– Emerging Digital Marketing Trends for Dealers in 2026 – Best Practices for Adding a Service Shop to Your Dealership – What the Big Beautiful Bill Can Do for Texas Dealers – How to Fix Your Dealership’s SEO After a Name Change
TIADA Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Greg Phea/Austin Rising Fast 8024 IH 35 North Austin, TX 78753
PRESIDENT ELECT
Russell Moore/Top Notch Used Cars 900 East Davis Conroe, TX 77301
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Greg Reine/Auto Liquidators
39670 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75237
SECRETARY
Cesar Stark/S&S Motors 7699 Alameda Ave. El Paso, TX 79915
TREASURER
Lowell Rogers/11th Street Motors 1355 N. 11th St. Beaumont, TX 77702
VICE PRESIDENT, WEST TEXAS (REGION 1)
Jose “Pepe” Muñoz/Gael Auto Sales 7661 Alameda Ave. El Paso, TX 79915
VICE PRESIDENT, FORT WORTH (REGION 2)
Matt King/Matt King Motor Company. 2715 W. Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington, TX 76013
VICE PRESIDENT, DALLAS (REGION 3)
Lucas Ponder/Auto Smart 4545 N. Stateline Ave. Texarkana, TX 75503
VICE PRESIDENT, HOUSTON (REGION 4)
Christina Sabillón/Mi Tierra Auto Sales 4545 Spencer Hwy. Pasadena, TX 77504
VICE PRESIDENT, CENTRAL TEXAS (REGION 5)
Harry Buchelly/Discovery Auto Sales 8140 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78753
VICE PRESIDENT, SOUTH TEXAS (REGION 6)
Chad Lancaster/Chacon Autos 1400 SE. Military Dr. San Antonio, TX 78214
VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE
Cesar Torres/Lofi Motors 4634 Ayers St. Corpus Christi, TX 78415
VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE
Tyler Simmons/Abilene Used Car Sales, Inc. 2150 N. 1st Street Abilene, TX 79603
TIADA
inside TexasDealer
officers’ message
Answer These Questions
January is one of my favorite months because it provides the opportunity for a fresh start. However, it can also be overwhelming to think of the many areas of the business that we want to improve upon before the tax season rush hits our lots. Most of your pre-tax season work is already in place but addressing these five questions might ensure your teams are positioned for success in the new year.
1 Have you set clear expectations for your staff regarding priorities for the year?
Our dealership just completed its annual kick off meeting for 2026. We used this opportunity to celebrate 2025 wins and to address areas of focus for the coming year. These in-person discussions are critical to eliminate confusion regarding what is mission critical before/after tax season.
2 Do you need to have hard conversations with those not aligned with your mission?
It is physically impossible for a boat to gain speed if half the crew is rowing in the opposite direction. Do you have members on your team struggling with the changes you’ve implemented or are they flat out refusing to get on board? Nothing kills positive momentum more than an employee vocally unhappy with the direction of a company. Often, it can be the most tenured employees that provide the greatest resistance. If you are serious about changing the direction of your business, it is critical to have these hard conversations so everyone in your boat is pulling those oars in the same direction.
3 Are your compensation plans competitive and rewarding your best performers?
It is good practice to compare pay rates across all positions to what is in the market on a regular basis. Skilled, dependable employees are in high demand and if you are
by Chad Lancaster
VICE PRESIDENT
Taking the time now to address these questions can help create alignment and position your dealership for a prosperous year.
unwilling to pay competitive rates, someone else will. In addition, review your sales commission plans to ensure you aren’t rewarding complacency. Set the bar high and reward those willing to exceed it.
4 Are your capital providers aware of any potential challenges or changes you expect in the coming year?
The only person that hates surprises more than my wife is our banker. Let’s be honest, it was tumultuous year for those lending money to this industry and the banks are nervous. Transparent communication supported by thoughtful financial projections builds credibility and confidence with banking partners.
5
C an your customers find you easily and will they like what they see online?
Your website and online platforms now serve as your virtual storefront. Take a moment to make sure your
Chacon Autos (San Antonio)
SOUTH TEXAS (REGION 6)
Participating in the certified pre-owned program means your dealership and the CPO vehicles you offer are held to a higher standard.
KIRK
Visit
Officers’ Message (cont’d from pg. 4)
website is functioning properly. Review your inventory feed to prevent losing sales because of badly taken photos. Ensure your online platforms reflect the correct address and store hours. Monitor reviews to address any negative feedback that could prevent future sales. Bad reviews and a poorly functioning website are the quickest way to send a customer elsewhere.
I am often asked whether conditions in our industry are “returning to normal” but at this point, it’s hard to remember what “normal” was. Despite challenges that remain and a continued lack of visibility, there are many reasons to be optimistic. Taking the time now to address these questions can help create alignment and position your dealership for a prosperous year.
DIAMOND NATIONALCORPORATEPARTNER
Spotlight Q&A
Mecum Auctions
Behind the Scenes & Market Strategy
Inside Mecum: Operations, Strategy, and the Texas Market
Before diving into the inner workings of Mecum Auctions, it’s worth recapping the highlights from Part 1. In Part 1, we explored the thrilling auction floor in Dallas, from highstakes LaFerraris to a deeply emotional 1958 Buick gifted for Father’s Day. We saw how Mecum connects buyers and sellers, creating unforgettable moments that blend nostalgia, family, and passion for collector cars. The energy of the auction floor, the personal stories behind each car, and the dedication of collectors all set the stage for understanding the operational precision and strategic
by Earl Cooke TIADA DIRECTOR OF REGULATORY AFFAIRS
foresight that make these events possible.
While the collector stories capture the soul of Mecum, the company’s operational mastery and strategic partnerships are what ensure these auctions run flawlessly. From traveling “circus folk” to custom-built production trucks, and from carefully cultivated relationships with collectors to close collaboration with associations like TIADA, the story behind Mecum auctions is as compelling as the cars themselves. In this article, we go behind the scenes to explore the strategy, logistics, and foresight that keep Mecum at the forefront of the collector car industry.
Q: How does Mecum source its inventory, and what factors guide your selections for the Texas market?
Dave Magers: Most cars come to us. Sellers choose Mecum because they trust our brand, because they’ve been to our auctions, or because they’ve seen us on TV and know the cars will be represented properly. For large collections, we cultivate relationships over many years, sometimes a decade or more, and carefully plan how to bring them to auction when the time is right. In every case, the decision to auction comes from the owner. We don’t direct the selection; we provide the platform and expertise.
Q: Mecum operates at a scale few in the industry can match. What behind-the-scenes lessons from running major auctions might surprise people?
Dave Magers: It all starts with our people. We have almost 300 staff — ‘circus folk’ as we call them — who travel with us year-round. Many have been with us since 1988. They handle everything from logistics to customer service, and their experience ensures every auction runs smoothly.
We also produce our own television coverage. People assume a network like ESPN creates the show, but all our production staff, on-air talent, and trucks belong to Mecum. We own every piece of equipment, from the lighting grids to the carpet to the cameras. We travel in 31 semis, set up in a few days, auction, tear down, and move on to the next city. It’s a traveling circus — and it works because of the dedication and expertise of our team.
Q: Running large-scale auctions requires precision and coordination. What operational principles help Mecum maintain high standards nationwide?
Dave Magers: Three things: our people, our customerservice attitude, and our brand. At every auction, customers comment on all three. We’ve set a high standard in the collector car industry, and people notice it. It’s not just about the cars—it’s about the experience from start to finish.
Q: Why is involvement with associations like TIADA important to your team and the Texas automotive community?
Dave Magers: TIADA has been an essential partner for us in Texas. When I came to Mecum in 2013, we were technically operating outside the law. Texas law prohibited dealers from selling cars off their registered dealer lot, which created a huge barrier for our auctions. We had our own lobbying team, and TIADA had theirs. By working together, we proposed legislation in 2015 that allowed us to legally conduct auctions on location. Then again in 2017, we worked with TIADA to expand and clarify what we could do. Without that partnership, we might not have Mecum auctions in Texas at all.
I learned this the hard way—our first auction in Austin almost got shut down by the DMV. Six agents showed up ready to stop us. I explained our intent to work on changing the law, and they gave us a one-year grace period. Thanks to TIADA’s contacts and guidance, we navigated the process successfully. That’s why these associations are invaluable; they protect and enable the industry for everyone.
Q: Looking ahead to 2026, what excites your team most about the Texas collector market?
Dave Magers: What’s really exciting is seeing very significant collections coming to market. Many collectors are aging out, and their families don’t want the collections. This means some of the best cars of the past 30 years are hitting auctions.
We also view ourselves not just as an auction company, but as an entertainment company. We want to create a festival-like atmosphere with educational components, events, and experiences for fans—even those who aren’t buying. Our television programming, social media, and internet presence help broaden the audience and enhance the overall auction experience.
The future is about combining incredible inventory with an unforgettable experience. For collectors, now is the time to participate, and for fans, it’s about enjoying the spectacle and the stories behind every car.
In Closing: For collectors and enthusiasts, Mecum auctions are more than a marketplace—they’re a destination. From the high-energy bidding to rare, unforgettable cars, and the stories that accompany them, every visit is an experience. Be sure to check out Mecum’s upcoming auctions in Houston and Dallas next year, or one of their many other events across the country. And don’t miss our special legislative event in April, hosted in coordination with Mecum Auctions. It’s a unique opportunity where legislators and dealers
come together at the auction, sharing the excitement of the floor while working to secure a bright future for the automotive industry.
A huge thank you to Dave Magers for taking the time to engage with TIADA and share a glimpse of Mecum’s story. It’s remarkable to see how many exceptional dealers and unforgettable stories TIADA is connected to— stories that continue to shape the Texas automotive community.
Share your story with us for consideration to publish in an upcoming issue of Texas Dealer!
marketing@txiada.org
TIADA Auction Directory
as of January 1, 2026
Save thousands on buy or sell fees at these participating auctions!
* VALID FOR SELL FEE ONLY AT IAA LOCATIONS ** ONLINE AUCTION AVAILABLE
ALLIANCE AUTO AUCTION WACO** www.allianceautoauction.com 15735 I-35 Frontage Road, Elm Mott, TX 76640
254.829.0123
GM: Christina Thomas Friday, 9:45 a.m.
$AVE : $200
Wichita Falls
DAX of WICHITA FALLS**
www.daxofwichitafalls.com
2206 Sheppard Access Rd., Wichita Falls, TX 76306
940.720.0435
GM: Lisa Shelton
Every Other Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.
$AVE : $200
Please fill out the form on the next page to help our efforts out at the Capitol!
Thank you to all those who contributed to INDEPAC in 2025!
Dear TIADA Community,
We want to take a moment to thank all of those who have made a contribution to INDEPAC. Due to your generous efforts, we collected over $80,510 in donations in 2025.
Because of these contributions, INDEPAC can continue to protect the rights and interests of independent automobile dealers across the state of Texas. There are many issues confronting the industry right now, and we appreciate your dedication to ensuring we continue to have a strong voice at the Capitol.
We are looking forward to representing the interests of all independent dealers along the road ahead. Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
INDEPAC
Thank you for your continued support of the independent dealer community in the Lone Star State.
Tim Adams
Jeff Atchison
Jerry Baker
Stephen Barrett
Jeremy Beck
Mark Brown
Juston Browning
Harry Buchelly
AJ Clark
Brad Davis
Vicki Davis
Anonymous
Lucas Ponder Join the list of those who have contributed. $ 80,510
*Total Contributions through December 31, 2025
Thank you to all who contributed to in 2025!
Mike Downey
Cesar Duarte
Brickton Flammer
Felix Alday Gomez
Jason Goodman
Tommy Gregory
Keith & Marcia Hagler
Eddie Hale
April Hanson
James Hobson
Rich Jackson
Mark Jones
Selcuk Kaya
Leonel Loera
Gary McMahan
Russell Moore
Jose Munoz
Bill Murphy
Jesus Olivas
Luis Perez
Shaun Peterson
Greg Reine
Edgar Rodriguez
Lowell Rogers
Hugo Sanchez
Kazem Shamshiri
Tyler Simmons
Cesar Stark
Cal Sumrall
Ken Terkel
Maury Torres
Gregory Zak
BHPH Legal Survival workshop presented by and sponsored by
DFW Workshop • March 2, 2026 • 9am–4pm
Join us in Arlington on March 2nd for an exclusive all-day compliance workshop featuring TIADA Legal Counsel Michael W. Dunagan. With 50 years of legal leadership and policymaking experience, Dunagan has guided Texas dealers through every major legal challenge. This oneday seminar is designed to give BHPH dealers the knowledge and tools necessary to stay compliant while effectively managing their business operations.
Monday, March 2, 2026
Arlington, Texas
Drury Plaza Hotel Dallas Arlington 101 W Road to Six Flags St. | Arlington, TX 76011 817.261.2100
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn directly from the attorney who has shaped dealer law and policy for 50 years.
MEMBERS – 1st Registrant $247, each add’l $197 (must be from same dealership) NON-MEMBERS – $497
legal corner
Is There a Mandatory Grace Period?
Dealer Question: I am a buy-here-pay-here dealer and I’ve heard different opinions on whether there is a period of time I must wait after a debtor misses a payment before I can repossess. Is there a mandatory grace period in Texas? Also I’ve heard conflicting information on whether a repossession notice must be sent prior to repossession.
Answer: The Uniform Commercial Code (which has been adopted by Texas as the Texas Business and Commerce Code) has been enacted by all 50 states, but the states are free to make changes and some have deviated from the standard model. The standard version of the U.C.C. authorizes a secured creditor to repossess collateral upon the default of the debtor. The U.C.C. does not define default, but most finance contracts provide, and courts have consistently held, that the failure to make a payment when due under an installment contract and security agreement is default (there are other types of default, but our discussion here is limited to missed payments). Also, there is no requirement in the standard version of the U.C.C. that notice be sent prior to repossession, and the Texas version is consistent with the standard on this issue.
The Texas Finance Code, which provides for the licensing of motor vehicle dealers who finance sales or initiate dealer paper, and which contains substantive regulation of the vehicle financing process, is also clear that there is no legally mandated grace period or pre-repossession notice requirement in Texas.
Some states, either by adopting non-uniform provisions of the U.C.C., or through their installment sales acts, have imposed mandatory grace periods. These provisions usually consist of requirements that debtors be a certain number of days
by Michael W. Dunagan
TIADA COUNSEL
Common sense and the U.C.C. requirements of reasonableness and goodfaith dealing would dictate that, even though no mandatory grace period exists, some reasonable period of time should be allowed to take into consideration the possibility for delays in the mail or actual emergency situations.
past due before a secured creditor can act upon the default. Another type of grace period requires the creditor to wait a given period of time after notice of default has been sent to the debtor.
Some states have also adopted requirements that creditors notify debtors in writing a specified number of days before the repossession takes place.
Texas, on the other hand, has adopted the standard version of the U.C.C. which has no waiting period after default. Additionally, the Texas Finance Code does not impose any type of grace period and does not
require notice of default before repossession.
Common sense and the U.C.C. requirements of reasonableness and good-faith dealing would dictate that, even though no mandatory grace period exists, some reasonable period of time should be allowed to take into consideration the possibility for delays in the mail or actual emergency situations.
One source of the rumors of a mandatory grace period in Texas has been confusion over the section of the Texas Finance Code that authorizes the charging of a late-payment penalty. The Code says that a
Local Chapters
TIADA has active local chapters in the following areas: https://www. txiada.org/local_chapters
CORPUS CHRISTI
G.R. Moore
The Car Shack
(dates and times can be found at txiada.org/Calendar_List.asp, when scheduled)
EL PASO
Cesar Stark
S & S Motors
Meeting – 3rd Friday (Monthly)
FORT WORTH
Jerry Smith
H J Smith Automobiles
(dates and times can be found at txiada.org/Calendar_List.asp, when scheduled)
HOUSTON
Chris Donnelly
Your Car Store
Meeting – 2nd Tuesday (Monthly)
SAN ANTONIO
Nory Pakravan
210 Auto Credit
(dates and times can be found at txiada.org/Calendar_List.asp, when scheduled)
Common sense and the U.C.C. requirements of reasonableness and good-faith dealing would dictate that, even though no mandatory grace period exists, some reasonable period of time should be allowed to take into consideration the possibility for delays in the mail or actual emergency situations.
retail installment contract may provide that, if an installment remains unpaid after the 15th day after the installment is due, the creditor can assess a delinquency charge that does not exceed five per cent of the amount of the installment. Thus, there is a mandatory grace period before a delinquency charge can be assessed. Most form installment contracts in Texas have prominently disclosed on the face of the contract the following language:
Late Charge: If you do not receive my entire payment within 15 days after it is due, I will pay a late charge of percent of the scheduled payment.
Some car buyers, consumer attorneys, and even judges have mistakenly interpreted the late-charge grace period to be a default or repossession grace period. This provision was clearly never intended to apply to default and repossession, yet the confusion continues. In a recent small-claims case filed against
a dealer, a justice-of-the-peace ruled incorrectly that the time period for assessing a late payment penalty amounted to a grace period for repossession. Some debtors claim they were lulled into thinking they had a default grace period, and we’ve seen a number of letters from debtor attorneys threatening suit over a creditor’s repossession during the alleged “grace period.”
In response to this confusion, language was inserted into the Burrell Printing Company motor vehicle retail installment contracts that makes it clear that the 15-day time period before a late payment penalty can be assessed is not a “grace period” for over-all performance under the contract.
Another possible area of confusion surrounding grace periods has arisen because of some court rulings regarding prior acceptance by a creditor of late payments. This line of cases has held that a creditor may waive its right to strict compliance with the installment agreement if it regularly accepts late payments. The
reasoning of these courts is that a creditor has lulled a debtor into thinking that it’s O.K. to make late payments, and it would be unfair for the creditor to suddenly change course and repossess without some type of written notice that late payments won’t be tolerated. Most Texas retail installment contracts specifically provide that acceptance of late or partial payment does not waive the creditor’s right to demand timely compliance. However, the legal concepts of estoppel and waiver have in some cases been invoked to overcome such provisions.
A safe procedure for creditors, however, is to send a notice, prior to repossession, to a debtor who has regularly been late on payments advising that late or partial payments will no longer be accepted and that the account must be brought current before a certain date.
While a written notice that late or partial payments won’t be accepted in the future (also known as a “cure letter”) is not required by law, such a notice eliminates any claim that the creditor acted unfairly or suddenly changed the rules without notice. It also demonstrates a sense of fairness in dealing with the debtor.
Summary: There is no mandatory grace period in Texas between the time default occurs and repossession is authorized. And no advance notice of repossession is required. However, the prudent car creditor will still wait a reasonable time after default before exercising post-default remedies, and will consider whether to use a cure letter where late and/or partial payments have been accepted in the past, before repossessing.
Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from Texas Automobile Repossession: A Lien Holder’s Legal Guide, which is available from TIADA.
Michael W. Dunagan is an attorney in Dallas, Texas who has represented the Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association for 50 years. He has written a number of books and hundreds of articles for trade journals and law reviews. His clientele includes dealers, banks, finance companies, auto auctions and credit unions.
Dealer Academy Repossession 101: What You Need to Know ON DEMAND
This is a video course with
Michael W. Dunagan
TIADA General Counsel, author of Dealer Financing of Used Car Sales and Texas Automobile Repossession: A Lien Holder’s Legal Guide.
In this two-part video course TIADA counsel Michael Dunagan answers repossession related questions for both the dealer starting out and those dealers who want a refresher. Dunagan goes through the basics of selfhelp repossession, repossession when a client has filed bankruptcy, and using the courts to regain collateral through sequestration. The course also covers all the repossession letters and includes a downloadable deck of slides to follow along with the course.
• Preliminary Considerations Before Repossession
• When is a Customer Considered in Default
• Avoiding Liability from Repossession
• Types of Disposition
• Required Notices to the Debtors
• Handling Personal Property
• Using the Courts to Get Your Car Back Registration $98 for two 1-hour videos
by Stephen Pallas
on the cover Nagging and Continuous:
Inside a Market That Refuses to Break or Bounce Back
For Eddie Hale, the current retail environment resists simple explanation. It does not resemble the sharp downturns he has experienced before, nor does it carry the familiar rhythm of contraction followed by recovery. Instead, it lingers. “It’s not debilitating,” said Hale, President and CEO of Neighborhood Autos in Decatur. “But it’s nagging and it’s continuous.” That phrase captures the mood many Texas independent dealers recognize immediately. Economic pressure has not arrived in a single wave, nor has it eased with time. It has accumulated quietly, month after month, through higher insurance premiums, rising rents, elevated interest rates, and a cost of living that continues to strain household budgets. For dealers working closest to the edge of affordability, the effects are no longer theoretical. They are visible in portfolios, on the lot, and in conversations with
customers who are simply trying to stay afloat.
Across Texas, those pressures are increasingly reflected in payment performance. National data shows a rise in missed payments, particularly among subprime borrowers, and dealers say that trend is playing out locally in very real ways. Hale began noticing changes earlier this year, first as subtle shifts and later as unmistakable signals. Customers who once stayed current began slipping behind. Voluntary surrenders, especially early in the loan term, became more common. While defaults are always part of the business, Hale said these early returns stood out because of what
customers were saying when asked why they could no longer keep their vehicles. “It’s rent. It’s insurance. It’s the cost of living,” he said. “It’s pressure on pressure.” Those conversations revealed a consumer no longer juggling discretionary spending, but making hard choices between transportation and basic necessities.
Russell Moore, owner of Top Notch Used Cars in Conroe, sees the same reality daily in the buy-here,
pay-here space. “Our customers are broken,” Moore said. “They’ve reached a point where they can no longer afford life necessities.” For Moore, the stress shows up in late payments, charge-offs, and missed commitments, but also in the emotional toll carried by customers who are overwhelmed and reluctant to engage. Communication becomes harder as fear sets in. Phones go unanswered. Problems compound. While some pockets of the market remain stable and some dealers continue to perform well, Moore believes the broader trend is clear: many customers are operating with no margin for error, and even minor disruptions can derail their ability to stay current.
peers, even knowing it would reduce sales volume. “We’ve taken a more conservative approach,” he said. For Hale, the choice was about responsibility as much as risk management.
“Defaults affect nearly every operational lever a dealer pulls, from inventory decisions to staffing and capital planning.”
–Eddie Hale, President and CEO of Neighborhood Autos, Decatur
but it increases long-term exposure, pushes customers further from equity, and limits future trade options. “It creates risk for the consumer and for us,” he said, adding that his operation actively works to avoid falling too deeply into that pattern.
For dealers, rising defaults are not just a consumer issue. They are a direct threat to business stability. Repossessions, both Hale and Moore emphasized, are costly events that ripple far beyond the loss of a single note. “Anytime we have to repo a car, we’re losing money,” Moore said. Charge-offs remain one of the largest expenses for buy-here, payhere operations, draining cash flow and complicating planning. Beyond reconditioning and resale costs, defaults disrupt monthly collections, reduce predictability, and weaken portfolio performance at a time when consistency matters most. “We’re in the cash-flow business,” Moore said. “If you lose 100 notes, that’s a lot of money gone every month.” Hale echoed that assessment, noting that defaults affect nearly every operational lever a dealer pulls, from inventory decisions to staffing and capital planning.
Selling vehicles that customers cannot realistically afford may boost short-term volume, but it ultimately harms both sides of the transaction. At Neighborhood Autos, closer scrutiny of approvals and heightened attention to first-payment defaults became essential tools. “That’s
The hardest part is often getting customers to engage, but once they do, the tone of the conversation matters. “We don’t tell them what to do. We ask how we can help.”
–Russell Moore, owner of Top Notch Used Cars, Conroe
Faced with sustained pressure, Hale made the decision to tighten underwriting earlier than many
the true indicator of bad underwriting,” Hale said. At the same time, he remains cautious about the industry’s growing reliance on longer loan terms as a solution to affordability challenges. Extending terms may lower payments in the moment,
Moore has had to adapt differently, reflecting the realities of his customer base and price point. He said making deals today often requires more flexibility than in years past. Frontend gross has come down. Down payments are harder to secure. Payment structures sometimes need to stretch further than dealers would prefer. “Everybody doesn’t have the cash they used to,” Moore said. Rather than walking away from customers entirely, he focuses on finding workable paths forward, even if that means narrower margins. For Moore, survival in this market is less about ideal deal structures and more about keeping customers driving and notes performing. Inventory strategy has also taken on new significance as buyer behavior continues to shift. With new vehicle prices remaining high, more consumers are turning to used vehicles, increasing demand even as affordability remains strained. Hale responded by deliberately lowering his operation’s average vehicle cost and rethinking what belongs on the lot. “We moved away from higher-end vehicles,” he said. Today, roughly 90 percent of Neighborhood Autos’ inventory is priced below $20,000, a shift that required stepping back from full-size trucks and premium SUVs in favor of mid-size SUVs and compact vehicles that still offer reliable transportation. The goal, Hale said, is sustainability, not just sales velocity.
Moore has taken a different approach at Top Notch Used Cars,
resource guide
The TIADA Website: txiada.org
Members can log in with their username/password and access our Dealer Member Directory, Legislative Action Center, Compliance Consultation Service and much more. Register for all upcoming TIADA events online through the Calendar of Events, access our online membership application, find contact information for all our Local Chapters, and access many additional resources through our Knowledge Base.
holding pricing steady by adjusting mileage targets rather than chasing higher prices at auction. “I’ll buy higher-mileage cars to keep the same price point,” he said. Both strategies reflect a broader recalibration taking place across the industry. Inventory decisions are no longer just about what sells fastest or delivers the strongest gross. They are increasingly about what customers can realistically afford to keep over time.
When customers do fall behind, both dealers stressed that communication is the most powerful tool available. Moore said the hardest part is often getting customers to engage, but once they do, the tone of the conversation matters. “We don’t tell them what to do,” he said. “We ask how we can help.” Payment deferrals, temporary accommodations, and honest conversations can make the difference between a performing note and an unnecessary repossession. Hale emphasized the importance of understanding why a customer is struggling before deciding how to respond. Without that context, enforcement alone rarely solves the
“Other recessions had a beginning and an end. This one just hangs on.” –Eddie Hale
underlying problem.
Despite decades of experience, neither Hale nor Moore sees an easy comparison to past downturns. “Other recessions had a beginning and an end,” Hale said. “This one just hangs on.” That persistence, he believes, requires a higher level of involvement from owners and managers. This is not a moment for autopilot. “You can’t be absentee right now,” Hale said. “You have to be involved day to day.” Moore’s advice is equally direct. Discipline, he said, matters as much in difficult times as it does in prosperous ones. Watching leverage, cutting unnecessary expenses, and resisting the urge to overextend remain critical. “Overpaying for inventory and borrowing too much will catch up with you,” Moore warned.
Looking ahead, neither dealer expects immediate relief. Hale believes the next several months will remain challenging, even with tax season approaching. Moore urged fellow dealers not to abandon the fundamentals that built their businesses in the first place. “Do what got you here,” he said. “Cut expenses, keep cash, and be prepared.”
For Texas independent dealers, the challenge is not weathering a sudden storm, but enduring one that refuses to pass. Success in this market requires patience, discipline, and constant attention to detail. As Hale described it, the conditions are not catastrophic, but they are persistent. Nagging. And continuous.
feature What the Big Beautiful Bill Can Do for Texas Dealers
by William J. Neylan III President and CEO of Tax Max
President Trump signed into law the Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBBA) on July 4, 2025. With this Bill, there are a lot of tax law changes that will benefit consumers, especially those who make less than $70,000 per year. Some of these changes are the following:
Standard deductions for all filing statuses have increased
If a taxpayer is over 65 years old, they will get an additional $5000 added to their standard deduction. For taxpayers who file Married Filing Jointly and are both over 65, they will receive an additional $10,000 added to their standard deduction
The Child Tax Credit for those who have children who are under 17 as of December 31, 2025 has increased from $2000 to $2200
The Earned Income Tax Credit is now indexed for inflation and the maximum credit is now over $8000
There is no tax on reported tips up to $25,000
There is no tax on overtime up to $12,500 and up to $25,000 for taxpayers who file Married Filing Jointly
Do you want to know a little secret?
No one is talking about this but for the NO tax on tips and NO tax on overtime, payroll companies have not adjusted the payroll tax tables. What does this mean? This means that taxpayers who claim tips and for taxpayers who are being paid for overtime, they are having 10 – 20% taxes withheld from their paychecks on these two events. So when they file their tax return in the next few months, they will receive all of these taxes withheld back into their tax refund. So a taxpayer received tips, the first $25,000 most likely have $2500–$5000 withheld from their paychecks. If a taxpayer was paid overtime, they had 20% in federal withholdings on these overtime
wages and had $1250 - $2500 withheld in their paychecks for overtime earnings of $12,500.
Now imagine you had a single mom with 2 kids who made $30,000 who worked in a business where she received $10,000 in tips, her refund would be HUGE. She would receive $4400 for the child tax credit, $7152 for the earned income credit, $3000 back from her federal taxes withheld, her tax liability would be $0 and her refund would be $14,552. So what does this mean for Texas dealers? While there is no state income tax for Texas and no state refunds for Texas consumers, there will be plenty of money to go around with the HUGE federal refunds which will be coming in less than 2 months.
For dealers working with customers who make less than $70,000 a year, this news represents a game-changer. The enhanced tax law changes mean families who received modest refunds in the past could see dramatically larger payments — money they’ll be anxious to use toward getting reliable transportation.
are tied to inflation adjustments, meaning this could be the beginning of several years of enhanced refund seasons. For dealers who have struggled with down payment issues throughout the inflationary period, this represents a fundamental shift in market dynamics.
Customers understand the value of using refund money for down payments — they know larger down payments mean lower monthly payments and better financing terms.
Meanwhile, your customers who make more than $70,000 are also positioned to benefit significantly from the unchanged withholding schedules. Since the tax breaks are retroactive but withholdings haven’t been adjusted, these customers will see their refunds boosted by hundreds or even thousands of dollars above what they typically expect. For dealers, this means customers who might normally put down $1,000 could suddenly have $3,000 or more available, dramatically improving loan-to-value ratios.
Unlike previous years when customers might receive their standard refund and use it to catch up on bills, this year’s enhanced refunds provide a real surplus that customers will be eager to put toward major purchases. Customers understand the value of using refund money for down payments—they know larger down payments mean lower monthly payments and better financing terms. This year changes that equation entirely. Many of the tax credits driving these higher refunds
This is where having a tax season partner can help any dealer maximize this unprecedented opportunity. As we approach the 2026 tax season, more and more information will become available about how tax refunds will be higher this year, getting customers excited about their enhanced purchasing power. By unitizing a Tax Marketing Program, you have many ways to get ahead, be first in line, and ensure that when your customer is ready to buy and has the refund dollars in hand, they will be at your dealership first.
We all know that tax season is coming, and you should be excited about the refund boosts. Now make sure you have a plan and are ready to be first in line when the tax money becomes available. Don’t sit back and do nothing. Tax season only comes once a year and if you miss this one, you will be kicking yourself for an entire year until it comes back around in 2027. I challenge you to make this tax season a Big and Beautiful one!
To contact Bill Neylan: 813-987-2199, trs@taxrefundservices. com or www.TaxMax.com.
Avoid expensive fines and penalties
The Texas License Renewal Education Course provides the ins and outs of being a dealer in Texas in a self-guided online course, available 24/7. This is the same course required by the TxDMV to renew a GDN license, so it covers all the important subjects including:
• Staying compliant with TxDMV regarding premises requirements
• Acquiring Inventory
• Temp Tags and Metal Dealer Plates
• Buyer’s Guide
• Deal Jacket Documents
• Transferring Titles
• Record Keeping
• Special Inventory Tax (VIT)
• Federal Requirements
• The OCCC
• Enforcement and Investigation
• Advertising Rules
This course is perfect for managers that need an overall refresher or for the new employee that needs to be brought up to speed on all aspects of this industry in a fast, convenient and reliable way.
In addition to TxDMV’s approval, this course has been reviewed by the Tax-Assessor Collectors Association of Texas for accuracy so you’ll never have your title transfer paperwork rejected again.
To register visit TexasDealerEducation.com and select the Texas License Renewal Education Course.
TexasDealer Education relaeDsaxeT noitacudEDTE
What People Are Saying:
“Great refresher course, helped me remember a lot of items that I need to be in tune with.”
“The course provides all the necessary information, links, and rules where I can find useful tools for my business.”
“If you want to learn more about a specific topic this course includes a direct link to the source you are trying to find out more information on.”
“Overall, this program was great and I am happy that eLICENSING implemented this to ensure we know the basic stuff of running our dealers and running a clean ship without having to face violations or risk your license, this is awesome!”
“This is a good training course for all new dealers. It can also be recommended for old dealers as a refresher training course.”
feature
Diversify and Stabilize: Best Practices for Adding a Service Shop to an Independent Dealership
How fixed operations can steady revenue, strengthen retention, and support long-term growth
by TIADA Staff
For independent dealers across Texas, vehicle sales have always been cyclical. Inventory swings, floorplan pressure, lending constraints, and wholesale volatility can compress margins with little warning. A well-run service shop offers a counterbalance. When executed properly, service adds recurring revenue, improves customer retention, and helps stabilize the business during uneven retail cycles.
Franchise dealers have long relied on fixed operations as a profit center and shock absorber. Industry analysis consistently shows that parts and service can represent a significant share of dealership earnings, particularly when front-end margins soften. For independents, the opportunity is similar, but the margin for error is
smaller. A loosely managed shop can quickly become a distraction. A disciplined one can become a second engine.
Start with a Clear Purpose
Independent dealers typically add service for three strategic reasons.
First is customer retention. A buyer who returns for oil changes, brakes, and diagnostics is more likely to return for their next vehicle and to refer others. Second is reconditioning control. In-house recon reduces cycle time, standardizes quality, and limits exposure to outside vendors. Third is overhead support, often measured through fixed-operations absorption. In simple terms, the more
gross profit your shop generates, the more of your monthly overhead it can carry.
The key is clarity. Service cannot be treated as an afterthought or a courtesy. It must be built to perform.
Build the Shop Like a Production System
High-performing service departments operate with repeatable processes. Every repair order should follow the same path: write-up and authorization, dispatch, technician work, quality check, close-out, and
delivery. When steps are skipped or unclear, comebacks rise and billed hours fall.
Capacity management matters just as much. Your true capacity is a combination of bays, technicians, skill sets, and parts availability. Dispatch exists to match the right work to the right technician while keeping bays full of billable labor. Even a small shop benefits from tracking hours sold versus hours available, because productivity problems tend to hide until they become expensive.
Quality control is non-negotiable.
Independents often feel pressure to move quickly, especially on recon. That is precisely when a consistent QC step matters most. One missed item can erase the profit from several repair orders.
Measure the Right Numbers
Revenue alone does not tell the story. A short, consistent scoreboard helps identify problems before they show up on the financial statement.
A practical monthly snapshot can include:
Completed repair orders (car count)
Average hours per RO and effective labor rate
Technician productivity and efficiency
Parts gross margin and inventory turns
Comeback rate
Average days to complete
Appointment show rate and call-to-RO conversion
These metrics apply whether you are opening your first two bays or managing a larger operation. The difference is scale, not discipline.
Price Like a Professional
One of the most common mistakes independents make is underpricing labor. The concern is understandable. Owners do not want to alienate customers. In practice, underpricing creates a different problem: a busy shop that does not generate enough gross to justify its footprint.
Best practice is straightforward. Establish a clear labor rate strategy that reflects your market and your cost structure. Build menu pricing for common maintenance and high-frequency repairs. Train advisors to present recommendations clearly and document them consistently. Menu pricing also simplifies marketing because customers respond better to specific,
understandable offers than to vague “call for quote” messaging.
Staffing, Standards, and Credibility
You cannot out-market poor workmanship. Hiring qualified technicians remains one of the biggest challenges in fixed operations, which makes retention, training, and standards essential.
Professional certification plays a role here. ASE certification and related shop programs provide customers with a visible signal of competency and commitment to standards. This is not about collecting wall plaques. It is about building a culture where training, documentation, and workmanship are taken seriously.
For smaller shops, credibility also comes from consistency. Clean bays, organized parts storage, and clear communication do as much for customer confidence as any marketing campaign.
Use Service to Support Sales, Not Compete with It
A strong service department should reinforce the retail operation.
Internally, recon standards should be clearly defined by vehicle class,
with target cycle times and accountability for delays. Externally, service advisors should know when and how to involve sales. Customers who express concerns about repair costs, changing needs, or vehicle reliability are often signaling a sales opportunity. The handoff should be structured and respectful, not opportunistic.
Retention marketing is another missed opportunity. Every delivery should include a service pathway. Online scheduling, maintenance reminders, and post-service followup reviews all strengthen lifetime value.
The Takeaway
For independent dealers, adding a service shop is not just about another revenue stream. It is a diversification strategy that steadies cash flow, improves recon control, and deepens customer relationships. The dealers who succeed treat service as a production system, track performance relentlessly, price with confidence, and operate with clear standards.
Done right, service does not just support sales. It strengthens the entire dealership.
Welcome toTIADA
Joined November 2025
DEALER MEMBERS
Autociglo Group LLC Sony Santana 4214 West Davis St Ste 44, Dallas, TX 75211
McDougall Auctioneers Inc. Riley McChesney 4728 I-35W, Alvarado, TX 76009
Mario Used Cars Hany Used Botros 2730 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77504
Rosys Auto Sales Rosy Perez 2000 Hemphill St, Fort Worth, TX 76110
Royal RV Park LLC dba Texascheaprvs.com Gary Richard Flood 500 E State Hwy 302, Kermit, TX 79789
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Snyder’s Certified Auto and Truck Parts Daniel Snyder 24549 State Hwy 95, Holland, TX 76534
Axis Dealer Services LLC Brian Williams 21701 O’Henry Ave, Lago Vista, TX 78645
Practical Guardrails for Service Operations
While this article is not legal advice, independent dealers in Texas should keep several compliance principles front of mind when operating a service shop.
Written authorization matters . Texas consumer guidance emphasizes obtaining customer authorization before inspection, diagnosis, disassembly, towing, or repair work begins, and before any scope changes.
Clarity protects everyone. Estimates or not-toexceed amounts should be documented, along with parts and labor line items.
Documentation reduces disputes. Photos, technician notes, and communication logs help resolve questions and support collections.
Consumer protection laws apply. Auto repair disputes in Texas often fall under broader consumer protection frameworks, including the Deceptive Trade Practices–Consumer Protection Act. Consistent documentation and transparent communication reduce risk.
When in doubt, dealers should review their procedures with qualified counsel and ensure staff follow a uniform process on every repair order.
The Power of Membership.
Since 1944, TIADA has been and continues to be the only statewide organization for independent automobile dealers. You are connected with more than one thousand independent automobile dealers across Texas, who are all committed to creating a better image for the industry, while protecting our rights as business owners and increasing our bottom line. Individually, you are strong, but together, as an association, we are powerful .
Get involved with the association’s advocacy efforts, find out what policies may be affecting used car dealers. Have a say, make a difference.
Join other successful dealers. Membership dues include full membership to TIADA and the national association, NIADA.
Connect with industry leaders. Attend the annual TIADA Conference & Expo, access the member-only online directory.
Education offerings designed with you in mind, your personal copy of the Texas Dealer magazine, twice monthly industry updates, exclusive access to industry articles—a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.
The perks are many, starting with over $10,000 in auction and vendor savings through TIADA’s mobile app. Redeem just a few auction discounts and you’ve basically covered the cost of membership for the year.
Get quick answers on industry, regulatory or compliance issues.
www.txiada.org/dealer_benefits
feature Emerging Digital Marketing Trends for Texas Independent Dealers in 2026
by Stephen Pallas
By 2026, independent dealers in Texas are competing in a market where shoppers expect instant answers, transparent pricing signals, and a buying journey that begins on a phone and ends in a conversation. The good news is that the tools available to independents are stronger than they were even two years ago. The hard part is focus. The most successful stores are not “doing everything.” They are tightening a few core systems so their marketing produces more qualified leads, more calls that convert, and more showroom appointments.
Below are the most consequential digital marketing trends headed into 2026, with practical implications for independent dealers across Texas.
Privacy-First Marketing is No Longer Optional, Even if Cookies Remain
For years, marketers prepared for a world without thirdparty cookies in Chrome. Google’s position has shifted, with reporting indicating it will not move forward with a standalone prompt for third-party cookies, and that cookies will continue to be managed through existing Chrome settings.1 Even so, the direction for dealers is clear: measurement is becoming less complete and less consistent, which means your own data quality matters more.
In practice, the independents who win in 2026 will treat “first-party data” as an operating discipline. That includes clean CRM data, consistent lead-source tracking, call tracking tied to campaigns, and forms that
A Practical 2026 PRIORITY STACK for Independents
If you are deciding where to invest first, many strong Texas independents will benefit from this order:
1 Google Business Profile + reviews + local SEO
2 Inventory feeds (Google Vehicle Ads and Meta catalogs) with clean data
3
Paid search tuned for calls and appointments, with call tracking and scoring
4 Short-form video for credibility, repurposed across platforms
5 Connected TV test in select markets, paired with search capture
6 SMS for speed and retention, with consent discipline
capture consent correctly. It also means getting serious about experiments: turning campaigns on and off in a controlled way, tracking what actually produces appointments, and resisting vanity metrics.
What to Do Now
Audit your CRM fields and standardize lead sources across website forms, call tracking, chat, and walk-ins. Build a monthly “lead-to-appointment-to-sale” report that matches marketing spend to outcomes. Invest in server-side tagging or improved measurement setups when feasible, because browser-based visibility will keep getting thinner.
Local Search is Being Reshaped by AI , and Your Google Business Profile is the Center of Gravity
Search is not just “ten blue links” anymore. AI-driven search experiences increasingly pull structured business information to answer questions directly. For local businesses, that puts an outsized premium on complete, accurate, frequently updated listings.
Even Google’s own experiments point in this direction. Google has tested an “Ask for Me” feature that uses AI to call local businesses and collect details like pricing
and availability, with businesses able to opt out via their Google Business Profile. Whether or not that specific feature becomes mainstream, it signals where the platform is headed: Google is trying to reduce friction between “search” and “contact,” and your listing content is what powers that.
What to Do Now
Treat your Google Business Profile like a weekly channel: fresh photos, updated hours, accurate categories, and consistent answers to common questions.
Build review velocity, not just review count. New reviews and timely responses help shoppers and help algorithms.
Add inventory pathways that reduce clicks: link to VDPs, a shopping page, and a clear call option.
Inventory-Based Advertising is Becoming the Default, Not the Advanced Option
Dealers have always known the truth: shoppers do not want “a dealership,” they want this truck at this price. Platforms are responding by pushing inventory ads that use your feed to match shoppers to specific units.
On Google, Vehicle Ads let auto advertisers promote inventory with images and key details like make, model, price, mileage, and dealer name, designed as a lowerfunnel format for shoppers already in-market. Those
vehicle feeds can be connected into Performance Max campaigns through Merchant Center vehicle feeds, which is increasingly how Google wants advertisers to run at scale.
On Meta, Automotive Inventory Ads and catalogbased approaches similarly rely on your vehicle catalog, allowing platforms to automatically generate ads across your stock.
What to Do Now
Prioritize feed health: correct trim data, pricing, mileage, photos, and unit availability. A broken feed wastes spend.
Segment inventory by goal, not by brand. Example: “value commuters under $18K,” “Texas work trucks,” “third-row family SUVs.”
Run specific aged-inventory pushes, then measure calls and appointments, not just form fills.
Connected TV is Becoming Practical for Independents, Especially in Major Texas Metros
Streaming and connected TV keep taking share from traditional viewing. Nielsen reported streaming represented 43.8% of TV usage in March 2025, and later reported streaming reached 44.8% in May 2025, exceeding the combined share of broadcast and cable. This matters to dealers because the targeting and measurement
options in connected TV are improving, and costs can be competitive relative to traditional broadcast.
Even more important, streaming platforms are building tools that help advertisers localize at scale. Prime Video, for example, launched location-based interactive video ads that can tailor messaging by ZIP code or region. For Texas independents, that is a real opportunity: you can run a single creative concept but localize the offer, the store, and the call-to-action for Houston vs. San Antonio vs. the Hill Country.
What to Do Now
If you are in a competitive metro, test connected TV with a clear objective: branded search lift, website traffic, or calls.
Keep creative simple: one vehicle class, one promise, one call-to-action.
Pair connected TV with search and retargeting so you capture demand after the impression.
Paid Search Costs Remain Meaningful, So Lead Quality and Conversion Matter More Than Ever
Paid search remains foundational, but benchmark data continues to show that advertisers need to manage efficiency aggressively. WordStream’s 2025 Google Ads Benchmarks report cites an overall average cost per lead of $70.11 across industries, along with broad trends of rising search advertising costs. Your store’s numbers may differ, but the takeaway is stable: if your closing process is loose, paid search will expose it quickly.
In 2026, the advantage will go to dealers who treat conversion as part of marketing. That means fast response times, recorded call reviews, and tighter scripting for appointments.
What to Do Now
Install call tracking and actually listen to calls weekly. Score leads by intent and route them accordingly. Track “appointment set rate” and “show rate” by source, not just cost per lead.
SMS and Messaging Can Outperform Email, but Compliance and Consent are Getting Sharper
Texting remains one of the highest-response channels available to dealers, but it is also one of the highest-risk if you get consent wrong or mishandle opt-outs.
Legal and compliance commentary in 2025 emphasized that consumers can revoke consent through “any reasonable means,” widening the scope beyond simple STOP keywords. And Texas-specific guidance from major SMS platforms has highlighted the importance of TCPA-level consent and adherence to “quiet hours,”
with strong reminders to consult counsel for your specific practices.
What to Do Now
Make consent language explicit on forms and ensure it maps to the specific dealer entity sending messages. Honor opt-outs across every channel, immediately, and keep a suppression list.
Use SMS for operational speed: appointment confirmations, “your vehicle is ready,” trade info requests, and short inventory nudges.
“Trust Signals” are Becoming as Valuable as Traffic
In 2026, shoppers do not just compare vehicles. They compare risk. Independents can win that comparison by deliberately building trust signals: reviews, transparent disclosures, clear pricing explanations, accurate photos, and consistent communication.
This is not only a marketing best practice. It is also a defensive posture as regulators and consumer watchdogs stay active in the auto retail space. The FTC continues to publish dealer-related guidance and enforcement actions in the sector, and courts have also been active around dealer rules and consumer protection frameworks. The point for marketing teams is straightforward: if your ads overpromise or your offers are confusing, you are creating friction and risk.
What to Do Now
Put your “how we price” statement on your site and link it in ads.
Keep disclaimers readable. A disclaimer nobody can understand does not build confidence.
Use real photos and real staff when possible, especially on social and video.
Featured Courses
TIADA designed and implemented some important on-demand courses to give dealers quality educational programs they can access throughout the year. These programs are essential for dealers to stay compliant. They offer flexibility, so you can complete them according to your schedule. These courses are designed for any dealers with questions related to various regulations that affect their businesses.
Repossession 101: What You Need to Know
In this two-part video course TIADA counsel Michael Dunagan answers repossession related questions for both the dealer starting out and those dealers who want a refresher. Dunagan goes through the basics of self-help repossession, repossession when a client has filed bankruptcy, and using the courts to regain collateral through sequestration. The course also covers all the repossession letters and includes a downloadable deck of slides to follow along with the course.
$ 98 for two 1-hour videos
The Basics of Transferring Titles *
Want to avoid having your title transfer paperwork rejected at the tax office? This online course is designed to walk you through the title transfer process and is best suited for people new to transferring titles or those who want to brush up on the basics. This course has been reviewed for accuracy by the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas.
$ 48 for the course * Also available in Spanish
YES! I would like to serve on TIADA Committees
YES! I would like to serve on TIADA Committees
Check the committee(s) you wish to join. All Dealer Members are welcome to participate. We need your input! Please complete form and return to info@txiada.org or fax to 512.244.6218.
Check the committee(s) you wish to join. All Dealer Members are welcome to participate. We need your input! Please complete form and return to info@txiada.org or fax to 512.244.6218.
Committee members will be appointed at the October 2023 board meeting
Committee members will be appointed at the October 2023 board meeting
Standing Committees:
Standing Committees:
Awards Committee
Awards Committee
Budget and Finance Committee
Budget and Finance Committee
Legislative Committee
Legislative Committee
Political Action Committee (INDEPAC)
Political Action Committee (INDEPAC)
Bylaws Committee
Bylaws Committee
Ad hoc Committees:
Ad hoc Committees:
Ad hoc committees will be appointed by the president to focus on specific issues and given a specific timeframe. Issues may include but are not limited to: education, conference, compliance, member services, membership recruitment, website, magazine and surveys. Committee members will be notified prior to a committee being appointed to determine interest.
Ad hoc committees will be appointed by the president to focus on specific issues and given a specific timeframe. Issues may include but are not limited to: education, conference, compliance, member services, membership recruitment, website, magazine and surveys. Committee members will be notified prior to a committee being appointed to determine interest.
feature How to Fix Your Dealership’s SEO After a Name Change
by Autosweet
Has your dealership ever changed names? How about adding a word or two to your business name? Even done something as small as adding or changing a character somewhere in the current name? When a dealership changes its name due to new ownership or a rebrand, SEO often breaks. The old name carried search authority, and Google may not connect it with the new business name. To recover, update your website content, fix technical SEO, redirect old links, and strengthen local SEO.
Why Does SEO Break After a Dealership Name Change?
A dealership rebrand usually causes a dip in search traffic because search engines still recognize the old name, not the new one.
Here’s what happens when you change names: Lost search equity: Your old name built recognition with Google over time. A sudden switch makes it look like a “new” business.
Inconsistent listings: Google Business Profile, maps, and directories still show the old name.
If you’re asking, “Why did my dealership disappear from Google after rebranding?”, this is why.
How Do I Fix SEO for My Dealership After a Rebrand?
Here’s a step-by-step process for fixing SEO post-rebrand that works for most dealerships.
Step 1: Audit Your Online Presence
The problem: Your old dealership name is still scattered across the internet.
Why it matters: Search engines value consistency. If your NAPU (Name, Address, Phone number, and URL) isn’t identical everywhere it appears online, search engines see conflicting data, which can hurt your rankings and confuse potential customers.
The fix: Make a list of every place your dealership appears online, including your website, Google Business Profile, map listings, and local directories. Check each one for outdated information, and flag any that still reference your old name, phone number, or web address.
Step 2: Update Website Content
The problem: Your website still uses the old name. Why it matters: Google reads page titles, descriptions, and on-page text to figure out who you are. If those still show the old brand or name, your site will rank lower in searches.
The fix: Scour your website thoroughly. Update all page titles, descriptions, and copy with the new name. Create fresh content like blogs or landing pages that highlight your new dealership name alongside local keywords.
Step 3: Redirect Old Pages
The problem: Old web pages tied to your previous name may no longer work.
Why it matters: If a customer clicks one of those old links and sees an error, you lose both traffic and Google’s trust.
The fix: Set up “redirects” that send visitors (and Google) from the old page to the new one au tomatically. This way, you keep the search value you’ve built over time.
Step 4: Optimize Technical SEO
The problem: Many dealer ship websites are controlled by manufacturer-approved provid ers like Dealer.com , CDK, or Dealer Inspire. These sites often include pre-written text and de fault settings that are the same across multiple dealerships.
The fix: Rewrite key technical details like titles, headers, and descriptions with your new name. Update your copy so it’s unique to your dealership instead of generic text. Also, check that your site loads quickly and works well on mobile. Google rewards both in search.
Step 5: Strengthen Local Search
The problem: Buyers searching “car dealerships near me” may not see your new brand name.
Why it matters: Most dealership traffic comes from local shoppers, so visibility in your immediate area is critical.
The fix: Update your Google Business Profile and directories. Ask happy customers to leave new reviews under the updated name. Create local content that mentions your city, county, or neighborhood so your dealership shows up in those searches.
Why it matters: If your titles, descriptions, and vehicle details look like everyone else’s, your site struggles to stand out. After a name change, those defaults may even show your old dealership name.
Step 6: Monitor and Adjust
The problem: SEO changes don’t show results overnight.
Why it matters: If you don’t track progress, you won’t know what’s working.
The fix: Monitor your website traffic, search rankings, and phone calls from local searches. Use these insights to fine-tune your updates.
Why Acting Fast Matters for Dealership SEO
Every week of poor search visibility equals lost leads, calls, and visits. Competitors are quick to capture the buyers you’re missing. The sooner you update your SEO, the faster your new name will build recognition with Google and shoppers.
FAQ: Dealership SEO
After a Rebrand
Q: How long does it take to recover SEO after a dealership name change?
A: With the right steps, dealers can often see improvements in weeks. Without fixes, it may take months.
Q: Can I fix SEO myself or do I need an agency?
A: Dealers can update basic content and listings, but technical SEO and redirects often require expert help.
Q: What if my manufacturer controls my website?
A: AutoSweet specializes in working with manufacturer-mandated sites. We optimize within those restrictions to give your dealership a competitive edge.
Final Takeaway
A dealership name change does not have to derail your online visibility, but ignoring SEO after a rebrand almost always will. The key is acting quickly and methodically. Update your website content, correct technical issues, redirect old links, and reinforce your local presence so search engines and customers clearly recognize your new name. When these steps work together, your dealership can preserve hardearned search authority and rebuild momentum faster. Treat SEO as a core part of the rebrand process, not an afterthought, and your new name will gain traction where it matters most: in local search results that drive calls, visits, and sales.
End Note
1, Google opts out of standalone prompt for third-party cookies, Reuters (April 23, 2025). https:// www.reuters.com/sustainability/ boards-policy-regulation/googleopts-out-standalone-prompt-thirdparty-cookies-2025-04-22/?utm_ source=chatgpt.com
Upcoming Events
TIADA DEALER ACADEMY
For online registration and information, see www.txiada.org
ON-DEMAND OFFERINGS
For a complete list of available on-demand education offerings, go to www.txiada.org/on_demand
Complying with the Safeguards Rule Offered in English and Spanish Repossession 101: What You Need to Know Video Course
The Basics of Transferring Titles Offered in English and Spanish
The Deal Jacket Offered in English and Spanish
Legal Reference Books
Attorney Mike Dunagan’s must-have repossession and financing books for BHPH dealers.
March 2 Keeping BHPH Dealerships Legal & Compliant for 50 Years: Arlington/DFW Workshop Dallas/DFW, TX
April
9 Legislative Event — Mecum Auction Houston, TX
July
19 – 21 2026 TIADA Conference & Expo
DMV REQUIRED COURSES
Texas Pre-licensing Education Course
TxDMV approved course to satisfy all training requirements for completing your application to obtain an independent dealer license or General Distinguishing Number (GDN).*
*For more information see Frequently Asked Questions Access Dealer Education Course Resources
Curso de Educacion Pre-Licencia de Texas Curso aprobado por el Departamento de Vehículos de Motor de Texas (TxDMV) y que cumple con todos los requisitos para completar la aplicación para obtener una licencia de dealer independiente, también conocida como el GDN (General Distinguishing Number).**
**Para mas información ver la sección de Preguntas Frecuentes.
Acceso a los Recursos del curso educativo para los dealers.
Texas License Renewal Education Course
TxDMV approved license renewal education course (For renewal applicants licensed on or after September 1, 2009 whose ownership and management structure of the dealership has changed since the last renewal and the person who previously took the course is no longer with the dealership)
behind the wheel
New Year, New Beginnings
As the new year begins, I wanted to use this first column to share a bit of perspective on where TIADA is focused and what members can expect in the months ahead.
Independent dealers don’t get the luxury of easing into a new year. January arrives with the same realities as December: customers to serve, operations to manage, and a business environment that continues to evolve. Change doesn’t pause for the calendar, but a new year does provide a useful moment to reset priorities and sharpen focus.
One of the themes you’ll see consistently from TIADA is a focus on providing clear, timely guidance and transparent communication: sharing what we know, what we’re monitoring, and what comes next, especially during periods of uncertainty. Whether the issue is regulatory, operational, or driven by decisions outside of dealers’ direct control, our role is to stay engaged, informed, and proactive. Recent developments affecting dealer processes have underscored how important it is for the association to remain closely involved, asking questions, elevating concerns, and working to ensure that the independent dealer voice is heard.
by Trevor Jennings
TIADA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Education and communication are a central part of that effort. In moments like this, timely and practical guidance matters. TIADA is strengthening how we share information and resources with members by using webinars, written guidance, and other tools to ensure dealers have access to clear, usable information when it matters most.
Internally, the association is also focused on strengthening how we operate. A strong association depends on clear communication, defined responsibilities, and consistent support for members. We are taking a close look at how we do our work, where we can be more efficient, and how we can better align our efforts with the needs of dealers across the state. The goal is simple: to ensure TIADA is organized, responsive, and positioned to serve members effectively.
As we move into the year ahead, my commitment is to keep this column grounded in what matters most to you: providing context around key issues, sharing how the association is engaging on your behalf, and reinforcing TIADA’s role as a steady, reliable resource for independent dealers.
I look forward to continuing the conversation and to the work ahead.
A strong association depends on clear communication, defined responsibilities, and consistent support for members.
9951 Anderson Mill Rd., Suite 101
Austin, TX 78750
Our commitment to delivering the best experience for you remains unchanged. At Manheim, we build with purpose and precision, to shape the future of wholesale for you. We’re not just building tools—we’re building a marketplace experience that’s seamless and ready for your what’s next.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Here’s to new milestones and shared success in the year ahead.
Manheim Dallas | Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth
Manheim El Paso | Manheim Houston
Manheim San Antonio | Manheim Texas Hobby Park Place Auto Auction - Powered by Manheim
