Smarter stock sourcing: How to stay ahead in 2026

Whether you’re running a forecourt or an online showroom, it’s clear the used car market continues to present both challenges and opportunities. We’re seeing dealers finding it harder to source the right stock consistently and profitably, while navigating changes in supply, evolving customer expectations, and fiercer competition as dealerships get sharper with their data.

What if… you had something to help you source the right stock, at the best price, all in one place?

It’s no surprise that more dealers want better intelligence before they buy; having access to insights that reveal a vehicle’s real value, desirability, and risk, can make all the difference.

Later in this article we’ll explore a new tool built to do exactly that, and some other approaches that are helping dealers stay ahead this year. But first, we’ll cover what’s been happening in the used vehicle market and what to expect in 2026.

Mixed messages: Understanding the supply paradox

If the messaging around stock supply seems mixed, there’s a good reason; different market segments have been experiencing different realities simultaneously. While 2025 delivered strong transaction volumes, it also brought supply constraints in some areas, and surges in others.

- 100 %

Predicted drop in 5-7 year old vehicles in 20261

- 100 %

Fewer vehicles in the 3-5 year age bracket since 20191

0 m

Used vehicle transactions in 2025 (estimate)2

The supply squeeze

The toughest pressure has been in the 3-5-year age bracket, the traditional sweet spot for larger retailers. The root cause traces back to the 20-year low in new car registrations in 2022, due to chip shortages and supply-chain disruption. Looking into 2026, around 1.6 million fewer 3-5-year-old cars are predicted compared to 20191. Additionally, the supply squeeze will impact 5-7-year-old vehicles, with forecasts from Auto Trader suggesting the market won’t return to 2024 volumes in that age bracket for another decade.

The supply and demand surge

2025 reflections:

Last year marked the biggest used car market since 2019, with a 2% year-on-year increase in transactions2. Dealership stock levels also increased, with nearly-new cars rising by 10%3, while franchised sites and car supermarkets both reported an 11% uplift4. The used EV market was particularly strong with a 52% year-on-year increase in sales, outpacing demand growth of 28%5.

2026 outlook:

For 2026, predictions show 8 million transactions, a 3% year-on-year increase6, with one in five used cars under five years old being electric7. With 74% of buyers expecting to purchase within six months8 and CarMoney reporting an 18% year-on-year increase in loan volume9, consumer demand remains strong despite economic pressures.
+ 0 %

Rise in used EV sales in 20255

+ 0 %

Increase in nearly new (<12 months old) stock3

0 /10

Buyers plan to buy in next 6 months8

What this means for different types of dealers

Dealers relying on 3–5-year-old ICE stock still face tight supply and heavy competition. As those same challenges move into the 5-7-year-old bracket, dealers with more flexibility will be able to respond more proactively to the ongoing sourcing pressures. Franchised dealers with strong part-exchange flows are seeing stock levels improve, but independents and supermarkets focused on the traditional ‘sweet spot’ will continue to feel the squeeze.

Why every buying decision carries more weight

As the market becomes more segmented, getting sourcing right is more critical than ever. Margins remain tight, meaning there’s little room for error. Rising costs and changing interest rates are making buyers more price-conscious and shifting the stock ‘sweet spot’. In this environment, confidence in every purchase is essential to protect both profitability and stock turn.

Making smarter decisions with better insights

One area where dealers can find an edge is in how they assess vehicles before committing to purchase. Having detailed, reliable vehicle intelligence upfront can make the difference between a profitable stock turn and a costly mistake.

Vehicle Vitals is designed specifically for this challenge. Launching soon, it’s a new tool built directly into ClickDMS that gives you comprehensive vehicle insights before you buy; helping you make more confident sourcing decisions. It uses Autotrader’s trusted insights and vehicle data to help source the best stock for your business.

Vehicle Vitals provides instant access to:

  • Full vehicle history and background checks
  • Current vehicle valuations
  • Demand and pricing insights

Having access to this vital information, all in one place, will help you quickly understand which vehicles are selling fastest, which could potentially lose or gain value over time, and where the biggest margin and profit opportunities are.

For more information about Vehicle Vitals, you can register your interest here.

screenshots of Vehicle Vitals tool from Click Dealer
screenshots of Vehicle Vitals tool from Click Dealer

How different approaches are helping dealers

Here’s what we’re observing from dealers who are successfully navigating the current market conditions:

Embracing flexibility on stock profiles

Dealers who’ve broadened their age ranges are finding new opportunities; the key is adapting to where the increases in supply and demand are.

Prioritising stock turn over margin​

Focusing on volume and turnover is proving more profitable for some dealers, rather than holding out for higher margins on slower-moving stock, especially with rising holding costs.

Leveraging intelligence and data

Comprehensive vehicle history checks, valuations, and pricing insights can mitigate costly mistakes. Market intelligence also reveals opportunities where demand exceeds supply, helping dealers find profitable niches in competitive segments.

Building diverse sourcing channels​

Multiple reliable sources (from direct purchases to trusted auction partners) can provide better access to stock at competitive prices. Strong relationships with sources are proving valuable in a tight market.

Staying responsive to customer preferences​

Regular reviews of enquiry data and sales patterns ensure you’re stocking what customers want today. Buyer priorities around affordability and running costs continue to evolve, so staying close to these signals helps avoid costly stock-demand mismatches.

Tapping into tech partners and expert guidance

Working with industry specialists, platform providers, and trusted advisors can uncover smarter sourcing routes you may not see day to day. From identifying under-valued channels to streamlining processes and spotting market shifts sooner, the right partners help remove guesswork – and reduce costly stock headaches.

Looking ahead

The view for 2026 is a cautiously optimistic one, balancing ongoing supply challenges with positive demand dynamics. Segmentation will persist, meaning dealers who adapt their stock mix to market conditions and invest in stronger sourcing insight will find more opportunities than those waiting for conditions to return to normal.

Success in 2026 will centre on flexibility, diverse sourcing, data-led decisions, and willingness to evolve with emerging trends. Whether exploring new stock profiles, refining sourcing approaches, or upgrading buying tools, significant opportunity exists for dealers who stay agile.

If you’d like to learn more about how Vehicle Vitals can support your stock sourcing process, register your interest here.

1 1.6 million (39%) fewer 3-5-year-old vehicles compared to 2019: Auto Trader
2 2% year-on-year increase in transactions: Auto Trader
3 Nearly new cars rose 10%: Auto Trader
4 Franchised sites and car supermarkets saw inventory rise 11%: Motor Finance Online
5 EVs 52% YoY increase in sales, outpacing demand growth of 28%: Auto Trader
6 Predicted 8 million transactions in 2026: Auto Trader
7 Predicted 1 in 5 used cars under 5 yrs old being electric: AM Online
8 74% of buyers expecting to purchase within 6 months: Auto Trader
9 18% YoY increase in loan volume (CarMoney): Motor Trade News

Putting AI in the driver’s seat: How dealers are selling smarter and saving time

AI artificial intelligence hollogram on a laptop keyboard

AI (Artificial Intelligence) has quickly shifted from buzzword to business reality across almost every sector, and automotive retail is no exception. From smarter advertising to automated content creation, AI is helping dealers work faster, sell more efficiently, and make better data-led decisions.

The technology is no longer reserved for big brands or tech giants. It’s becoming a practical, day-to-day tool that’s improving everything from ad performance to how stock is presented online. For dealers, that means saving time on repetitive tasks and focusing more on what matters: building relationships, understanding customers, and closing deals.

Where AI is making a difference

Smarter Advertising

Digital advertising is one of the biggest areas transformed by artificial intelligence. Platforms like Google’s Performance Max, which is used to run Google Vehicle Ad campaigns, use machine learning to automatically find the best mix of channels, audiences, and creative assets. Behind the scenes, AI is constantly testing different versions of your ads and learning which ones get the best response from car buyers.

For car dealers, this means ad spend goes further. Click Dealer’s technology keeps your stock and adverts in sync, ensuring your listings reflect your priority vehicles, while campaigns update automatically without manual effort. But here’s the key: AI alone isn’t enough. Click’s Digital Marketing team takes what the AI suggests and adds their automotive expertise on top. They fine-tune campaigns based on what actually works in the motor trade. This combination of smart technology and human know-how delivers better results than either could alone. In a market where margins are tight, this partnership makes a real difference in getting more from your advertising budget.

Learn more about Google Vehicle Ads →

Content and vehicle listings

One of the biggest time sinks for dealers is writing consistent, engaging vehicle descriptions. Yet quality listings play a crucial role in converting online browsers into buyers. That’s where AI-powered content tools are proving invaluable.

Click Dealer recently introduced Auto Trader’s Co-Driver AI Vehicle Descriptions into the DMS. This new feature is designed to help dealers instantly create professional, on-brand descriptions based on real vehicle data. It saves time, ensures accuracy, and helps listings stand out across dealer websites and classified platforms. It’s a simple example of how AI can enhance dealership productivity without removing the human touch.

Getting found in AI search results

Search engines are changing how they work. Tools like Google are now using AI to give instant answers at the top of search results, rather than just showing a list of websites. This means dealers need to think differently about getting found online.

The key is making your content easier for AI to read and understand, which is also known as Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). It’s not just about appearing on page one anymore, it’s about making sure AI systems recognise your dealership as a trusted source when someone asks a question about cars. Clear descriptions, well-organised information, and proper tagging all help AI find and recommend your business.

Click’s Digital Marketing team is already adapting to this change. They’re focusing on creating helpful, detailed content and using the right technical formats to make sure your dealership shows up when potential customers are searching. Dealers who adapt to this new way of search now will have an advantage as more people use AI-powered search tools.

Generative Engine Optimisation GEO

Looking ahead

The future isn’t about replacing people with AI, it’s about empowering them and using AI to free up time for speaking with customers, following up leads, and focusing on actually selling stock. The best results come when technology handles the repetitive, time-intensive work, which ultimately frees up teams to do what they do best.

As AI continues to evolve, dealerships that embrace these tools will have a clear advantage; combining data-driven intelligence with human expertise to deliver a faster, smarter, and more seamless experience for people buying used vehicles.

At Click Dealer, we’re already exploring how these innovations can help dealers stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and fast-changing market. If you’d like to find out more about how your dealership could benefit from these tools, please get in touch.

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A Guide To Dealer Management Systems

As the automotive industry becomes more digital, many dealers are looking for ways to streamline their processes, improve efficiency and get better visibility across their business. That’s where automotive dealer management systems (DMS) come in. Whether you run an independent dealership or a larger multi-site operation, the right DMS can transform how you manage stock, sales, admin and customer communication — all from one platform.

Whether you’re new to dealer management systems or looking to understand their key features and advantages, this guide gives you a clear overview of how a modern DMS supports today’s automotive businesses.

 

What Does DMS Stand For In The Automotive Industry?

In the automotive industry, DMS stands for Dealer Management System. It’s a software platform that centralises key parts of a dealership’s operation, often bringing together:

  • Stock and vehicle management
  • Lead and enquiry tracking
  • Sales and finance tools
  • Advertising and marketing integrations
  • Reporting and performance insights
  • Accounting and Making Tax Digital support

A DMS removes manual processes and gives dealers a simple, organised way to run their business day-to-day.

 

Why Dealerships Use DMS Systems

Modern dealerships rely on DMS systems because they eliminate complexity. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, multiple platforms and manual updates, a DMS keeps everything connected — saving time, reducing errors and improving the customer journey.

Whether you’re handling valuations, uploading stock, managing enquiries or advertising online, a DMS makes these tasks faster and more reliable.

 

Key Dealer Management System Features

While every provider offers something different, most strong dealer management system features fall into a few core categories:

1. Dealer Inventory Management Systems

A strong DMS includes robust dealer inventory management systems, allowing you to:

  • Add and update vehicles quickly
  • Upload images and descriptions
  • Manage image overlays and banners
  • Automatically pull accurate make, model, variant, and vehicle history data
  • Advertise stock across multiple platforms
  • Sync vehicles to your website in real time

This ensures customers always see accurate and up-to-date stock online.

 

2. Lead and Enquiry Management

Centralised enquiry tools help sales teams respond faster and more consistently. Key features often include:

  • Lead tracking and CRM functionality
  • Setting and viewing actions and reminders
  • Customer history logs
  • Unified communication records
  • Lead source tracking to see the most successful advertising channels

This creates a more professional and reliable buying experience for customers.

 

3. Sales & Finance Tools

Many DMS systems also streamline sales and finance workflows with:

  • Finance calculators
  • Expense recording
  • Deal management processes
  • Document-generation tools
  • Supporting with Making Tax Digital
  • Accounting software integrations for easy book keeping

These tools reduce admin time and speed up the sales process.

 

4. Reporting & Performance Insights

Clear reporting is one of the biggest DMS benefits. Dealers can monitor:

  • Profitability of certain make/models
  • Lead sources
  • Conversion trends
  • Sales and KPI performance
  • Advertising results
  • Making Tax Digital and FCA Reg Data reports

Better insights lead to better decisions.

 

5. Advertising & Website Integrations

High-performing DMS software integrates with major advertising platforms and dealership websites, ensuring your stock appears instantly where buyers are searching.

 

DMS Advantages for Modern Dealerships

There are many DMS advantages that directly support dealership growth:

Greater Accuracy

Automation means fewer manual errors and more reliable data.

Better Stock Visibility

Dealers can easily see the status of a vehicle and the actions needed to be taken to manage the vehicle sale.

A More Professional Customer Experience

Consistent processes help prevent missed enquiries and speed up responses.

More Sales Opportunities

When stock, leads and sales tools work together, conversion rates naturally improve.

Time Saved Across the Business

Teams spend less time on admin and more time selling.

These are the real-world DMS benefits that help car dealerships stay competitive.

 

How to Choose the Right DMS Software

When comparing DMS software, consider:

  • Website and advertising integrations
  • Ease of adding and updating stock
  • Supporting you with Making Tax Digital
  • Lead management features and sales process
  • Reporting capabilities
  • Whether it’s designed specifically for automotive
  • The level of ongoing support offered

A good system should not only meet your needs today, but scale as your dealership grows.

 

Why Dealerships Trust Click Dealer’s Dealer Management System

As a leading provider of automotive dealer management systems, Click Dealer builds its DMS around real dealership workflows. Our platform brings stock management, lead tracking, sales tools and performance data into one seamless system — helping dealers operate more efficiently and sell vehicles faster.

With automotive-led development, expert support and continuous optimisation, we give dealerships the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market.

 

DMS Final Thoughts

A dealer management system is more than just software – it’s the operational backbone of a modern dealership. By understanding the features, advantages and everyday benefits of DMS systems, dealers can make confident decisions that support long-term growth.

If you’d like to explore how a DMS could help your dealership, our team is here to guide you. Reach out to our friendly team today.

How to Maximise Automotive Lead Generation

The question on every dealer’s mind is simple: how do I generate more leads – and how do I do it at the right price? In today’s competitive market, automotive lead generation is judged on performance, not just volume. Dealers want enquiries that convert, budgets that work harder, and clear visibility on what’s delivering real return.

Experienced dealers know there’s no single silver bullet. The strongest results come from a joined up strategy that blends proven digital channels with the right technology behind the scenes.

 

How Car Dealership Lead Generation Really Works

Effective car dealership lead generation starts with visibility. Buyers begin their journey online, comparing stock, finance options, and dealerships long before they make contact. That’s why modern lead strategies combine multiple digital marketing methods, including SEO, PPC, Google Vehicle Ads, and social media marketing.

Each channel plays a different role. Some capture buyers actively searching, others influence consideration earlier in the journey. What matters is understanding how those channels work together, and knowing which ones consistently deliver qualified enquiries rather than wasted spend.

Click Dealer are award-winning automotive experts with over 20 years’ experience helping dealers generate, manage, and convert leads. Our digital marketing strategies are built specifically for the motor trade, focusing on performance, transparency, and measurable results.

 

Turning Website Visitors into Leads

However, getting buyers to your site is only half the battle. Once they arrive, your website needs to do the heavy lifting.

Your dealership website shouldn’t just look good – it should actively convert. Click Dealer’s automotive website designs are built around customer behaviour, making it easy for buyers to find stock, explore finance, and enquire with confidence. Fast load times, mobile-first layouts, and clear calls to action all play a critical role in turning browsers into leads.

Every element is designed to reduce friction and increase engagement, helping transform website traffic into genuine enquiries rather than missed opportunities.

 

From Automotive Lead Generators to Real Sales

Not all automotive lead generators deliver the same results. What matters most is what happens after the enquiry is made.

Effective lead generation doesn’t stop at acquisition, it’s about managing the full customer journey. Once a lead is captured, speed of response, visibility, and consistent follow-up determine whether it converts into a sale.

This is where Click Dealer’s advantage becomes clear. Because we deliver both digital marketing and integrated lead management solutions, dealerships gain complete visibility from first click through to final sale. Every enquiry is tracked, attributed, and measured, allowing dealers to see which campaigns, channels, and vehicles are truly driving revenue.

 

Generating Better Leads at a Better Price

With Click Dealer, automotive lead generation becomes a connected, measurable process – not a guessing game. The result is smarter marketing spend, stronger conversions, and a lead strategy built to scale with your dealership.

 

Ready to Generate Leads at a Better Price?

Speak to one of our automotive experts today and find out how Click Dealer can help you attract, track, and convert more high-quality enquiries.

Google Partner: Fast-Track Google Vehicle Ads – Click Dealer

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Google Partner Status:

Your Advantage for Approved Google Vehicle Ads

Driving Results with a Trusted Google Partner

The automotive search landscape is shifting fast. Car buyers are turning to Google more than ever before, and Google Vehicle Ads (GVA) are leading that transformation—placing your live stock directly in front of ready-to-buy customers.

As one of the few UK agencies with official Google Partner recognition, Click Dealer is also a certified Google Vehicle Ads Partner, helping dealerships unlock this powerful new channel with confidence. From setup to optimisation, we simplify the process and ensure your campaigns meet every requirement for Merchant Centre approval and long-term success.

What Are Google Vehicle Ads?

Google Vehicle Ads are highly visual listings that showcase your live vehicles directly within Google Search results. Each advert links straight to your website’s vehicle detail page, connecting you with customers already searching for cars like yours.

These ads are:

  • Visual and engaging – highlighting make, model, price, and mileage at a glance.
  • High intent – targeting buyers who are actively in-market.
  • Data-driven – powered by your product feed for accuracy and performance.

They operate in a similar way to Google Shopping Ads, but are designed specifically for vehicle inventory—giving car dealers a competitive edge in a crowded digital space.

By integrating your Click DMS stock feed with Google’s Merchant Centre, your listings stay accurate, compliant, and visible around the clock.

Learn more about Google Vehicle Ads →

What Does It Mean to Be a Google Partner?

Google Vehicle Ads are highly visual listings that showcase your live vehicles directly within Google Search results. Each advert links straight to your website’s vehicle detail page, connecting you with customers already searching for cars like yours.

These ads are:

  • Visual and engaging – highlighting make, model, price, and mileage at a glance.
  • High intent – targeting buyers who are actively in-market.
  • Data-driven – powered by your product feed for accuracy and performance.

They operate in a similar way to Google Shopping Ads, but are designed specifically for vehicle inventory—giving car dealers a competitive edge in a crowded digital space.

By integrating your Click DMS stock feed with Google’s Merchant Centre, your listings stay accurate, compliant, and visible around the clock.
For further guidance, visit Google’s Merchant Centre guide

Are You Ready for Google Vehicle Ads?

Even experienced marketers can find Google Vehicle Ads setup challenging—policy disapprovals, missing data, or mismatched feeds can easily cause delays.

As an official Google Vehicle Ads Partner, Click Dealer takes care of the heavy lifting:

  1. Connecting your DMS feed seamlessly with Google Merchant Centre.
  2. Managing and monitoring approvals, fixing data issues before they affect your campaigns.
  3. Optimising for conversions—not just impressions—so your budget drives real leads.

Ready to explore what GVA can do for your dealership? Book a free Google Vehicle Ads consultation, or watch our latest How to Master GVA webinar

Simplify Google Vehicle Ads with Click Dealer

Partnering with an accredited Google Vehicle Ads Partner gives your dealership a genuine advantage—technical expertise, quicker approvals, and consistent campaign performance.

Let’s make digital retail simpler, smarter, and more profitable.
Book your free Google Vehicle Ads consultation today.

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