Auto Bytes Blog

Dealer census – Single-brand stores up as networks shrink

February 23, 2026

By John Huetter Automaker initiatives to shrink dealer networks contributed to the auto retail industry starting 2026 with fewer franchises, but with more dealerships dedicated to just a single brand. The 2026 Automotive News dealer […]

Carvana’s red-hot growth runs on a cycle of borrowed money

February 10, 2026

Attacks from short sellers and the collapse of auto lender Tricolor haven’t slowed down America’s most valuable used-car retailer A white 2024 Tesla Model Y slowly rolls down the lane through a crowd of mostly […]

Jeep maker Stellantis books $26 billion charges in EV reset

February 9, 2026

Automaker says it overestimated demand for electric vehicles Jeep maker Stellantis said it would book charges of about $26 billion, the latest automaker to flush out massive investments in electric vehicles that many Americans are […]

Why are cars so expensive in the U.S. now?

February 9, 2026

With affordability top of mind for US voters as November’s midterm elections approach, Republicans have been focusing attention on one of the most visible pain points for consumers: the price of a new car. The average figure broke $50,000 for the first time […]

Consumer Reports reveals 2026 annual 10 top picks in new cars, trucks and SUVs

February 5, 2026

Every model listed is either a hybrid, available as one, or an electric vehicle for the first time Given the persistently high average price of a new car, it’s crucial for shoppers to choose a […]

The electric car transition unravels slowly, then all at once

December 22, 2025

The global transition to electric vehicles is beginning to unravel the way major changeovers often do: slowly at first, then all at once. This week brought a cascade of signals that the EV era is […]

Europe reverses course on combustion-engine ban

December 17, 2025

The European Union proposed watering down rules that would have effectively banned the sale of new combustion-engine cars in the bloc from 2035, after heavy pressure from the automotive industry. The move announced Tuesday is the latest […]

Ford takes $19.5 billion hit in Detroit’s biggest EV bust

December 16, 2025

Ford Motor Company said Monday it expected to take about $19.5 billion in charges, mainly tied to its electric-vehicle business, a massive hit as the automaker retrenches in the face of sinking EV demand. The […]

The recall gold rush is here – and savvy dealers are cashing in

December 12, 2025

It’s no secret… making money selling cars is getting harder. As margins compress on the variable side of the dealership (car sales, finance, insurance), the fixed ops side of things (car service and parts) is […]