Big Moves, Smart Money, and Giving Back: Takeaways from NADA 2025

Big Moves, Smart Money, and Giving Back: Takeaways from NADA 2025

If you attended NADA 2025, you know that the unexpected snowstorm in New Orleans wasn’t the only surprise of the event. Just as dealerships are accustomed to navigating sudden weather shifts, they are also adept at adapting to rapid industry changes. From evolving customer expectations to emerging technologies, staying ahead in this market requires strategic foresight and innovative decision-making.

This year’s conversations went beyond the usual discussions of inventory and sales tactics. The focus shifted to the sustainability of dealerships in an unpredictable economic environment. How can dealerships weather financial cycles while remaining agile and resilient? What role does financial strategy play in securing long-term success, and how can operational efficiency translate into tangible benefits for both businesses and their communities?

We walked the floor, engaged with dealers, finance teams, and industry leaders, and here’s what we learned.

Innovation Is Moving Beyond the Sales Floor

The automotive industry has long been transformed by digital tools that improve the customer experience — from seamless online browsing to integrated financing options. Yet, behind the scenes, many dealerships still rely on antiquated manual processes to manage their financial operations. These outdated systems create bottlenecks, increase operational costs, and expose businesses to major vulnerabilities. The NADA 2025 expo revealed a clear trend: Financial operations are catching up to customer-facing innovations.

Automating key financial processes, such as cash flow management, vendor payments, and payroll, is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Dealerships embracing automation have reduced invoice processing costs by as much as 78%, freeing up capital for reinvestment into growth opportunities. Moreover, automation allows for better risk management, smoother cash flow, and improved strategic planning.

But automation alone isn’t enough. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for dealerships to enhance their financial operations. AI-driven solutions are being used to detect fraudulent transactions, increase reporting accuracy, and optimize accounting workflows. The shift from reactive to proactive financial management is equipping forward-thinking dealerships with an edge, enabling them to stay ahead of market fluctuations and better serve customers.

Takeaway: Dealerships that extend the same level of innovation to their financial operations as they do to their sales and customer experience are positioning themselves for sustainable, long-term success.

Smart Spending and Strategic Investments Are Key to Staying Competitive

With economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating interest rates, dealerships must rethink their financial strategies to maintain an advantage. While cutting costs is one avenue, smart dealerships are focusing on making targeted investments that offer long-term profitability. This is especially true in the area of financial transparency.

Real-time financial visibility is a game-changer. Dealerships leveraging automated accounts payable solutions gain immediate insights into their cash flow, enabling them to make informed, timely decisions. This level of visibility improves cash management and enhances overall decision-making, from inventory optimization to marketing spend.

Data-driven strategies are also transforming financial planning. By integrating Customer Data Platforms (CDPs), dealerships can consolidate data from disparate sources, allowing them to make smarter decisions about inventory management, customer targeting, and resource allocation.

Another emerging trend at NADA 2025 is the transformation of payments into a revenue-generating stream. Dealerships are increasingly capitalizing on rebate programs tied to payment automation. These funds, once seen as peripheral, are now being reinvested into marketing campaigns, employee programs, and community initiatives. Rather than leaving money on the table, savvy dealerships are using it to fuel business growth and social impact.

Takeaway: Dealerships that optimize their spending and make strategic investments in technology, while reinvesting in growth areas, are the ones who will stay ahead of their competitors.

Real-Time Reporting: A Critical Advantage for Dealerships

Operating a dealership without real-time financial data is like navigating a car without a dashboard. Sure, you may reach your destination, but you won’t know what’s happening under the hood until it's too late. This year’s NADA underscored the growing importance of real-time reporting in dealerships.

For years, many dealerships have operated with outdated financial reporting systems, relying on slow, manual processes that provide lagging insights. This inefficiency is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Real-time reporting — paired with automation — is changing the game. Dealers can now track expenses, monitor cash flow, and detect trends in real time, allowing them to act swiftly to optimize financial performance.

Security is another driving force behind automation. With a staggering 80% of organizations experiencing payment fraud attacks in 2023, dealerships are prime targets. Automated payment systems, with built-in fraud detection mechanisms, can help safeguard against these risks. By verifying vendors and flagging suspicious transactions before they occur, dealerships are reducing the likelihood of costly fraud incidents.

Takeaway: Dealerships with access to real-time financial data are making more informed decisions, improving cash flow, and protecting themselves against fraud and unnecessary risk.

Dealerships Are Strengthening Their Communities Through Strategic Financial Practices

Beyond profitability, dealerships at NADA 2025 emphasized the critical role they play in their communities. For years, dealerships have supported local charities and sponsored community programs. But now, there’s a direct correlation between financial efficiency and community impact.

Many dealerships are using the rebates earned through payment automation to fund initiatives that go beyond the business. These funds are being used to support local schools, small businesses, and disaster relief efforts. Additionally, some dealerships are reinvesting in employee benefits, recognizing that a well-supported workforce contributes to better customer service and business longevity.

Consumers are noticing this shift. Studies show that 71% of consumers prefer to purchase from purpose-driven companies. Dealerships that efficiently manage their finances not only drive growth but also create stronger connections with their communities and customers.

Takeaway: Efficient operations lead to stronger community impact, helping dealerships foster loyalty and give back to the neighborhoods they serve.

Looking Ahead: The Digital, Purpose-Driven Dealership

The overarching theme at NADA 2025 was clear: Dealerships that embrace automation, leverage data, and reinvest in their communities will be the ones that lead the industry forward. Over the next few years, 91% of mid-sized companies are expected to adopt automated accounts payable solutions, signaling a broader industry shift toward greater financial stability, fraud prevention, and smarter resource allocation.

By embracing these changes, dealerships can streamline their operations, improve cash flow, and safeguard their businesses from volatility. More importantly, they’ll be poised to make a significant impact on their communities and strengthen their long-term success.

For dealerships looking to streamline operations, improve cash flow, and future-proof their businesses, Corpay’s in-house experts are ready to help. Let’s talk about how smarter payments lead to smarter business.