Fewer dealers say they are worried about high interest rates in the latest Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index survey. A year ago, the issue was smoking.

Pending regulatory approval in Canada and the U.S., Quebec City company iA Financial Group will take majority ownership of Texas F&I vendor Innovative Aftermarket Systems.

More shoppers with stellar credit ratings -- enticed by growing supplies of late-model cars and light trucks, and turned off by new-vehicle prices -- are headed to independent stores for their next used vehicle.

Dealerships rely on their software providers to maintain cybersecurity but also need to train their people in how to protect customer data.