EVAI founder Ian Gardner says dealers must arm their sales teams with a broader and deeper understanding of the factors that drive EV purchases, including TCO and charging infrastructure. +

Automotive News reports new vehicle sales improved for Ford, Hyundai and Kia and fell by double digits for Mazda in May, dropping the SAAR below 16 million as factories scaled back incentives. +

Volkswagen will extend its price freeze on new U.S.-sold units through the end of June. Sources say VW and fellow German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz may be close to a tariff exemption. +

The average age of a registered light duty vehicle hit an all-time record of 12.8 years in 2024, registering a second consecutive 60-day year-over-year increase, according to S&P Global Mobility. +

EVAI founder Ian Gardner says a new survey proves an opportunity exists for dealers willing to leverage data and technology to stay ahead of rapidly evolving fleet service trends. +

The Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index decreased by 1.6% in April after hitting a 45-month high in March. Analysts blame tariffs for rising prices and payments despite strong economic indicators. +

Lotlinx’s Len Short digs beneath the headlines to review a litany of first quarter auto retail and finance reports and distills them into four key points in his latest contribution to DealerELITE. +

Carvana increased sales by 46% year-over-year in the first quarter, moving 133,898 units and generating $4.2 billion in revenue, both all-time quarterly records, following a similarly positive Q4 report. +

Kelley Blue Book reports U.S. average transaction prices increased by 2.5% for new vehicles between March and April while Carfax finds used units enjoyed an unusually large “spring bounce.” +

U.S. and Chinese officials announced a 90-day pause on steep tariffs imposed upon each other’s exports, including vehicles and parts, in a sudden de-escalation that could lead to a long-term agreement. +