John Huetter

The Fed left its interest rate target at 3.5-3.75% at its July meeting, but its officials have predicted a quarter-point increase, and investors think the Fed will add at least 0.5 points by the end of 2026.

The FTC stopped enforcing anti-discrimination and fair lending settlement terms with two groups and a former general manager, but other parts of their deals stand — including more than $15 million in combined payments.

Foundation Automotive grew from two Canadian stores to more than 30 locations by 2022 before debt leveraging caught up.

Foundation Automotive and former COO Chuck Kramer sued each other in 2023 in disputes over $1.7 million in taxes and more than $3.5 million in stock options.

Dealership buy-sell transactions rarely result in litigation, M&A experts say, but Foundation since 2019 has brought or defended several cases connected to deals.

Lenders approved 74 percent of auto credit applications in July, the same as a year earlier but higher than any point since August 2025.

Nissan and its dealers share the same objective: sustainable growth that strengthens profitability, customer loyalty and long-term brand health, the writer says.

Exception reporting flags anomalies that could signal fraud, such as multiple vehicle purchases in a week. Early default rates are another dealership fraud tell.

Group 1 Automotive uses virtual F&I at 66 dealerships, and Lithia Motors has it in about a dozen stores. JM&A Group and Assurant say the concept is growing rapidly.

Auto issues killed trade talks; Trump threatens more tariffs; Canada repeals EV mandate. Plus, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association President Flavio Volpe talks trade, tariffs, threats and what comes next in the tense trade war between the U.S. and Canada.