from a group of investment banks and a Sherpa Capital-led entity.
Fastlane has partnered with F&I Express to incorporate VIN-specific vehicle service contract and aftermarket pricing in its dealer-focused online car-buying platform.
Automotive retail and compliance expert Max Zanan is set to release ‘Perfect Dealership,’ a new book designed to serve as an auto dealer’s guide to surviving the Digital Age.
CarStory’s new, AI-driven predictive analytics interface was designed to show dealers how their sales will rank in their local markets.
Depreciation increased for both cars and light trucks, with car segments recording the highest weekly depreciation in seven weeks. Prices in the Houston-area, however, remain elevated, according to the firm.
‘Like I See It’ has already achieved best-seller status based on preorder sales. The book devotes chapters to margin compression, increased OEM control and financial reliance of their dealer partners, technology disruption and consumer preferences for digital retailing.
Cars.com has launched a number of new features and enhanced vehicle inventory pages designed to enable car buyers to quickly and easily find the right car for their needs.
CloudOne and iHeartMedia have agreed to a new advertising deal that will connect CloudOne’s lead-generation platform with iHeart’s network of radio stations.
Autotrader has listed the 10 most-searched vehicles in the site’s 20-year history, which includes more than 2 billion car shoppers and 350 million vehicle listings.
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index reached a record high in September for the fifth consecutive month, while the SAAR rose to its highest September reading in three decades. The main driver was replacement demand caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
