Desrosiers UCDA SUrvey January 2025 Results

In partnership with DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC), the UCDA reached out to members to get a better understanding of trends in the automotive industry. Almost 400 UCDA members responded to the survey giving us a picture of 2024 and beyond.

Vehicle Sales in 2024 and Anticipated Sales in 2025

Overall, dealers, both franchised and independent, expect to sell more used cars in 2025 than they did in 2024.

Sourcing Vehicles

New and used car dealers continue to find it difficult to source used vehicles.

Most franchised new dealers source their used vehicles from customer sales or trade-ins, while most independent used car dealers buy their vehicles at auctions.

Dealers appear to be targeting ‘newer’ used vehicles or used vehicles in the ‘middle’ of their life, but are experiencing difficulties finding these vehicles.

Paying for Used Vehicles

Most customers are approaching independent used car dealers with cash in hand or funding from their own sources. Customers of new car dealers are purchasing used vehicles through loans arranged at the dealership.

Where are Deals Being Completed

Overall, customers continue to prefer to complete deals entirely at the dealership, with some contacting the dealership online first before closing the deal at the dealership. Very few customers complete their purchase or lease entirely online.

Interest in Used Electric Vehicles (BEVs and PHEVs)

Dealers, and their customers, continue to be slow to buy used electric vehicles. Many dealers continue to avoid selling used electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles (BEV) and/or plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), entirely. Overall, BEVs were more popular with independent used car dealers, whereas PHEVs were more popular with customers of franchised new dealers.

You can read the full survey here: