by Terry MacCauley - Posted 11 minutes ago
Big Time Advertising & Marketing is thrilled to be a proud Gold Sponsor of the 2025 NIADA Convention & Expo (June 23-26, Fontainebleau Las Vegas)! Our commitment to independent and Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealers runs deep, and we are constantly investing in the industry through sponsorships, innovative marketing solutions, and hands-on support to help your dealership thrive. Please stop by our booth (#307) to see how we are driving success for dealers like you.
Big Time Advertising & Marketing is having a blast at the 2025 NIADA Convention & Expo, rubbing elbows with the best in the used car industry. Whether you are here with us or holding down the lot, we have got a treat for today: a fun, fast, and fact-packed blog with the latest industry stats WE need to know. Plus, we will spill the beans on why joining your state and national associations (like NIADA) is the ultimate power-up for your dealership. So let’s hit the gas a little this morning.
Today, in light of having time to write an in-depth blog, I thought it would be fun and vital to share some eye-opening numbers that show how vibrant and challenging our industry is in 2025. These stats are always good to have a handle on and can help drive decisions now or shortly, but either way, you will be in the know.
Used Cars Rule the Road: Over 40 million used vehicles were sold in the U.S. in 2024, and independent dealers handled a massive chunk of those sales. You are the current backbone of the market.
BHPH is Booming: BHPH dealerships are thriving, with 33% of independent dealers offering in-house financing to meet demand for flexible payment options. Affordability is king.
Average Used Car Price: The average used car price hovers at $26,000, but BHPH dealers shine by offering vehicles under $15,000 to budget-conscious buyers.
Inventory Squeeze: Used vehicle supply is tight, with just 43 days’ supply on lots, the lowest in years. Time to get creative with sourcing
EV and Hybrid Surge: Hybrids are up 40% year-over-year, and EVs make up 16.7% of new vehicle sales. Independent dealers are jumping in with used EVs to meet demand.
Tariffs Loom Large: 33% of dealers cite tariffs as a business challenge in Q2 2025, up from just 7% in Q1. Stay sharp to navigate rising costs.
Digital Deals: Over 60,000 consumer-to-dealer phone calls show buyers expect instant answers on inventory and financing. A killer website and fast response times are non-negotiable
Employment Rebound: Dealerships employ over 1.1 million people nationwide, back to pre-pandemic levels. Your team is powering the economy.
Tax Season = Christmas: Tax season drives sales for BHPH and retail dealers alike, with buyers using refunds for down payments. Get ready for Q1 2026.
NIADA’s Reach: NIADA represents 40,000+ licensed dealers, advocating for your interests in D.C. and connecting you with game-changing resources like us and so many other great industry partners.
These stats paint a picture of an industry dynamic, resilient, and full of opportunity if you know how to play the game.
Opportunity Knocks: Low inventory and high demand mean smart dealers can stand out with targeted marketing and unique inventory (hello, affordable used EVs like them are not, they are not going away).
Stay Ahead of Challenges: Tariffs and tight financing (with low-APR loans drying up) require creative strategies, like BHPH’s flexible payment plans.
Go Digital or Go Home: Buyers are online and on the phone, so your website needs to be fast, mobile-friendly, and packed with clear inventory details to capture leads. Check out DaraCoreAI.com for a great solution to your website issues.
At Big Time Advertising & Marketing, we sre helping dealers like you boost their online presence with SEO and websites that shine. Stop by our booth at NIADA to chat about leveling up your digital game
If you are not already a member of NIADA or your state’s independent auto dealer association, you are missing out on some serious horsepower. Here’s why joining is a no-brainer:
Advocacy That Packs a Punch: NIADA’s been fighting for dealers since 1946, representing 40,000+ members in D.C. From battling tough regulations to pushing for fair policies, they’ve got your back. The 2025 Policy Conference (Sept. 15-16, Washington, D.C.) brings dealers face-to-face with lawmakers to shape the future.
Education to Win: NIADA’s Convention & Expo offers sessions on BHPH, marketing, compliance, and more, led by top dealers and experts. Learn how to boost profits and stay compliant with the latest rules.
Networking Gold: Programs like NIADA’s 20 Group let you swap ideas with other dealers, compare KPIs like gross margins, and discover what’s working nationwide. It is like a mastermind group for your dealership.
State-Level Support: State associations provide local advocacy, training, and events tailored to your market. They work hand-in-hand with NIADA for a one-two punch of support.
Stay Competitive: With challenges like tariffs and rising prices, associations keep you informed and equipped to adapt. Plus, members get discounts on tools and services to save you cash.
Big Time Tip: Join NIADA now to snag the early-bird rate ($545 for members) for next year’s convention. Visit niada.com or your state association’s site to sign up and start reaping the benefits.
Optimize Your Website: Ensure it’s mobile-friendly, fast, and packed with inventory details to capture online leads. Work with pros like Big Time Advertising & Marketing's all-new Get Best Used Cars and websites built on DaraCoreAI to nail SEO. Be careful and make sure you find a competent website provider. There are many pretenders causing many dealers headaches; they do not even realize they exist. Book an appointment with Chris Jackson, VP of Digital Operations at Big Time Advertising & Marketing, to learn more.
Join NIADA & State Associations: Get advocacy, education, and networking to stay ahead. Check out niada.com/20-groups for the 20 Group program.
Prep for Tax Season: Stock up on affordable vehicles and ramp up marketing for Q1 2026 to cash in on tax refund sales.
Big Time Tip: Contact Tax Max now to start properly preparing. Our factual observation is that most dealers wait too long to start preparing for a banger tax season.
Visit Us at NIADA: Swing by Big Time Advertising & Marketing’s booth #307 to talk marketing, SEO, and how we can drive more leads to your lot.
The independent and BHPH dealer world is full of energy, and 2025 is your year to shine. With the right stats in your toolbox and the support of NIADA and state associations, you are ready to tackle tight inventory, tariffs, and digital demands like a pro. At Big Time Advertising & Marketing, we are cheering you on and here to help your dealership roar with top-notch marketing and websites.
Please drop by our booth #307 at the NIADA Convention & Expo, or reach out to us anytime to supercharge your online presence. Let’s make 2025 the year your dealership dominates the lot.
Big Time Advertising & Marketing is proud to support independent and BHPH dealers nationwide. Connect with us at the 2025 NIADA Convention or online for marketing that drives results.
-by Terry MacCauley, Founder & CEO
Big Time Advertising and Get Best Used Cars are here to help you cut through the digital noise!
🔹 Google conversions down? We’ll explain why.
🔹 Wondering what’s working in digital marketing? We’ll break it down.
🔹 Need a no-pressure audit? We’ve got you.
🔹 SEO performance not where you want? WordPress might be holding you back.
We’re bringing AI-driven marketing, smarter vehicle feeds, and insights that move the needle.
Proud Gold Sponsor & National Corporate Partner.
