Auto Dealerships

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Transforming dealerships for market disruptions 

In today’s market, dealerships and other automotive industry participants must meet the new challenges of an entirely transformed environment. But transformation is nothing new in the auto dealership industry. Now more than ever you need a team who can provide insights on what changing regulations and market disruptions mean, and the financial practices that will prepare you to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. 

Whether it’s market consolidation, shifting buyer journeys, Environmental Social Governance (ESG) modifications, regulation reform or the switch to electric vehicles, there is a revolving door of issues that can challenge even the most experienced dealerships, rental centers and other automotive retail businesses. However, when you have a business advisor who can provide the reliable, data-driven insights you need to reinforce overall financial practices and meet changing demands, you’ll be ready for what’s next. 

With decades of industry experience, BDO can help position your dealership to take advantage of emerging trends and set a strategic course for a promising future. As you move your business forward, you can rely on us for the critical advice you need to build resilience for the road ahead.

 

How BDO Can Help

Who We Serve

We work with dealerships of all sizes and sectors. 

Automotive Dealerships

Motorcycle & Power Sports Dealers  

RV Dealers

Rental & Fleet Operations

Experience You Can Count On

We provide world-class audit, tax and advisory services to dealerships ranging from single-point dealerships to regional and national franchises. Through every market evolution, our experienced professionals have helped clients adapt and strengthen tax strategies while maintaining regulatory compliance and managing risks. 

  • Financial reporting — Our professionals and digital audit suite can provide step-by-step advice that put you in control of your P&L.
  • Compliance and business consulting — We’ve helped dealerships navigate changing regulations and legislation through countless political administrations. 
  • Cash flow and internal controls — From transactional flow analysis to establishing best practices, we can help you manage operations and safeguard assets to drive greater margins.  
  • Dealership sales and M&A — Planning to buy, sell or transfer ownership? We have the valuation, due diligence and buy-sell experience you need. 
  • Online marketing strategies — With increasing competition from online buying services, your digital marketing strategies need to be razor sharp. We can help you stay relevant and out front.

Auto Dealership Insights

Explore our most recent resources and thought leadership.

FEATURED
Article

Driving Profits Newsletter

December 19, 2023
Article

Driving Profits Newsletter

December 19, 2023

Success in the dealership industry depends on adapting to ever-changing external factors.

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Case Study

Supporting Management and Stakeholders While Guiding a Business to Its Conclusion of Operations

July 15, 2024
Case Study

Supporting Management and Stakeholders While Guiding a Business to Its Conclusion of Operations

July 15, 2024

See how BDO helped a U.S.-based used car dealership and financing group navigate their journey through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

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Article

Auto Dealers: What to Expect After a Cyber Loss

June 28, 2024
Article

Auto Dealers: What to Expect After a Cyber Loss

June 28, 2024

North American auto dealers – like many other industry teams – are facing increased risk related to cyberattacks. Dealing with a cyber event is stressful and chaotic. Despite having the proper defenses and protocols in place, experiencing an actual intrusion will put the entire organization to the test.

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Article

Biden Administration Announces Final Results of Section 301 Tariff “Sunset Review” and Increases Duty on Many Goods of Chinese Origin

May 15, 2024
Article

Biden Administration Announces Final Results of Section 301 Tariff “Sunset Review” and Increases Duty on Many Goods of Chinese Origin

May 15, 2024

In a long-awaited development, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai announced on May 13, 2024, the results of the Biden administration’s “sunset review” of the Section 301 China tariffs first imposed in 2018.

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Article

Treasury Announces Long-Awaited Final Rules on Electric Vehicle Tax Credits

May 9, 2024
Article

Treasury Announces Long-Awaited Final Rules on Electric Vehicle Tax Credits

May 9, 2024

On May 3, 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department unveiled the final IRS regulations for the electric vehicle (EV) tax credit of up to $7,500 for new and previously-owned EVs.

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Article

Year-End Tax Planning Reminders for Auto Dealers

December 19, 2023
Article

Year-End Tax Planning Reminders for Auto Dealers

December 19, 2023

Auto dealerships have experienced yet another turbulent year of ups and downs. Union strikes, continued supply chain issues, and changing legislation have made it difficult for companies to navigate these turbulent times. Read the insight to see an outline of several year-end planning considerations and reminders to help you focus on taking full advantage of available tax benefits.

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Article

A 2023 Valuation Perspective on the Auto Dealership Industry

December 19, 2023
Article

A 2023 Valuation Perspective on the Auto Dealership Industry

December 19, 2023

The dealership industry is constantly evolving, and many external factors affect the valuation and profitability of dealerships – fluctuating inventory levels, interest rates, union strikes, new laws and regulations, inflation, and more combine to impact the industry. But generally, the outlook for next year is attractive.

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Article

Key Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act Impacting Auto Dealerships

December 19, 2023
Article

Key Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act Impacting Auto Dealerships

December 19, 2023

The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has created a momentous opportunity for companies to advance clean energy commitments while potentially reducing tax burdens.

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Article

U.S. Senate Committee Expands Alleged Forced Labor Probe Involving Major Automakers to Suppliers

April 12, 2023
Article

U.S. Senate Committee Expands Alleged Forced Labor Probe Involving Major Automakers to Suppliers

April 12, 2023

The U.S. Senate Committee is expanding its probe into alleged forced labor involving major automakers to their suppliers.

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Article

Sales Tax: Common Risks, Overlooked Deductions and Refund Opportunities for Dealerships

March 22, 2023
Article

Sales Tax: Common Risks, Overlooked Deductions and Refund Opportunities for Dealerships

March 22, 2023

This article summarizes some common risk areas, overlooked deductions, and refund opportunities for dealerships.

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Article

An Update on Renewable Energy Tax Credits for Dealerships

March 22, 2023
Article

An Update on Renewable Energy Tax Credits for Dealerships

March 22, 2023

The Inflation Reduction Act has created an opportunity for companies to advance clean energy commitments while lightening tax burdens. Learn what auto dealerships need to know.

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Article

Forced Labor and Proving the Negative with U.S. Customs

February 13, 2023
Article

Forced Labor and Proving the Negative with U.S. Customs

February 13, 2023

The pressure on U.S. companies importing goods from overseas to document that their supply chains are free from forced labor has never been greater or more critical.

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Article

Treasury, IRS Release Additional Information on Clean Vehicle Provisions of Inflation Reduction Act

January 25, 2023
Article

Treasury, IRS Release Additional Information on Clean Vehicle Provisions of Inflation Reduction Act

January 25, 2023

The U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS on December 29, 2022, released information on the clean vehicle provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new guidance provides greater clarity to consumers and businesses that, beginning January 1, 2023, are able to access tax benefits from the law’s clean vehicle provisions.

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Article

Newly Updated FTC Safeguard Rules & The Impact To Dealerships

November 14, 2022
Article

Newly Updated FTC Safeguard Rules & The Impact To Dealerships

November 14, 2022

Auto dealerships have plethora of business-related items to deal with on a dayto-day basis.

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Article

States’ PTE Tax Elections: Status and Issues to Consider for Dealerships

November 14, 2022
Article

States’ PTE Tax Elections: Status and Issues to Consider for Dealerships

November 14, 2022

Nearly 30 states now allow pass-through entities to elect to be taxed at the entity level as a workaround to the $10,000 federal state and local tax deduction limitation known as the “SALT cap.”

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Article

Dealerships and Unclaimed Property – What You Need to Know

November 14, 2022
Article

Dealerships and Unclaimed Property – What You Need to Know

November 14, 2022

Across the country, states are conducting unclaimed property audits of dealerships. Whether an item may be considered unclaimed property often requires a review of the dealership’s policies and procedures, as well as an understanding of how those items are recorded by the dealership.

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Together, we thrive.

Everything we do is rooted in our core purpose to help people thrive every day. It’s not only the right business thing to do; it’s the right human thing to do. This starts by putting our people at the center of our work and extends to how we treat and value our people, our clients and our communities. With a dedication to quality and a purpose-driven culture, BDO offers a powerful choice both for clients and those seeking rewarding professional careers.

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