Digital Dealer Spotlight Interview

Lauren Donalson, recently promoted to CEO of PureCars, has spent over a decade growing with the company—and now is one of the youngest female CEOs in the automotive marketing space. Reflecting on her early experiences in her family’s dealership, she says, “I absolutely appreciate that my father and the team at the stores treated me the same way any entry-level employee would be treated. It inspired me to learn new skills with tenacity, prioritize quality work, and take pride in the value of my contributions to our stores’ successes.”

Google has announced that the Vehicle Listings on Google feature (formerly Cars for Sale) has been discontinued. This update marks a significant shift in how dealerships can display inventory within their Google Business Profiles. Once the feature is removed, dealerships will no longer be able to showcase live inventory directly in search results — which could reduce visibility for active shoppers if no alternative strategy is in place. But there’s good news: PureCars has proven, data-driven solutions to ensure your dealership continues to reach ready-to-buy shoppers on Google and beyond.

PureCars, the leading customer data and marketing platform for automotive dealers, announced its selection as one of the preferred partners in Nissan’s new AI Lead Nurturing Program. This collaboration will empower Nissan dealerships to significantly enhance customer interactions and accelerate conversions through seamless, personalized, and real-time AI-driven communication, ultimately driving sales and service growth.

The final stretch of the year is one of the busiest — and most profitable — times for dealerships. Between holiday shopping, year-end bonuses, and shoppers hunting for deals before the new year, Q4 offers an unmatched opportunity to reach buyers at the perfect moment. But with so many brands competing for attention, how can your dealership stand out? Amazon advertising is the key.

Get ready for NADA 2026 in Las Vegas—the premier gathering for the automotive industry! Dealership leaders, innovators, and trailblazers from across the country will come together to explore the latest technology, network with peers, and gain insights to drive their businesses forward.

As we move into the holiday season, automotive dealerships face a unique opportunity: Q4 is one of the most critical times of the year for both sales and service. Between Black Friday promotions, end-of-year incentives, and the gift-giving mindset of customers, the timing is perfect to connect with your audience in a meaningful way. At PureCars, we know that staying connected with your customers is key to long-term success. Our Direct Mail Marketing helps dealerships engage past customers, attract new buyers, and drive more service visits with personalized, data-driven outreach.

The holiday season is all about giving. For dealerships, the best gift you can give your business isn’t a one-time promotion or seasonal discount. It’s clean, centralized, and actionable customer data that drives results across sales, service, and marketing long after the decorations come down.

When Lauren Donalson joined PureCars in 2015, she couldn’t have imagined the journey ahead. Over the past decade, she’s held nearly every leadership role within the company. In February 2024, she became President. And just last month, she stepped into her newest role as CEO.

At this year’s Digital Dealer Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, PureCars took the stage to share one of the most talked-about strategies for driving dealership success: maximizing the power of your Customer Data Platform (CDP).