In the Passenger's Seat

In this episode of In the Passenger's Seat, host Matt Mitteldorfer is joined by John Coles, ACV's VP of Data Science & Analytics, for a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the used vehicle market. From pricing pressure to inventory shortages, John unpacks how ACV is helping dealers adapt through powerful machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI-driven tools.Learn how to price with confidence, make smarter sourcing decisions, and use data to overcome today's biggest operational roadblocks. Whether you're navigating tighter margins or rethinking your buying strategy, this episode offers real-world insights that can help you stay in the driver's seat.

In this episode of "In the Passenger's Seat," host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Chris Taylor, owner of Certified AutoBrokers in Grand Island, New York, to talk about what it takes to thrive in a market defined by constant change. From shifting wholesale prices to tight inventory, volatility is the name of the game—but Chris shares how a high-performing buying center can be your competitive advantage.Are you looking to acquire more vehicles directly from consumers? Want to learn how to build a process that actually scales? Then you don't want to miss this conversation. Chris brings real-world insights, tested strategies and an operator's perspective on what it takes to grow smarter in today's market.

Join us for a special episode of ACV's "In the Passenger's Seat", recorded live from the show floor at NADA 2025! Host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Andrew Sweet, Vice President of ClearCar, to discuss how ClearCar is revolutionizing the way auto dealers acquire vehicles directly from consumers.In this episode, Matt and Andrew dive into how ClearCar's cutting-edge technology is helping dealers streamline inventory management, drive profits and secure more high-quality vehicles with ease. They explore the power of real-time vehicle valuations, AI-driven insights and the seamless consumer experience that's reshaping the auto retail landscape.If you're looking for new ways to grow your inventory and maximize profitability, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

In this episode of "In the Passenger's Seat," host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down at NADA 2025 with Lou Ramirez and Fred Lennartz, the dynamic duo behind the Car Guy Coffee Podcast, which has been brewing inspiration in the automotive industry for five years. Fred and Lou share how their podcast has fueled connections, inspired dealerships, and created a culture of growth. Beyond the mic, they discuss their passion for training, cultivating coaches, and helping dealer professionals propel their businesses to the next level. Grab a cup and get ready for an uplifting blend of insights, motivation, and car guy energy!

In this special edition episode recorded live at NADA 2025, host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with ACV Research Engineer, Maggie Donnelly, to discuss the power of AI and technology-driven solutions in the auto industry. Maggie breaks down how ACV is helping dealers streamline operations, make smarter decisions and drive profitability—all through cutting-edge innovation. They also unpack how ACV's APEX and Virtual Lift solutions, powered by a plethora of data, are giving dealers deeper insights and greater confidence in their decisions. AI isn't something to fear—it's a tool to help dealers uplevel their businesses and stay ahead in an evolving market. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of automotive technology!

In this episode, host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Sam D'Arc, COO of Zeigler Automotive Group, to talk about one of the biggest drivers of long-term success in the dealership world: culture. Sam shares how fostering a workplace that empowers employees, encourages growth and builds loyalty leads to stronger teams and better business outcomes.But that's not all—Matt and Sam also dive into the future of AI and technology in automotive. From streamlining operations to enhancing the customer experience, they discuss how dealers can adapt, innovate, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.Don't miss this insightful conversation about people, progress, and the power of technology in shaping the future of automotive retail!

In this special episode, host, Matt Mitteldorfer, sits down with ACV's Chief Sales Officer, Mike Waterman, at NADA 2025 to talk about why this year is a game-changer for automotive technology. From data-driven insights to AI-powered solutions, ACV is embracing cutting-edge innovations to help dealers work smarter, faster and more efficiently. But let's be real—handing off key decisions to AI can feel like a leap of faith. Matt and Mike discuss the trust factor in tech adoption, how ACV is making it easier than ever for dealers to acquire, appraise, and price vehicles with speed and accuracy, and why consumer-facing AI is shaping the future of inventory management. If we missed you at NADA, reach out to learn more about what's next on the horizon for ACV. You can email us at podcasts@acvauctions.com!

Live from NADA 2025! In this episode, ACV's CEO, George Chamoun, sits down with host Matt Mitteldorfer to explore how ACV is tackling the most pressing challenges facing dealers today. From ensuring dealers get the right price on every car, every time, to standardizing the appraisal process and helping dealerships acquire more cars directly from consumers, George shares how ACV's cutting-edge solutions are reshaping the industry. Discover how technology and innovation are empowering dealers to stay competitive and profitable in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're on the show floor or tuning in remotely, this is a conversation you don't want to miss! Email us at podcasts@acvauctions.com to learn more!

The automotive Super Bowl is here—NADA 2025! In this episode, our host, Matt Mitteldorfer, has Mike Waterman hop in the passenger's seat to pull back the curtain on how dealers can stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a year of transformation, with dealers leveraging technology like AI to enhance customer experiences, optimize inventory, and drive profitability. Discover how ACV is tackling dealership pain points, enhancing profitability, and delivering the future of automotive—live at NADA booth #1901 in New Orleans! Email us at podcasts@acvauctions.com to learn more, or visit acvauto.com/nada to book a meeting with our team.

Intrigued by the use of AI in dealerships but unsure where to start? Host, Matt Mitteldorfer, caught up with Dr. John Coles, ACV's Vice President of Data Science & Analytics, and Dr. Phil Schneider, ACV's Sr. Director of Research & Development at Used Car Week 2024 for an insights-packed episode on how AI is going to change the game for dealers in 2025 and beyond.

ACV's CEO, George Chamoun, hops "In the Passenger's Seat" to close out our time at Used Car Week in Scottsdale, Arizona. He and Matt break down the energy and innovation that is the future of the automotive industry, and what's next on the horizon for ACV. Tune in to learn more about the enabling technology dealers can leverage to foster stronger consumer relationships and fuel their inventory management strategy. You don't want to miss this episode!

Hop "In the Passenger's Seat" today with Matt Hubiak, Swickard Auto Group's Director of Pre-Owned Operations. Host, Matt Mitteldorfer, sits down with Matt Hubiak LIVE at Used Car Week '24 to dive into the importance of customer hospitality and how vital it is to not let operational dysfunction impact your customer transactions and relationships. They also discuss technology integration, and how process and implementation should be consistent across each store if you're a multi-rooftop organization.

Jump "In the Passenger's Seat" today with the President of Cherokee Media Group, Bill Zadeits. Matt sat down with Bill LIVE from Used Car Week '24 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, where the Cherokee Media Group team celebrated 25 years of Used Car Week. Bill and Matt catch up on how much has changed in the last 25 years and why the automotive industry is a special one. Join us on congratulating Bill and his team at Cherokee Media Group, and here's to another 25  years! 

Hop 'In the Passenger's Seat' with Matt and Keller Chevrolet's General Manager, Dean Jackson, this week where they unpack what it takes to succeed in the automotive industry today. From the importance of fostering meaningful relationships to always telling the truth, Dean, an industry veteran, leaves no stone unturned. You don't want to miss this episode!

Anxious to learn how you can roll with the changes of today's volatile market? ACV's VP of Data Science and Analytics, John Coles, hops In the Passenger's Seat with Matt in this episode to explain what's actually going on in the market right now and how dealers can arm themselves with the right resources to win. 

Wondering how you can get the most accurate appraisals to help boost profits at your dealership? Look no further than ACV MAX. In this episode, you'll hear from Patrick McMullen and Tim Scoutelas on what sets ACV MAX apart from other tools in the market, including AI damage detection capabilities, and robust market data and analytics. You'll hear how critical it is that you have a consistent process based on data—not gut instinct—especially today when the industry and values are changing so quickly.

Curious how ACV helps our dealer partners score more inventory and, in turn, more profits? Hear it straight from the source! Our partners at Kollective Auto Group, Will and Ali, share how ACV has empowered their team and unlocked a load of new potential across multiple stores.

As Matt says, if you don't know Doug Hadden from ACV, you're living under a rock. Join Matt and Doug for a follow-up conversation to our last episode with Tyler Beresford as we explore more of the features ACV offers dealers to up their wholesale strategy. Curious how to get the most out of buying with ACV and how to maximize your inventory acquisition strategy? Then this is an episode you absolutely can't miss. From our No Reserve sale and Smart Acquisition Manager to new enhancements from ClearCar and ACV MAX, we've got you covered.

Take a deep dive with Matt and ACV's Senior Manager of Inside Sales, Tyler Beresford, on how ACV's sales organization helps dealers get the most out of our digital marketplace and other services. Tyler shares how the team at ACV guides dealers step by step through onboarding and really figuring out the best strategies to getting the right inventory for the right price at the right time for your dealership. Ready to get started? Visit acvauctions.com and click "Get Started"—it's as simple as that!

Curious where the used vehicle market is today and where it's headed? Let's unpack that with ACV's Senior Director of Data & Analytics, John Coles. Are things finally normalizing post pandemic? What's happening with pricing? What about inventory? You'll learn about all that and more in this episode. You don't want to miss it!

Ready for an even more seamless vehicle transportation and logistics experience? We've got you covered! ACV's Senior Product Manager for ACV Transportation, Jordan Hoeber, joins Matt in the passenger seat to discuss expanded offerings, and how ACV dealer partners can now transport ANY vehicle with ACV Transportation—even vehicles purchased outside the ACV digital marketplace. Make sure you tune in and let us know what you think in the comments!

Are you ready to meet ACV's rockstar who was recently named an honoree for Auto Remarketing's 2024 "Women in Remarketing?" In this episode, Matt sits down with Jennifer Mitchell, ACV's Commercial Senior Account Executive, to learn the ins and outs of exactly what she does at ACV, and how she helps grow ACV's Commercial business. You don't want to miss this episode. Buckle up!

In this insights-packed special edition of "In the Passenger's Seat," Matt is joined by ACV's CEO, George Chamoun, to unpack everything we learned at NADA 2024, including dealers' biggest challenges for this upcoming year and how technology can help solve them. And hey, George even encourages listeners to reach out if they happened to miss us at the show and may give a little intel on how to get in touch with him. For this reason and MANY more, you don't want to miss this episode!

Headed to NADA '24 in Vegas? Then you'll need to listen to this one. Matt is joined by ACV's CSO Mike Waterman to discuss breaking industry trends and how to uncover solutions for success while at this year's event. Want to know where the hottest spots will be on the show floor? Then you won't want to miss this one!

Who is ready to hear about the future? In this episode, Matt is joined by Dr. Phil Schneider from ACV's R&D department. Together, they discuss technology development, dealer sentiment on digital vs. physical auctions, and the role of AI in inspections and testing. You won't want to miss this one. Buckle up!

What role does data play in the automotive industry? Matt Mitteldorfer puts ACV's Senior Director of Data and Analytics John Coles in the passenger's seat for Part 1 of this interview. Together, they tackle topics from pricing vehicles to how the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

Matt is pulling double duty as he is joined in the passenger's seat by Jimmy Douglas from Plug AND Igor Skinder from VW of America at Used Car Week 2023. Together, they discuss EVs, the future of remarketing including challenges from the seller's side and hesitation from the buyer's perspective, manufacturers' goals with production and distribution, and overall EV value with consumer sentiments in regard to repairs, pricing, and upgrades. Buckle up!

We are nearing the end of the year and now is the time for inventory management! Matt brings Tim Scoutelas from MAX into the passenger's seat. Together, they talk about the overall state of the auto industry, inventory redistribution, how group stores can partner together, and how to deal with aged inventory. You don't want to miss this one!

The use automotive market sure went on a roller coaster in 2023. Thankfully, Matt was able to sit down with Nate Myers from SONS Auto Group at Used Car Week. Together, they discuss trade in volume, financing challenges and high interest rates, and new car allocation. If you want to learn how to master your used car market, this is the episode for you!

Curious what impact EVs will have at your dealership? Matt is too! To discover more about EVs in retail, wholesaling, charging, and affordability, Matt made his way to Used Car Week 2023 and sat down with resident expert Elena Ciccotelli to learn about all things EV.

What is ClearCar? The newly launched solution leverages AI and real-time market data to help dealers more accurately price vehicles based on condition so they can acquire more consumer inventory. But there's a lot more to it than just that...which is why Matt has Andrew Sweet in the passenger's seat to discuss all things consumer acquisition of inventory.