Dealerships face an unprecedented mix of challenges in 2026, from rising vehicle prices to rapidly changing consumer preferences. On today’s episode of Driving Solutions, Matt Weiss, Vice President of Market Analytics and Product Strategy at S&P Global Mobility, shares how connected data and real-time insights are reshaping decisions across the automotive industry and helping dealers navigate these market dynamics.
Affordability is a central issue for dealers and OEMs. The average new vehicle price now exceeds $52,000, with monthly payments climbing above $800, and nearly 20% of customers paying over $1,000. Rising lease returns, particularly for electric vehicles, further complicate planning. These pressures require actionable, timely data to guide every decision from incentives to inventory management.
Disconnected and latent data present a significant challenge for many dealerships. Dealers and OEMs must synthesize diverse sources—including registration data, market scans, and partner contributions—to uncover meaningful insights. Real-time information allows dealers to adjust incentive programs, manage inventory fluctuations, and refine marketing efforts quickly. Dynamic decision-making and scenario planning have become essential to staying competitive.
S&P Global Mobility is bringing several new solutions to the 2026 NADA Show. Mobility Pulse 360 offers dealers and OEMs an intuitive platform with advanced analytics and connected data sets. The tool measures both lead and lag indicators, such as advertised inventory and vehicle stock, to anticipate market shifts and guide incentive and media strategies. Market Impact provides detailed regional performance insights, helping dealerships identify whether share losses stem from brand issues or competition in specific markets.
"What we're seeing when we talk to our customers is that they want more insights into the data that can help them make decisions to do better, to sell more cars, and make their customers happy."
Affordability Insights, S&P’s proprietary AI solution, focuses specifically on vehicle pricing and financing trends, helping dealers and OEMs make informed decisions that maximize sales while maintaining customer satisfaction. By combining real-time data, predictive analytics, and a user-friendly interface, these solutions allow dealerships of all sizes to compete on equal footing with larger groups.
Weiss highlights the importance of integrated, end-to-end solutions. PAS Media, Market Scan, and Automotive Mastermind are now closely aligned to deliver a seamless workflow. Connected data, embedded with advanced analytics, makes it easier for decision-makers to act quickly, optimize incentives, and respond to market changes as they occur.
The broader impact on the industry is significant. Efficient data use can improve incentive allocation, optimize marketing campaigns, and ultimately increase profitability. With $60 billion in incentives projected for 2026, nearly $24 billion of it currently unaccounted for, precise, data-driven decisions could unlock substantial value.
For dealers, these tools provide a competitive edge. Whether operating a single rooftop or a nationwide group, actionable insights enable operators to respond to local market conditions, refine pricing strategies, and engage customers effectively. The goal is to help every dealership maximize performance and customer satisfaction, regardless of size.
S&P Global Mobility continues to focus on continuous improvement, ensuring products evolve with market needs. Weiss underscores that serving customers well—both dealers and OEMs—is central to the company’s mission. By delivering reliable data, actionable insights, and integrated solutions, the company equips dealerships to navigate 2026’s challenges and position themselves for long-term success.
S&P Global Mobility will be at the 2026 NADA Show, located at Booth 3923 West.
