AutoNation, Sonic Set Records as Publics Grow PVR
All six of America’s big publicly traded dealership groups enjoyed year-over-year gains in F&I profit per vehicle retailed in Q3, led by record highs at AutoNation and Sonic Automotive.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Sonic Automotive grew F&I profit per vehicle retailed by 18% on a same-store, year-over-year basis in the third quarter.
Photo courtesy Sonic Automotive Inc.
(Bobit) — Finance and insurance performance boosted profits and took the edge off plateauing new vehicle sales at all six of the nation’s publicly traded dealer groups in Q3, according to reports compiled by Automotive News.
AutoNation continues to set the pace with a Q3 PVR of $1,939, an 8.4% ($150) same-store year-over-year improvement. But Sonic Automotive led the pack with a remarkable 18% ($266) increase, reaching $1,771 in F&I profit per vehicle. Both set new quarterly records.
AutoNation and Sonic Automotive were trailed by Group 1 Automotive (up 3.2% to $1,751), Asbury Automotive Group (up 7.9% to $1,628), Lithia Motors (up 7.3% to $1,471), and Penske Automotive Group (up 4% to $1,262).
In Q3 calls with investors, executives variously warned that increasing used car sales, highline sales, and lease rates could dampen future results.
To read the full report, click here.
Originally posted on F&I and Showroom
More Industry

RV Group Expands Carolina Footprint
Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast is the 13th RV dealership owned by Blue Compass in the Carolinas.
Read More →
Agent Acumen
An Agent Summit panel of people who’ve been supporting auto dealers for years gave both timely and timeless advice for those starting out or mulling the prospect.
Read More →
Missed Maintenance Creates Opportunity
As families get back on the road and into daily school routines, service drives have an opportunity to capture customers who are behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Selling to Grow
The question of whether you should sell your agency and if so, when, is up to you. But it’s a question worth asking to ensure you keep the business on the right path for yourself, employees and clients.
Read More →
Recalled Vehicles Hit 5-Year High
Though the number of events has fallen so far this year, impacted units are up significantly. Meanwhile, regulators consider consumer notification changes.
Read More →
Auto Group Acquires Top-Performing Rooftop
Car Pros sold its Kia Huntington Beach location to Sutherlin Automotive Group, marking the buyer’s third location in Southern California.
Read More →
China as Pacesetter
Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.
Read More →
BMW Concept Car Makes Fuel to Burn
The prototype developed in concert with a South Carolina university engineering team generates more solar energy than it uses in a typical daily commute.
Read More →
South Carolina Auto Group Downsizes
Florida-based group Holler-Classic has acquired four rooftops, its first in South Carolina, from Dick Smith Automotive Group.
Read More →