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.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →