CDK Global Automotive Dealership Software Antitrust Litigation
Case Overview
CDK Global and Reynolds & Reynolds are the dominant providers of Dealer Management System (DMS) software used by automobile dealerships nationwide to manage inventory, sales, and service operations. Beginning around 2015, the two companies allegedly conspired to block independent software vendors from accessing dealership data through their platforms, forcing dealers to pay artificially inflated prices for first-party integrations and add-on services. Thousands of auto dealerships filed suit, arguing this conduct violated federal antitrust laws by stifling competition and harming dealers financially.
The multidistrict litigation was consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois and involved both dealership plaintiffs and automotive data vendors. CDK Global agreed to a $100 million settlement in 2024 to resolve claims brought by the dealership class, one of the largest antitrust settlements in the automotive technology sector. Reynolds & Reynolds also reached separate resolutions. The case highlighted growing concerns about monopolistic practices in enterprise software markets and the captive relationships companies can create with business customers who rely on proprietary platforms.
Who May Qualify
U.S. automobile dealerships that paid for CDK Global or Reynolds & Reynolds DMS software or integration services between approximately 2013 and 2021 and were injured by the alleged anticompetitive conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did CDK Global settle the antitrust lawsuit with auto dealerships?
Yes. CDK Global reached a $100 million settlement in 2024 to resolve claims that it conspired with Reynolds & Reynolds to block third-party vendors and overcharge auto dealerships for software services. Reynolds & Reynolds also reached a separate settlement.
Which auto dealerships were eligible to join the CDK Global antitrust class action?
U.S. auto dealerships that licensed and paid for CDK Global's dealer management system software or integration services during the class period (roughly 2013–2021) were potentially eligible. The claims period is now closed.
What did CDK Global allegedly do wrong in the antitrust case?
CDK Global was accused of conspiring with competitor Reynolds & Reynolds to shut out independent, lower-cost software vendors from accessing dealership data, forcing dealers to use expensive first-party integrations and pay supracompetitive prices for software services.