Automotive Marketing Statistics: The 2026 Data Report

Key 2026 auto marketing stats on digital spend, consumer research, lead response, channel ROI & AI. Get the data to drive your strategy.

Automotive Marketing Statistics 2026: Data, Trends, and Insights

What if the most critical moment in a car sale happens long before a customer ever considers a test drive? 

The modern path to purchase rarely begins on the dealership lot. 

Instead, it ignites weeks, or even months, earlier in a digital marathon of searches, videos, and comparisons. This online world is the new showroom. A staggering 95% of car buyers now use online resources for their research.[138]].

Dealerships have responded by pouring money into this digital arena. 

According to NADA’s 2024 analysis, a massive 72.2% of advertising budgets now go to digital channels [43], an 8-percentage-point leap in just one year [43]].

Yet, a fascinating paradox defines this new landscape. 

Despite hours of meticulous online research, a study from Vendasta reveals a startling truth: 78% of leads ultimately choose the business that simply responds first [163]].

The disconnect between exhaustive research and decisive action shows that winning is no longer just about being present online. 

It is about mastering a complex interplay of speed, channel performance, and consumer psychology. 

The data that follows tells the full story, revealing where the true advantages lie in the race for the modern car buyer.

The Seismic Shift: Digital’s Dominance in Automotive Advertising

Where is the money in automotive marketing going? The data provides an undeniable answer. Advertising dollars are flooding into digital channels, chasing the modern car buyer online. 

This isn’t just a minor adjustment; it’s a seismic restructuring of how the industry competes for and wins customers.

Overall Advertising Investment Trends

Total U.S. dealer ad spend is surging back toward pre-pandemic levels. After hitting $8.9 billion in 2023 [43], projections show the market is on track to approach $9.82 billion by 2025 [83].

This powerful rebound is driven by an 8% year-over-year growth in the first half of 2025 alone [83]. At the dealership level, this translates into a significant investment in customer acquisition.

  • Average Annual Ad Spend: $528,923 to $543,539, which represents 6-7% of total gross profit [43]
  • Average Cost Per Vehicle Sold: $708 to $722, the investment required to attract each buyer [43]

Digital vs. Traditional Budget Allocation

The most revealing trend is not just the amount spent, but where it is allocated. 

An overwhelming 72.2% of all dealership advertising budgets are now dedicated to digital channels [43], a stunning 8-percentage-point jump in just one year that signals a rapid flight from legacy media [43].

In stark contrast, traditional TV’s share has fallen to just 10%, with radio at 9.5% [43]. 

For the average dealership, this digital-first strategy translates to over $370,000 in annual online spending [43], broken down across key platforms.

Digital ChannelAverage Annual SpendSource
Third-Party Sites$109,487[43]
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)$105,256[43]
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)$103,140[114]
Social Media$60,030[84]

Digital Market Growth Projections

Looking ahead, the financial trajectories of digital and traditional advertising are moving in opposite directions. 

Total U.S. automotive digital ad spend is projected to reach an incredible $24.47 billion in 2025, marking an 11.1% increase [76]. This continues a powerful pattern of double-digit growth, following an 11.7% surge in 2023 [3]. 

Meanwhile, traditional advertising is facing a projected 2.1% decline in spend over the same period [76]. The industry’s commitment to digital is so profound that it now accounts for 8.1% of all digital ad spending in the United States [138], solidifying its role as a dominant force in the online advertising landscape.

The Modern Car Buyer: A Data-Driven Look at the Digital Research Journey

Why are dealerships shifting their advertising budgets so dramatically toward digital channels? The answer lies in a fundamental revolution in consumer behavior. 

The car-buying process no longer begins on the lot; it starts with a detailed digital investigation that has transformed the dealership’s role from information gatekeeper to final transaction facilitator.

The Primacy of Online Research

Online research is no longer just a part of the car-buying process; for most consumers, it is the process. 

An overwhelming 95% of car buyers now rely on online resources for their research [138][157]. This makes a dealership’s digital presence its most critical showroom.

In fact, a buyer is twice as likely to begin their search online as they are to visit a dealership in person [157]. This shift confirms that for today’s automotive businesses, the first impression is almost always a digital one.

The Anatomy of the Research Process

This digital journey is far from a brief search. It is a significant and complex investment of time and attention. What does this deep dive actually involve?

  • Significant Time Commitment: The average buyer dedicates nearly 14 hours to online research [26][27], a process that typically spans 5 to 12 weeks [49].
  • Vast Digital Footprint: During this period, a single buyer engages in over 900 digital touchpoints [110] and visits an average of 4.2 websites [32].
  • Reliance on Third Parties: A staggering 80% of these buyers use third-party sites like Autotrader [6], highlighting the need for a broad, multi-channel marketing strategy.

Mobile’s Role as the Primary Research Tool

The smartphone has become the command center for the modern car buyer. 

More than 70% of automotive shoppers use their mobile devices for research [86][152], which now accounts for one-third of their total research time [89].

These mobile interactions signal powerful purchase intent. Data shows 78% of local mobile searches lead to a physical visit within just 24 hours [141]. 

However, this mobile-first landscape also presents a major strategic challenge, as 75% of mobile searches are “zero-click,” meaning users find answers on the results page without ever visiting a dealership’s website [137].

The overwhelming reliance on online resources reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, with recent online shopping statistics showing that cross-channel research and mobile engagement are now central to purchasing decisions.

The Persuasive Power of Video Content

Video has emerged as an exceptionally persuasive tool that directly influences buying decisions. 

According to Think with Google, three-quarters of auto shoppers say video content impacts their choice [159]. 

This influence translates into action, with a compelling 60% of shoppers visiting a dealership after watching a brand’s video [69].

Video also acts as a powerful discovery engine. 

A full 40% of shoppers find new vehicles they had not previously considered through video content [123]. This engagement is reflected in a 65% two-year growth in watch time for test drive videos [157].

The trust in virtual experiences is now so strong that 64% of buyers are willing to skip a physical test drive if a high-quality 360° video is available [8]. 

The ultimate proof is in the results: dealership websites that incorporate video see a 65.5% higher conversion rate than those without it [5].

These trends highlight how video content has become a dominant influence in the car-buying journey, consistent with broader video marketing statistics showing its growing role in driving engagement and conversions across industries.

Lead Management: Where Speed and Process Dictate Success

After weeks of meticulous online research, the modern car buyer finally makes contact. In this pivotal moment, the game changes completely.

Complex comparisons of horsepower and trim levels give way to a far simpler contest. A battle where internal process and, above all, speed determine the winner.

The Unforgiving Economics of Response Time

The data on lead response isn’t a guideline; it’s the rulebook for a winner-take-all competition.

A landmark study in the Harvard Business Review found that leads contacted within five minutes are up to 100 times more likely to convert than those contacted after 30 minutes [78].

The advantage decays with astonishing speed. 

According to Invoca, the difference between a one-minute response and a 30-minute response is a 391% higher conversion rate [86]. 

The dynamic is cemented by a simple, brutal truth from Vendasta: 78% of all sales leads go to the very first business that responds [163].

The Dealership Response Gap: A Competitive Chasm

While the data paints a clear picture of what’s required, dealership performance reveals a vast gap between best practices and reality.

Studies from PorchGroupMedia show the average dealer response time ranges from 9.2 to a staggering 47 hours [123].

Consider the disconnect:

  • The Five-Minute Window: A mere 13% of dealerships manage to respond within this critical timeframe [10].
  • The 30-Minute Failure: A full 40% of dealers fail to contact a lead within 30 minutes, effectively forfeiting their conversion advantage [10].
  • Total Silence: A shocking 4% of dealers never respond at all, leaving the door wide open for more efficient competitors.

The High Cost of Inefficient Lead Handling

This failure to respond quickly is compounded by broken internal processes that hemorrhage potential sales. The financial leaks are significant.

Data from Invoca shows that 37% of leads are simply lost due to poor or nonexistent follow-up [86].

Even when leads are properly identified, a Foureyes report found that 43% of qualified leads are mishandled [67].

The problem often starts at the most basic level. 

An analysis from LLCBuddy revealed that 13.3% of leads are never even logged into a dealership’s CRM [100]. 

The inefficiency is especially costly given that 58.9% of qualified buyers purchase a vehicle within just three days [68].

However, there is a massive opportunity hidden in these mistakes. 

An analysis in Dealer Marketing Magazine found that 25% of mishandled calls are still convertible with a simple, timely callback.

Channel Performance & ROI: A Head-to-Head Analysis

With advertising budgets shifting so dramatically, one question becomes critical: what is the actual return on that investment? Not all digital channels are created equal.

A closer look at the data reveals stark differences in cost, conversion, and profitability. 

The insights provide a clear roadmap for where to invest for high-intent customers and where to build long-term value.

Email Marketing: The ROI Powerhouse

While often underestimated, email marketing delivers staggering returns, but only when executed with precision. 

The difference between generic and automated campaigns is monumental.

An analysis from Emailmonday reveals that automated emails generate an average return of $5.47 per recipient. This represents a 34-fold improvement over the mere $0.16 returned by standard campaigns [57].

Specific, highly targeted campaigns showcase this potential:

  • “We Want Your Car” Emails: Achieve an incredible 83% open rate [103].
  • Service Reminders: Convert at a 34.5% booking rate [113].
  • Combined MOT + Service Reminders: Push the booking rate to an impressive 43.6% [113].

Ultimately, strategic segmentation is the key to unlocking maximum value. Data from Strategic Vantage shows that properly segmented campaigns can increase revenue by as much as 760% [153].

These impressive returns are part of a broader trend across industries, with email marketing statistics showing automation and segmentation consistently drive higher engagement and ROI.

When it comes to capturing active buyers at the precise moment of intent, Google Ads remains unparalleled, especially for the service department.

A Wordstream survey found that automotive service campaigns achieve the highest conversion rates of any industry, ranging from 12.96% to 14.67% [166]. 

This top-tier performance is paired with remarkable cost efficiency, making service marketing a significantly more profitable paid search activity than vehicle sales.

MetricAutomotive Service CampaignsAll-Industry Average
Cost-Per-Lead (CPL)$27.94 [166]$66.69 [166]

The data is clear: the CPL for automotive service is 2.4 times more cost-effective than the all-industry average, presenting a massive opportunity for profit.

This efficiency mirrors broader digital advertising trends, as recent Google Ads statistics confirm the power of search campaigns for capturing high-intent buyers across sectors.

Facebook Advertising: Driving Sales with Social Proof

Facebook has evolved from a brand awareness tool into a formidable platform for driving measurable automotive sales.

Campaigns on the platform achieve an 8.77% click-through rate (CTR), a figure nearly five times the industry average, according to Promodo [129]. 

However, the format of the ad matters immensely. Dynamic ads see a 3.4x higher conversion rate than static ones [165].

Video content is even more dominant, generating an average of 186 clicks per ad compared to just 32 for static images [11]. 

The effectiveness is amplified by industry expertise; specialized automotive agencies deliver an average ROI of 988%, crushing the 262% achieved by generic agencies [165].

The results speak for themselves: one well-executed campaign generated over 150 appointments and sold 62 cars in a single week [165].

The impact of format, video, and expertise aligns with broader findings in Facebook marketing statistics, highlighting how social proof and ad optimization drive measurable sales.

Streaming Media: The Rise of CTV and Audio

Emerging streaming channels are quickly becoming indispensable parts of the modern automotive marketing mix.

According to Statista, a remarkable 77% to 80% of dealerships report streaming audio as their single highest ROI channel, highlighting its quiet dominance [151]. 

At the same time, Connected TV (CTV) is experiencing explosive growth, with spending projected to surge by 63% between 2024 and 2028 [127].

CTV’s power lies in its captive audience, boasting a 97% ad completion rate and influencing the purchase decisions of 61% of car shoppers [33, 156]. 

Most critically, Experian data shows that CTV now delivers 73% of all automotive ad impressions to Gen Z, making it the primary channel for reaching the next generation of car buyers [60].

The AI Revolution: From Marketing Hype to Measurable Revenue

The AI revolution is no longer on the horizon; it’s here, transforming dealership balance sheets from marketing hype into measurable revenue. 

This is not a futuristic concept. It’s a present-day force actively reshaping marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and bottom-line results.

The data reveals a stark new reality. A growing divide separates dealerships that are harnessing AI from those that risk becoming digitally invisible.

Marketer and Dealership AI Adoption

In today’s market, AI adoption is no longer optional. Expertise is now considered table stakes, and investment is accelerating as dealerships see undeniable returns.

The proof is in the numbers.

  • Widespread Expertise: A commanding 93% of marketers now claim proficiency in AI, signaling a massive industry-wide skill shift [88].
  • Aggressive Investment: This confidence is backed by capital, as 81% of dealerships are actively increasing their AI budgets [70].
  • Universal Revenue Growth: The ROI is clear and immediate. A stunning 100% of dealerships that have implemented AI report an increase in revenue [71].
  • Significant Gains: For 55% of these early adopters, the revenue gain is substantial, falling between 10% and 30% [70].
  • Conversion Power: A key driver is efficiency, as AI-powered lead response systems have been shown to increase conversion by 32% [23].

These adoption trends reflect a wider industry shift, with AI adoption statistics showing rapid investment and measurable returns across sectors beyond automotive.

The AI-Powered Consumer

Why the industry-wide rush to adopt AI? The answer lies in a fundamental and irreversible shift in how customers shop for cars.

Today’s buyers are already AI-powered. 

Many are using AI tools like Perplexity to research vehicles and compare features, as reflected in Perplexity AI statistics tracking adoption and engagement.

Between 25% and 30% are using AI tools in their research process, and another 40% plan to use them for their next purchase [18]. This is not a passive trend. 

A decisive 97% of these AI users say it will directly influence their final purchase decision [20]. Their platform of choice is overwhelmingly ChatGPT, which commands 68.4% of the market [54]. 

This dominance is consistent with OpenAI ChatGPT statistics, highlighting widespread usage and influence on purchase behavior.

Other AI assistants, like Claude, are increasingly influencing buyer decisions, consistent with broader Claude AI statistics on adoption and usage patterns.

They are using AI for tasks that once belonged exclusively to dealerships: 88% use AI to research vehicles, and 64% use it to compare prices and market values [18].Emerging AI platforms such as Gemini are also shaping these research habits, as shown in Gemini AI statistics.

The New SEO: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)

The rise of the AI-powered consumer creates a strategic crisis for traditional digital marketing. 58.5% of all U.S. 

Google searches are now “zero-click,” meaning the user gets their answer without ever visiting a website [137].

When Google’s AI Overviews are present, the organic click-through rate for websites plummets by a devastating 61% [137]. This poses an urgent problem for dealerships, as a recent analysis found 84% score below 60 out of 100 on AI visibility. 

In a startling act of self-sabotage, 48% of dealers are actively blocking the AI crawlers that power these new search results.

However, for those who adapt, the reward is immense. 

Visitors who arrive from an AI-powered answer engine convert at a rate nine times higher than typical web traffic [64]. 

This makes mastering Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) a critical new discipline for dealership growth and survival.

The Unsung Profit Center: The Strategic Importance of Service Marketing

What is the most profitable part of a car dealership? It’s not the gleaming showroom floor. While vehicle sales capture the glamour, the service bay is where long-term financial success is built.

Often overlooked, the service department is the financial backbone of the modern dealership. It stands as the most powerful engine for generating profit and ensuring customer retention.

The Financial Engine of the Dealership

The numbers reveal a startling truth about where dealership profits originate. 

Service generates a massive 49% of a dealership’s gross profit, despite accounting for only 12% of its total revenue [22]. This isn’t a side business; it’s a colossal market with incredible growth potential.

  • Service revenue in the first half of 2025 alone soared to $81 billion, marking a 7% year-over-year increase [83].
  • With average vehicle ownership now exceeding 12 years, each additional year of service retention can generate $1,500 to $2,000 in new revenue per vehicle [40].

Superior Marketing Efficiency

The efficiency of service marketing isn’t just better than sales marketing; it’s in a different league. 

Service campaigns achieve a 12.61% conversion rate, giving them a 2.2x advantage over the 5.72% rate for vehicle sales campaigns [129]. This dramatic efficiency is evident across every key channel. 

The cost-per-lead for service is just $27.94, making it up to 10 times more cost-effective than general automotive leads, which can cost as much as $283 [166][62].

MetricService MarketingSales Marketing
Conversion Rate12.61% [129]5.72% [129]
Email Open Rate65% [103]59% [103]
Cost-Per-Lead (CPL)$27.94 [166]Up to $283 [62]

The Gateway to Lifetime Value

What is the service department’s ultimate power? It lies in its unmatched ability to secure future sales. 

An incredible 74% of customers who service their vehicle at a dealership end up purchasing their next car from that same location [40].

This powerful link transforms the service department from a repair shop into the primary driver of customer loyalty. 

The financial impact is profound: service revenue contributes $22,400 to the average customer lifetime value of $47,700.This means the service bay is directly responsible for nearly half of a customer’s total long-term worth to the dealership [72].

Building Indisputable Value: Experience, Retention, and Reputation

In an industry defined by digital speed, what truly creates lasting success? 

Beyond the initial click lies the bedrock of sustainable growth: superior customer experience, ironclad retention, and a sterling reputation. These are not soft metrics. 

They are powerful financial levers that directly translate into higher profits, lower costs, and a decisive competitive advantage.

The Tangible ROI of Customer Experience

A great customer experience is no longer a simple perk; it is a premium product that buyers are actively willing to purchase. 

A stunning 54% of car buyers will pay more for a better experience, directly linking service quality to the final transaction value [99].

The stakes for getting this right are incredibly high. 

Customer loyalty is fragile, with 76% of consumers admitting they will abandon a business after just one bad experience [87], turning a single misstep into a permanent loss. This is where a seamless omnichannel strategy creates a powerful advantage. 

Dealerships with integrated customer journeys report an 80% higher close rate and a 67% positive impact on gross profit [31]. 

The benefits also hit the bottom line, as omnichannel strategies can slash sales and marketing costs by 20% [7], a potential saving of over $105,000 for an average dealership [7].

The Economics of Customer Retention and Lifetime Value

What is a dealership’s most profitable asset? The customer it already has. The financial case for focusing on retention is overwhelming.

A mere 5% improvement in customer retention can increase profits by an astounding 25% to 95% [146]. 

The strategy is also profoundly cost-effective, costing 10 times less than acquiring a new customer [146] and adding an average of $150,000 in annual profit for every 1% improvement [146].

The long-term economics are even more remarkable. 

The average customer generates a lifetime value (LTV) of $47,700 against an acquisition cost (CAC) of just $695 [72]. This creates a staggering 68:1 LTV-to-CAC ratio [72]. Critically, service revenue accounts for $22,400 of that total, contributing nearly half of a customer’s entire long-term worth [72].

Reputation as a Revenue Driver

A dealership’s reputation is not just a matter of pride; it is a direct and measurable driver of revenue. 

A 150-point increase in a dealership’s reputation score directly correlates with a 10% growth in sales [133].

Modern consumers use online reviews as a primary filter for their purchase decisions. The data reveals a clear picture of how reputation impacts customer choice:

  • The 4-Star Minimum: Between 74% and 86% of consumers require a business to have a 4-star rating or higher to even consider them [14].
  • Trust Equals Action: An incredible 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation from a friend or family member [14].
  • Leads from Likes: High-scoring dealerships generate seven times more actions (clicks, calls, and direction requests) on their Google Business Profiles than their lower-scoring competitors [133].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective marketing channel for car dealerships?

The “best” channel depends entirely on the marketing goal. For pure ROI, email marketing is a powerhouse, delivering an incredible $36 for every $1 spent [48].

However, for overall dealer satisfaction, 77-80% report streaming audio as their highest ROI channel [151]. 

When it comes to generating high-intent service leads, Google Ads is unmatched, boasting conversion rates as high as 14.67% [166].

How much do car dealerships spend on advertising?

Annually, the average dealership invests a substantial $528,923 to $543,539 in advertising [43]. This investment translates to a cost of $708 to $722 for every single vehicle sold [43].

How important is lead response time for converting car buyers?

Response time is not just important; it’s often the single deciding factor in a sale. A staggering 78% of sales go to the very first business that responds to a lead [163].

The impact of speed is immense, as contacting a lead within five minutes makes them up to 100 times more likely to convert [78].

How is AI changing the way people research and buy cars?

AI is rapidly becoming a standard tool for car shoppers. Already, 25-30% of buyers use AI platforms like ChatGPT for research and price comparisons [18].

The real story is its influence: a massive 97% of these users report that AI will directly impact their final purchase decision [20].

Why is service department marketing so important for dealerships?

The service department is the undisputed financial engine of a dealership, generating nearly half (49%) of all gross profit from just 12% of total revenue [22].

Beyond profit, it’s the ultimate key to loyalty. 

A remarkable 74% of service customers buy their next vehicle from that same dealership, making it the primary driver of customer retention [40].

What percentage of car buyers use online video during their research?

Video plays a decisive role in the modern car-buying journey. A full three-quarters (75%) of automotive shoppers now use online video, and they report that it directly influences their research and purchase decisions [159].

What is the average customer lifetime value (LTV) for a dealership?

The average customer lifetime value (LTV) for a dealership is an impressive $47,700 [72]. 

When compared to an average customer acquisition cost (CAC) of just $695 [72], this reveals an extraordinary 68-to-1 LTV-to-CAC ratio, highlighting the immense long-term profitability of each customer [72].

Conclusion

The data paints an undeniable picture of the road ahead. 

With 72.2% of advertising budgets now allocated to digital channels, the automotive industry’s transformation is complete and permanent [43] .

In this new arena, however, victory belongs not to the biggest spender, but to the fastest. A stunning 78% of buyers ultimately choose the very first business that responds to their inquiry [163] .

The greatest returns are found where precision meets efficiency. For instance, automated emails deliver a remarkable 34-fold improvement in ROI over standard campaigns [57] .

Likewise, marketing the service department has proven to be 2.2 times more effective at converting customers than marketing vehicle sales, anchoring long-term profitability [129] .

A new challenge is already here, as AI-driven search threatens to make dealerships invisible. A concerning 84% of dealers currently score poorly on AI visibility. 

Yet, adapting with Answer Engine Optimization unlocks visitors who convert at a rate nine times higher than typical web traffic [64] .

Ultimately, success in 2026 is a function of mastering a complex equation of speed, service, and digital fluency. 

The dealerships that thrive will be those that operate not just as retailers, but as data-driven response engines.

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43Digital Dealer (2023 Spend)https://digitaldealer.com/news/nada-details-where-2023-advertising-dollars-were-spent/159107/
44Digital Dealer (AI Tipping Point)https://digitaldealer.com/news/automotive-retail-is-reaching-a-tipping-point-57-of-dealership-staff-now-using-ai/169264/
45Digital Dealer (Gen Z)https://digitaldealer.com/news/half-of-gen-z-car-buyers-made-their-last-purchase-online/168654/
46Digital Silkhttps://www.digitalsilk.com/digital-trends/marketing-automation-statistics/
47Digital Successhttps://www.digitalsuccess.us/blog/how-digital-marketing-for-auto-dealers-is-going-to-be-a-tough-nut-to-crack-in-2022-beyond-in-light-of-the-latest-changes-in-google.html
48DMA UKhttps://dma.org.uk/research/investigating-email-getting-returns-on-email
49Doxeehttps://www.doxee.com/blog/digital-marketing/the-customer-journey-map-and-digital-experience-in-automotive/
50Driftrock (10 Trends)https://www.driftrock.com/blog/10-automotive-marketing-trends-that-will-rule-2024
51Driftrock (5 Examples)https://www.driftrock.com/blog/5-examples-of-high-performing-facebook-ads-for-the-automotive-industry
52Driftrock (Ultimate List)https://www.driftrock.com/blog/the-ultimate-list-of-automotive-marketing-statistics
53Edmundshttps://www.edmunds.com/car-news/consumer-expectations-of-evs-clash-with-market-realities.html
54Ekhohttps://www.ekho.com/blog/2026-ai-vehicle-research-study-how-buyers-are-using-chatgpt-and-other-ai-tools-to-find-their-next-vehicle
55eMarketer (Connected Cars 2024)https://www.emarketer.com/content/us-connected-cars-2024
56eMarketer (Connectivity 2026)https://www.emarketer.com/content/automotive-connectivity-mobility-tech-2026
57Email Mondayhttps://www.emailmonday.com/email-marketing-roi-statistics/
58Experian (Auto Insights)https://www.experian.com/blogs/insights/auto-in-a-world-of-larger-vehicles-sedans-hold-steady/
59Experian (Debt by Age)https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/average-american-debt-by-age/
60Experian (Generational)https://www.experian.com/blogs/insights/automotive-generational-preferences/
61Exploding Topicshttps://explodingtopics.com/blog/auto-industry-trends
62First Page Sagehttps://firstpagesage.com/reports/average-cost-per-lead-by-industry/
63Focus Digitalhttps://focus-digital.co/average-google-ads-click-through-rate/
64Forbeshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/lutzfinger/2025/06/19/study-shows-llm-conversion-rate-is-9x-better—aeo-is-coming/
65Fortune Business Insightshttps://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/virtual-reality-vr-in-automotive-market-101702
66Fortune Business Insights (Hybrid)https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/hybrid-vehicle-market-105435
67FourEyes (Benchmarks)https://foureyes.io/resources/2024-automotive-dealer-benchmarks-report
68FourEyes (Appointments)https://foureyes.io/resources/dealership-appointment-set-rates
69Fuel ReyReyhttps://fuel.reyrey.com/marketing/2023/04/8-video-marketing-stats-and-what-they-mean-for-dealerships/
70FullPath (AI Adoption)https://www.fullpath.com/2025-state-of-ai-adoption-in-car-dealerships/
71FullPath (AI Revenue)https://www.fullpath.com/blog/how-ai-will-accelerate-dealership-revenue-growth-in-2025/
72FullPath (LTV)https://www.fullpath.com/blog/ltv-for-driving-dealership-revenues/
73Get Geofencinghttps://www.getgeofencing.com/the-secret-weapon-of-dealership-marketing-geofencing/
74GetResponsehttps://www.getresponse.com/resources/reports/email-marketing-benchmarks
75GM Insightshttps://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/automotive-voice-recognition-market
76Goodway Grouphttps://www.goodwaygroup.com/blogs/automotive-trends
77Green Cars (Hybrid Share)https://www.greencars.com/news/hybrid-vehicles-claim-bigger-market-share-in-2025
78Harvard Business Reviewhttps://hbr.org/2011/03/the-short-life-of-online-sales-leads
79Hedges Companyhttps://hedgescompany.com/blog/2018/10/seo-marketing-automotive-industry-recent-trends/
80HubSpothttps://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/28943/25-jaw-dropping-marketing-automation-stats-data.aspx
81IBISWorldhttps://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/hybrid-electric-vehicle-manufacturing/4516/
82InBeathttps://www.inbeat.co/articles/automotive-influencer-marketing/
83Inside Radio (H1 2025)https://www.insideradio.com/free/auto-drives-4-8-billion-into-ads-hit-record-ad-spend-in-first-half/article_687c1d96-844c-4d42-be0a-23e515f5e70c.html
84Inside Radio (Tariffs)https://www.insideradio.com/free/auto-dealer-ad-spending-rises-but-tariffs-could-stall-progress/article_50220b23-6918-45d0-8325-ea84cc822a85.html
85Influencer Marketing Factoryhttps://theinfluencermarketingfactory.com/influencer-marketing-automotive/
86Invoca (Automotive Stats)https://www.invoca.com/blog/automotive-marketing-statistics
87Invoca (Buyer Experience)https://experience.invoca.com/2022-invoca-buyer-experience-report/p/2
88Invoca (State of AI)https://www.invoca.com/state-of-ai-b2c-digital-marketing-2025
89JD Power (2016 Study)https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2016-new-autoshopper-study
90JD Power (2024 Loyalty)https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-automotive-brand-loyalty-study
91JD Power (2025 Loyalty)https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-automotive-brand-loyalty-study
92JD Power (EV App)https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-oem-ev-app-report
93Kinetic Advantagehttps://www.kineticadvantage.com/article/car-dealer-advertising-spend/
94Klaviyohttps://www.klaviyo.com/uk/blog/email-marketing-benchmarks-open-click-and-conversion-rates
95Lead Angelhttps://www.leadangel.com/blog/operations/speed-to-lead-statistics/
96Leads Pickerhttps://www.leadspicker.com/articles/automotive-leads-complete-guide-to-generating-quality-car-sales-prospects-in-2025
97Learn G2https://learn.g2.com/voice-search-statistics
98LendingTreehttps://www.lendingtree.com/auto/delinquency-rates-study/
99Limelight Platformhttps://www.limelightplatform.com/blog/stats-rethink-auto-marketing-strategy-year
100LLC Buddyhttps://llcbuddy.com/data/automotive-marketing-statistics/
101LMB Marketing Grouphttps://www.thelmbmarketinggroup.com/post/automotive-marketing-trends-2025-strategies-roi
102LocalSAhttps://localsa.org/
103Marketing Delivery (Benchmarks)https://marketingdelivery.co.uk/automotive-email-marketing-benchmarks-and-statistics/
104Marketing Delivery (Q2 2025)https://marketingdelivery.co.uk/q2-2025-automotive-email-marketing-benchmarks/
105Marketing Delivery (Q3 2025)https://marketingdelivery.co.uk/q3-2025-automotive-email-marketing-benchmarks/
106Marketing Illuminationhttps://www.marketingillumination.com/blogs/best-practices-for-answer-engine-optimization
107Marketing Xhttps://marketing.x.com/en/success-stories/how-bmw-drove-mass-awareness-for-its-new-x2-vehicle-by-launching-on-twitter
108Market Watchhttps://www.marketwatch.com/insurance-services/auto-insurance/electric-vehicle-statistics/
109Marketing Brewhttps://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/2024/12/12/automakers-ev-advertising-spend-slowdown
110McKinsey (Digitization)https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/digitization-in-automotive-retail-in-2021-and-beyond
111McKinsey (EV Transition)https://www.mckinsey.com/features/mckinsey-center-for-future-mobility/our-insights/new-twists-in-the-electric-vehicle-transition-a-consumer-perspective
112MDM PPChttps://mdmppc.com/google-ads-conversion-rate-averages-by-industry/
113Motor Traderhttps://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/service-conversion-rates-highlight-owners-preference-email-reminders-05-07-2023
114NADAhttps://www.nada.org/nada/research-data/nada-data
115NADA (Download)https://www.nada.org/media/4699/download
1169Cloudshttps://9clouds.com/blog/case-study-7-cars-30-days-1-facebook-ad/
117Nucleus Research (CRM)https://nucleusresearch.com/research/single/crm-pays-back-8-71-for-every-dollar-spent/
118Nucleus Research (Automation)https://nucleusresearch.com/research/single/marketing-automation-returns-5-44-for-every-dollar-spent/
119Passlehttps://blog.passle.net/post/102e6bs/77-of-email-marketing-roi-comes-from-segmented-targeted-campaigns
120Porch Group Media (10 Strategies)https://porchgroupmedia.com/blog/10-social-media-strategies-car-dealerships/
121Porch Group Media (25 Statistics)https://porchgroupmedia.com/blog/25-amazing-statistics-on-how-consumers-shop-for-cars/
122Porch Group Media (Factors)https://porchgroupmedia.com/blog/factors-influencing-car-purchase-decisions/
123Porch Group Media (Overview)https://porchgroupmedia.com/blog/automotive-marketing-overview-current-marketing-trends-statistics-and-strategies/
124Porch Group Media (Personalization)https://porchgroupmedia.com/blog/are-you-getting-personal-data-driven-personalization-delivers-5-8-times-roi-marketing-spend/
125Precedence Research (Gen AI)https://www.precedenceresearch.com/generative-ai-in-automotive-market
126Precedence Research (Hybrid)https://www.precedenceresearch.com/hybrid-electric-vehicle-market
127PR Newswire (CTV)https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-video-is-set-to-capture-nearly-60-of-all-tvvideo-ad-spend-in-2025-ctv-rebounds-to-double-digit-growth-in-2024-according-to-iab-302438774.html
128PR Newswire (Gen Z)https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gen-z-is-on-the-move-driving-more-and-embracing-mobility-302595937.html
129Promodohttps://www.promodo.com/blog/digital-marketing-benchmarks-of-automotive-industry
130Pulse Advertisinghttps://www.pulse-advertising.com/resources/social-media-reports/automotive-2024/
131PWChttps://www.pwc.com/my/en/assets/pdf/pwc-my-electric-vehicle-sales-review-q4-2024.pdf
132Recurrent Autohttps://www.recurrentauto.com/news/ev-shoppers-have-range-questions
133Reputation.comhttps://reputation.com/press-room/new-report-reveals-reputation-management-now-a-critical-strategic-priority-across-the-automotive-sector/
134Research and Marketshttps://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/global-auto-dealership-crm-software-market
135Reunion Marketinghttps://reunionmarketing.com/7-stats-every-automotive-dealers-should-know-about-google-my-business/
136Revnewhttps://revnew.com/blog/email-segmentation-strategies
137Rizen Metricshttps://www.rizenmetrics.com/why-healthcare-automotive-and-finance-businesses-need-answer-engine-optimization-in-2025/
138Ruler Analyticshttps://www.ruleranalytics.com/blog/reporting/automotive-marketing-statistics
139Salesforce (Connected Car)https://www.salesforce.com/news/stories/connected-car-research/
140Salesforce (Gen Z)https://www.salesforce.com/news/stories/gen-z-automotive-industry-stats-2025/
141SEO Profyhttps://seoprofy.com/blog/local-seo-statistics/
142SEO Resellerhttps://www.seoreseller.com/car-dealerships/
143Sepirehttps://www.sepire.com/blog/33-personalization-statistics-worth-knowing-in-2025
144Seven Atomshttps://www.sevenatoms.com/blog/voice-search-trends
145S&P Global (Consumer Interest)https://www.spglobal.com/automotive-insights/en/blogs/2025/11/what-is-fueling-consumer-interest-in-hybrid-vehicles
146S&P Global (Loyalty)https://www.spglobal.com/automotive-insights/en/blogs/2025/02/strategies-to-grow-customer-loyalty-automotive-industry
147Silverback Advertisinghttps://silverbackadvertising.com/blog/video-marketing-for-auto-dealers-key-stats-and-trends-to-leverage
148SOCIhttps://www.soci.ai/blog/local-seo-statistics/
149Star Globalhttps://star.global/posts/gen-z-car-trends/
150Statista (Chart)https://www.statista.com/chart/13399/is-in-car-advertising-the-future/
151Statista (ROI)https://www.statista.com/statistics/1401375/ad-media-roi-car-dealerships-usa/
152Statista (Traffic)https://www.statista.com/statistics/1338792/automotive-website-traffic-by-device/
153Strategic Vantagehttps://strategicvantage.com/how-to-achieve-760-increase-in-revenue-with-marketing/
154Synuphttps://www.synup.com/en/local-seo-statistics
155Taboolahttps://www.taboola.com/marketing-hub/automotive-marketing-trends/
156The Currenthttps://www.thecurrent.com/car-shoppers-ctv-ads-influence-purchase
157Think with Google (Auto Digital)https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/consumer-journey/auto-digital-retail-trends/
158Think with Google (Mobile)https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/app-and-mobile/mobile-search-consumer-behavior-data/
159Think with Google (Video)https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/video/auto-video-shopping-statistics/
160Trade Pending (Omnichannel)https://tradepending.com/blog/omnichannel-marketing-for-car-dealerships/
161Trade Pending (Trade-in)https://tradepending.com/blog/blog-2025-automotive-trade-in-market-statistics-dealers/
162TransUnionhttps://newsroom.transunion.com/autocreditinsight/
163Vendastahttps://www.vendasta.com/blog/lead-response-time/
164Wards Auto (Delinquencies)https://www.wardsauto.com/news/younger-buyers-struggle-with-delinquencies-but-lenders-still-say-yes/798552/
165Willowood Ventureshttps://willowoodventures.com/facebook-ads-for-car-dealers/
166WordStream (2024 Benchmarks)https://www.wordstream.com/blog/2024-google-ads-benchmarks
167WordStream (2025 Benchmarks)https://www.wordstream.com/blog/2025-google-ads-benchmarks
168WordStream (Facebook 2024)https://www.wordstream.com/blog/facebook-ads-benchmarks-2024
169WordStream (Facebook 2025)https://www.wordstream.com/blog/facebook-ads-benchmarks-2025
170The Zebrahttps://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/millennials-car-payments-survey/
171ZeroSum AIhttps://www.zerosum.ai/blog/how-answer-engine-optimization-aeo-helps-dealers-show-up-in-ai-search-results