Unlocking Dealer Success in 2025: Insights from Cox Automotive

As 2025 kicks off and the automotive industry heads to NADA (snow boots ready), the industry is buzzing with optimism. Cox Automotive recently asked Jade Terreberry and Derek Hansen, both Senior Leaders with Cox Automotive, to share key strategies for dealers to put into action to take advantage of this dynamic environment.

Optimize Dealer Operations: With SAAR nearing 16 million units, refining processes and operations is crucial for success.

• What to do: Evaluate and streamline dealership processes to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Centralize Inventory Management: New enhancements streamline operations across multiple rooftops, leveraging data for better ROI.

• What to do: Implement centralized inventory management systems to optimize inventory control and improve profitability.

Enhance the Appraisal Experience: Accurate appraisals reduce errors and ensure dealers acquire cars at the right price.

• What to do: Utilize the latest appraisal tools to standardize and improve the accuracy of appraisals. This will also help dealers gain the trust (and business!) of today’s consumers.

Embrace Market Optimism: High satisfaction levels among new car and EV buyers, thanks to improved digital tools and a Retail360/Omnichannel approach.

• What to do: Invest in digital tools and omnichannel solutions now to enhance the customer buying experience. Keep turning the dial higher.

Increase Buyer Satisfaction: Cox Automotive’s 15th Annual Car Buyer Journey Study shows increased satisfaction with the car buying process, driven by omnichannel capabilities.

• What to do: Focus on mastering and delivering a seamless omnichannel buying experience to meet and exceed customer expectations. Dealers who do so will stand out as the ones to do business with—buyers want, need, and in most cases, demand this in today’s market.

Leverage AI in Auto Retail: AI enhances customer experiences and streamlines operations, helping dealers stay competitive.

• What to do: Integrate AI technologies to provide predictive analytics, personalized marketing, and efficient inventory management.

How Cox Automotive Is Paving the Way Forward

As best-in-class and having the #1 most-used third-party automotive site to research and shop online, Cox Automotive continues to invest millions in groundbreaking solutions to help dealers stay a step ahead of the competition, drive better business decisions, and gain market share. Cox Automotive encourages dealers to focus on building and perfecting digital tools and omnichannel solutions to meet consumer demands and drive an experience that’s a win on both sides, capturing more and driving profitable growth in the coming year.

Going to NADA? Be sure to be one of the first to see the latest innovations from Cox Automotive.