As 2024 began winding down, we assumed many of the trends we were seeing would continue into 2025. Profits would continue to decline, and along with them, dealership blue sky values and the number of dealerships sold. However, we gained some information in January that makes us believe that 2025 could be another exciting year for our industry.
- Dealership profitability. Haig Partners conducted a dealership profitability poll on LinkedIn asking how profits at dealerships in 2025 would compare with profits in 2024 (download the Haig Partners' Dealership Buy-Sell Update to learn more):
- 16% believe profits will be lower.
- 40% believe profits will be about the same.
- 44% believe profits will be higher.
- Buy-sell activity. Offers for dealerships the team at Haig Partners are selling got stronger in January than the offers we received in December.
- Inauguration insights. A CEO of a large dealership group who attended the inauguration said the excitement and energy by the people he saw who were in the capital was almost overwhelming. He heard spontaneous chants in his hotel lobby of, “USA!! USA!! USA!!!” Akin to the excitement of winning a gold medal in the Olympics. This dealer believes the Trump Administration is “going to pour gas on our economic fire for the next four years and things will be gangbusters. What happens after that, who knows.”
- New administration impacts. The Trump Administration is pursuing executive actions that will lessen the onerous and even unreachable goals for dealers to sell high numbers of EVs in the near future. It’s unclear at the moment if the CARB states will stick to their self-imposed goals for EV sales in those states, but it’s becoming more obvious every day that they are not practical and could result in the loss of many thousands of jobs and frustrate millions of consumers (and voters). Some relief in this area will make every auto dealer breathe a little easier.
- A new national auto-retail spokesperson. We have an excellent new national spokesperson for our industry. Bernie Moreno built an impressive auto group from scratch and last month he entered public service as the incoming senator for the Great State of Ohio. We expect him to promote policies that are good for consumers, the economy and the auto industry.
- NADA 2025.
- Despite the terrible weather that led to hundreds of cancelled flights into New Orleans, the people who made it to the NADA 2025 Show were eager to meet, exchange ideas, and do business with each other. Many of them told us they also had a sense of optimism about the future of auto retail.
- We were honored to host 100+ guests at the Haig Partners Annual NADA Cocktail Reception and thank those who braved the weather to join us.
- The Auto Team America Conference that we help to organize was well attended. Alan Haig had the pleasure of interviewing Group 1 CEO Daryl Kenningham. He reiterated their desire to grow by acquisitions in the US, particularly in markets in which they already have dealerships. And Daryl's list of desired franchises included Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram stores, as he believes they can rebound from their recent sales slide. Alan also presented the dealership buy-sell update showcasing trends in auto retail and our outlook going into 2025.
- We met with numerous groups seeking to buy more dealerships and several well-capitalized private equity firms and family offices seeking to invest hundreds of millions into auto dealership groups. They are also bullish about our industry, even though they could invest in dozens of other industries. We are representing one such firm that hails from Asia, where it is responsible for retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing tens of thousands of vehicles per year. If you are looking for growth capital or want to buy out a family member, please contact us to see if they could be a good fit for you.
- Bullish on 2025 - but challenges ahead. While many people in our industry are excited about the outlook for auto retail, there are some clouds to consider. Tariffs would drive up the cost of most vehicles sold in this country, which would likely reduce the demand for them. And tariffs would drive up the costs of other imported goods, such as food, clothing and other basic consumer items. We are hoping for lower costs so that inflation can fall, causing the Fed to reduce interest rates. And many consumers who voted for Vice-President Harris are concerned about the future and not feeling confident which reduces their desire to purchase vehicles. Talks of massive job cuts to government workers are contractors support these concerns. We are hoping the Trump Administration can land on policies that make all consumers feel more confident so that our industry can recover some of the more than ten million vehicle sales that have been lost since the pandemic hit in 2020.
If we consider what all this means to our friends in auto retail, Haig Partners has the following recommendations:
- Profits per dealership will likely remain close to where they are today, which means dealership values should also remain close to where they are today.
- For those groups who want to grow through acquisitions, don’t wait for prices to fall before making offers to purchase dealerships. Your competitors will be more confident and will buy them.
- Develop your acquisition strategy so that when the right stores become available, you will be ready to act.
- For those dealers who are thinking about an exit, you have not missed the window of opportunity. Dealerships that are offered to buyers through a professional and competitive process will be richly rewarded. Our team at Haig Partners stands waiting to assist you in maximizing the value of your life’s work®.
At Haig Partners, we remain bullish on auto retail as we head into 2025. While dealership profits may have stabilized, key signals—including rising buyer confidence, stronger dealership offers, and increased interest from private equity and family offices—suggest a strong market ahead. Industry leaders, including major dealer groups and policymakers, share our optimism, reinforcing the potential for growth and opportunity.
For dealers considering their next move, the message is clear: now is still a great time to buy, sell, or seek growth capital. Values remain strong, and the competitive landscape favors those who are prepared.
Let’s talk. Whether you’re looking to expand, exit, or explore your options, our team is ready to help you maximize the value of your dealership. Contact us for a confidential conversation or subscribe to the quarterly Haig Report® to stay ahead of market trends.
Additional Resources
Brett Morgan on Success and Succession in the Family Business - Morgan Automotive Group
Brett Morgan, chief executive officer of Morgan Auto Group, shares his thoughts on family, what it takes to be successful in the family business, and what legacy means to him.
Brett Morgan, chief executive officer at Morgan Auto Group, the largest autom [...]
Automotive News Buy-Sell Q&A
As the market softens, consider these hard truths.
Alan Haig, Kevin Nill, and Jayson Crouch with Haig Partners answered some tough questions for Automotive News in this Buy-Sell Expert Q&A. Download the full article and get the answers to these que [...]
Dealership Buy-Sell Expert Q&A - "Value of Buying vs. Benefit of Selling Dealerships"
Pete Thiel spent more than 20 years at AutoNation, where he was involved in the purchase or sale of more than 150 dealerships and has evaluated more than 1,000 acquisition opportunities. In this edition of the Automotive News Buy-Sell Expert Q&A, he a [...]
Dealership Buy-Sell Expert Q&A - "How to Set a Record: Anatomy of a Deal that Delivered"
Alan Haig shared insights into what it takes to get record-breaking prices paid for dealerships. Being a trusted advisor to dealers looking to exit or grow means more than having great relationships with buyers looking to acquire stores. It requires havin [...]
Dealership Profits Dropping - But Values Remain Strong
Read the full article online at Automotive News.
We are coming off three of the most eventful years in our industry’s history. Production dropped but profits soared. The buy-sell market also exploded as consolidators snapped up hundreds of dealerships [...]
How Interest Rates Are Reducing Dealership’s Newest Profit Centers
The automotive industry is no stranger to challenges, and one that has recently emerged is the impact of higher interest rates. Increased interest rates directly impact the floorplan account at dealerships.
Markus Haig and Matt DeSantis from our team du [...]
Keeping or Selling: How to Build Value in Your Business
Dealership profits continue to be elevated, and buyer interest is high, making it an exciting time for dealers considering selling.
Understanding the value of your business and where you can improve areas of your stores to maximize value for a potential [...]
Competing With National Retailers and Consolidators
The competitive landscape for auto retailers is forcing dealers to consider what their future looks like as compared to the generation prior to them. Next-generation dealers have to seriously consider whether or not they desire to be empire builders which [...]
Valuing Dealerships in Uncertain Times
Valuing dealerships is complicated as buyers weigh many factors when determining how much they will pay in a transaction. The buy-sell market has changed dramatically from 2019 as profits surged, and valuations are changing again as conditions begin to get [...]
Future Proof Your Dealership: Delegating & Remaining in Control
Operating a dealership or group of stores is hard work, but it is rewarding. It is the American Dream! Dealers have been asking recently about their options to keep the dealership or dealership group in the family when there are no family members int [...]
Deciding to Sell or Stay - Consider Doing Both
Dealers who may not want to completely exit the industry can consider divesting a store or selling a minority or majority stake and their dealership or dealership group.
As the record-setting wave of dealership sales and acquisitions continues to sweep [...]
Future-Proofing Your Dealership
To stay in the game, independent and smaller auto groups should / need to adopt new growth strategies.
Q: As consolidation in automotive retail continues at a record pace, what’s the most important thing smaller auto groups and independents need to co [...]
Next Gen: Empire Builders vs. Caretakers
Integrating family into the family business can be complex and poses unique challenges. As dealership owners look to the future, their successors need to be focused on continuing to build on what you have started. This means a shift in management style an [...]
The Value Of An M&A Advisor
Having an M&A advisory firm act as an intermediary in a transaction increases the chances that a deal will be closed successfully.
Selling a car dealership is a complex process that’s fraught with risks. That’s why it’s prudent to consult with [...]
Keep or Sell: Determining the Best Strategy
Most retail dealers considering a sale are unsure how to test the waters without disclosing their intentions. The best way to protect your interest is to talk to trusted advisors who understand the importance of confidentiality.
What Family Businesses Must Do To Compete Now and In the Future
Consolidation amongst public auto retailers and large national brands puts pressure on smaller family-owned dealerships. Larger groups have economies of scale, but there is a reason retail auto consolidation has not been successful. Smaller dealers can wi [...]
Choosing the Right Advisor: Buy-Sell Advisors Add Value to the Sales Process
Read the full article online at Automotive News.
When dealers decide that they are interested in selling, the next question is often, “How?” Should they try to sell the business themselves by taking unsolicited calls from buyers or brokers? Shou [...]
Jayson Crouch Discusses the Value of Doing Business in California with CNCDA
In this conversation, Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Association, and Jayson Crouch, Managing Director with Haig Partners, discuss the pros, cons, and dealer support for dealers looking to invest in or grow their business in Califo [...]
Alan Haig with Haig Partners Discusses Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges of Auto Retail with Mike Maroone
In this conversation, Mike Maroone, former president and COO of AutoNation, and Alan Haig, President and Founder of Haig Partners, discuss Mike's journey in the auto retail industry and his current venture in building another industry-leading auto retail g [...]
Alan Haig and Derek Garber Sit with Jack and Robin Salzman and Discuss Betting on Yourself, Committing to Your Community and Leaving a Positive Legacy
Alan Haig and Derek Garber sat down with Jack and Robin Saltzman, former owners of Lake Norman CDJR (sold for the highest price ever paid for a Stellantis dealership in 2023) and Gastonia CDJR. In the conversation, Jack and Robin share their journey in the [...]
Alan Haig Discusses Breaking Records, Being a Force in Auto Retail, and the Pursuit of Excellence with Rita Case
Alan Haig sits down with Rita Case, the dynamic force behind Rick Case Automotive, to delve into the heart and soul of her extraordinary journey in auto retail. Known for her relentless energy and unwavering commitment, Rita has established herself as a fo [...]
Understanding Blue Sky Multiples: Insights from Haig Partners
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we carefully monitor the buy-sell market to assess the desirability of various automotive franchises and to gauge overall market conditions. The number of transactions in which we are involved, combined wi [...]
Alan Haig With Tom Doll, Retired CEO of Subaru America and Yossi Levi (Car Dealership Guy)
Alan Haig, Tom Doll, the retired President and CEO of Subaru of America, and Yossi J Levi (Car Dealership Guy) sat down recently and had an insightful conversation discussing:> How to build an iconic and loyal brand following> Insights into Subaru of A [...]
Alan Haig Shares Insights Into Dealership Buy-Sell Activity, Dealership Profits, and More with Car Dealership Guy
Another great conversation between Yossi J Levi / Car Dealership Guy, and Alan Haig.Listen in for a sneak peek into data and auto retail trends from the Q2 2024 Haig Report, including:> Most desirable franchises> Current state of dealership M&A activit [...]
Navigating the Impact of Q2 Auto Retail Trends and Inventory Fluctuations
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we continuously monitor the automotive industry to help our clients navigate the ever-changing landscape of dealership management. One of the most significant disruptions this past quarter stemmed from the [...]
Improving Vehicle Affordability: A Positive Shift for Dealerships and Consumers
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
For the past four years, vehicle affordability has been a significant concern for both consumers and dealerships. Rising vehicle prices and high interest rates have made it challenging for many buyers to make new vehicle pu [...]
Analyzing the Blue Sky Values in the Auto Dealership Market
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
In Q2 2024, the automotive dealership market continued to evolve, and Haig Partners is closely monitoring these shifts. One of the key metrics we track is the estimated blue sky or goodwill value of franchised dealerships. [...]
Dealership Buy-Sell Activity Cooled in Q2 After Record-Setting Q1
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
Q2 2024 Auto Dealership Buy-Sell Activity: What’s Behind the Decline and What Lies Ahead
The automotive dealership buy-sell market has seen a noticeable shift in activity in Q2 of 2024. An estimated 84 rooftops traded [...]
New Vehicle Gross Profit Declined for 9th Consecutive Quarter
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
The Q2 2024 Haig Report® highlighted a noticeable trend in the retail automotive market: the continued decline in front-end gross profits on new vehicle sales. However, while the trend persists, there are signs that the st [...]
Public Company Acquisitions Slow as They Divest Underperforming Assets
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
Public company acquisition activity in the US fell steeply in Q2. Only Lithia was active, pending just $79M on U.S. franchised dealership acquisitions. This level of investment was a 94% decrease from Q1, which had one of t [...]
The Shifting Landscape of Used Vehicle Profits from Q2 2024
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
The second quarter of 2024 saw publicly traded auto retailers earn an average gross profit of $1,628 per used vehicle retailed. While this represents a modest 1.9% increase from the first quarter of 2024, it is also a strik [...]
Volkswagen and Wells Fargo Partnership Provides Advantages for Dealers
Authored by: Jayson Crouch, Managing Director
On September 16, 2024, Volkswagen Financial Services U.S. (VWFS) and Wells Fargo unveiled a strategic partnership that will see Wells Fargo become the preferred retail financing provider for Volkswagen, Audi [...]
Dealership F&I Profits: A Temporary Plateau, But Growth is on the Horizon
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we closely monitor financial trends in the automotive dealership space, particularly when it comes to F&I (Finance & Insurance) profits. In Q2 of 2024, publicly owned dealerships reported an averag [...]
Industry Sales Stagnate in Q2: Analyzing the Trends and Implications for Dealership Owners
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
In the second quarter of 2024, U.S. dealership owners face mixed messages from the latest industry sales data. Despite ongoing economic resilience in some areas, overall new vehicle sales in Q2 2024 were 0.7% lower than the [...]
Fixed Operations Gross Profit Growth: Setback from DMS Outage But Long-Term Outlook Remains Strong
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
The growth of fixed operations gross profit among publicly traded auto retailers faced an unexpected challenge this year. Despite seeing a 3.5% year-over-year increase in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023, the sector’s growth t [...]
Dealership Profits Decline in 2024: What It Means for the Future
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
The landscape for auto dealership profitability has been shifting, and the numbers from Q2 2024 offer a telling picture. Here at Haig Partners, we estimate that publicly owned dealerships saw an average pre-tax income of $1 [...]
Porsche's Remarkable Q2 2024 Performance: Sales Surge, Dealer Smiles, and a Jolt from the Electric Macan
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
Porsche showed impressive results for Q2 2024, with sales jumping by 12.7%, marking it as the fourth-best performing franchise we track. This surge is a testament to the brand's resilience and strategic agility in an ever-e [...]
Lexus Dealerships Lead the Luxury Market in Profitability and Resilience
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
In the competitive landscape of luxury automotive franchises, Lexus has set itself apart with an unparalleled blend of limited dealership numbers and high demand for its premium product lineup. This unique positioning has a [...]
BMW’s Steady Growth: A Positive Signal for Dealership Owners
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
BMW's Q2 2024 numbers tell the story of strategic growth and adaptability—a testament to the strength of the brand and its keen ear for dealer feedback. With a modest 3.7% sales increase, BMW has outpaced key German compe [...]
Reflecting on a Historic Dealership M&A Surge: How Family-Owned Groups Have Led the Charge in Buy-Sells
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
Over the last three-and-a-half years, the dealership buy-sell market has experienced a period of unprecedented activity. We've seen over 2,000 dealerships change hands—nearly double the normal transaction rate. While high [...]
Toyota: Continuing Its Reign as the Top Retail Brand with Impressive Growth and Profitability
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
Toyota remains a dominant force, securing its place as the number one retail brand. The second-quarter sales saw a robust 9.2% growth, and the year’s first half reflects an impressive 14.7% increase. With electrified vehi [...]
Kia Dealership Market Update: Opportunities & Challenges Amid Shifting Sales Trends
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
Kia reported a second consecutive quarter with a year-over-year decline in sales, as Q2 2024 was down 1.6% from Q2 2023. However, while sales volumes have softened, Kia dealerships across the U.S. remain optimistic about th [...]
Is Hyundai's Growth Cooldown a Cause for Concern? Insights for Dealership Owners
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
In the past few years, Hyundai has enjoyed impressive growth, largely due to its ability to keep up with dealer demand during the inventory shortages that defined the pandemic era. When competitors struggled to supply deale [...]
Honda's Impressive Q2 Sales Performance and Strong Franchise Appeal in 2024
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
Honda has shown remarkable growth in 2024, with a strong sales performance that continues to shine into Q2. A 5.2% year-over-year increase from Q2 2023 highlights Honda’s ongoing appeal in a competitive market, while year [...]
Navigating the Shifts: Mercedes-Benz's Challenging EV Strategy and What It Means for Dealers
Source: Q2 2024 Haig Report®
As we witness one of the most significant transitions in the automotive industry, the road for luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz has been far from smooth. With an 11.8% decline in Q2 sales—second only to Audi’s 12.4% dro [...]
Celebrating the Legacy of Beyer Automotive Group: A Haig Partners Success Story
Haig Partners was honored to serve as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Mike Beyer and his family in the successful sale of Beyer Automotive Group, a prominent dealership group in Virginia with a rich history of family ownership and community focus. This [...]
Haig Partners Facilitates Landmark Sale of Apple Automotive Group's 10 Dealerships to Ciocca Automotive
Haig Partners was the exclusive sell-side advisor in the recent acquisition of Apple Automotive Group by Ciocca Automotive. This transaction, believed to represent the highest-value dealership group sale in Pennsylvania, underscores the enduring strength a [...]
Breaking Records: Haig Partners Advises on the Historic Sale of Hollywood Kia
We had the privilege of advising on the record-breaking sale of Hollywood Kia, a transaction that not only represented a significant achievement for our client but also marked the highest price ever paid for a Kia dealership in the United States at the tim [...]
Haig Partners Advises on Record-Setting Sale of South Motors/Vista Motors in South Florida - 9 Dealerships and 2 Collision Centers
Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Miami-based South Motors/Vista Motors in its to Morgan Automotive Group. This sale includes nine dealerships and two collision centers, marking one of the most valuable dealership transactions in t [...]
Duval Motor Company - Pioneering Legacy and New Horizons with Lithia & Driveway
At Haig Partners, we were honored to have advised Duval Motor Company, a legacy-driven family-owned business, in the successful sale of their Honda, Acura, and Subaru dealerships to Lithia & Driveway. This transaction marks a momentous shift for both D [...]
The Appeal of Toyota - Haig Partners Facilitates Sale of 36th Toyota Dealership
Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor on the sale of Weiss Toyota of South County, one of St. Louis' highest-volume Toyota dealerships. We’re proud to have guided dealer principal John Weiss through the process, helping him realize the [...]
Nissan’s Road to Recovery: Navigating Short-Term Challenges, Building Long-Term Success - A Haig Partners Perspective
Vinay Shahani is Nissan’s sales and marketing boss for the U.S., and he seems to have the right attitude and experience to help turn around this struggling brand today. He worked at Nissan previously but has more recently been leading marketing at Lexus. [...]
A Journey of Legacy and Passion: Jack and Robin Salzman’s Road from Car Dealerships to New Horizons
In the world of retail automotive, the journey of building a dealership is often paved with passion, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to the community. Jack and Robin Salzman exemplify this path, having carved out a legacy in the car dealership ind [...]
A Decade of the Haig Report®: Tracking the Evolution of Blue Sky Multiples
Author: Matt DeSantis | Source: The Haig Report®
This year marks a special milestone—10 years of the Haig Report and our ongoing tracking of blue sky multiples. The Haig Report has been released every quarter since 2014. Our team at Haig Partners has [...]
The Evolution of New Vehicle Sales Per Location Since 2019: Key Insights for Dealership Owners
Author: Erik Haig | Source: The Haig Report®
Since 2019, the automotive industry has seen unprecedented changes—from supply chain disruptions and evolving consumer preferences to shifts in franchise dynamics. However, one thing remains a constant dri [...]
Three Generations of Family Ownership - Bill Kidd’s Timonium Toyota and Bill Kidd’s Volvo Cars
At Haig Partners, we take immense pride in our reputation as a trusted and dependable advisor to family-owned dealerships. Selling a family business is a deeply personal decision, and we approach every transaction with care, integrity, and expertise. Our t [...]
Navigating Change: Dealership M&A Insights from Alan Haig on the Car Dealership Guy Podcast
In a compelling episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast, Yossi Levi hosted Alan Haig, Founder and President of Haig Partners, to discuss the dynamic landscape of automotive retail. As a leading voice in dealership M&A, Alan provided expert insights i [...]
The Haig Report® Q3 2024 Recap: Dealership Trends, Insights, and Opportunities
Published by Haig Partners—The Leading Advisors in Maximizing Dealership Value
The Haig Report® Q3 2024, the longest-published resource in auto retail M&A, thoroughly analyzes evolving market trends and dealership valuations. This report is desig [...]
Volkswagen’s Rivian Investment, Scout Direct-to-Consumer Strategy and Cupra Introduction: Unfortunate Messages to U.S. Dealers - A Haig Partners Point of View
Authored by: Dave Rowe
Volkswagen ("VW") has had an active October and November, marked by announcements of a new joint venture with Rivian, plans to circumvent its U.S. dealer network by retailing Scout EVs directly to consumers, and the news that VW i [...]
M&A Activity Picks Up in Q3, Keeping 2024 on Track for Another Strong Year
Source: The Q3 2024 Haig Report®
The auto dealership buy-sell market continues to demonstrate resilience and opportunity, with Q3 2024 marking a notable uptick in activity compared to the previous quarter. At Haig Partners, we closely monitor these dev [...]
Navigating the Dealership Buy-Sell Market in Q3 2024: Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q3 2024 Haig Report®
The automotive dealership buy-sell market has undergone notable changes in 2024, as public company acquisitions have slowed, reflecting a shift in priorities among major dealer groups. At Haig Partners, the leading M&am [...]
Understanding Dealership Valuations in Today’s Market: Insights from Haig Partners’ Blue Sky Multiples
Source: The Q3 2024 Haig Report®
The automotive retail market is dynamic, influenced by changing economic conditions, evolving consumer preferences, and manufacturer strategies. For dealership owners contemplating a sale, understanding the value of the [...]
Dealership Blue Sky Values Are Declining But Remain Elevated: Insights from the Q3 2024 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2024 Haig Report®
The automotive retail industry has experienced remarkable volatility in recent years. From unprecedented highs in dealership values during the pandemic to the gradual cooling of the market in 2024, dealership owners are [...]
Q3 2024 Haig Report® - Inflation Moderates but Brings New Dynamics to Auto Retail
Source: The Q3 2024 Haig Report®
The Federal Reserve’s inflation-tracking Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.6% over the 12-month period ending October 2024. While this marks a slowdown compared to the rapid inflation of recent years, rising c [...]
Q3 2024 Haig Report®: Dealership Inventory Levels Are Back to 2019 Norms
Source: The Q3 2024 Haig Report®
As of October 2024, U.S. dealerships reported an average of 81 days’ supply of new vehicles, nearly identical to October 2019. While some dealers welcome this normalization, others face challenges associated with over [...]
New Vehicle Affordability Sees a Notable Boost
Source: The Q3 2024 Haig Report®
The Q3 2024 data underscores a positive shift for consumers: new vehicles are becoming more affordable.
According to J.D. Power, the average transaction price (ATP) for new vehicles in Q3 2024 was $44,271, a 2. [...]
Dealership Profits Continue to Decline: What This Means
Source: The Q3 2024 Haig Report®
In Q3 2024, the automotive retail industry continued to grapple with declining profits. Publicly owned dealerships reported an average pre-tax income of $1.0M per store, representing a 7% decrease from Q2 2024. When vie [...]
In A More Challenging Automotive Market, Transparency With Your Lender Is Paramount - Insights from Haig Partners
Authored By: Kevin Nill
COVID may still be around from a health perspective, but in the car business, it’s now ancient history. Dealers around the country benefited significantly during the crisis as supply shortages turned into sparse vehicle inven [...]
Haig Partners Guides the Sale of Two Toyota Dealerships in West Virginia: A Story of Family, Vision, and Growth
Haig Partners LLC, a leading buy-sell advisory firm for auto, heavy truck, and RV dealers in the U.S., served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Shawn Ball and David Ball on the sale of their Toyota dealerships in West Virginia. These dealerships, Advan [...]
As Seen in Automotive News - Insights from Haig Partners and the Q3 2024 Report®
The Q3 2024 Haig Report® is featured in the December 9th edition of the Automotive News magazine, highlighting key trends and commentary from Haig Partners. Highlights include:
Sales Per Dealership Have Changed Significantly - A five-year lookback of [...]
Alan Haig Offered Insights on Dealership Valuations at 2024 Bank of America Auto Dealer Day
During the 2024 Bank of America Auto Dealer Day, a premier event for the automotive retail industry, Alan Haig, founder of Haig Partners, shared pivotal insights on the evolving valuation landscape for dealerships. The gathering provided a platform for ind [...]
New Vehicle Sales Reach Post-Pandemic Highs: What This Means for Dealership Owners and Valuations
Insights from Erik Haig
New data from Cox Automotive reveals that new vehicle sales have reached their highest monthly rate since the pandemic, with December’s Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) hitting 16.5 million. This marks the highest SAAR si [...]
Strategic Divestitures: A Growth Opportunity for Large Dealership Groups
At Haig Partners, we often work with large dealership groups considering whether to divest stores that no longer align with their long-term growth strategies. Recent market conditions and evolving customer demands have prompted many dealers to reevaluate t [...]
Preserving Legacy, Driving Growth: The South Motors and Vista Motors Milestone Transaction
Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Miami-based South Motors/Vista Motors in its to Morgan Automotive Group. This sale includes nine dealerships and two collision centers, marking one of the most valuable dealership transactions in t [...]
Haig Partners Celebrates a Record-Breaking 2024, Shares 2025 Auto Retail Outlook
In 2024, Haig Partners celebrated a milestone year with 22 transactions involving 58 dealerships nationwide. From single-point dealerships to multi-location groups, including a platform valued at over $1 billion, our clients consistently maximize the value [...]
Mazda: The Quiet Powerhouse in Auto Retail?
In the fast-paced world of automotive retail, some brands shine through headlines while others quietly build their legacy. Mazda, as highlighted in a recent article by Car Dealership Guy Media, falls into the latter category—consistently outperforming ex [...]
Navigating the Future of Dealership Buy-Sells: Key Insights from Alan Haig
At the 2025 AutoTeam America Dealer/CEO/CFO Forum and Buy-Sell Summit at the NADA Show, Haig Partners' founder, Alan Haig, provided an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of dealership mergers and acquisitions. His presentation underscored the resi [...]
2025 Economic Outlook for Auto Dealers: A Goldilocks Economy and Growth Opportunities Ahead
The automotive retail industry is gearing up for a strong 2025, as shared in the recent Economic Update at the AutoTeam America Dealer/CEO/CFO Forum and Buy-Sell Summit. With a stable economic foundation, sustained vehicle demand, and a shift in consumer p [...]
Auto Retail in 2025: Insights from Group 1’s CEO Darryl Kenningham and Founder of Haig Partners, Alan Haig
At the 2025 AutoTeam America Dealer/CEO/CFO Forum and Buy-Sell Summit, Haig Partners had the privilege of hosting Darryl Kenningham, CEO of Group 1 Automotive, for an in-depth discussion about the evolving dealership landscape. With Group 1’s stock price [...]
Driving Innovation and Community Impact—A Conversation with Rita Case, 2024 Time Dealer of the Year
At Haig Partners, we have the privilege of working alongside some of the most influential and dynamic leaders in automotive retail. One such leader is Rita Case, the Owner and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, a powerhouse with 12 dealerships spanning Sou [...]
Auto Retail in 2025: Optimism, Opportunities, and What Dealers Need to Know
As 2024 began winding down, we assumed many of the trends we were seeing would continue into 2025. Profits would continue to decline, and along with them, dealership blue sky values and the number of dealerships sold. However, we gained some information in [...]
Mazda: Crafting a Legacy of Innovation and Trust - Insights from Haig Partners
Authored by: Jayson Crouch, Managing Director
“Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda stands as a testament to sophisticated craftsmanship, innovative spirit, and a purpose-driven approach to enriching life-in-motion. By placing people at the cent [...]
Maximizing Your Dealership Group Through Strategic Acquisitions: Key Takeaways from NADA 2025 Workshop
The 2025 NADA Workshop, led by John Davis, Managing Director with Haig Partners, provided invaluable insights into the latest dealership buy-sell trends, strategic acquisition planning, and key considerations for maximizing dealership value.
With Haig P [...]
Haig Partners: The Leading Dealership M&A Advisor for Selling Toyota Dealerships Nationwide
For over a decade, Haig Partners has established itself as the leading buy-sell advisory firm for owners of Toyota dealerships across the United States. Haig Partners has represented more owners of Toyota dealerships in selling their dealerships. Our exper [...]
Haig Partners: The Leading Buy-Sell Advisor for Dealership Sales in Texas
When it comes to selling your dealership in Texas, Haig Partners stands above the competition as the trusted expert in dealership buy-sell transactions. With unmatched experience and results, our firm has successfully advised on the purchase or sale of 48 [...]
Haig Partners Recap: Key Insights from Alan Haig’s DealersEdge Webinar
As the leading advisors to dealership owners looking to sell, Haig Partners provides deep industry insights on automotive retail trends, valuations, and the buy-sell market. In the February 2025 DealersEdge webinar, Alan Haig shared key perspectives on mac [...]
Reflecting on the Sale of Toyota of North Charlotte: A Strategic Move for Growth
At Haig Partners, we take pride in helping dealership owners achieve their business objectives, whether it’s expanding into new markets or strategically divesting stores to optimize their portfolio. One such transaction that stands out is the sale of Toy [...]
The Haig Report® Q4 2024 Recap: Market Trends, Valuations, and Key Franchise Insights from Haig Partners
The Haig Report® Q4 2024, the longest-published industry report tracking trends in auto retail, provides the most comprehensive analysis of auto dealership M&A, blue sky multiples, franchise assessments, and economic trends impacting the industry. Thi [...]
Franchise Performance Insights: Key Trends Shaping Auto Retail in 2025
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
The automotive retail landscape continues to evolve, with franchise dealerships playing a crucial role in shaping market dynamics. As dealership owners evaluate growth opportunities, succession planning, and potential t [...]
Q4 2024 Auto Retail M&A Insights from Haig Partners: Strong Buyer Interest and Continued Deal Activity
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
As anticipated, 2024 was one of the most active years on record for dealership mergers and acquisitions. With an estimated 510 rooftops changing hands, it was the fourth-busiest year for auto retail M&A. The market [...]
Public Auto Retail Acquisitions Slowed in 2024, But Momentum Could Rebound in 2025 – Insights from the Q4 2024 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
The pace of acquisitions by publicly traded auto retailers in the United States slowed significantly in 2024, with an estimated $1.7 billion spent on dealership acquisitions. The majority of that capital was deployed in [...]
The Transportation Freedom Act: Featured in the Q4 2024 Haig Report
The latest Haig Report® features the Transportation Freedom Act, a newly proposed bill introduced by U.S. Senator and former auto dealer Bernie Moreno. Designed to support American auto workers, reduce regulatory burdens, and improve vehicle affordability [...]
Keep Calm and Sell On: Automotive Retail Buy-Sell Insights from Alan Haig
Our industry has weathered countless risks in the past, and it will weather tariffs as well.
President Trump announced tariffs that will be levied against imported vehicles and parts. No one can accurately calculate what this means for auto dealership p [...]
Q4 2024 Haig Report: Key Franchise Valuation Shifts and Blue Sky Multiple Updates
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
Auto dealership valuations are constantly evolving, influenced by market trends, buyer demand, and economic conditions. At Haig Partners, we meticulously track these shifts through transaction data, industry conversatio [...]
Blue Sky Values Decline but Remain Strong: Insights from the Q4 2024 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
The valuation of auto dealerships has been a crucial factor for buyers and sellers in the retail automotive M&A market. According to the Q4 2024 Haig Report®, blue sky values have declined from their peak but remai [...]
Tariffs, Inflation, and Economic Shifts: Trends Impacting Auto Retail from the Q4 2024 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
As the automotive retail landscape continues to evolve, dealership owners must stay informed about key economic shifts that could directly impact their operations. The Q4 2024 Haig Report from Haig Partners highlights s [...]
SAAR Lifts in Early 2025: Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
The start of 2025 has brought encouraging news for auto dealers across the country. The Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) climbed sharply in February, signaling strong retail momentum that may shape the year ahead. [...]
Inventories Stack Up in January: Key Takeaways from the Q4 2024 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we are committed to helping dealership owners stay ahead of the trends shaping the auto retail landscape. Our latest Q4 2024 Haig Report® reveals that while the end of 2024 brought record-fast vehicle [...]
Sales Trends from the Q4 2024 Haig Report®: What Dealers Need to Know
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
As the auto retail industry reflects on the close of 2024, Haig Partners is pleased to share insights from the Q4 2024 Haig Report®, offering dealership owners a valuable look at how brand performance has evolved acros [...]
New Vehicle Affordability Improves, But Challenges Remain
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
Heading into 2025, dealership owners across the country are laser-focused on a major concern: vehicle affordability. According to a January 2025 Automotive News survey, it topped the list of dealer priorities heading in [...]
Q4 2024 Haig Report® Insights: New Vehicle Gross Profits Rise for First Time in Two Years
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
For the first time in over two years, new vehicle gross profits have turned a corner—at least for now.
According to the latest Q4 2024 Haig Report®, the average publicly owned dealership recorded an estimated $3,2 [...]
Used Vehicle Gross Profits Slide to Pre-Pandemic Levels: Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
Used vehicle margins are under pressure—and dealership owners should take notice.
According to the Q4 2024 Haig Report, front-end gross profit per used vehicle retailed (PVR) at publicly owned dealerships averaged [...]
F&I Gross Profit Growth Resumes in Q4 2024 – Haig Partners Insight
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we closely track profitability trends across retail automotive, and our Q4 2024 Haig Report reveals a promising update for dealers: F&I gross profit per vehicle retailed (PVR) is on the rise again. [...]
Fixed Operations Gross Profit Grows Despite Industry Headwinds – Q4 2024 Haig Report® Insights
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
Our latest Haig Report® reveals a noteworthy trend for dealership owners: fixed operations gross profit continued to rise in 2024, even amid a year filled with disruption and uncertainty. According to our data, the ave [...]
Dealership Profits Still Falling, But Signs of Stabilization in Q4 2024 - Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q4 2024 Haig Report®
While dealership profitability continued to decline in Q4 2024, the rate of the slide slowed significantly—offering a potential signal that stability may be on the horizon for auto retailers. The average publicly owne [...]
Haig Partners Tariff Tools & Resources
A curated collection of timely tools, expert insights, and industry updates to help dealers navigate today’s evolving market—from tariff impacts and pricing shifts to strategic planning and policy developments—all in one place.
Looking for persona [...]
The Future of Family-Owned Dealerships: Get Bigger or Get Out?
The auto retail industry is in the midst of a seismic shift. As consolidation accelerates, generational dynamics evolve, and the cost of competing continues to rise, family-owned dealerships face a critical decision: build for the future—or consider a sa [...]
Should You Sell, Stay, or Do Both? Exploring Flexible Exit Strategies for Dealership Owners
Dealers who may not want to exit the industry completely can consider divesting a store or selling a minority or majority stake in a dealership.
In today’s evolving retail automotive landscape, dealership owners are faced with more options than ever b [...]
Haig Partners Joined Industry Leaders at NY Auto Forum and Dealer Day
We’re grateful to have taken part in two outstanding events this year, the NY Auto Forum and Bank of America's 2025 Auto Dealer Day. We were honored to participate in both events and contribute to the important conversations shaping the future of our ind [...]
Choosing the Right Advisor: Why Specialized Dealership Buy-Sell Advisors Matter
Insights from Haig Partners
Selling a dealership is one of the most significant decisions an owner will ever make. Whether you've recently received an unsolicited offer, discussed the idea with your CPA or attorney, or are just beginning to explore what [...]
The Value of an M&A Advisor: Guiding Dealers Through the Choice to Buy, Sell, or Do Both
Selling a car dealership is a complex process that’s fraught with risks. That’s why it’s prudent to consult with an experienced M&A advisor who can help sellers avoid mistakes that can cost them millions of dollars.
But just how do M&A ad [...]
Senator Bernie Moreno and Alan Haig on Tariffs, EV Mandates, and the Future of Auto Retail
In a compelling and timely conversation, Senator Bernie Moreno—an auto industry veteran turned legislator—and Alan Haig, President and Founder of Haig Partners, explored the pressing issues shaping the future of auto retail. Their dialogue centered on [...]
Not Just Inheriting—Creating: Brett Morgan’s Path into Auto Retail
In our conversation with Brett Morgan, he reflected on the early pressure of joining the family business after years of summer jobs and a clear expectation that he’d follow in his father’s footsteps. He recalls questioning the value of a liberal arts e [...]
Succession Starts with Self-Honesty: Brett Morgan on Growth Through Dialogue
Effective succession isn’t defined by titles or timelines—it’s shaped by conversations grounded in honesty and mutual respect. Brett Morgan reflects on how humility and self-awareness, especially between generations, are essential to making successio [...]
Side-by-Side Growth: Brett Morgan Reflects on Working with His Father
Working alongside his father gave Brett Morgan something few next-generation leaders get—a front-row seat to leadership in action. He describes their working relationship as both fascinating and formative, allowing him to grow in maturity, business under [...]
A Milestone Deal Revisited: The Sale of John Elway's Crown Toyota
At Haig Partners, we are proud to have served as the exclusive advisor on the sale of a majority stake in John Elway’s Crown Toyota to Swickard Auto Group—one of the most significant dealership transactions in recent memory. This sale, which closed in [...]
A Legacy Transitions: Vic Bailey Automotive and the Crossroads Facing Family-Owned Dealerships
In December 2023, Haig Partners was privileged to serve as the exclusive sell-side advisor to the Bailey family in the sale of Vic Bailey Automotive, a five-store group in Spartanburg, SC, to Hudson Automotive Group. The transaction marked the end of a rem [...]
Q1 2025 Haig Report®: A Moment of Clarity in a Market of Contradictions
By Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners
At Haig Partners, we’ve spent more than a decade analyzing the forces that shape auto retail and how they influence dealership values. The Q1 2025 edition of The Haig Report®—our 44th consecutive quarterly p [...]
Buy-Sell Market Sees Sharp Drop in Q1, but Momentum Expected to Rebound - Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
After one of the busiest years on record for dealership M&A, the first quarter of 2025 brought a sharp and unexpected slowdown. Just 68 rooftops changed hands in Q1, marking a 57% decline from the same period last y [...]
Public Auto Retailers Hit Pause on U.S. Acquisitions in Q1 2025 - Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
Publicly traded auto retailers nearly halted their U.S. acquisition activity in the first quarter of 2025. According to proprietary data from the Q1 2025 Haig Report®, the six major public consolidators—Asbury, [...]
Q1 2025 Haig Report® Insights - Blue Sky Multiples Hold Steady Amid Market Uncertainty
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
Auto dealership valuations are shaped by a complex mix of financial performance, brand positioning, and evolving economic factors. At Haig Partners, we track these changes closely by analyzing live transaction data [...]
GM’s Product Renaissance Drives Dealer Confidence and Profits - Insights from Q1 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
General Motors is in the midst of a product-driven resurgence that’s energizing dealership operations and attracting strong investor attention. According to insights from the Q1 2025 Haig Report®, GM posted an i [...]
Blue Sky Values Hold Steady Amid Market Uncertainty - Haig Partners Insights
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
While dealership profits have cooled from their 2023 peak, blue sky values remain remarkably resilient. According to the latest analysis in the Q1 2025 Haig Report®, the average publicly owned dealership in the U.S. po [...]
Q1 2025 Haig Report® Insights - Consumer Sentiment Hits New Lows
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
Consumer confidence continues its downward spiral in 2025, with implications that dealership owners and investors can’t afford to ignore. According to insights from the Q1 2025 Haig Report®, the University of Michig [...]
SAAR Surges, But Uncertainty Looms - Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
The auto retail market came out of the gate strong in 2025, with sales volumes climbing and SAAR (Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate) performance surpassing expectations. According to insights from the Q1 2025 Haig Re [...]
Inventory Tightens as Buyers Move Fast - Insights from the Q1 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
New-vehicle inventory levels at U.S. dealerships took a sharp turn downward at the end of Q1 2025, signaling a return to tighter supply conditions not seen since 2023. According to Haig Partners’ proprietary research [...]
Haig Partners Insights – Q1 2025 Auto Sales Surge Led by Luxury and Value Segments
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
The Q1 2025 Haig Report reveals that U.S. auto sales are off to a strong start this year, with March posting the highest monthly volume in four years. Many brands saw significant sales gains in the first quarter— [...]
Q1 2025: New Vehicle Affordability Reaches Best Level in Nearly 4 Years - Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
As of March 2025, new vehicle affordability in the U.S. reached its most favorable level since mid-2021—before potential price hikes from newly implemented tariffs could take effect. According to Cox Automotive, [...]
Insights from the Q1 2025 Haig Report®- New Vehicle Gross Profits Slide 14% Year-over-Year, But May Be Nearing a Floor
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
In Q1 2025, publicly owned auto dealerships saw average front-end gross profits per new vehicle retailed (PNR) fall to $3,135, marking a 14.4% drop year-over-year and a 4.9% decline from Q4 2024. While still 65.1% [...]
Haig Partners Insights – Used Vehicle Gross Profits Rebound in Q1 2025
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
Used vehicle operations are gaining momentum once again. According to the Q1 2025 Haig Report, the average publicly owned auto dealership earned $1,642 in front-end gross profit per used vehicle retailed (PVR). Thi [...]
Q1 2025 Haig Report Insights® – F&I Gross Profits Continue Climbing in Q1 2025, Approaching Historic Highs
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
In Q1 2025, finance and insurance (F&I) profits at U.S. auto dealerships continued to show strength, providing a bright spot in an otherwise volatile retail environment. According to our latest analysis, the av [...]
Fixed Ops Profits Surge in Q1 2025, Driven by EV Repairs and Market Shifts - Insights from Haig Partners
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
Fixed operations are proving to be a bright spot for auto dealerships in 2025. According to our Q1 2025 Haig Report, gross profits from fixed operations at publicly traded auto retailers jumped 5.8% year-over-year [...]
Q1 2025 Haig Report® Insights - Dealership Profits Stay Strong Despite Headwinds
Source: The Q1 2025 Haig Report®
In the first quarter of 2025, publicly owned auto dealerships continued to post strong results, even amid economic uncertainty and evolving market conditions. According to Haig Partners’ Q1 2025 Haig Report, the [...]
Inside California Auto Retail: EV Policy, Legal Reform, and the Franchise Model — A Conversation with Brian Maas of CNCDA
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
In this episode of Riding Shotgun, Haig Partners’ Alan Haig and Jayson Crouch sit down with Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), f [...]
CARB Exemption Reversal Clears the Road for Dealership Growth in California
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
The dealership buy-sell market in California just received a significant boost. In a discussion hosted by Jayson Crouch and Alan Haig of Haig Partners, with guest Brian Maa [...]
Apple Automotive’s Strategic Sale: Preserving a Legacy, Unlocking Future Growth
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
Haig Partners is proud to have served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to The Stewart Companies in the sale of Apple Automotive Group in 2024—a transaction believed to [...]
Why Every Dealer Should Support Their State Dealer Association
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
In a recent podcast conversation with Haig Partners’ Jayson Crouch and Alan Haig, Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), delivered a [...]
A Legacy of Leadership: Bill Kidd’s Toyota and Volvo Dealerships
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
At Haig Partners, we understand that selling a family-owned dealership is about more than a financial transaction—it’s about legacy, relationships, and finding the righ [...]
Fewer Lawsuits, Lower Risk: PAGA Changes Shift the Legal Landscape for California Dealers
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
Legal exposure has long been one of the most unpredictable and expensive line items for California dealers. For years, the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) has loomed l [...]
A Record-Breaking Sale That Still Sets the Standard: Hollywood Kia, One Year Later
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
Haig Partners had the privilege of advising on a landmark transaction: the sale of Hollywood Kia in Hollywood, Florida. The deal, which closed on June 5, 2024, set the reco [...]
How the Big Beautiful Bill Could Impact Dealership Values, Buy-Sell Activity, and Tax Strategy
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
As the leading dealership buy-sell advisor in the country, Haig Partners is committed to providing timely, relevant, and actionable insights that help auto dealers make bet [...]
Why the New Tax Bill May Drive Up Dealership Values and Buyer Demand
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
The recently passed “Big, Beautiful Bill” is more than just a tax overhaul—it’s a potential catalyst for higher dealership valuations and renewed buyer activity. [...]
A Dealership Built on Community and Care: Haig Partners Leads Sale of Dinsdale Auto
Preserving a Legacy. Maximizing Value. Supporting a Community
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Tom and Kim Dinsdale on the sale of Tom Dinsdale [...]
EV Tax Credits Are Disappearing: What This Means for Dealership Owners, Facility Planning, and Buy-Sell Value
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
As part of the sweeping “Big, Beautiful Bill” signed into law on July 4th, several electric vehicle (EV)-related tax credits are set to expire in the coming months an [...]
From Stewardship to Success: Record-Setting Mazda Sale Marks New Chapter for the Hodges Family
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
When it comes to selling a family-owned dealership, the transaction is rarely just about the numbers. For the Hodges family, it was about honoring a legacy of leadership, s [...]
Auto Retail 2025 Profit Outlook: A Midyear Pulse on Dealer Sentiment
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
As we cross the midpoint of 2025, Haig Partners’ ongoing pulse surveys with dealers reveal a sharp shift in sentiment surrounding dealership profitability this year. Each [...]
Stellantis Recalibrates—A Pivotal Shift in Pricing, Product Strategy, and Market Share - Insights from the Haig Report®
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
After years of pricing missteps and market share erosion, Stellantis is beginning to correct course. Family-owned dealerships should keep a close eye on this shift as it ma [...]
2025 Outlook: Why Deal Quality and Buyer Readiness Are Driving a Competitive M&A Market
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
At the start of 2025, there was cautious optimism that dealership M&A activity would accelerate. Improved earnings consistency and stabilized operating result [...]
Haig Partners Advises Top 150 Dealer, Jeff Swickard, on Sale of Mercedes-Benz of South Austin
Jeff Swickard Sells Mercedes-Benz of South Austin to Group 1 Automotive in Strategic Realignment
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
At Haig Partners, we have the privilege of working with some of the most [...]
Passing the Torch in Texas: How Patriot Buick-GMC’s Sale Reflects the Emotional and Strategic Journey Facing Family-Owned Dealerships Today
Introduction: A Milestone Moment in Killeen
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
Haig Partners is proud to have served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to John Kliewer, owner of Patriot Buick-GMC, on the [...]
Why Haig Partners Is Investing Heavily in California—and What That Means for Dealers in 2025
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
California has long been a cornerstone of the U.S. retail automotive industry—home to some of the most valuable franchises, the most active markets, and the most complex [...]
Understanding Blue Sky Multiples in 2025: What They Reveal About the Value of Your Dealership
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
For more than a decade, Haig Partners has published the Haig Report®, the most widely referenced source for Blue Sky multiples in the U.S. auto retail industry. These mult [...]
What the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Means for Dealership Owners: Tax Benefits Explained
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
On July 4th, a sweeping piece of legislation—dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill”—was signed into law, ushering in significant changes to the tax code that will directl [...]
Fighting for Fairness: Why CNCDA’s Push to Raise the DOC Fee Matters for California Dealers
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
At this year’s CNCDA Dealer Day, one message came through loud and clear: California dealers are facing the highest regulatory burdens in the country, yet they’re allow [...]
Reflecting on the Record-Breaking Sale of South Motors & Vista Motors
Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to the Dascal family on the sale of South Motors and Vista Motors to Morgan Automotive Group—one of the most valuable dealership groups ever purchased.
The transaction included nine dealerships a [...]
Haig Partners Advised Duval Motors in Sale to Lithia, Strengthening Its Ford Legacy
Haig Partners had the privilege of advising Duval Motor Company, a fourth-generation, family-owned dealership group based in Jacksonville, Florida, in the 2024 sale of its Honda, Acura, and Subaru dealerships to Lithia & Driveway. This transaction repr [...]
Betting on Yourself: How Jack and Robin Salzman Built, Grew, and Sold Two Record-Setting Stellantis Dealerships
Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to the Salzman family in the 2023 sale of Lake Norman and Gastonia CDJR to Parks Automotive Group, a transaction believed to have set a record for the highest-value Stellantis dealership ever sold.
[...]
Q2 2025 Haig Report® Insights: Why Toyota Remains the Blue Chip Brand in Auto Retail
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Toyota has once again proven why it is widely considered the “blue chip” of U.S. auto retail. In Q2 2025, Toyota sales climbed 7.1% year-over-year, reaching 666,469 units and commanding a 14.2% share of the U.S [...]
Buy-Sell Activity Slows but Market Fundamentals Remain Strong - Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
The first half of 2025 brought a noticeable slowdown in auto dealership buy-sell activity compared to the record-setting pace of 2024. According to the Q2 2025 Haig Report, an estimated 192 U.S. dealerships changed han [...]
Q2 2025 Haig Report® Insights: Public Company Acquisition Spending Slows in H1 2025
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Public dealership groups took a cautious approach to acquisitions in the first half of 2025, with total spending on U.S. auto dealerships dropping to $1.0 billion, a 26% decline from the $1.4 billion spent during t [...]
Blue Sky Values Tick Higher After Long Decline in Q2 2025
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
After twelve straight quarters of decline, blue sky values for public company-owned dealerships finally turned upward in Q2 2025. According to the latest Haig Report®, the average dealership’s blue sky value rose to [...]
Updates to National Average Blue Sky Multiples - Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we closely track the dealership buy-sell market to understand how demand for various franchises is shifting and what this means for valuations. Our National Average Blue Sky Multiples provide a benchm [...]
Q2 2025 Haig Report®: What Retail Trends Mean for Car Dealership Owners
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, our mission is to help dealership owners maximize the value of their life’s work. Every quarter, we publish the Haig Report®, the longest-running and most trusted resource tracking auto retail perf [...]
SAAR Slips in Q2 2025: What It Means for Dealership Owners Considering a Sale
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
The Q2 2025 Haig Report® reveals a modest decline in the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for light-vehicle sales, averaging 16.1 million units compared to 16.4 million in Q1. June capped the quarter at 15.3 [...]
Q2 2025 Haig Report®: Dealer Inventories Rise as Sales Slow, MY’26 Units Arrive
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
In Q2 2025, the auto retail landscape shifted in ways that should be on every dealer’s radar. According to the Haig Report®, new-vehicle inventories climbed to approximately 2.8 million units by the end of June, [...]
Q2 2025 New Vehicle Sales Rose Unevenly — What It Means for Dealers Considering a Sale
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
The Q2 2025 Haig Report® shows that U.S. new vehicle sales grew a modest 2.3% year-over-year, but the gains were far from evenly distributed. While some franchises surged ahead, others stumbled under the weight of [...]
Q2 2025 Haig Report®: Can Affordability Challenges Reshape Dealership Values?
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Affordability remained one of the biggest hurdles for car buyers in Q2 2025. While there was some modest improvement by quarter-end, the reality is clear: affordability continues to constrain demand and shape deale [...]
New Vehicle Gross Profits Rebound in Q2 2025: What It Means for the Future of Dealership Valuations
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
After three years of steady declines, new vehicle gross profits finally turned a corner in Q2 2025. According to the Q2 2025 Haig Report®, the publicly traded dealership groups reported that new vehicle gross prof [...]
Used Vehicle Profits Steady in Q2 2025: What It Means for Dealers Planning Their Next Move
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Used vehicle gross profits continued to show strength in Q2 2025, offering dealers a reliable source of income amid ongoing challenges in the new vehicle market. According to The Haig Report®, used vehicle gross p [...]
Beyond the Showroom: How F&I Continues to Help Power Profits in 2025
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Finance & Insurance (F&I) remains one of the most dependable profit centers for dealerships—and Q2 2025 reinforced just how important it is to the bottom line. According to the Q2 2025 Haig Report®, publ [...]
Fixed Operations: The Quiet Profit Engine Driving Dealership Value in 2025
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
In Q2 2025, fixed operations once again proved to be the most reliable profit engine for auto retailers. Same-store gross profit from service, parts, and body shop work rose 8.4% year-over-year, making fixed ops t [...]
Q2 2025 Dealership Profits Defy Expectations: What Rising Earnings Mean for Your Store’s Value
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Dealership owners received some welcome news in Q2 2025: profits for the average publicly owned dealership climbed sharply, bucking the broader trend of recent declines. According to the Q2 2025 Haig Report®, average [...]
The Power of Volume: Why High-Throughput Dealerships Command Premium Value
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
In auto retail, volume drives value. For OEMs, sales volume is the ultimate measure of success. For dealers, volume per location is what separates average performers from market leaders. The latest Q2 2025 Haig Report [...]
Porsche Franchises: Why Multiples Matter—But Aren’t the Only Factor in Valuation
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we are proud to be the only dealership M&A advisory firm that has tracked and published franchise multiples every quarter since January 2014. This long-standing commitment gives our clients a uniq [...]
Why Lexus Franchises Remain Among the Most Valuable in Auto Retail
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we know that the question on every dealer’s mind when considering a sale is simple: What is my dealership worth? One important piece of that answer is the franchise multiple – the “blue sky” [...]
Why BMW Dealerships Remain Among the Most Sought-After Assets in Auto Retail
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we know that when dealers evaluate whether now is the right time to sell their business, franchise desirability plays a critical role in determining blue sky values. That’s why, since January 20 [...]
What Mercedes-Benz Dealers Need to Know About Valuations in 2025
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we know that dealership owners thinking about selling their business want clarity about what their store is worth.
For more than a decade, we’ve been the only buy-sell advisory firm that tracks [...]
Jaguar Land Rover Dealership Values: What Owners Need to Know in Today’s Market
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
In Q2 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) stood out once again with notable sales momentum—Land Rover sales surged 16.2% year-over-year. At first glance, this appears to be a win for JLR retailers. But as experienced opera [...]
Audi Dealership Values Face Mounting Pressure in Q2 2025
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we work with dealership owners every day who want to understand the true value of their businesses. One of the most important considerations in that process is franchise multiples, which serve as a b [...]
Cadillac Multiples Hold Steady: Can the Momentum Last?
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Cadillac dealers enjoyed a standout quarter in Q2 2025, with sales up 15.3% year-over-year. This momentum reflects the successful launch of several new EVs, including the Optiq, Vistiq, and Escalade iQ, which arrived [...]
Volvo Dealers Face Tariffs, EV Pivots, and Niche Demand—What It Means for Valuations
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Volvo’s position in the U.S. auto retail market continues to be both intriguing and complex. In Q2 2025, Volvo posted a modest 4.4% sales increase, driven in part by consumer interest in models like the EX30 and EX90 [...]
Is Acura’s Growth Sustainable? What Dealership Owners Need to Watch
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
In Q2 2025, Acura delivered an 11.8% sales increase, a strong rebound powered by the launch of the new ADX subcompact luxury SUV. Positioned at a more accessible $35,000–$38,000 MSRP, the ADX has quickly become an a [...]
Q2 2025 Lincoln Report: Strong Sales, But Do Dealership Values Tell a Different Story?
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Lincoln delivered one of the strongest performances in Q2 2025, with sales climbing 31.0% year-over-year, driven by robust demand for the redesigned Navigator and its “Employee Pricing for All” campaign. On the sur [...]
Infiniti Dealership Values: Navigating a Brand in Decline
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Infiniti Dealership Valuations in Q2 2025: What Sellers Need to Know Before Making Their Next Move
Infiniti sales declined 12.7% year-over-year in Q2 2025, continuing a nearly decade-long slide. To put that into pe [...]
Owning a Toyota Dealership Has Never Been More Valuable: Q2 2025 Insights for Sellers
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Quarter after quarter, Toyota has delivered industry-leading throughput, enviable profitability, and some of the highest blue sky values in the market. Its hybrid-first strategy has proven prescient, allowing dealers [...]
Honda Dealership Valuations: Why Q2 2025 Signals Strength for Sellers
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Honda dealerships are proving once again why they remain one of the most attractive non-luxury franchises in auto retail. In Q2 2025, Honda sales increased 8.4%, making it the second-fastest growing midline import bra [...]
Subaru Dealership Values Hold Steady Despite Q2 Sales Decline
Subaru has long been a beloved brand in the U.S. market, with a reputation for customer loyalty, reliability, and dealer profitability. Yet in Q2 2025, Subaru reported an 8.6% year-over-year decline in sales, one of the steeper drops among non-luxury brand [...]
Kia Dealership Valuations: Q2 2025 Sales Growth Pushes Multiples Higher
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Kia continues its impressive momentum in 2025, posting a 5.2% year-over-year sales increase in Q2. Dealers delivered 416,511 vehicles through June, an all-time first-half record, marking a 7.8% gain over the same perio [...]
Record Sales, Rising Multiples: Hyundai & Genesis Dealership Value Insights for Q2 2025
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
In Q2 2025, Hyundai and Genesis continued to stand out among midline import franchises. U.S. sales for the brands rose 10.3% year-over-year, with Hyundai moving nearly 236,000 vehicles—a record-setting first half [...]
Realigning for Growth: AutoCanada Sells Four Illinois Dealerships with Haig Partners as Exclusive Advisor
Haig Partners advised Leader Automotive Group on the sale of four Illinois dealerships as part of a broader portfolio realignment.
AutoCanada’s U.S. subsidiary, Leader Automotive Group, recently completed the sale of four dealerships in the Chicagolan [...]
2025 Dealership Buy-Sell Insights: Profitability, Valuations, and Market Opportunities
Source: Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference: Toyota and Ford National Dealer Meetings Las Vegas
In September, Haig Partners hosted the Maximizing Value Conference at the Toyota and Ford National Dealer Meetings in Las Vegas. Our leadership team a [...]
Reflecting on the Sale of Bulldog Kia to Butler Automotive Group
The sale of Bulldog Kia to Butler Automotive Group stands out as a meaningful transaction where culture, legacy, and market opportunity came together. Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor, ensuring the dealership’s transition honored i [...]
Revisiting the Sale of Shockley Honda: A Landmark Transaction in Maryland Auto Retail
Haig Partners proudly served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to the Shockley family in the sale of Shockley Honda in Frederick, Maryland to Chris Ourisman and the Ourisman Automotive Group. As we look back in 2025, this milestone transaction continues t [...]
Riding Shotgun with NADA’s Mike Stanton: What Every Family-Owned Dealer Should Know Now
Conversation highlights from Alan Haig and John Murphy with Haig Partners on the “Riding Shotgun” podcast featuring, NADA President & CEO Mike Stanton. Watch the accompanying video to go deeper.
The headline in one sentence
Despite noisy head [...]
A Legacy of Excellence: The Record-Setting Sale of Al Hendrickson Toyota
Al Hendrickson Toyota, located in Coconut Creek, Florida, has long been one of the nation’s most successful dealerships. Founded in 1989 as a father-son business, the store grew into a powerhouse under the leadership of Al Hendrickson Jr., earning recogn [...]
Haig Partners Leads Texas Dealership Buy-Sell Market with 12 Rooftops Sold in 2025, Marking 53 Stores Bought or Sold in the Lone Star State
As of October 13, 2025
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
When it comes to dealership M&A in Texas, no firm has matched the scale, success, and local expertise of Haig Partners. So far in 2025, Haig P [...]
Nissan Dealership Valuations in Q2 2025: What Dealers Need to Know About a Volatile Brand
Source: The Q2 2025 Haig Report®
Nissan’s story in the first half of 2025 is one of contrasts: recognition for quality and incremental profitability improvements on the one hand, and declining sales and mounting financial losses on the other. Fo [...]
A Strategic Sale in California’s Strong Market: Haig Partners Advises Bruce Kavich in the Sale of Acura of Fremont
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.Want insider knowledge on the most up to date trends in auto retail? Subscribe to The Haig Report®.
At Haig Partners, we have the privilege of advising some of the most a [...]
Reflecting on the Sale of BMW of Bridgeport to Mauro Motors and the Continued Strength of BMW Dealership Values
At Haig Partners, we take pride in helping dealers maximize the value of their life’s work and in celebrating the success stories that continue to resonate years later. One such example is the sale of BMW of Bridgeport in Connecticut to Mauro Motors, whe [...]
From Family Legacy to New Growth: The Story Behind the Sale of Lebanon Ford
At Haig Partners, we take pride in helping dealers achieve their strategic and financial goals through expertly guided transactions. One such success story was the sale of Lebanon Ford in Lebanon, New Hampshire, where Haig Partners served as the exclusive [...]
Passing the Wheel: Real-World Succession Lessons for Dealership Owners
Haig Partners Insights from the Maximizing Value Conference Succession Planning Panel held in conjunction with the Toyota and Ford National Dealer Meetings - September 2025
Family-owned dealerships are at an inflection point. With more than 90% of U.S. [...]
Legacy Meets Opportunity: Haig Partners Advises Galeana Auto Group on Multi-State Sale
Every successful dealership group has a story that begins with passion, perseverance, and a belief in the power of relationships. For Galeana Auto Group, that story spans more than 40 years, three states, and generations of family leadership.
Founde [...]
Legacy in Motion: Haig Partners Advises on the Historic Sale of Third-Generation Bosak Auto Group
Another record-setting transaction underscores Haig Partners’ role as the leading buy-sell advisor to family-owned dealerships nationwide
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.
A Century of Family Ownershi [...]
Automotive Retail Economic Update & The Path to Higher Profits
Insights from John Murphy, Managing Director, Strategic Advisory, presented at the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference held alongside the Toyota and Ford National Dealer Meetings (Sept. 2025).
If you are interested in listening to the full discuss [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report® Recap: Strong Profits, Rising Blue Sky Values, and a Reaccelerating Buy-Sell Market
The Q3 2025 Haig Report® presents a clear picture of a resilient and attractive auto retail sector. Despite policy volatility, supply chain noise, and shifting EV incentives, dealership performance remained exceptionally strong. Earnings continued to rise [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report®: Shifts in National Average Blue Sky Multiples
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
At Haig Partners, we closely monitor the buy-sell market to help dealership owners understand evolving franchise desirability, market conditions, and what buyers are truly willing to pay. In Q3 2025, our team conducted [...]
Ford Franchise Highlight: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Opportunity - From the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: Q3 2025 Haig Report®Download the full Ford Franchise Highlight excerpt as a PDF.
The Ford retail network is navigating a complex moment. Dealers across the country are feeling the effects of quality challenges, limited new-product flow, supply [...]
Key Trends Shaping Auto Retail – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
The Q3 2025 Haig Report® reveals an auto retail landscape influenced by shifting economic forces, evolving regulations, and new challenges in the global supply chain. For dealership owners planning their strategy for 2 [...]
New Vehicle Profits Take a Short-Term Dip – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
New vehicle profitability took a meaningful step back in Q3 2025, offering dealership owners an important reminder of how quickly market dynamics can shift.
According to data from the publicly traded auto retaile [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report®: Used Vehicle Gross Profits Slip Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®Used vehicle profitability continued to face pressure in Q3 2025, according to our latest Haig Report®. Used gross profit per unit (PVR) among the public retailers declined to an average of $1,528, bringing margins back i [...]
Dealership M&A Activity Rebounds in Q3 – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
The Q3 2025 Haig Report® shows a decisive shift in the trajectory of dealership M&A activity. After a notably slow first half of the year, transaction volume surged in the third quarter, reaffirming strong buyer co [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report®: Blue Sky Values Rise Thanks to Surprisingly Strong Earnings
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Blue sky values continued their upward momentum in Q3 2025, reflecting both resilient dealership earnings and renewed buyer confidence across the auto retail market. At Haig Partners, our methodology for estimating aver [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report®: F&I Gross Profits Climb Toward New Highs
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Finance and Insurance (F&I) performance remains one of the most resilient profit drivers in auto retail, and Q3 2025 underscored that strength once again. In our Q3 2025 Haig Report®, the publicly traded auto retai [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report®: EV-Driven Sales Shake Up Market Share
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
The third quarter of 2025 delivered one of the most pronounced shifts in market share we’ve seen in years, driven almost entirely by consumer behavior ahead of a major policy change. With the federal EV incentive expi [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report®: New Vehicle Affordability Worsens as Tariff Impacts Loom
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
New vehicle affordability is once again under pressure, reversing a full year of gradual improvement—and the timing could challenge both consumers and dealers as pricing dynamics shift heading into 2026.
In [...]
New Vehicle Inventories Surge, but Upcoming Disruptions Could Shift the Balance - Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
New vehicle inventories surged in September, marking a noticeable shift in the supply landscape as production continued to rebound. Even with strong sales, most brands reported ample availability, pushing the U.S. avera [...]
Fixed Operations Profit Growth Accelerates – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Fixed operations once again proved to be one of the most reliable drivers of dealership profitability in Q3 2025. According to our latest analysis, fixed operations gross profit among the public auto retailers rose 8.3% [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report®: Dealership Earnings Continue to Climb
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®Dealership earnings posted another strong quarter in Q3 2025, extending the momentum that began earlier this year. As we analyze the latest performance trends from the publicly traded auto retailers, one message stands [...]
A Look Back at the Transition of Two Leading Toyota Dealerships in West Virginia
In 2024, Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to the owners of Advantage Toyota and Ball Toyota of Charleston on their sale to Victory Automotive Group. As we reflect on this significant transaction, it stands as a compelling example of [...]
Q3 2025 Haig Report®: SAAR Rises as EV Sales Surge
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
September closed out Q3 2025 with meaningful momentum for auto retailers, demonstrating resilience in the face of affordability challenges, shifting policies, and a fast-changing demand landscape. Dealers navigating thi [...]
Lexus Performance and Valuation Outlook - Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Lexus continued to distinguish itself as one of the most coveted franchises in automotive retail during Q3 2025. Sales increased 13.1 percent versus Q3 2024, building on an already strong performance last year and reinf [...]
Porsche Navigates a Challenging Transition Period - Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Porsche faced meaningful headwinds in Q3 2025 as the brand worked through a complex transition across products, markets, and strategy. Sales declined 4.9% compared to Q3 2024, reflecting pressures that are being felt bo [...]
BMW Momentum Accelerates in Q3 2025 - Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
BMW delivered one of the strongest luxury brand performances in Q3 2025. Sales increased 24.0% year over year, ranking BMW second in Q3 sales growth overall and allowing the brand to reclaim the luxury sales crown from [...]
Mercedes-Benz Navigates a Transitional Year as Dealer Optimism Builds – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Mercedes-Benz experienced a challenging quarter in Q3 2025, with U.S. sales declining 11.8 percent compared to Q3 2024. Despite the near-term softness in volume, our discussions with dealers reveal a notable shift in se [...]
Toyota’s Enduring Strength and Dealer Confidence - Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Toyota delivered a strong rebound in Q3 2025, with sales increasing 16.4% versus Q3 2024 after a comparatively weak performance last year. This recovery further reinforces Toyota’s position as one of the most sought-a [...]
Jaguar Land Rover Navigates Disruption While Preserving Franchise Value – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Jaguar Land Rover posted year over year sales growth in Q3 2025, but the quarter was defined more by operational disruption than by demand trends. For dealers and investors, the JLR franchise continues to demonstrate re [...]
Honda’s Resilient Franchise Model Holds Firm – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Honda delivered a measured performance in Q3 2025, with modest sales pressure offset by continued confidence among dealers. While year-over-year results showed a slight decline, the franchise’s core strengths remain i [...]
Subaru Dealership Performance Shows Resilience Amid Softer Sales – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Subaru sales declined 5.8 percent year over year in Q3 2025, reflecting softer new-vehicle demand across much of the industry. Despite this modest pullback, Subaru continues to outperform many peers on profitability and [...]
Kia Continues to Outperform as a Best-in-Class Midline Import Franchise – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Kia’s Position in the Market
Kia delivered another strong quarter in Q3 2025, with sales rising 11.1% year over year. This performance underscores the brand’s ability to compete effectively in a price-sensitive [...]
Hyundai and Genesis Deliver Strong Sales but Dealer Sentiment Weakens – Insights from the Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q3 2025 Haig Report®
Strong Sales Momentum Continues
Hyundai and Genesis posted combined sales growth of 12.7% in Q3 2025, extending a steady run of volume gains for both brands. Strong product offerings, particularly in crossovers, hyb [...]
Sell-Side Advisory for Franchised Dealership Owners: A Trusted Advisor Focused on Maximizing the Value of Your Life’s Work
A Reputation Built on Trust, Integrity, and Results
Selling a business is one of the most significant decisions an owner will ever make, financially, professionally, and personally. Haig Partners is a highly respected and trusted advisor to owners of fr [...]
A Legacy Realized: Haig Partners Advises on the Sale of Santa Monica BMW in a Premier Luxury Market
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.Want insider knowledge on the most up to date trends in auto retail? Subscribe to The Haig Report®.
Haig Partners served as the exclusive sell-side advisor o [...]
Dealership Buy-Sell Update: Valuation and Trends - Insights from the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference
At the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference, Alan Haig, Founder and President of Haig Partners, delivered a comprehensive update on dealership valuations, buy-sell trends, and the forces shaping auto retail M&A in 2026 and beyond.
For dealers w [...]
What Franchises to Buy in 2026 - Insights from the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference
At the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference, John Murphy, Managing Director of Strategic Advisory at Haig Partners, presented a rigorous, data-driven framework for evaluating which franchises are best positioned for investment in 2026.
Rather than [...]
Economic and Automotive Outlook - Insights from the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference
At the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference, Erin Keating, Executive Analyst and Senior Director of Economics and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, joined John Murphy to provide a comprehensive economic and automotive outlook for 2026 and beyond.
[...]
Investment Thesis for Acquiring Honda Dealerships - Insights from the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference
At the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference, Daryl Bazemore, Assistant Vice President of Auto Sales Strategy at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., joined Jayson Crouch, Managing Director at Haig Partners, for a candid discussion on the investment case fo [...]
NADA 20 Group Panel: Best Ideas to Improve Dealership Profits - Insights from the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference
At the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference, Yossi Levi, Founder and CEO of Car Dealership Guy, joined Don South, longtime NADA 20 Group Manager, for a highly tactical discussion focused on one objective: improving dealership profitability in today’ [...]
Leveraging AI to Drive Higher Profits and Blue Sky Value - Insights from the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference
At the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference, Steve Greenfield, General Partner at Automotive Ventures, delivered a forward-looking and financially grounded perspective on how artificial intelligence can materially increase dealership profitability and [...]
How to Build a #1 Volume Dealership in the U.S. - Insights from the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference
At the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference, Rita Case, President and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, joined Alan Haig for a candid and energetic discussion on what it truly takes to build and sustain a number one volume dealership in the United St [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report® Recap: Key Trends Shaping Dealership Values, Multiples, and the Road Ahead
The U.S. auto retail industry is entering 2026 from a position of strength.
While dealership profits have normalized from the record highs of the pandemic era, demand for dealerships remains robust, values are still historically elevated, and the buy-se [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report®: Haig Partners National Average Blue Sky Multiples
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Understanding dealership valuation trends is critical for operators, investors, and buyers navigating today’s evolving buy-sell market. In the Q4 2025 Haig Report®, we analyze national average blue sky multiples [...]
Auto Retail M&A Rebounds Strongly, Setting the Stage for 2026 - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
M&A Activity Surged in the Second Half of 2025
After a sluggish start, 2025 turned into a surprisingly active year for dealership buy-sell activity. The first quarter ranked among the weakest on record, bu [...]
Blue Sky Values Drift Higher as Dealership Profits Remain Resilient - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
A Modest Increase Signals Continued Strength
Blue sky values for auto dealerships moved higher in 2025, reflecting the ongoing strength of dealership profitability and investor demand. The estimated average blue sk [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report®: SAAR Stumbles Into 2026
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®After a strong finish to 2025, the auto retail industry has entered 2026 with softer momentum. While last year demonstrated resilience across both OEMs and dealers, early indicators suggest a more uncertain path ahead [...]
Dealers Enter 2026 with Healthier Inventory Levels - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®As the industry transitions into 2026, one of the most important operational and financial drivers for dealership performance is in a far better position than it has been in years: inventory.
After a period marked by ex [...]
Trends Shaping Auto Retail in 2026 - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®As dealers enter 2026, a range of economic forces are beginning to reshape the auto retail landscape. From a softening labor market and moderating inflation to shifting interest rate policy and potential trade disruptions, [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report®: Luxury & Midline Import Brands Lead Sales Growth in 2025
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®The automotive retail market posted a solid performance in 2025, with total sales rising 2.5% year-over-year. While overall growth was steady, the real story lies beneath the surface: luxury and midline import brands signi [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report®: New Vehicle Affordability Trends and What They Mean for Dealers
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®A Shift in Affordability Signals Opportunity and Risk
New vehicle affordability began to improve in late 2025 and continued into early 2026, marking a notable shift after a period of sustained pressure on consumers. Acc [...]
Audi at a Crossroads: Valuation, Performance, and What Comes Next - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Audi dealers are navigating one of the most challenging periods in the brand’s recent history. A combination of aging core models, slower product refresh cycles, and shifting strategy toward electrification has p [...]
Vehicle Pricing Divergence Across Brands - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
A New Era of Vehicle Pricing
Since 2019, the automotive industry has undergone significant transformation. Supply chain disruptions, the rapid introduction of new technologies, and evolving trade regulations have a [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report® - New Car Throughput: Winners & Losers Since 2019
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
The Industry’s “Flight to Quality” Is Accelerating
It is hard to recall another period when dealership consolidators have been this focused on high-throughput franchises and locations.
Across the indus [...]
NY Automotive Forum 2026: What It Means for Dealers Today
The NY Automotive forum once again brought together the most influential leaders in auto retail to discuss where the industry is headed. This year’s conversations confirmed what we are seeing every day in the market: dealership M&A activity remains s [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report®: New Vehicle Profits Slip as Market Normalizes
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
New vehicle profitability continued to reset in 2025, with the industry working through a weaker second half of the year and a shifting economic backdrop. While margins declined again, the pace of erosion slowed meanin [...]
Used Vehicle Profits Hold Steady in a Tight Market - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Stability in Used Vehicle Profits, Despite Ongoing Pressure
The used vehicle market remained under pressure in 2025, yet profitability proved more resilient than many expected. Public dealership groups reported an a [...]
Toyota Dealership Sales: Why Experience Matters When Selling Your Life’s Work
Ownership of a Toyota dealership often represents decades of commitment, disciplined execution, and family stewardship. Toyota has built one of the strongest and most durable franchises in automotive retail thanks to excellent products and dealer-friendly [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report®: Franchise Valuations Show Diverging Paths Across Brands
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®Franchise values in auto retail are increasingly shaped by one core theme: consistency versus uncertainty.
Across luxury, import, and domestic brands, we are seeing a clear separation between franchises that deliver dur [...]
F&I Profits Near Record Levels as Product Penetration Strengthens - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
F&I departments delivered one of the strongest performances in recent years, reinforcing their role as a critical profit center for dealerships. After a period of volatility, 2025 marked a clear return to form, wi [...]
Q4 2025 Haig Report®: Fixed Operations Gross Profit Rose in 2025
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®Fixed operations once again proved to be a cornerstone of dealership profitability in 2025. While new and used vehicle margins faced pressure, parts and service departments delivered strong, steady growth, reinforcing [...]
Dealership Profits Rise Despite Challenging Conditions - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
The narrative heading into 2025 was clear: dealership profits were expected to decline further from post-pandemic highs. Instead, the industry delivered a modest but meaningful rebound.
Publicly owned auto dealershi [...]
Reallocating Capital: Inside the Sale of Lexus of Westport, Toyota of Westport, and Audi Hawthorne
Stay current on dealership buy-sell insights - follow Haig Partners on LinkedIn.Want insider knowledge on the most up to date trends in auto retail? Subscribe to The Haig Report®.
The team at Haig Partners has been involved in 34 transac [...]
Lexus Dealership Performance & Valuation Trends - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Lexus Continues Record Sales Momentum
Lexus continues to build on its strong foundation, with sales increasing 7.1% year-over-year and setting a second consecutive annual record. This follows a record 2024 and rein [...]
Strong Demand, Tighter Supply: What’s Ahead for Porsche Dealers - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®Porsche continues to hold a unique position in the U.S. auto retail landscape. While 2025 delivered record sales for Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), the road ahead presents a more nuanced outlook for dealers, shaped by [...]
Mercedes-Benz Dealership Performance and Outlook: Positioning for the Next Cycle - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Mercedes-Benz dealers navigated a challenging 2025, with U.S. sales declining 5.4% year over year. This performance reflects broader pressure across luxury OEMs, as shifting consumer demand, product timing gaps, a [...]
BMW Dealership Performance and Valuation Outlook - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®BMW delivered another standout year in 2025, with sales rising 4.7% and marking the brand’s third consecutive annual sales record. This performance is particularly notable given ongoing tariff pressures and a broader nor [...]
Why Toyota Continues to Earn Strong Dealer Confidence - Insights from the Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Source: The Q4 2025 Haig Report®
Toyota continues to solidify its position as the benchmark midline import brand in the U.S. automotive retail market. In 2025, Toyota sales increased 8.1% year-over-year, marking its fourth-highest annual total ever an [...]
What the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 Means for Your Dealership
A Note from Haig Partners
Haig Partners is the nation's leading sell-side advisor for franchised automobile dealerships. Our singular mission is to maximize value for dealers and that mission requires us to keep our clients informed of legislative and m [...]
Mercedes-Benz: Buy Now to Enjoy the Ride - Insights from the Q1 2026 Haig Report®
Source: The Q1 2026 Haig Report®
Mercedes-Benz dealers sound more optimistic today than they have in many years, and that optimism is coming from several places at once. Dealers are excited about the brand’s renewed focus on ICE powertrains, ris [...]
Market Highlight: Florida — Why Scarcity, Scale, and Strategic Timing Define the State's Dealership Landscape
If you own a franchise dealership in Florida, or you're actively looking to acquire one, you are operating in one of the most consequential automotive markets in the country, and one of the least liquid. Understanding why stores here rarely change hands, w [...]
Q1 2026 Haig Report: Dealership Buy-Sell Activity Surged 39% as Private Buyers Chase Strong Franchises
The Q1 2026 Haig Report, the longest-published quarterly analysis of dealership buy-sell trends and franchise values in the industry, reveals a market running at record-era pace — with a critical caveat. Buyers are competing aggressively for strong franc [...]
Dealership Buy-Sell Market Surges in Q1 2026 — Insights from the Q1 2026 Haig Report®
Source: The Q1 2026 Haig Report®
The dealership buy-sell market is firing on all cylinders. According to our Q1 2026 Haig Report®, dealers acquired 139 rooftops in the first quarter of 2026 - a pace on par with the record-setting years of 2021, 2022, [...]
Insights from the Q1 2026 Haig Report®: Franchise Multiples, Market Shifts, and What Dealers Need to Know
Source: The Q1 2026 Haig Report®At Haig Partners, we continuously monitor the dealership buy-sell market to track how franchise values shift in real time. That means analyzing offers across transactions we are directly involved in, speaking regularly wit [...]
Blue Sky Dealership Values Dip Slightly but Remain Near Historic Highs - Insights from the Q1 2026 Haig Report®
Source: The Q1 2026 Haig Report®
Average blue sky values for publicly owned dealerships slipped modestly in Q1 2026, but the bigger picture tells a more encouraging story: values are still roughly double what they were before the pandemic. Here is wha [...]
Insights from the Q1 2026 Haig Report® - New Vehicle Sales Are Softening - What It Means for Auto Dealers in 2026
Source: The Q1 2026 Haig Report®
New vehicle sales have been under pressure. According to our Q1 2026 Haig Report®, April 2026 new light-vehicle sales came in at a SAAR of 15.9 million units - down 7.1% from April 2025 and the eighth consecutive mont [...]
New Vehicle Affordability Is Improving - But the Full Picture Is More Complicated - Insights from the Q1 2026 Haig Report®
Source: The Q1 2026 Haig Report®
For five consecutive months, new vehicle affordability has been moving in the right direction. That's a meaningful signal - but it tells only part of the story for dealers trying to understand where the market stands h [...]
Auto Dealer Inventory Trends by Brand in Q1 2026: What the Data Tells Us - Insights from the Q1 2026 Haig Report®
Source: The Q1 2026 Haig Report®
The brands we track averaged 53 days' supply in April 2026, approximately 5.9% below the five-year average. That said, the trend is moving in one direction: up. December 2025 saw an average of just 49 days' supply, so [...]
Brand-by-Brand Performance in Q1 2026: Who Gained, Who Slipped, and What It Means for Dealers - Insights from the Q1 2026 Haig Report®
Source: The Q1 2026 Haig Report®
The U.S. auto retail market opened 2026 on softer footing. New vehicle sales declined 6.2% in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025, a period that had been artificially elevated by consumers accelerating purchases ahead of antic [...]
