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- 🚗 Early Summer Surge: AI, Inventory Shifts & the New Rules of Retail
🚗 Early Summer Surge: AI, Inventory Shifts & the New Rules of Retail
The Dealer's Edge is the unfair advantage newsletter of high performing dealerships - consumed in 15 minutes, delivered monthly and powered by Autocorp.ai
The automotive market is showing early signs of summer momentum amid ongoing supply challenges and evolving consumer preferences. Our early summer analysis dives into recent shifts in vehicle inventory levels, emerging tech trends impacting dealerships, and strategies to navigate tightening margins. This issue aims to equip your team with insights and actionable tips to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
Alright, enough intro—let’s hit the gas and dive in! 🚦
🗞 TL;DR – What You Need to Know This June
🚗 Canadian new-vehicle sales held steady in June, despite inventory shortages.
📉 Used vehicle wholesale prices declined 0.3% last month, reflecting easing demand pressures.
🔧 Dealerships are increasingly adopting AI-driven tools to improve lead conversion and inventory management.
🇺🇸 U.S. market faces rising interest rates, impacting financing options and buyer behaviour.
📅 Canada’s Used Car Week took place on June 17–18 in Toronto at the Westin Harbour Castle
🎯 Free resource: New eBook – How to Attract More Car Buyers with Your Dealership Website
🚗 Market Watch: Steady Sales Amid Supply Constraints
Canadian vehicle sales remained consistent year-over-year but were capped by constrained inventory availability. Analysts point to global semiconductor shortages and logistical bottlenecks as persistent challenges limiting new vehicle deliveries. DesRosiers Automotive Consultants note that dealerships are adapting by optimizing trade-in processes and focusing on used vehicle sales to maintain volume.
📉 Used Vehicle Market: Continued Price Moderation
Canadian Black Book data reveals a 0.2% drop in wholesale used vehicle prices in June, suggesting a softening after months of peak demand and inflated values. This shift could signal greater opportunity for dealerships to restock used inventory at more sustainable costs, though consumer pricing expectations remain cautious.
🔧 Technology Spotlight: AI Tools Transforming Dealership Operations
Adoption of AI-powered solutions is accelerating across Canadian dealerships, from automated lead engagement and appointment scheduling to real-time inventory matching and negative equity management. Tools like AVA™ MatchBook are helping F&I managers optimize deals and improve approval rates, all while preserving profitability in a tight financing landscape.
🇺🇸 U.S. Market Highlights: Interest Rate Impact and Consumer Trends
With the Federal Reserve raising interest rates again in June, U.S. consumers face higher financing costs, leading to softer demand for new vehicles. Dealers are responding by emphasizing flexible financing packages and increasing focus on certified pre-owned programs. Inventory pressures remain, but dealerships with agile strategies are capturing value.
🌟 Tips of the Month – June 2025
Maximize Trade-In Value with Data-Driven Pricing
Use comprehensive market data and trade valuation tools to offer competitive trade-in prices that motivate customers while protecting margins.
Leverage Digital Retailing to Streamline Sales
Integrate online deal structuring and financing tools to reduce friction in the purchase journey and meet growing buyer expectations for convenience.
Empower Your F&I Team with Advanced Matching Tools
Deploy inventory-to-approval matching platforms like AVA™ MatchBook to quickly identify vehicles suited for challenging deals, boosting approvals and profitability.
🎁 Free Resource Of The Month
New eBook – How to Attract More Car Buyers with Your Dealership Website
Your website should be your best-performing salesperson—working 24/7, no commission required. In this new eBook, we break down how to optimize every digital touchpoint to generate more leads, drive higher conversions, and ultimately sell more cars.
📘 What you’ll learn:
How today’s car buyers actually shop online
Website optimization strategies that boost lead volume
The right SEO moves that really matter
Real case studies from dealerships that got it right
📅 Event Recap: Canada’s Used Car Week — June 17–18, Toronto
CUCW 2025 brought together top minds in auto retail at the Westin Harbour Castle. One of the highlights? An incredible panel led by our CEO, Andrew Lemoine, titled:
“Credit is Tight. Negative Equity is the New Normal. Now What?”
The session unpacked the real challenges dealerships are facing in today’s financing environment and the tools and tactics that can help them win.
From The Blog
How to Train and Retain Your Dealerships Salespeople: 5 Proven Strategies for Success
The average cost of replacing a single car salesperson is over $10,000 when you factor in recruiting fees, onboarding, and lost revenue from missed deals. High turnover doesn’t just impact morale—it drains your budget and slows down your sales floor.
If you're struggling with sales staff retention, you're not alone. The good news? There are clear, proven strategies to keep your team engaged, productive, and motivated to stay.
Get Ahead of ID Verification Requirements with AVA™ ID
Now just $99/month for the first 90 days for a limited time.
🏁 Final Lap: Your Early Summer 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!
Until next time,
The Dealers Edge and Autocorp.ai Team
P.S. Share this with your team—insights are better when shared! 🚗✨