Dealer Transparency Tracker, More Mobile Service Options, Consumer Confidence Up

Episode #1279: Today we break down CarEdge’s new Dealer Transparency Index shaking up pricing accountability, GM’s MobileService+ reboot with lower-cost gas crossovers, and a fresh bump in consumer confidence that could signal steadier showroom traffic ahead.

CarEdge just launched a new public report card for dealers—and it’s aiming straight at pricing transparency. The AI-powered platform unveiled its Dealer Transparency Index, grading over 4,600 U.S. dealerships on how “real and honest” their pricing practices actually are.

• The Dealer Transparency Index (DTI) scores dealers on a 100-point scale, translating into A–F grades based on real out-the-door quotes.
• Scores are built from 40,000+ verified OTD quotes using CarEdge’s AI negotiation platform. Dealers can’t pay to improve their grade.
• The formula weighs doc fees (30%), add-ons (30%), dealer markups (30%), and quote data quality (10%).
• CarEdge lists 4,957 dealers in their search. 2,403 are graded A, 306 are graded F.
• CEO Zach Shefska clarified the mission: “We’re not anti-dealer. We’re anti-deception…"

GM is retooling its MobileService+ strategy after dealers pushed back on the original $150,000 BrightDrop EV vans. Now, gas-powered crossovers are stepping in to power the next phase of at-home service—and dealers say this version actually pencils.

• Starting Q2, GM will offer upfitted 2026 Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac XT5 models for mobile service.
• The move follows the cancellation of BrightDrop 600 production and dealer concerns over cost, size and battery range.
• Upfront costs are expected to be cut by at least half compared to the $150,000 EV van. Dealers can even self-install the service kit in 6–8 hours.
• The setup allows stores to remove the equipment and resell the vehicle later—far more flexible than the “one-and-done” BrightDrop approach.
• MobileService+ Director Chris Hornberger said the new models hit the mark: “This, we feel, is the sweet spot, exactly what the dealers are looking for.”

Consumer confidence edged higher in February, snapping a January slide as Americans felt slightly better about jobs and the labor market. While optimism is still well below last year’s peak, expectations for the months ahead are starting to firm up.

• The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.2 points to 91.2, beating economist expectations of 87.
• The labor market differential improved, with more consumers saying jobs are “plentiful” versus “hard to get.”

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Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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