The U.S. faces a critical synthetic motor oil shortage that could last until mid-2027 after the Iran war disrupted Middle East supplies that provide nearly half of key ingredients.
The U.S. war with Iran has disrupted Group III base oil imports needed to make synthetic motor oil. Nissan and Toyota are rationing supplies to dealerships while others stockpile inventory.
The six “illegal pricing practices" outlined by Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a letter he sent to 97 dealership groups in March.
Dealership collision revenue declined 3 percent in 2025 as competition from consolidators intensified. Complex repairs, thin margins and insurance pressures are forcing retailers to reconsider the business.
Dealers' views of their service and parts business currently and in the next three months improved in the first quarter, according to the Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index.
A catalytic converter anti-theft bill, supported by the National Automobile Dealers Association, has moved from a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
