Insights for Auto Dealers

Truist Dealer Insider

Wherever you are in your dealership's lifecycle, Truist is here to partner with you and offer strategic advice to support you in capital structuring, auto finance, M&A strategy, and business and family transition planning.

Dealers well positioned heading into 2026

U.S. GDP growth is expected to rise more than 20% in 2026, supported by clearer tax policy, continued Fed rate easing, cooling trade tensions, and investment in AI and technology. Consumer resilience and continued favorable supply-demand dynamics in the new- and used-car markets will sustain dealer performance in the year ahead. Jason W. Smith, head of Truist Dealer Services, sits down with two economists to break down what it means for 2026 in the latest Truist Dealer Insider.

Articles in this issue

Economists expect another strong year for auto retailers

Featured article

Damon Lester on NAMAD and today’s dealer challenges

OBBB tax changes every dealer must know

Damon Lester on NAMAD and today’s dealer challenges

After CDK: What auto retailers must know about cybersecurity

After CDK: What auto retailers must know about cybersecurity

Scenario planning prepares dealers for uncertainty

Building-tomorrows-dealerships

Building tomorrow’s dealerships

Maximize your dealership’s warranty service reimbursements

Maximize your dealership’s warranty service reimbursements 

How payments are powering digital transformation in auto retail

How payments are powering digital transformation in auto retail

5 factors shaping auto retail M&A in 2024 and beyond

Plan now for a smooth business transition later

Planning for dealership succession

Protect your dealership from fraud and cyber threats

Expanded capital options fuel dealership growth

Expanded capital options fuel dealership growth

5 factors shaping auto retail M&A in 2024 and beyond

AI transforms the auto dealership business

Dealerships renew focus on F&I profit participation strategies

Dealers renew focus on F&I profit participation strategies

Planning for dealership succession

Planning for dealership succession

Meet the team

Jason W. Smith

Head of Truist Dealer Commercial Services
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Fred Reherman

Head of Truist Indirect Lending
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