Marketing Trends: What Dealers Need to Know

What’s Happening in Marketing This Month? Let’s Talk Trends 

Marketing doesn’t hit pause, and neither does your strategy. From emissions policy updates to smarter audience tracking and AI-powered search results, a few things are happening right now that could shape how you connect with car shoppers. 

The EPA Rolls Back Emissions Standards 

The EPA is dialing back its proposed emissions rules, stretching the timeline for electric vehicle adoption. Automakers now have more flexibility through 2027, which could ease pressure on EV inventory and open the door for more hybrid and traditional engine sales. 

What does this mean for your messaging? It’s all about balance. Shoppers still want efficiency but are not ready to “plug in” just yet. This adjustment allows dealers room to promote a broader mix of vehicles, without prematurely emphasizing the EV narrative. 

VXP Tool Helps Marketers 

Disney, Fox, and Paramount launched a new cross-screen planning tool with VideoAmp – VXP – that tracks viewers across streaming, traditional TV, and digital. 

That’s big news for advertisers. Instead of guessing where your audience is watching, you’ll have clearer insight into how and when they’re watching your ads. For automotive campaigns, that means better placement, better timing, and stronger ROI. You can stretch your ad dollars further by showing up exactly where shoppers are paying attention. 

Our media team at Strong Automotive can help you build smarter campaigns using real performance data, matching your message to the right screen at the right time. Whether it’s Hulu, YouTube, or cable TV, we make sure your ads hit where it counts and convert more in-market shoppers into buyers. 

Google Expands AI Search 

Google’s AI Overviews are showing up in more searches and changing how users interact with results. These smart summaries appear at the top of the page and often answer the user’s question without a single click. 

This means content needs to be sharp, scannable, and packed with value. Short paragraphs, clear headings, and locally relevant information are your best bet for staying visible. It’s less about keyword stuffing and more about actually answering what people are searching for – clear and fast. 

Let’s Make Your Marketing Smarter 

Trends shift fast, but that’s where Strong Automotive shines. Whether you need SEO that speaks to local buyers, creativity that gets clicks, or digital campaigns that stretch every dollar, we’ve got the tools and the team to make it happen.