Used Car Week 2025: What’s New and Exciting

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Image courtesy of Used Car Week / Cherokee Media Group.

Used Car Week 2025 kicks off on November 17, bringing together leaders from every corner of the auto industry. As one of the most anticipated automotive industry conferences of the year, this event highlights the future of how vehicles are financed, sourced, priced, inspected, and remarketed. This year’s theme—“Agentic AI-led Intelligent Used Car Operations”—sets the tone for an event focused on smarter, data-driven decision-making across the used-car ecosystem.

With so many rapid changes in technology, consumer behavior, and compliance, 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point year. If you’re planning to walk the expo floor or visit providers like VinAudit at Booth #506, it’s a great chance to see what’s coming next in the used-car market.

What This Year’s Theme Means for the Industry

The phrase “agentic AI” reflects a new wave of technology—systems that don’t just assist but take initiative. Instead of passively waiting for input, these tools analyze, recommend, respond, and adapt in real time. For an industry built on timing, transparency, and risk management, that shift is significant.

In practical terms, AI-driven operations could mean smarter inventory sourcing, more accurate valuations, quicker recon turnaround, earlier fraud detection, and lending models that adjust faster to market behavior. It’s an emerging landscape where data moves quickly, and decisions become sharper because technology carries more of the load.

What Attendees Can Expect This Year

Used Car Week has always brought together diverse parts of the industry, but this year’s programming feels especially interconnected. Sessions explore the full ecosystem—finance, retail, wholesale, repossessions, and auto-tech investment—while showing how each area influences the others.

Attendees can expect big-picture insights into the used-car market, along with practical guidance on the rising role of analytics, evolving consumer expectations, and technology-driven processes. The conference also offers a closer look at emerging companies and tools shaping where the industry moves next.

Rather than focusing on one niche, the tracks collectively help participants understand how today’s challenges—pricing volatility, inventory gaps, used EV valuations, compliance pressure, and economic uncertainty—are all being reshaped by smarter, AI-supported workflows.

Key Highlights for UCW 2025

The 2025 theme—centered on AI-led intelligent operations—runs across the program and ties together many of the week’s core topics.

  • AI at the forefront: A unifying theme influencing discussions on innovation, automation, and predictive workflows across the used-car lifecycle.
  • Industry-leading speakers: Analysts, dealers, lenders, remarketers, technologists, and founders sharing practical insights and data-backed trends.
  • Interconnected tracks: Coverage across finance, retail, wholesale, repossessions, and auto-tech investment, showing how each sector impacts the others.
  • Exhibits and demos: Hands-on access to emerging tools, data platforms, inspection tech, AI-driven products, and solutions built to streamline operations.

All of these elements help Used Car Week 2025 attendees understand how challenges like pricing volatility, inventory gaps, evolving EV valuations, regulatory pressure, and shifting consumer expectations are being reshaped by smarter, AI-supported workflows. It’s a rare chance to see where the industry is heading as 2026 approaches.

Why This Year Matters More Than Most

The used-car market is still in transition. Prices continue to adjust, inventory availability remains unpredictable, and the rise of EVs is rewriting traditional valuation models. At the same time, regulators and consumers expect more transparency than ever before.

The 2025 Used Car Week arrives at a moment when the industry needs clarity—on both the challenges and the opportunities ahead. As the industry moves toward AI-driven operations, clean and reliable data matters more than ever. The conversations this year can help attendees refine strategies for 2026, strengthen operations, and explore ways to harness AI to become more efficient and more competitive.

Meet VinAudit at Booth #506

Our team will be available throughout the week to talk about market data, vehicle history, transparency tools, and integrations that can support your 2026 roadmap. Make sure to drop by—we look forward to connecting with you. Schedule a Meeting.

Turning Automotive Market Data into Action: Key Use Cases

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Markets don’t wait. Prices shift daily, promotions ripple across regions, and buyer preferences evolve in weeks—not quarters. An Automotive Market Data Feed gives teams a live read on what’s selling, where, and for how much. The real value isn’t a single report; it’s how the feed helps you move from insight to action across pricing, competition, inventory, marketing, trends, and leads.

Below is a connected overview of how the same data powers different outcomes across the operation—without turning it into a listicle. For a deeper dive into the product, see our Automotive Market Data Feeds page.

Market Clarity: Seeing the Landscape in Real Time

Every good decision starts with visibility. Pricing intelligence provides the baseline: live retail and trade-in context so each vehicle is positioned correctly for its market. With a trustworthy source of truth, you can spot outliers, react to weekend surges, and protect margin without flying blind.

On the same foundation, competitor intelligence reveals how nearby dealers and brands are moving—price drops, incentive launches, trim availability, and promo cadence. Think of it as a moving map: you see where you stand and how the ground is shifting. Together, pricing and competitor intelligence form a single pane of market awareness that speeds up both reactive and proactive decisions.

Operational Precision: Turning Data into Action

Inventory optimization works as a tight feedback loop—see, decide, move.

  • Signal: Check live mix, price-to-market, and velocity; flag outliers.
  • Decision: Choose the smallest effective change—price nudge, merchandising boost, or mix shift.
  • Move: Tighten pricing bands; refresh photos/VDPs and lot placement; order toward fast configurations.

Field notes: Make small weekly adjustments; watch days-to-sell, gross per unit, and aged count. Use the same inputs for data-driven marketing—promote rising price bands, heating ZIP codes, and high-intent models for faster turns and steadier gross.

Market Foresight: Understanding Demand and Generating Leads

Step back from day-to-day moves and look at the bigger picture. market trends and buyer insights explain why demand shifts—what people are leaning toward, where interest is building, and which seasons change the mix. You’ll see patterns like certain body styles gaining traction, option packages performing especially well in specific areas, or seasonal swings (AWD in snow states, commuter hybrids along busy corridors). That view guides product planning and next-quarter strategy.

All of it points to the customer. This is where sales lead generation gets warmer and more efficient. Instead of broad, cold campaigns, you focus on models with rising interest, neighborhoods showing unusual activity, and offers that match what shoppers are already considering. Prospecting becomes less about volume and more about timing and fit.

Quick signals to watch:

  • Unusual jumps in interest for a model or trim (searches, page views, inquiries).
  • Areas where promotions keep lifting traffic and responses.
  • Price ranges where inquiries and closes are consistently stronger.

Bottom line: a clearer read on what people want, where they want it—and a steadier stream of warmer leads.

From Data to Intelligence (How It Connects)

These aren’t isolated tools—they’re stages of one system. Pricing intelligence sharpens competitor intelligence. Together, they inform inventory optimization, which feeds smarter data-driven marketing. Strategic direction comes from market trends and buyer insights, while sales lead generation captures demand at its peak. Each function draws from the same live feed, so actions reinforce one another and outcomes feed back into planning.

Quick Reference (Cheat Sheet)

Use this snapshot to match each function to its job—insight in, action out.

  • Pricing intelligence: aligns retail and trade-in values with live market trends to protect margin.
  • Competitor intelligence: tracks rival pricing, promos, and mix to guide counter-moves.
  • Inventory optimization: matches stock to local demand; reduces aging and improves turns.
  • Data-driven marketing: targets the right audiences with the right offers at the right time.
  • Market trends and buyer insights: surface early signals that inform next-quarter strategy.
  • Sales lead generation: prioritizes high-intent opportunities anchored in real demand.

Together, these elements form a connected feedback loop—data shaping decisions, decisions refining strategy, and strategy guiding the next wave of data. The summary below distills how each part contributes to that cycle, turning information into measurable results.

Have a few specifics in mind—like update cadence, access methods, or setup steps? Jump to the full Automotive Market Data Feeds FAQ for details.

Turn Market Noise into Measurable Outcomes

See how a unified Automotive Market Data Feed turns market noise into clear, coordinated action—spanning pricing, competition, inventory, marketing, trends, and lead generation.

Request a demo

What Dealers Need to Know About Oregon SB840

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

What Does Oregon SB840 Require from Auto Dealers?

If you’re an Oregon auto dealer preparing for SB840, you’ll soon need to verify every used vehicle’s title before sale. At VinAudit.com, you can easily access NMVTIS-approved reports that satisfy SB840 requirements and keep your dealership compliant.

Oregon SB840 is a 2025 state law that takes effect on January 1, 2026, requiring licensed auto dealers to verify the title history of every used vehicle sold at retail. The law directs dealers to use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) — the official U.S. database that tracks vehicle titles, brands, and odometer readings — or another state-approved equivalent. A copy of the report must be kept in each deal file as proof of compliance.

The change moves compliance up front, into the sales process itself. In practice:

  • Every deal file for a used vehicle must include a copy of the NMVTIS (or state-approved) report.
  • If there’s no report, the sale isn’t considered compliant.
  • DMV audits will review deal jackets, not just title transactions.

For more background on exemptions and penalties, see our full Oregon SB840 Guide.

How SB840 Fits Into Everyday Dealership Work

SB840 simply says every retail sale of a used vehicle needs a title history report. Here’s how dealers can build title checking it into their daily routine:

  • Trade-in / Appraisal: Run a quick report when a car comes in so you know right away if it has a salvage, flood, or other branded title.
  • Before Repairs: Check the title before putting money into reconditioning. No point fixing up a car you can’t retail.
  • F&I Desk: Have the report printed or saved in the deal jacket before the customer signs. That way, it’s ready if the DMV asks.
  • Team Training: Show your sales and F&I staff how to make pulling a report second nature, just like running credit or printing a contract.

These aren’t extra hoops — they’re practical ways to stay compliant, avoid surprises, and show customers you’re being transparent about what they’re buying.

Oregon SB840 vs. California AB1215: Different Paths, Same Goal

While both states require title history verification before a used car sale, the new SB840 law in Oregon and AB1215 dealer disclosure requirement in California take slightly different approaches that every licensed dealer should understand. Each rule points to the same purpose — building transparency through verified NMVTIS title checks.

Requirement Oregon (SB840, 2026) California (Existing)
Effective date Jan 1, 2026 Already in effect
Must use NMVTIS? Yes (or state-recognized system) Yes (NMVTIS only)
Covered dealers All licensed retail dealers All licensed retail dealers
Exceptions New vehicles, wholesale, private sales, already branded titles New vehicles, wholesale, private sales
Recordkeeping Copy of report in deal file Copy of report in deal file

Key takeaway:
To keep retail transactions lawful and transparent despite different state rules, both Oregon and California rely on NMVTIS-compliant vehicle history verification.

Why Compliance Is More Than a Box to Check

Oregon’s SB840 law requires dealers to check vehicle title history before selling. Ignoring this rule can lead to serious consequences—but following it can also protect your business and build trust with buyers.

  • DMV penalties: Dealers who skip NMVTIS checks may face fines, license suspension, or increased regulatory scrutiny.
  • Legal liability: If a branded title (like salvage or flood) is missed and the buyer isn’t informed, the dealer could be held responsible in court.
  • Loss of trust: Failing to verify title history can damage relationships with customers, lenders, and business partners.

By contrast, here are the benefits of making NMVTIS checks part of your routine:

  • Customer confidence: Sharing verified title reports helps buyers feel secure and informed.
  • Fewer disputes: Catching title issues early reduces the risk of buybacks, arbitration, or complaints.
  • Consistent compliance: Dealer groups across states can use NMVTIS to stay aligned with local laws.

Checklist: Choosing the Right NMVTIS Provider

Not all vehicle history report services are created equal. As SB840 takes effect, here are the essentials every Oregon dealer should look for:

✅ NMVTIS Approval: Officially recognized to provide compliant title data.
✅ Audit-Ready Format: Downloadable files you can attach directly to deal jackets.
✅ Dealer Tools: Easy account setup, bulk report access, and transaction history.
✅ Reliable Support: Fast access to help when you need it.
✅ Comprehensive Records: Accident, salvage, insurance, and odometer updates in one report — see sample of NMVTIS-compliant report from VinAudit.

In short, SB840 means Oregon dealers now have to check a car’s title history before selling it. With VinAudit’s NMVTIS-approved reports, it’s easy to stay on top of the rule, keep your paperwork in order, and give customers extra peace of mind.

With SB840 enforcement around the corner, now is the time to put the right tools in place. VinAudit offers a full Dealer Program and Vehicle History API so you can run NMVTIS reports in bulk, integrate them directly into your workflow, and keep every sale compliant.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

All licensed Oregon motor vehicle dealers selling used, pre-owned, or secondhand vehicles at retail. It does not apply to private individuals or wholesale-only dealers.

Yes—if it’s formally recognized by the state and delivers the same core NMVTIS title data (brands, odometer, salvage) with timely updates. Using an NMVTIS-approved provider like VinAudit simplifies this: you meet the requirement without guessing whether a tool is compliant.

Brand-new vehicles with no NMVTIS record, dealer-to-dealer wholesale transactions, and private-party sales. Retail sales of previously titled vehicles are covered.

Through deal-jacket reviews and audits. Each file should include a report from NMVTIS or a state-recognized provider tied to the vehicle’s VIN. Dealer accounts with VinAudit make it easy to store, download, and retrieve audit-ready reports.

Exposure to fines, audits, potential license action, and civil liability if an undisclosed branded title reaches a buyer. Running and filing the report protects the store and the customer.

A copy (printed or digital) of the NMVTIS or state-recognized provider’s report, clearly linked to the VIN. Keep it with other sales paperwork so it’s easy to produce during a review.