Consumer-to-dealer automotive marketplace inride announced the launch of Trade Agent AI, an agentic artificial intelligence platform designed to help car dealerships find “hidden trade-in and purchase opportunities” directly from their customer database. The company said it’s the first fully autonomous AI agent to proactively text values and schedule appointments with vehicle owners without human involvement. […] [Read More]

A Tennessee dealership made a donation aimed at developing safer drivers. City Auto Mitsubishi in Murfreeesboro joined with Mitsubishi Motors North America in handing the keys to two new Mitsubishi SUVs — a 2024 Outlander Sport and a 2024 Eclipse Cross — to Rutherford County Schools to be used for the in-school driver-training program. The […] [Read More]

The Dave Cantin Group has netted a rising young tennis pro for its sports ambassador program. The dealership advisory firm is sponsoring Ethan Quinn, who joins PGA Tour golfer Quade Cummins, DCG’s first athlete ambassador. Quinn, 21, won the 2023 NCAA Division I men’s singles championship for Georgia and turned professional later that year. The […] [Read More]

For the 12th year, Chicagoland’s new-car dealers saluted the military with a month-long event that raised more than $70,000 for programs to support local service members and their families. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association’s 12th annual Drive for the Troops in partnership with the USO included more than 80 area dealerships hosting community-focused fundraising events […] [Read More]

CarMax is shifting gears with its brand. The national used-car retailer has introduced a new tagline — “Wanna Drive?”— moving on from the familiar “The way car buying should be,” which it has used for more than 20 years. In a news release, the company said the new tagline “brings the omnichannel experience to life” […] [Read More]

Zeigler Auto Group’s top service department staff were treated to a unique experience: the chance to race against a NASCAR driver. The dealership group honored the service technicians and service advisors selected for its 2024 President’s Circle with a celebration featuring NASCAR Cup Series racer Carson Hocevar. The event, hosted by Zeigler Auto Group president […] [Read More]

A startup seeking to help dealers source inventory from private sellers is swinging for the fences, stepping up to the plate with a lineup of Cox Automotive veterans that includes one of the biggest names in the auto industry. The heaviest hitter is Chip Perry, founding president and CEO of Autotrader and former CEO of […] [Read More]

A new startup led by former auto retail executives has launched with the goal of decluttering the private-party vehicle sales and ownership process and making it safer. Secure Private Sales said in a news release Wednesday that it plans to “build smarter, safer, and more transparent experiences across the vehicle ownership journey,” and help solve […] [Read More]

VinFast’s newly established California dealership network is officially up and running. The Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer’s first authorized dealership in the Golden State, VinFast San Diego, held its grand opening event Tuesday. The event, attended by company executives, local media and consumers, included the opportunity to test drive the brand’s two flagship U.S. electric SUVs: […] [Read More]

Roughly two weeks after announcing it had added used and certified pre-owned vehicles from dealers to the platform, Amazon Autos has expanded further into the used-car space. Hertz Car Sales said Wednesday it has joined the platform, a move that brings thousands of used vehicles from Hertz to Amazon Autos. Hertz Car Sales is the […] [Read More]