Automotive News reports Nissan has revamped its stair-step incentive strategy for 2026, eliminating a $1,200 per vehicle bonus for U.S. dealers who reach 110% of their quarterly sales goals. +

CCC reports the frequency of damage claims resulting in a total loss is poised to beat last year’s record by a full percentage point, putting further pressure on GAP underwriters. +

A USA Today/Detroit Free Press report finds Ford, GM and Stellantis accelerated increases in destination and delivery charges in what experts call a calculated move. +

Dealertrack’s Credit Availability index climbed to 99.1 in November, a new high for 2025 and its best level since October 2022, buoyed by higher approval rates and down payments. +

Chairman Jerome Powell announced an expected reduction to the Federal Reserve’s target lending rate, which now sits at 3.5% to 3.75% after three quarter-point cuts this year. +

Experian Automotive’s Q3 auto finance report finds EVs were leased at a significantly higher rate than a year ago, setting the stage for a future disruption to the used car market. +

Former Protective Asset Protection executive Rob Johnson was selected from a field of more than 100 applicants to serve as vice president of acquisition for Ascent Dealer Services. +

700Credit executives say an October cyberattack exposed the personal data of dealership customers and they have been working with NADA to craft a dealer action plan. +

Cox Automotive’s Q4 Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index finds dwindling optimism among retailers as escalating costs, prices and uncertainty affect profits and consumer confidence. +

U.S. dealers enjoyed gains in F&I profit per vehicle retailed, products per deal and monthly F&I income in the third quarter, offsetting losses in average front end gross and total gross per vehicle. +