For dealers seeking improved efficiency, CSI, data security and audit readiness, the DDJ has emerged as the new heartbeat of the deal. 700Credit’s Ken Hill makes the case for going digital in 2026. +

Cars.com and Salesforce are testing DealerCloud, the companies’ new customer relationship management system, at California’s Del Grande Dealer Group ahead of a wider release. +

Mosaic Compliance Services and AAMS Training have agreed to merge, combining Mosaic’s multifaceted training and technology suite with AAMS’s expertise in the environmental health and safety space. +

State officials have stepped into the void left by a slowdown in federal rulemaking. Attorney highlights some of the 119 recent changes affecting the auto finance industry. +

A new Botdoc survey finds 63.8% of U.S. buyers are “very” or “extremely” frustrated by the shopping process and want to complete more steps online while protecting their personal data. +

“The Dealership AI Security Guidebook” offers dealers a 15-point checklist for reducing the risk of an AI-powered cyberattack or data breach, starting with vendor and service provider assessment. +

VicOne’s latest annual report finds cyberattacks cost the global automotive industry $22.5 billion last year — including $20 billion in data leakage — up from about $1 billion in 2022. +

InformedIQ.com’s Jessica Gonzalez says a recent U.S. Treasury report proves artificial intelligence is changing the auto finance industry in several ways, enhancing efficiency as well as risk. +