Cars.com announced the launch of its AccuTrade Inventory Management System (IMS) on February 2, 2026, and showcased the platform during the National Automobile Dealers Association Show in Las Vegas from February 3 to 6. The new IMS delivers dealers instant online visibility and a fully connected acquisition‑to‑retail or wholesale journey, integrating precise appraisals, VIN‑level risk scoring, and end‑to‑end connectivity with Cars.com, Dealer Inspire and DealerClub.
The system bundles AI‑powered vehicle descriptions, driveway and service‑drive appraisals, real‑time inventory updates, online chat, Universal Condition Reports, and DMS integration. A forthcoming Service Drive feature will enable automated SMS texting to capture more acquisitions from the service lane, further tightening the dealer’s inventory loop. These capabilities are designed to streamline the dealer workflow and reduce the time and cost of inventory management.
Cars.com’s strategy behind AccuTrade IMS centers on leveraging AI to boost dealer profitability. By providing data‑driven valuations and risk assessments, the platform helps dealers price and exit inventory more efficiently, directly addressing the competitive pressure from other automotive technology providers. The launch also reinforces Cars.com’s broader Cars Commerce ecosystem, which includes Cars.com, Dealer Inspire and DealerClub, creating a seamless experience across acquisition, retail and wholesale operations.
Joe Oliveri, Senior Director of Product for AccuTrade, said, “Used‑car profitability is a huge opportunity in 2026, and AccuTrade is built to help dealers capture it. We equip dealers with proprietary data and essential appraisal and valuation tools, then meet them when they’re ready to scale with one connected inventory management platform that enables smarter pricing and seamless retail or wholesale decisions.” Chief Commercial Officer Lisa Gosselin added, “We are not just driving traffic; we are driving profit for our dealer partners. By putting AI‑powered technology and market expansion tools in the hands of our customers, Cars.com is connecting highly‑engaged shoppers with the right inventory, driving twice the lead conversion, and ensuring our partners grow faster and more profitably.”
The launch positions Cars.com against a backdrop of increasing AI adoption in automotive retail. Competitors are expanding their own data‑driven platforms, but AccuTrade IMS’s integration across the entire dealer value chain gives Cars.com a distinct advantage. The system’s focus on dealer profitability and its seamless connection to existing Cars.com, Dealer Inspire and DealerClub products are expected to accelerate revenue growth and improve gross profit margins in the used‑car supply chain.
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