Service Business Falls
Cox data shows activity, revenue decreases apparently not tied to strikes.

Detroit are apparently not to blame, says Cox Automotive.
Service activity at franchised dealerships fell 11% month-over-month, reaching its lowest volume since April.
IMAGE: Pexels/Malte Luk
Dealer service department business fell in September, but the union strikes in Detroit are apparently not to blame, says Cox Automotive.
Service activity at franchised U.S. dealerships decreased 11% month-over-month, reaching its lowest volume since April and down 4% year-over-year.
The drop-off occurred across brands, Cox said, so it doesn’t appear related to any parts shortages resulting from the strikes.
“We will be watching carefully in October,” said Cox Director of Product Consulting Skyler Chadwick in a press release about the monthly measurement.
Revenue declined along with volume, down 2% month-over-month and its lowest point since July, though it was up year-over-year by 3% and by 35% since September 2019, Cox said, months before the first pandemic lockdowns. The service activity data is indexed to January 2019.
More Dealer Ops

Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is a Dealership: Why the Fundamentals Still Decide Who Wins
A teaching moment by a legendary football coach happens to apply perfectly in the auto retail space. Learn what it is and how to use it to your store’s advantage.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
Dealer Ads and the FTC
The agency has made it clear in recent enforcement actions and warnings, in auto retail and other industries, that advertised prices must include all nonoptional costs to the consumer.
Read More →
Used Autos Supply Dwindles
The March shopping surge, despite high prices, cut into inventory by the most since the thick of the pandemic, Cox Automotive analysts calculated.
Read More →
Managing Risk Effectively Through Changing Times
The variables influencing risk pricing have changed significantly over the past five years. Being proactive and responsive to emerging trends is not optional but essential.
Read More →
Survey Reveals What Won't Fix What's Breaking Car Sales
AutoPayPlus says extra-long auto loans are trapping consumers and threatening the dealer trade-in cycle, and that the industry is leveraging the wrong tools to combat high MSRPs.
Read More →
IA American Appoints Two Execs
Senior vice presidents of the company's agent and dealer channels chosen to support general agents and help auto dealers with sales and performance.
Read More →
Cox Automotive Acquires Inspection Firm
Full ownership of Alliance Inspection Management, or AiM, meant to unlock growth for Manheim inspection capabilities
Read More →
Assurant Expands Partnership With Holman
Extended collaboration delivers training, products and performance development to 30 newly acquired Holman dealerships
Read More →
Franchises, Throughput Down in First Half
A handful of states see franchise growth through June, while EV sales per store boost overall business in U.S.
Read More →