Press Releases

Advance Automotive to Launch Catalyst IQ, a Marketing Tech Agency Fueled by Real-Time Data, Artificial Intelligence and Human Insights | WardsAuto
Advance Automotive (a division of Advance Local) announced the launch of Catalyst IQ—a comprehensive automotive marketing technology company integrating four industry-leading companies: Adpearance, Fox Dealer, Search Optics, and ZeroSum. Catalyst IQ will serve as a certified digital marketing provider for 22 Tier 3 OEM programs and is scheduled to officially launch on January 7, 2026.


ThunderSoft Unveils AquaDrive OS 2.0 Pre at CES 2026 Advancing AI-Native in-Vehicle Experiences at Production Scale | WardsAuto
ThunderSoft introduced AquaDrive OS 2.0 Pre at CES 2026, an upgrade to its AI-native vehicle OS, featuring Fusion Reality HMI, AI-driven contextual interaction, and multi-platform scalability. The platform aims to bring large AI models into vehicles at scale, with collaborations including NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and various ecosystem partners.

Dealerware Acquired by Growth Investors to Accelerate Product Development and Expand Range of Solutions | WardsAuto
Dealerware, a leading fleet management software platform for automotive OEMs and retailers, has been acquired by a group of growth investors led by Wavecrest Growth Partners and Radian Capital. The acquisition aims to accelerate product development and expand solutions for over 3,000 retailers and 100,000 connected vehicles across the U.S. and Canada.

SVD to auction off 100+ new fully operational MK-V EV tractors in Monarch Tractor #3 online auction | WardsAuto
Silicon Valley Disposition (SVD) is set to conduct an online auction for assets of Monarch Tractor #3, featuring more than 110 new, fully operational MK-V electric tractors. The sale, originating from the Livermore, CA facility, targets agricultural operators, fleet buyers, vineyards, orchards, and ag-tech companies.

Informativ Unveils SmartPencil and Payments API at NADA 2026 | WardsAuto
Informativ introduced SmartPencil and Payments API at NADA 2026, with the former helping dealers streamline transaction processes and the latter providing real-time payment calculation capabilities for software partners.


Yooz Announces CDK Integration Through the Fortellis Marketplace with CDK Payment Remittance Beta | WardsAuto
Cloud procure-to-pay (P2P) automation provider Yooz announced its integration with CDK, released via the Fortellis Marketplace, and launched the CDK Payment Remittance Beta, enabling dealers to automatically sync payment and remittance details to CDK Accounting, achieving full process automation, reducing manual operations, and enhancing audit readiness.

RockED and Dealerware Partner to Launch Dealer Mobility Industry Certification | WardsAuto
RockED and Dealerware announced a partnership to introduce the industry's first Dealer Mobility Fundamentals Certification. Scheduled to launch in March 2026, the program aims to equip dealer teams with the knowledge to structure, support, and scale mobility programs, enhancing operational efficiency and risk management capabilities.

Catalyst IQ Unveils Intelligent SEO/AEO Technology to Increase Automotive AI Search Results | WardsAuto
Catalyst IQ announced a new SEO, AEO, and GEO solution at the NADA convention, designed to help automotive dealers appear in AI-driven search results. The product uses real-time market intelligence to align content with actual inventory and demand, addressing the limitations of traditional keyword-based SEO.