CDK Outage Warped Days’ Supply
Cox data crunching shows near-record inventory total.

Though the supply is up 110% year-over-year, obviously abnormal for any time of year, it should normalize in the next couple of months.
Pexels/Kelly
The CDK Global dealership software outage dramatically inflated days’ supply last month, along with affecting sales, new data show.
The disruption, which impacted thousands of dealerships across the country that conducted business without dealer-management system access and other tech tools, clearly put the brakes on sales, according to Cox Automotive figures.
New-vehicle days’ supply started July, just before CDK brought most of its dealer customers back online, to 116 days. Cox says that’s one of the highest days’ supply ever, lower only than that of April 2020, just after pandemic lockdowns began. June opened at 81 days’ supply.
That’s up 110% year-over-year and obviously abnormal for any time of year, Cox pointed out, but it said the metric should normalize as CDK fully restores its various software systems.
In addition to the shutdown, Cox said extreme summer weather events and power outages in some areas may also have dampened sales, including in Houston, which it said is one of the biggest U.S. automotive markets.
Total U.S. inventory ended June at 2.9 million, up 52% year-over-year, Cox said.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
Consumer Outlook on the Rise
Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.
Read More →