Insights

In a recent discussion, Chief Data Officer Ben Flusberg and Vice President of AI and Machine Learning Jodi Blomberg outlined how dealers can harness the power of AI to unlock competitive advantage without sacrificing human touchpoints and experiences. To bring this to life, they introduced several personas, illustrating how AI can positively shape each stage …

ATLANTA, March 3, 2026 – The Q1 2026 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) shows a seasonal rebound in dealer optimism, driven by improved expectations for the spring selling season. While current market conditions remain below historical norms, sentiment for the months ahead improved sharply as dealers anticipate stronger demand, easing interest rates and improving …

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on producer prices, tax refunds, consumer confidence and metrics on the housing market. Last week was a bit lighter on economic data than recent weeks. Last week started with the 2026 National Association of Business Economists (NABE) conference, three days of economic discussion and three …

Fifty years into its U.S. journey, Honda is doing something few legacy automakers manage well: using history as a launchpad, not a crutch. At an event inside Honda’s Torrance, California design center late last year, the company didn’t just commemorate the milestone, it used it to reframe where it’s heading next. From design and motorsports …

ATLANTA, Feb. 26, 2026 – Cox Automotive’s VinSolutions, the leading CRM in the automotive industry, announced today a new integration with Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Cox Automotive’s VinSolutions, specifically, the Vin Desking features of CRM and Deal Central, now integrate with Toyota SmartPath/Lexus MONOGRAM retailing, enabling the opportunity for a seamless consumer experience from …

At this year’s NADA in Las Vegas, Chief Strategy Officer Jonathan Smoke and newly announced Chief Economist Jeremy Robb outlined five major forces and strategic themes they predict will shape the auto industry in 2026. For the best business outcomes in the year ahead, dealers should consider the following forces in their strategic roadmap: The …

New research by Cox Automotive on Chinese automakers shows a polarized U.S. market, limited brand awareness, and a wide gap between consumer curiosity and dealer readiness — highlighting why low prices alone may not be enough for Chinese brands to succeed if they enter the U.S. market. Five insights shaping the conversation As Chinese automakers …

ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 2026 – February new-vehicle sales are expected to reflect ongoing challenges due to winter weather and economic uncertainty, yet demonstrate some improvement compared to January’s results. The seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales (SAAR) in February is anticipated to be approximately 15.6 million. This figure represents a decline from last year’s 16.0 …

By Ben Flusberg, Chief Data Officer, and Jodi Blomberg, VP, AI & Machine Learning AI is already delivering real results across Cox Automotive, improving everyday workflows in simple, human‑centered ways. At NADA, we took the stage to showcase how the dealerships winning in the next few years will be the ones who use AI to …

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on Q4 GDP growth, consumer income and expense trends, home builder sentiment, and vehicle affordability. On Friday, we received an update on tax refund data, showing the average refund is running 14% higher year over year, although it’s still early in the season. Our own …