Research Methodology

Purpose and scope

The State of Automotive helps dealership teams understand the technology, agencies, and service providers that shape their digital operations. Our work is intended to make early-stage research more useful: identify relevant providers, establish context, and surface questions a buyer should investigate.

It is not a certification program, a complete market census, or a recommendation that every listed company is right for every dealer. Coverage reflects editorial priorities and the evidence available at the time of review.

Evidence we use

Research begins with public information. Depending on the subject, this can include public web signals from dealership websites, company websites and product documentation, published announcements, public reporting, and other sources that can help establish a company's category, capabilities, and market presence.

Public signals have limits. A technology detected on a website is evidence of an observed implementation, not a complete customer roster, an endorsement, or proof of current product quality. Vendor materials describe a company's own position; they are useful context but are not treated as independent proof on their own.

How we form assessments

We compare information across available sources and distinguish observed facts from interpretation. When the evidence is incomplete, conflicting, or time-sensitive, we aim to state the limitation rather than present an inference as settled fact. Editorial coverage focuses on practical buying context: where a provider fits, what a dealership should verify, and which trade-offs may matter.

Market conditions, integrations, pricing, ownership, and product capabilities change. Readers should confirm decision-critical details directly with providers and through their own technical, legal, security, and commercial review.

Independence and commercial relationships

The site may accept clearly labeled sponsored placements and featured listings. Those arrangements do not control editorial conclusions, rankings, comparisons, or the inclusion of relevant limitations. We do not accept affiliate commissions or referral fees from vendors.

Corrections and updates

We welcome factual corrections and updated information. A correction should identify the page, the specific claim, and a source that supports the change. Submitting a correction does not guarantee an edit, but material, substantiated issues are reviewed against the available evidence.

Research Desk is the organizational byline for work produced under this process. Learn more about the Research Desk byline or return to About The State of Automotive.