What you do with it
access authoritative industry data and reporting, so they can make informed strategic and operational decisions
When a dealer or industry professional needs to understand market conditions, sales trends, and competitive dynamics
monitor breaking news and analysis relevant to their business, so they can anticipate and respond to industry shifts before they impact the dealership
When a dealer wants to stay current on OEM policies, regulatory changes, and retail best practices
participate in Automotive News events, forums, and webinars, so they can build standing as an informed, connected industry voice
When a dealer or vendor seeks professional credibility and peer connection
Community evidence
→ Stable
The DealerRefresh community consistently treats Automotive News as a primary, credible reference — citing its reports on SAAR, used-car trends, compensation data, and OEM moves as authoritative inputs for dealer decision-making. Events like the World Congress and Retail Forum are viewed positively as high-value networking and learning opportunities. However, at least one community voice raises a pointed concern: the subscription price has risen sharply from $79 in 2018 to $499 in 2025 while content volume has reportedly decreased and editorial focus has shifted toward political topics, calling the value proposition into question. A separate critical note flags the automotive press broadly — implicitly including Automotive News — for failing to cover a significant dealer data-security incident, suggesting limits to its community accountability coverage.
Trusted source for industry data and market reporting10 mentions
Events and webinars as high-value professional development5 mentions
Rising subscription cost vs. declining content value1 mention
Cited as credibility validator for individuals and vendors3 mentions
Editorial coverage gaps on sensitive dealer issues1 mention
Routine reference link for third-party claims and articles8 mentions
43 mentions · 10 positive · 6 negative · Scored from 20+ years of candid DealerRefresh discussion. Scores shift as new conversations happen.
POSITIVE
"The debut episode received positive attention, not just from those within the automotive industry but also from respected publications like Automotive News and CBT."
ASOTU's More Than Cars Episode 2 Release! →
NEGATIVE
"Automotive News remains worth its steep subscription cost, which has risen from $79 in 2018 to $499 in 2025, while the publication has simultaneously reduced content and shifted toward more politically-focused coverage"
Is Automotive News still relevant? →
NEGATIVE
"Key concerns include DealerBuilt's complete lack of public communication about the incident and the automotive press's failure to cover the story despite heightened industry focus on data security."
Did DealerBuilt DMS Really Get Hacked? →
NEGATIVE
"This hit automotive news yesterday afternoon. Refresh was the host of one of the more constructive, if not lively, discussions about TRUECar's reverse auction and DMS data usage."
More TRUECar Controversy around FTC →
NEUTRAL
"Tom LaPointe shared October 2017 automotive sales figures by brand from Automotive News, displaying detailed monthly sales data across major manufacturers"
Industry sales by brand October 2017 →
NEUTRAL
"I've been keeping an eye on AutomotiveNews.com for all the latest news. [url=http://www.autonews.com/section/theme&themeid=Crisis%20in%20Japan]Automotive News -- Crisis in Japan[/url]"
Crisis in Japan - Is your Dealership Worried? →
NEUTRAL
"[URL="http://www.autonews.com/article/20140608/RETAIL/140609846/a-big-city-test-for-no-haggle-pricing?utm_content=bufferf4410&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer"]Automotive News[/URL] published this article on June 8th"
Thoughts on a big-city test for no-haggle pricing? →
NEUTRAL
"[url]http://www.autonews.com/article/20141020/RETAIL04/310209830/carmaxs-u-turn-a-return-to-web-leads[/url] || [quote=from this Automotive News Article]"
Carmax back on the bandwagon →
NEUTRAL
"The thread discusses an Automotive News report highlighting a sales slowdown in the used car market, driven by record numbers of underwater vehicle owners caused by higher transaction prices, extended loan terms, and declining used car values."
Are used car sales REALLY getting harder →
NEUTRAL
"This article came up on Automotive News yesterday - '[GM plans digital signage push across U.S. dealerships]' According to the article, "General Motors plans to make digital signage part of its dealership facility requirements for the first time, starting next year.""
Is 'Digital Signage' needed to sell cars? →