Competitive Strategy

AutoTrust announces its partnership with StoneEagleMETRICS, establishing a foundational analytics and reporting layer within the AutoTrust platform. By integrating one of the industry’s most trusted performance intelligence platforms, we’re strengthening data integrity, transparency, and enterprise-grade reporting for our dealer members, supporting better decisions and long-term value creation.

As the industry heads into 2026, automotive dealers are entering a more disciplined, value-driven market where old strategies no longer work. Affordability pressures, rapidly advancing technology, shifting EV dynamics, and growing consolidation are forcing dealerships to rethink how they operate, sell, and retain customers. Those who adapt early will find new opportunities to stay competitive, while those who don’t risk falling behind in a market that’s changing faster than ever.

As Gen Z becomes the core customer base, dealers need to address 2 critical problems: customer satisfaction doesn't equal dealer profitability; and satisfaction rate crumbles with younger buyers.