Dealer Digest
August 2026
Industry Buzz
The latest Automotive News Confidence Index found that, for the first time since the survey launched, all four major sectors of the industry – dealers, automakers, suppliers, and finance – are optimistic about the next six months. It’s the strongest reading the index has recorded yet.
However, that optimism isn’t unconditional. Auto heads are still watching factors like tariffs, affordability, and international competitive pressure. But even with those caveats, back-end profitability is holding up, which is a signal that the dealers finding ways to protect service, F&I, and retention revenue are the ones best positioned to ride out the volatility.
READ MORE
Onboarding
We’re excited to have welcomed 140 dealers in July, with 82 of those launching Apollo Sites.
Welcome aboard!
Mac Haik Automotive Group
Carter Myers Automotive Group
Ourisman Automotive Group
LAUNCH NOW
Real Results
Toyota of Riverside grew their leads by 176% after launching the newest version of Apollo AssistantAI. Designed to do more than just chat, AssistantAI guides shoppers to complete key actions, like scheduling service or valuing a trade, in 60 seconds or less. The result is a faster, more intuitive customer experience that translates into higher lead volume, stronger engagement, and measurable performance growth.
VIEW CASE STUDY
In The News
CEO David Boice joined Torque News’ Armen Hareyan to talk about where car buying is headed, and why owning the customer relationship now matters more than inventory or price. His take: dealers with a unified view of the customer journey win, while those who hand data control to third parties become replaceable. On AI, David was clear that it’s a powerful multiplier, but only once the tech foundation is truly connected – fix that first, then let AI compound the results.
READ MORE
August’s Live Demos
Kia | Mercedes
