CDK Global Automotive Software Antitrust Litigation
Case Overview
CDK Global and Reynolds and Reynolds together control an estimated 75% of the U.S. dealer management system (DMS) market — the backbone software that auto dealerships rely on for sales, service, finance, and inventory. Plaintiffs, a class of roughly 15,000 independent auto dealers and third-party data integrators, allege that the two companies entered into unlawful agreements to block competing software vendors from accessing dealer data and to fix the prices dealers pay for DMS services, in violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
The litigation, consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois under Judge Dow, involves parallel tracks for auto dealers and data integrators. CDK reached a $100 million partial settlement with dealer plaintiffs in 2022. The case against Reynolds and Reynolds continues, with class certification granted for the dealer class. In 2024, the case entered a critical pre-trial phase, with both sides filing extensive expert reports on damages, which plaintiffs estimate exceed $1.5 billion. Trial is anticipated in 2025–2026.
Who May Qualify
U.S. automobile dealerships that licensed a DMS from CDK Global or Reynolds and Reynolds at any point between approximately 2013 and the present, and/or third-party vendors that were blocked from accessing dealer data during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CDK Global antitrust lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleges that CDK Global and Reynolds and Reynolds colluded to monopolize the dealer management software market, forcing auto dealerships to pay inflated prices and blocking competing third-party vendors from accessing dealer data.
Can my auto dealership join the CDK Global class action?
If your dealership licensed a DMS from CDK Global or Reynolds and Reynolds between roughly 2013 and today, you may be a class member. You should monitor official case communications or consult with class counsel for specific eligibility details.
Has the CDK Global case settled?
CDK Global reached a $100 million partial settlement with the dealer plaintiff class in 2022. The litigation against Reynolds and Reynolds remains active and has not yet settled.