TURNING TO TRUECAR

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week features Larry Dominique, Executive Vice President of Data Solutions at TrueCar, discussing the company's business model and the controversies surrounding it. TrueCar positions itself as a consumer advocate, providing market-based pricing data and a platform for buying and selling cars, often through affinity partners like USAA and Geico. Dominique addresses criticisms, particularly from manufacturers like Honda and dealers, regarding data usage and pricing transparency. He clarifies that TrueCar does not use dealer DMS data for pricing curves, which are derived from third-party aggregators. The discussion highlights the industry's shift towards greater transparency, with TrueCar aiming to provide consumers with awareness of fair pricing, while also working to offer better tools and a more symbiotic relationship with dealers. The segment also touches upon ALG (formerly Automotive Lease Guide) and its role in evaluating residual values, with Dominique explaining the factors influencing these valuations and the current trend of recovering residual values in the market.