It’s Q4 which means caffeine levels are up, patience is down, and the only thing more unpredictable than EV sales is the office thermostat.

The market’s humming, even if the headlines suggest otherwise. Service lanes are where loyalty’s built, used cars are holding steady, and EV momentum is just gearing up for 2026.

So, plug in your laptops, top off your lattes, and let’s make sense of the chaos before someone says “holiday promotion strategy” again.

The Scoop (TL;DR):

1. Service retention = the loyalty engine.

2. EVs took a short nap after the tax credit hangover

3. Used vehicles are quietly saving the month.

4. Dealer sentiment’s cautious but capable.

5. SEO updates now = happy search engines later.

💔 SERVICE RETENTION: CUSTOMERS ARE PULLING A DISAPPEARING ACT

Cox Automotive’s new study says dealer service retention has dropped 12% since 2018 (Cox Auto). Only 54% of 0–2-year-old vehicles are returning for service meaning nearly half your customers are getting their oil changed by someone named Gary who probably has a vintage Snap-on calendar in his shop (we see you Gary!).

Here’s the kicker: 74% of customers who service with you buy again, versus just 44% who go elsewhere (AutoRemarketing).

🧰 Dealer takeaway: Your service lane isn’t just about filters and fluids — it’s your long-term sales funnel. Make scheduling easy, follow-up friendly, and service experiences smoother than a fresh coat of wax.

⚡ EV SALES: THE FUTURE’S JUST… REBOOTING

After EV tax credits expired Sept 30, deliveries fell 14% and October’s SAAR dropped to 15.3M, the lowest in a year (Reuters).

Buyers still love EVs - just not the part where the payment feels like a second mortgage. Meanwhile, hybrids and certified pre-owned models are enjoying their glow-up.

💡 Dealer takeaway: It’s not “EV slowdown,” it’s “EV intermission.” Get ready for the next act — lead with practical, affordable, and hybrid options. The future’s still electric, it’s just charging a little slower this month. ⚡🔌

😅 DEALER SENTIMENT: TIRED BUT STILL KICKING

Dealer optimism slipped 6.2% this month (Cox Auto Index). Traffic’s softer, margins are tighter, and everyone’s had that Tuesday where three test drives cancel before lunch (you should have verified their ID first)

But here’s the thing — smart operators are doing more with less. With fewer ups, better follow-up, and solid F&I discipline, many stores are still turning solid months.

🎯 Dealer takeaway: November might not be breaking records, but it’s building skill. Use the lull to train, tweak, and tighten up. December rewards the teams who practiced in November.

🚙 Used Market: Calm, Cool, and Certified

Used inventory’s holding steady at ~2.25M units (Cox Auto). That’s dealership-speak for “thank goodness.”

🎯 Tip: Now’s the time to refresh listings, update SEO, and spotlight your certified pre-owned lineup. Early holiday shoppers are already browsing between bites of pumpkin pie.

⚡ EV Momentum: The 2026 Teasers Begin

Ford, GM, and Stellantis are fast-tracking their next-gen EVs for early 2026 (Automotive News).

Translation: new models are coming faster than you can say “range anxiety.” Start prepping your digital content now — electric SUVs, hybrid incentives, EV financing. Those searches are already ticking up.

💰 Interest Rates: Steady as She Goes

The Bank of Canada held its rate again (BoC Statement). Inflation’s easing, but affordability’s still tricky.

🧮 Takeaway: Keep finance conversations focused on solutions, not stress. Pre-qualify customers early to ensure you are having informed conversations. Transparency builds trust and trust sells cars even when rates don’t.

🔍 SEO & DIGITAL STRATEGY

Navigating the AI Road Ahead

Missed our webinar with Alex Vorobiev & Ali Abbas? The replay’s live!

It breaks down how AI is reshaping SEO - from voice search to generative results and what dealers can do to stay visible while Google “experiments.”

💡 Learn how to:

• Optimize for AI-driven search

• Safeguard rankings from volatility

• Capture leads from voice and conversational queries

🎬 Watch the Replay

— perfect background noise for your next inventory meeting.

📈 Your Year-End SEO Pit Stop

Before the December rush, take a few laps through your website:

• ✅ Freshen up listings and photos

• 📝 Add year-end blog content: “Top 2025 Models” & “2026 Car Trends”

• 📱 Check your mobile load speed (because 70% of buyers browse in line at Starbucks)

• 🏷️ Update metadata: car sales near me, holiday car deals, EV financing offers

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🔗 Try the Free Vehicle Listing Writer

— your digital co-pilot for SEO-friendly listings that convert.

🏁 Final Lap: Your Early Holiday Wrap-Up

Thanks for riding along with us this month! Questions, feedback, or just want to share your dealership wins? Hit reply, we’re all ears!

More automotive news from our friends at

Until next time,

The Dealers Edge and Autocorp.ai Team

P.S. Share this with your team—insights are better when shared! 🚗✨