NPE / CDK Global Automotive Dealership Software Antitrust Litigation
Case Overview
CDK Global LLC and Reynolds & Reynolds Co., the two dominant providers of Dealer Management System (DMS) software used by auto dealerships nationwide, were accused of entering into anticompetitive agreements to block independent software vendors (ISVs) from accessing dealership data. Plaintiffs alleged that by locking out competing data integrators and forcing dealerships to use their proprietary integration services, the defendants artificially inflated prices and stifled innovation — costing dealerships hundreds of millions of dollars in excess fees.
After years of consolidated multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of Illinois, CDK Global reached a landmark $100 million settlement in 2022 with approximately 15,000 auto dealerships. Reynolds & Reynolds settled separately for an undisclosed amount. The case is widely regarded as one of the most significant antitrust actions in the automotive technology industry and prompted broader scrutiny of data-access practices in the dealer software market.
Who May Qualify
Automotive dealerships in the United States that subscribed to CDK Global or Reynolds & Reynolds DMS services and paid data integration fees during the class period (approximately 2013–2020). The claims deadline has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the CDK Global antitrust lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleged that CDK Global and Reynolds & Reynolds conspired to block independent software vendors from accessing dealership data systems, forcing auto dealers to pay inflated prices for data integration services. A $100 million settlement was reached with CDK Global in 2022.
Did auto dealerships receive money from the CDK Global settlement?
Yes. Eligible dealerships that paid for CDK or Reynolds & Reynolds DMS and integration services during the class period were entitled to claim a portion of the settlement fund. The claims period is now closed.
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