Mitigating the Risk of Purchasing a Flood-Damaged Car after Hurricane Florence

Experian Automotive Series | What Auto Marketers Are Prioritizing in the Second Half of 2025 As we close out our four-part series on what auto marketers are prioritizing in the second half of 2025, we’re shifting gears from strategy to execution. It’s time to explore how marketers are operationalizing data, seeking clarity, and building emotional connections that deepen relationships with customers. With the end of the year’s competitive automotive landscape, clarity and connection aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the cornerstones of growth and loyalty for 2026. Let’s start by exploring how clarity empowers today’s marketers to steer their strategies with control. Clarity: Putting marketers in the driver’s seat Data-guided auto marketers who leverage data insights have a clearer understanding of where consumers are on their car-buying journey. You can learn whether car buyers are gearing up for: A longer commute and want an electric vehicle (or a hybrid vehicle).1 Expanding their family and want a top-tier safety rating with cargo space. Factoring in market trends and wanting to be more economical.2 Creating a new and loyal customer base requires dealers, marketers, and OEMs to focus on clarity and connection. This will be more relevant than ever in the final days of 2025. Gone are the days when dealers and agencies used platforms and tools they did not understand. More businesses are simplifying their services and products by offering guides, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, tutorials, consultants, and webinars. At Experian Automotive, we're here to do just that, bringing clarity to our auto solutions, such as the Experian Marketing Engine (EME). While the EME tool has robust and dynamic data, two of our most widely used features — AutoAudiences and AutoInsights — stand out for their impact. Let’s break them down in the simplest way: AutoInsights helps marketers define where, what, and how. AutoAudiences helps reach who to target and when they might be in the market. For further clarification, savvy marketers leverage AutoInsights to strategize and understand their market, then activate AutoAudiences to curate marketing opportunities. With these tools empowering clarity, it’s equally important to focus on building genuine connections with car shoppers. Connection: Personalized experiences that drive sales Building a strong connection starts by truly understanding what consumers need and where they are on their car-buying journey. It’s important to know how consumers plan to use their vehicle and how they have serviced their cars in the past (or how they plan to service them in the future). By focusing on these details, marketers and dealerships can create more meaningful relationships and deliver helpful, relevant experiences that customers value. On the journey to better connections, consider your customers’ communication preferences, 2026 plans, and affordability.3 “Human connection...separates good stores from great ones,” notes Dealer Principal, Matt Birckhead at Sir Walter Chevrolet4 , while General Manager, Michael Wood at Jaguar Land Rover Virginia Beach collaborates with his Digital Director, Ryan Montville, to generate vehicle specs and feature descriptions that connect emotionally with target buyers 5 Key Takeaway: Automotive marketers who leverage data-informed clarity and authentic customer connection are best positioned to drive growth and loyalty in the final days of 2025 into 2026. By using innovative tools like Experian Marketing Engine, focusing on consumer needs, and personalizing every interaction, dealerships, agencies, and OEMs can optimize campaigns and foster lasting relationships. Mastering clarity with data and building emotional connections are the keys to success in automotive marketing today. Ready for clarity and connection with Experian data? Lead the way in creating customer-first experiences that fuel long-term growth. Connect with Experian Automotive and start driving measurable impact. Learn More https://www.coxautoinc.com/insights-hub/q3-2025-ev-sales-report-commentary/ https://www.experian.com/automotive/auto-credit-webinar-form https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/inside-q4-s-new-vehicle-trends-and-how-dealers-are-adjusting-2025-10-28 https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/one-price-vs-negotiation-what-four-operators-say-really-builds-trust-and-gross-2025-10-16 https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/5-powerful-chatgpt-hacks-car-dealers-are-using-to-supercharge-their-business-insights-2025-09-19

Electric vehicle (EV) registrations are re-gaining momentum as a wave of more affordable models hit the market, pushing more consumers than ever to make the transition. According to Experian’s State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q3 2024, EVs made up 10.1% of new vehicle financing this quarter, increasing more than 30% from last year. Furthermore, 45% of EV consumers leased their vehicle in Q3 2024—resulting in EVs accounting for 17.3% of all new vehicle leasing. Of the top five transacted EV models this quarter, Tesla accounted for three—with the Tesla Model Y leading at 31.8%, followed by the Tesla Model 3 (14.3%) and Tesla Cybertruck (4.9%). Rounding out the top five were the Ford Mustang Mach-E (3.9%) and Hyundai IONIQ 5 (3.7%). Interestingly, data in the third quarter of 2024 found that consumers’ financing decisions vary based on the EV model they’re looking at. For example, 76.5% of consumers purchased the Tesla Model Y with a loan and 13.1% opted for a lease; on the other hand, only 8.5% of consumers bought the Hyundai IONIQ 5 with a loan and 78.7% chose to lease. Despite the rising interest in leasing as more incentives and rebate programs roll out, some consumers still prefer to purchase their EV with a loan. Understanding financing patterns based on different models is key for professionals as they cater to the diverse preferences and determine the long-term viability of certain EVs and their potential for leasing renewals. Snapshot of the overall vehicle finance market As the finance market continues to stabilize, it’s notable that the average interest rate for a new vehicle fell year-over-year, going from 7.1% to 6.6%, respectively. However, average new vehicle loan amounts increased $736 from last year, reaching $41,068 in Q3 2024, and average monthly payments went from $732 to $737 in the same time frame. On the used side, average interest rates saw a slight uptick to 11.7% in Q3 2024, from 11.6% last year. Meanwhile, the average loan amount dropped from $1,195 over the last year to $26,091 this quarter and the average monthly payment declined from $538 to $520 year-over-year. With the overall market shifting and EVs re-sparking interest, automotive professionals should leverage how consumers are purchasing their vehicles based on average payments and the fuel type as more incentives are being offered. Monitoring these insights can unlock opportunities for tailored financing solutions that meet the needs of consumers as preferences continue to evolve. To learn more about automotive finance trends, view the full State of the Automotive Finance Market: Q3 2024 presentation on demand.

Quick Answer: A new consumer survey reveals that 90% of survey respondents would like to have more than one Vehicle History Report when shopping for a used car. Offering an Experian AutoCheck® VHR as a second Vehicle History Report is a smart, simple strategy to help you close more deals.   In today’s used car market, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. As buyers become savvier and more informed, dealerships need to find new ways to build trust and close sales. One simple yet effective strategy? Offering a second Vehicle History Report (VHR) to your customers. Why VHRs Matter So Much Let’s face it—buying a car is a big deal. Most people don’t just walk onto a lot and pick the first car they see. They do their homework, and a big part of that research involves Vehicle History Reports. In fact, a recent survey found that 70% of people used a VHR the last time they bought a car. And it’s not just a one-time thing—83% of buyers say they’ll use a VHR for their next purchase too. Why? Because these reports provide crucial details like accident history, mileage accuracy, and service records that give buyers confidence in their decisions. The Case for Offering Multiple VHRs Here’s something that might surprise you: 90% of surveyed car buyers said they’d like to see more than one VHR when shopping for a used car. Think about that for a second. People want that extra layer of reassurance that only comes from cross-checking information. This is especially true for those who prefer buying from dealerships—these customers expect comprehensive, reliable data before they make a decision. How Multiple VHRs Can Give Your Dealership an Edge So, what’s the big deal about offering more than one VHR? It’s all about trust and transparency. Just like banks look at multiple credit reports before approving a loan, offering multiple VHRs can help you provide a fuller, more accurate picture of a vehicle’s history. This can reduce your liability and protect your dealership’s reputation. We have done some digging into this, and the results are eye-opening. For instance, in one case study, a dealership found additional damage events through an Experian AutoCheck® VHR that weren’t picked up by other VHRs. This kind of discrepancy shows just how valuable it can be to provide that second report—it helps ensure that all the facts are on the table, which protects both you and your customers. Meeting and Exceeding Customer Expectations Here’s something else to keep in mind: people expect dealerships to go the extra mile. The survey found that 86% of used car buyers believe VHRs should be provided for free by the dealership. By offering multiple reports at no additional cost, you’re not just meeting their expectations—you’re exceeding them. And that’s a surefire way to boost customer confidence, satisfaction, and, ultimately, your sales. What You Can Do Today Offering a second Vehicle History Report is a smart, simple strategy to help you close more deals. It shows your customers that you’re committed to transparency and that you care about providing them with all the information they need to make a confident decision. In a competitive market, it’s the little things like this that can make a big difference. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you. Experian Automotive is here to help you with your vehicle history data needs.  If you’d like to learn more about our AutoCheck solution and how we can support you, click below to have someone from our team contact you.