Podcasts about automotive ventures

Shoot us a Text.It's the last day of the month, and we've got the one and only Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures hopping in as a co-host! Today, we're talking about President Trump saying that the Mexican and Canadian tariffs are back on and more tariffs are coming for Chinese imports. Plus, Ford is closing regionals centers for stocking and distributing EVs and OpenAI has released its latest model, ChatGPT 4.5.Show Notes with links:The U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports next week, doubling the 10% duty placed earlier this month. President Trump also confirmed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will take effect March 4, citing a lack of progress in combating fentanyl smuggling.The Mexico and Canada tariffs were previously delayed for 30 days, but Trump says no further reprieve will be granted.China has retaliated against previous U.S. tariffs and is expected to do so again.Beijing has not made an offer to curb fentanyl-related exports, which Trump's administration sees as key to lifting tariffs.Xi Jinping seeks a broader trade agreement but has yet to propose terms that would satisfy the White House.Ford Motor Co. is scrapping its plan to stock and distribute electric vehicles (EVs) through regional inventory hubs, a pilot initiative that faced resistance from dealers. The automaker initially aimed to store unsold EVs at 21 “rapid replenishment centers” across the U.S., delivering them to dealerships within two weeks of a customer order. However, slow adoption and logistical issues prompted Ford to revert to a traditional wholesale model.Dealer resistance played a key role, as the separate sales process made EV inventory less visible to consumers.Inventory visibility issues meant unsold vehicles weren't listed on dealer websites or third-party marketplaces like Cars.com.Dealer complaints included a lack of window stickers and limited trim/package comparisons, making it harder to sell EVs effectively.Ford executive Mike O'Brien stated: “We think the pilot, from an operational perspective, was a big success. That being said, we listen to our dealers. It is a little tricky to have two different [sales] methodologies.”OpenAI has officially launched GPT-4.5, its largest and most knowledgeable model yet, though it falls short of being a frontier model. The new system improves upon GPT-4's computational efficiency by 10x and reduces hallucinations, but its performance lags behind OpenAI's latest o1 and o3-mini models.Trained with synthetic data, GPT-4.5 uses OpenAI's new supervision techniques alongside traditional fine-tuning and reinforcement learning.It will be exclusive to ChatGPT Pro users, at least initially.OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at GPT-5 arriving as soon as late May, integrating the new o3 reasoning model.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

We continue our episodes of the Auto Remarketing Podcast originating from Used Car Week 2024 in Scottsdale, Ariz., with a discussion focused on investment funding coming into automotive and what venture capitalists think of the industry. The conversation featured Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures, Mark Norman of FM Capital, Quin Garcia of Autotech Ventures and Terence Rasmussen of CarMax.

Shoot us a Text.On this Saturday before the Super Bowl, we're talking about the More Than Cars Super Bowl Charity Smack Down.The auto industry is getting competitive, but this time, it's not about sales—it's about football and charity. ASOTU and a team of industry partners are turning the Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl showdown into a friendly (but fierce) wager for Vehicles for Change, an organization that trains formerly incarcerated individuals as ASE-certified techs and provides free cars to those in need.How it works: Go to ASOTU.Com/superbowl  - Pick a team, pledge a donation—and if your team loses, you donate.Winners get bragging rights for a year, but donating even if you win makes you even cooler. Trash talk is encouraged (but keep it classy).Industry leaders, including Danny Zaslavsky, Paul Anton Faletti Jr., and Brandiss Drummer, Paul and David Regn are putting their pride on the line with jersey bets and chants.Thanks to Steve Greenfield, Automotive Ventures, NCM Associates, VINCUE, Stream Companies and Vehicles for Change for helping bring all this together really quicklyHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.It's the Friday before the Big Game, and with Paul and Elena Ciccotelli hosting, that means we're wearing green. Today, we're covering the Super Bowl Charity Smackdown to support Vehicles for Change and welcome some special guests to talk about it. Plus, we take a look at Ram's upcoming Super Bowl ad.Show Notes with links:The auto industry is getting competitive, but this time, it's not about sales—it's about football and charity. ASOTU and a team of industry partners are turning the Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl showdown into a friendly (but fierce) wager for Vehicles for Change, an organization that trains formerly incarcerated individuals as ASE-certified techs and provides free cars to those in need.How it works: Go to ASOTU.Com/superbowl  - Pick a team, pledge a donation—and if your team loses, you donate.Winners get bragging rights for a year, but donating even if you win makes you even cooler. Trash talk is encouraged (but keep it classy).Industry leaders, including Danny Zaslavsky, Paul Anton Faletti Jr., and Brandiss Drummer, Paul and David Regn are putting their pride on the line with jersey bets and chants.Thanks to Steve Greenfield, Automotive Ventures, NCM Associates, VINCUE, Stream Companies and Vehicles for Change for helping bring all this together really quicklyStellantis is the only automaker with a Super Bowl ad this year, and they're going big with Ram with a modern twist on “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” starring Glen Powell.Directed by David Leitch ("Deadpool 2," "John Wick"), the ad blends humor, action, and adventure.Powell tests out the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, Ram 2500 Rebel, and Ram 1500 RHO, picking the one that's “just right” for the job.The spot features fire-breathing dragons, volcano jumps, and a little bedtime storytelling.Stellantis says the message is about power of choice—gas, hybrid, or electric, depending on your needs.Ram is also releasing merch inspired by the ad, including plush dragons, T-shirts, and even dragon-wing hot sauce.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.Today we welcome Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures back to the show to talk about the Honda-Nissan merger coming unraveled, how Kazakhstan's Astana Motors is investing $3.5M into Steve Greenfield's Automotive Ventures, and Volkswagen's latest affordable model to rival Chinese OEMs.Show Notes with links:The long-anticipated Honda-Nissan mega-merger is on the verge of collapse after Nissan's board rejected Honda's push to make it a subsidiary. The move was seen by Nissan executives as a violation of the original merger terms, which had envisioned a holding company structure rather than an outright acquisition.Honda wanted faster reforms, believing that full control would force quicker decision-making at Nissan, whose restructuring has been slow since its 2023 losses.Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida personally traveled to Tokyo on Feb. 6 to inform Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe that Nissan would oppose the deal.Nissan's restructuring plan—its third since 2019—focuses on job cuts, reduced production, and cost savings, but Honda was frustrated with the pace of change.If the merger collapses, Nissan may return to a tech-sharing deal with Honda or explore new partners like Foxconn, while Honda could still attempt a hostile takeover by offering ¥500-600 per share to entice shareholders.Both OEMs sell under 4 million vehicles annually, and are under pressure to scale up or risk falling behind global competitors like Hyundai, Toyota, and Volkswagen.Back in December, we heard about Steve Greenfield's trip to Kazakhstan. Yesterday, Astana Motors' founder and chairman, Nurlan Smagulov made a strategic move into the U.S. automotive technology scene with a $3.5 million investment in Automotive Ventures' Mobility Fund II. This collaboration is designed to provide Astana Motors with visibility into early-stage automotive startups and explore tech implementation back in Kazakhstan.Automotive Ventures has backed 39 mobility startups across three funds, focusing on seed-stage investments globally.The U.S. auto tech sector is booming, with American startups raising $56 billion in Q2 2024—a 57% year-over-year increase.MyVentures, Smagulov's $20 million venture fund, has supported fintech, AI-driven software, and one of Kazakhstan's first computer vision startups.Smagulov highlighted Greenfield's expertise, stating, “If Steve invests in a startup, then in 99% of cases, it is destined for success.”Volkswagen is set to unveil a new entry-level EV next month, with a starting price of €20,000 (~$20,800 USD)—significantly undercutting competitors like the $28,000 Nissan Leaf. This marks VW's long-awaited move toward affordable electric mobility, a promise it first hinted at with the ID. Life concept in 2021.The new model will likely be called the ID.1 (or ID.One), based on hidden text found in VW's concept image.VW plans to launch it in 2027, alongside another budget-friendly EV, the IDHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.Welcome to the first week of February, and welcome to guest host Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures. Today, we're discussing all the ramifications that President Trump's latest round of tariffs will have on the automotive industry. Plus, we cover Tesla's plans to move more Cybertrucks and why the cost of Super Bowl ads is rising.A fresh round of tariffs signed by President Trump is sending shockwaves through the North American auto industry. With 25% duties on vehicles and parts from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% levy on Chinese imports, automakers and suppliers are bracing for rising costs, potential production shutdowns, and fierce retaliation from trade partners.The tariffs are set to go into effect on February 4, and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum have pledged retaliation, which could further escalate trade tensions.Prices of vehicles could increase by thousands, like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Ram 1500 (built in Mexico), the Toyota RAV4 and Tacoma (built in Canada/Mexico) and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Bronco Sport, and Maverick (built in Mexico)John Bozzella, President for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation: “We support efforts to strengthen the U.S. auto industry, but across-the-board tariffs on Canada and Mexico will only increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and put jobs at risk. We want to work on solutions that achieve the president's goals and preserve a healthy, competitive auto industry in America.”Tesla's Cybertruck sales are falling flat, forcing the company to roll out heavy incentives—including free $6,000 wraps and new leasing options. With demand far below expectations, questions are mounting about whether the Cybertruck is turning into Tesla's first major flop.Tesla launched Cybertruck leases in the U.S., starting at $750/month, a move typically reserved for vehicles with slowing demand.Buyers of Foundation Series Cybertrucks now get a free wrap worth $6,000 as Tesla struggles to clear inventory.Sales have been underwhelming—despite 1M+ reservations, Tesla has sold fewer than 40,000 units, with some analysts estimating that number may drop to 30K in 2025, far below its planned 250K annual capacity.With Super Bowl LIX just around the corner, advertisers are shelling out a record $8 million per 30-second spot. Some big names are sitting this one out—including most automakers—while AI, snacks, and tech brands dominate the lineup.At least 10 commercials have sold for $8M each, up $500K from last year—the biggest price hike in recent Super Bowl history.120M+ viewers expected on Fox and Tubi, making it the biggest stage for advertisers.Traditional big players like Anheuser-Busch, PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, Taco Bell, and Uber Eats are all in, but the only OEMs to appear will be Stellantis' Jeep and RamAI-focused ads and pharmaceutical brands are on the rise, while movie trailers and streaming services areHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

We continue our episodes of the Auto Remarketing Podcast originating from Used Car Week 2024 in Scottsdale, Ariz., with a lively debate about the future of electric vehicles. Moderated by Cherokee Media Group's Joe Overby, the opposing points of view on EVs came from Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures and Scott Case of Recurrent.

Shoot us a Text.This Tuesday morning, we've got ASOTU Correspondent Steve Greenfield bringing us all the updates from CES. Plus, it's that time of year where returns dominate the retail landscape. CES 2025 is here, and it's bringing groundbreaking tech and bold moves in innovation. Perhaps most notably for auto, Sony-Honda Mobility announced the price details for it's Afeela car.The Afeela 1 Origin starts at $89,900, while the Signature trim is priced at $102,900. Both include a three-year subscription to features like Level 2+ driver assist and an AI-powered assistant.Buyers in California can place a $200 refundable deposit. Availability for other states remains unclear.The Signature trim arrives in 2026, with the Origin following in 2027.Today, the company will hold another press conference to outline the customer experience of shopping for and owning an Afeela.To talk all things CES, let's bring in Steve Greenfield, General Partner at Automotive Ventures and special ASOTU Correspondent this week."Returnuary," the post-holiday season phenomenon where returns dominate the retail landscape, is back. This year, retailers and shoppers face tighter policies amid escalating return volumes.Returns in January 2025 are expected to hit $890 billion, 16.9% of merchandise sales, up from $743 billion in 2023.Retailers like Saks and Zara have introduced return fees and shorter windows to curb losses from returns.Fraudulent returns also strain retailers, making up 14% of returns in 2023, per NRF data.New return rules are affecting shoppers as The Wall Street Journal reported that, “More than two-thirds of consumers who are aware of stricter return policies say those rules deter them from making purchases.” Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Shoot us a Text.It's a terrific Tuesday morning, and we have guest host Amit Chandarana, newly announced CEO of Curbee! We'll be discussing how auto dealers are integrating AI into their operations (or how they aren't), the refreshed Mustang Mach-E and Chick-Fil-A's new streaming network.Show Notes with links:Auto dealerships are embracing AI with hopes of transforming operations, but the technology's initial impact has been hit-or-miss. While there are real gains, the promises of instant transformation haven't fully delivered.AI has successfully streamlined back-office tasks and improved online customer interactions.Generative AI tools like ChatGPT help with service scheduling and customer emails, but chatbots have struggled.In 2023, pranksters hijacked dealership chatbots with absurd requests, forcing some to shut them down.Dealers remain hopeful, but many are cautious about AI's potential with some like Jason Bickford of Bickford Ford seeing AI as a valuable tool that will improve over time. "It's a really strong tool of support and helps you to do your job faster and better, and be more thoughtful with it."Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures said, "We've only just scratched the surface, and the fear is we may have dealers ... that are already getting disillusioned with the overpromise and under delivery of what AI can do for them. They may already be getting numb around entertaining any vendor that is trying to sell them AI-enabled features."Ford is refreshing its popular Mustang Mach-E for 2025 by actually making it look like a Mustang. It features key upgrades in both tech and design, all while slashing the price to stay competitive in the EV market.The new starting price is $36,495, undercutting Tesla's Model Y by nearly $8,000.The 2025 Mach-E adds a standard heat pump, improving winter performance and charging efficiency.Exterior upgrades include a Sport Appearance Package with design cues from the GT model and Brembo brake calipers, while inside has sportier accents like red stitching, sport pedals, and ventilated front seats.Ford's updated BlueCruise 1.5 now features automatic lane change, available via subscription.Chick-fil-A is officially branching out into the entertainment space with a new app launching November 18, aimed at keeping families engaged with original content, games, and more.The app will offer podcasts, games, recipes, and animated shows to entertain families.It's part of a strategy to connect with customers outside the restaurant, especially in the drive-thru or at home.Family-friendly content will center around themes like friendship, problem-solving, and generosity.“We want it to be an extension of our in-restaurant hospitality and generosity,” said Khalilah Cooper, VP of brand strategy.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

On this extended episode of Connected, host Greg Uland sits down with Steve Greenfield, general partner at Automotive Ventures. Steve has held many roles within the automotive industry and is probably a familiar face for some of you from countless conferences and events.In his current role in the venture capital space, Steve spends a lot of time on current and future struggles impacting dealers and the tools that are being developed to help. Steve and Greg discuss: - How utilizing connected processes and software can enhance dealer and customer experiences. - The process of connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors. - What the next wave of automotive technology looks like.

Shoot us a Text.Welcome to a brand new week as we welcome Steve Greenfield as a guest host. Today we're covering how the publics are adapting to the “new normal" and dive into Elon Musk's Telsa pay package.Show Notes with links:The booming revenue period during the pandemic is fading, leaving dealerships to adapt to a "new normal" marked by high interest rates and rising inventories. Asbury Automotive Group: Acquired Larry H. Miller Dealerships and Jim Koons Automotive Cos., integrating the new F&I products across its stores. Asbury generated $14.8 billion in revenue in 2023 and expects to complete the integration by the end of the year.AutoNation Inc.: Focused on diversifying operations with acquisitions like RepairSmith and expanding its e-commerce parts business. The company launched autonationparts.com and remains selective with mergers and acquisitions.CarMax Inc.: Extended its goal to sell 2 million vehicles annually to 2030, opened five new stores, and faced challenges in the used-car market. The company reported a 5.2% drop in retail vehicle sales and a 6.6% decline in wholesale sales in fiscal 2024.Carvana Co.: Reported a net profit with a 17% increase in revenue, focusing on leveraging ADESA auction sites for growth. Carvana plans to convert more ADESA sites into inspection and reconditioning facilities.Tesla shareholders have affirmed Elon Musk's multibillion-dollar compensation package, ensuring his position atop the world's most valuable automaker. However, Tesla faces legal challenges over the 2018 stock-option deal, now valued at $48 billion.Elon Musk's stock-option deal passed in 2018, now worth $48 billion, is facing legal opposition.Musk celebrated with on-stage antics and ambitious visions, including billions of humanoid robots and a $30 trillion valuation for Tesla.Despite challenges, Tesla's Model Y was the top-selling vehicle worldwide in 2023, marking the first time an EV led global rankings.ARK Invest predicts Tesla's share price will reach $2,600 by 2029, with robotaxi business driving nearly 90% of the company's value."Old Elon had returned," exclaimed a Tesla shareholder, thrilled by Musk's renewed enthusiasm and bold projections.Comment from Automotive Ventures weekly email: Tesla's core business is faltering, and Elon Musk's hype has barreled past the boundaries of outright fantasy, damaging the company's reputation and entangling it in legal battlesEarned the comment from one user highlighted in AV email: “You are an embarrassment Steve Greenfield. Turns out you don't know much about this pay package deal. People are fools listening to you. Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

What will the electric market look like in 2030 and, more importantly, how will we get there? That was the theme of this debate — a true clash of titans — between Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures and Scott Case of Recurrent during this year's Auto Intel Summit + National Remarketing Conference presented by SmartAuction in Cary, N.C. Moderated by Cherokee Media Group's Joe Overby, Greenfield and Case sparred for more than 30 minutes, setting the stage for another potential meeting at this year's Used Car Week.

Scott McMahon, alliance manager for Automotive Partnerships at Equifax, leads a panel discussion on current trends, the rising challenge of fraud in the automotive space, and the industry's outlook, with a special focus on consumer affordability and the evolving electric vehicle (EV) market. His esteemed panel includes Steve Greenfield, general partner at Automotive Ventures; Marguerite Watanabe, president of Connections Insights; and Jeremy Robb, senior director of Economics and Insights at Cox Automotive.  In this episode: Growing concerns and types of fraud in the automotive industryThe transition of the automotive industry into a more digital realmAnalysis of current economic factors influencing the auto marketPredictions on short-term consumer behaviors and market trendsEV market trends and future prospectsResources: CreditForecast.com is a joint venture between Equifax and Moody's Analytics. Get actionable consumer credit, economic and demographic data, forecasts, and analysis.Register for Market Pulse webinars to get relevant economic and credit insights to help your business make more confident decisions.Learn more about our Market Pulse podcast, and contact us at marketpulsepodcast@equifax.com

We continue our series on the Auto Remarketing Podcast highlighting some of the panels and presentations from Used Car Week 2023. This episode features a panel discussion titled, “Innovation in Used Car Logistics: Technology and Sustainability.” The session included Casey Harmon of RunBuggy, Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures, Tracy Kaiser of Toyota Financial Services and Tyler Hall, founder of Drivably, which was acquired by ACV.

It's officially Christmas Week and we're ramping up the holiday spirit as we talk about some of the the ways that big ideas have made their way to the top of the charts. This includes a major acquisition, a feature on our friends at Automotive Ventures, and top rated chef serving dealership customers as the VIPs. Show Notes with links:After announcing the landmark deal back in September, Asbury Automotive Group has completed its acquisition of Jim Koons Automotive Companies, the 9th largest privately held group in the country including 20 dealerships, 29 franchises, six collision centers and a high volume Toyota dealerships for $1.2BAsbury president and CEO David Hult said in a news release. “Jim Koons' passion for the car business, as well as his enthusiastic leadership of his group, is evident at every level of the Koons organization.”Jim Koons bought the group from his brother John about 50 years ago. John Koons got a job as a car salesman in 1939As that same entrepreneurial spirit carries forward, more and more Dealers are being brought together to invest their own money in the future of the industry through start-up tech innovation.Automotive Ventures and FM Capital are attracting millions of dollars of Dealer investment into mobility tech across various industriesBoth firms have a history of successful investments, with FM Capital managing $300 million across funds and Automotive Ventures focusing on seed-stage and dealership technology investments.The firms see opportunity in the current market, where startup valuations have normalized following a period of inflated worth."This could be one of the most profitable periods for [venture capital]," says Chase Fraser of FM Capital, highlighting the potential in current valuations.Sarasota Ford is now offering both Michelin tires and a Michelin-starred dining experience as they recently launched Le Mans Kitchen, exclusively for its customers. The initiative by Matt Buchanan of Buchanan Automotive Group aims to enhance dealership loyalty. The dealership already includes a movie theater and relaxation area.The 38 seat restaurant replaced the dealership's cafe following a 9 month renovation projectExecutive chef Jose Martinez owns Maison Blanche previously had an award-winning restaurant in Paris, and owns a highly rated restaurant on Longboat KeyIn a statement, Martinez said "I told him this was a crazy idea, but that I am up for the challenge."From the AN article: "We have created a space that will completely immerse people," said Mirza Velic, the dealership's chief experience officer. "When you walk inside Le Mans Kitchen, it's like being transported out of a car dealership and into another place and time in the French countryside."Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email ASOTU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotivestateoftheunion

We continue our series on the Auto Remarketing Podcast highlighting some of the panels and presentations from Used Car Week 2023. This episode features a conversation with Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures and the industry personality all over social media who is known as CarDealershipGuy.

Join me as we dive deep into the transformative landscape of the automotive industry with the visionary CEO and founder of Automotive Ventures, Steve Greenfield.  Contact: Steve Greenfield | steve@AutomotiveVentures.com | Book: The Future of Automotive Retail - https://a.co/d/f4tTHJ3 Steve takes us on a thrilling journey through the most pivotal era in automotive history, where innovation reigns supreme. Drawing from his wealth of experience and insights, we explore the pages of his captivating book as he unveils the secrets to surviving and thriving in this rapidly evolving industry. With an expert eye on the horizon, Steve paints a vivid picture of what the future holds for automotive technology. From groundbreaking advancements to emerging trends, we discover the cutting-edge technologies that will shape the automotive landscape of tomorrow. But it's not just about technology; it's about adaptation. Steve shares invaluable advice on how traditional automotive retailers can pivot and remain relevant amidst shifting consumer preferences and the rise of disruptive technologies. As we delve into the economic climate and market conditions, Steve provides strategic investment strategies that dealers can leverage to seize opportunities and navigate through challenges. We discuss the rise of electric vehicles and the advent of autonomous technology, uncovering the immense potential they hold and the hurdles that must be overcome for widespread adoption. But it doesn't stop there. We explore the broader scope of mobility, technology, and key areas of innovation within the automotive industry. Steve's keen insights shed light on investment opportunities and the criteria he employs to evaluate their potential. So, fasten your seatbelt and join us on this captivating episode as we embark on a thrilling expedition with Steve Greenfield, driven by innovation. Get ready to rev your engines and gain a front-row perspective on the future of automotive retail and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead! Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |Jennifer@edealersolution.com | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

We talk to auto tech titan Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures for his take on the state of the retail auto industry today, in a year, and in 10 years. Steve also dives into EV demand (or lack thereof?), the opportunity for service teams with over-the-air updates, the impact of emerging tech and A.I. on dealerships, and the surprising popularity of vehicle feature subscriptions. And are you looking to invest in auto-tech startups? Steve outlines a few to keep an eye on. Steve will speak to Virginia dealers at the VADA Annual Convention from June 19-22 at The Greenbrier.  You can also grab Steve's latest (and tightly written!) monthly intel reports on his website. 

Next up on our series of podcasts from April's Auto Intel Summit & NRC Spring Summit is a panel discussion on the increases in capital investment and M&A in the retail, remarketing, finance and tech segments of automotive. Moderated by Joe Overby of Cherokee Media Group, this panel includes Gina Cocking of Colonnade Securities, Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures, Daniel Imbro of Stephens and Joe Ruch of America's Group.

May 8, 2023 | Good and bad news for Magna; Automotive Ventures CEO Steve Greenfield by Automotive News

In this insightful and special 50th UCDP episode, Zach has a conversation with industry expert and investor Steve Greenfield about the fast-changing automotive landscape. They delve into timely topics, such as electric vehicles, OEM subscription-based features, autonomous technology, and digital retail, providing valuable insights into the industry's evolution.Some of the questions asked include:Q) Steve, it's been quite a while since we last had you on the podcast, and you've accomplished some incredible things with Automotive Ventures and the Dealer Fund. For our listeners who may not be as familiar with your recent work, could you share some of the standout highlights from the past year?Q) During the pandemic, online used car dealers like CVNA took the public markets by storm, but since then, several of these online used car dealers (Vroom, Shift) are down over 90% since pandemic highs; what's the outlook for these sort of companies? From my perspective, Carmax is winning that niche right now. Q) When you look at the automotive software companies that have started raising at a seed stage post-pandemic, what are some of the interesting problems they are solving in the auto tech/mobility space? Q) I heard you speak at NADA this year, and you talked a little about the EV space; what's your perspective on some of the disruption in the service side of the auto industry, specifically BEV and over-the-air updates? Q) Autonomous tech has been a hot topic in the industry for over a decade; at one point, Elon predicted we would have 1M Tesla Robotaxis by 2020; from your view, where are we with autonomous tech? Q) ChatGPT has become the fastest-growing consumer software product to date. As an investor, what are your thoughts on AI's potential implications not only for auto software products but also from a (data) inventory pricing or trade appraisal perspective? Q) Saas and Subscriptions are eating the world. When BMW announced features like heated seats were to be sold to consumers on a subscription model, it created a lot of buzz. What's your perspective on subscription features in a car, and what does that mean for the used car side of the business once that new car with a subscription is sold to the next buyer? Q) Digital retail was a big buzzword during the pandemic, and there was a lot of interest from dealers on how they could sell inventory online via one of these tools. Roadster was a big winner of this movement, but some of the other DR tools have since then shuttered; what's the next iteration of DR in this industry beyond the e-commerce widget?   Q) What headwinds do you see coming down the pipeline for traditional new and used car dealerships? Q) What automotive innovation are you most excited about that you saw at CES this year? Q) You are closing a fund at the end of the month; tell us about that and how accredited investors can join. (If allowed / ok to ask) Q) Lastly, you are an amazing speaker and a Delta million miler which means your 2nd home may be a Delta One plane seat; what are some upcoming industry events dealers or allied industry listening can see you speak at?Listen to our other podcast episodes: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcastTranscribe of this podcast - https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/steveg/april2023 

In this episode, I'm speaking with Steve Greenfield, Founder/CEO of ⁠Automotive Ventures⁠ and author of the book "⁠The Future of Automotive Retail⁠." (0:00) Intro (1:33) What will car-buying look like in 5-10 years? (11:22) Are smaller dealerships at risk of extinction? (14:12) Will auto-makers go direct-to-consumer? (24:22) Investment opportunities in the EV space (33:45) Trends that Automotive Ventures is focused on (51:35) What has Steve changed his mind about in the last 5 years? This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. One quick favor! Help me grow this podcast by liking this episode, leaving a review below, and subscribing to the channel :) Check out ⁠⁠⁠dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠ for more and follow me on Twitter @GuyDealership! Interested in advertising with CarDealershipGuy? Join the sponsor waitlist ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach interviews Paul Daly & Kyle Mountsier of ASOTU, two experts in the automotive industry. They discuss the future of digital retail, direct-to-consumer models, the BEV market, Carvana, impact of high prices and interest rates and other timely automotive topics.Some of the questions asked include:Q) How did you get into the business for the benefit of listeners who may not be familiar with you?Q) After your successful exit from the auto industry, what lessons did you learn and how have you applied them to ASOTU?Q) How did the idea for ASOTU come together during the pandemic? Can you also talk about the evolution of the brand, including the recent addition of swag?Q) In terms of building your dealership brand online, what do non-group auto dealers often get right and wrong?Q) How do you think dealers will change their approach to digital retail and online car shopping post-pandemic?Q) What are your thoughts on the direct-to-consumer model for new car dealers, and does it depend on the brand?Q) With Tesla increasing discounts, a decrease in search volume, and lack of nationwide infrastructure, what do you think about the future of the BEV market as revealed by the KBB Brand Watch Report?Q) What are your thoughts on the future of Carvana as a brand, especially in light of its stock dropping over 95% in the last 2 years? What about the vending machines?Q) As new vehicle prices remain high and interest rates climb, how do you think this will impact the auto marketplace in 2023, and beyond, for both new and used cars?Q) What is the most exciting thing about the future of automotive retail for both of you personally?Q) Lastly, can you give us an idea of what to expect from ASOTU in the future, especially since you're currently raising funds through Automotive Ventures?Listen to our other podcast episodes: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcastTranscribe of this podcast - https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/asotumar23

Welcome to a packed Friday of conversation with our good friend Steve Greenfield. Just before All Things Used Cars on Clubhouse, we are talking about the recent installment of the Auto Intel Report, a partnership for EV battery reports, and lightly damaged Teslas headed to the salvage yard.The newest installment of the Automotive Ventures monthly Auto Intel Report is out and it is centered around the conversation with top dealer group leaders at NADAQuestions Dealers, OEMs, and Allied partners should be asking themselvesA lot around SPOC (Single Point of Contact), EV future, and People strategiesAn introduction to Pete Batten, Partner at the newly formed Auto Market InsightsRecently, Automotive Ventures' portfolio company Recurrent announced their partnership with Experian to give dealers a packaged opportunity to provide EV insights to customers.“Our new alliance with Recurrent ensures data attributes unique to EVs are easily accessible for all parties whether looking to buy or sell a used EV—which is essential knowledge in today's evolving market,” said John Gray, Experian's president of automotive, North America.Autocheck subscriptions now have an available add on of the Recurrent reportsInsurance companies are increasingly deciding to write off low-mileage Teslas because they are too expensive to fix, according to a new report from Reuters.Recent salvage auction listings showed that the "vast majority" of the 120 Model Y vehicles listed had less than 10,000 miles on them, insured by names like State Farm, Geico, and Progressive.For example, a $61,000 2022 Model Y Long Range EV was in a front collision and would have cost more than $50,000 to fix had the insurer approved the repair.The average Tesla owner with a good driving history and good credit will pay about $2040 a year for a Model Y and as much as $3044 for a Model X. The average cost to insure a Model 3 is almost 30 percent higher than the national average for car insurance, according to Nerdwallet.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email Share your positive dealer stories: https://www.asotu.com/positivity ASOTU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotivestateoftheunion

Automotive retail is in the midst of sweeping change, which has become a major point of discussion throughout the auto industry. In this episode of To the Point, we delve into some of the factors driving that transformation and how it could all impact the business, with Steve Greenfield, author of the book The Future of Automotive Retail.     Guest: [Steve Greenfield, CEO & Founder, Automotive Ventures]

We're one full week into the new year, and we got Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures joining the show to talk about the predictions he made for 2022 and how things actually turned out. Then, we'll look ahead to 2023 with 10 bold predictions for the coming year.Re-watch the Year End Extravaganza here: https://www.asotu.com/yeeThe Automotive Ventures Intel Report for January was released last week, and Steve Greenfield graded his predictions for 2022.#1: Lithia Becomes Largest Dealer In the US; Changes Name to Drive Driveway.com Grade: B-#2: 2022 will be the Year of The Connected Car Grade: A#3: Widespread Commercial Autonomy on the Street Grade: F#4: More Scrutiny of China Grade: A#5: 2022 will be the Year of EV Charging Infrastructure Grade: A#6: Compliance Coming Grade: B#7: Dealers Awarded Points for Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Grade: F#8: 2022 will be the Year of Corporate Divestitures Grade B#9: Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) Gains Traction Grade B#10: Test for Build-To-Order Grade BThe Intel Report also included predictions for 2023#1: Reynolds and Reynolds is Acquired#2: Tekion Acquired by Salesforce.com#3: Carvana Acquired by Amazon#4: AutoTech Valuations Reset#5: Dealership Valuations Drop#6: Dealerships Focus on Cost Reduction#7: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Goes Mainstream#8: Next Wave of AutoTech: Process Automation#9: Consolidation of Mobility Companies#10: Private Equity (PE) Acquires Public CompaniesGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email Share your positive dealer stories: https://www.asotu.com/positivity ASOTU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotivestateoftheunion

Steve Greenfield is the CEO and founder of Automotive Ventures. Steve's company invests in startups and early stage companies in the automotive industry, and he is often relied upon to provide insight on the current state and future direction of the industry. In this episode, we discuss the significant changes that have taken place in the automotive industry over the past year, including the increase in new car inventories and the impact of rising interest rates on consumer behavior. We also discuss the challenges facing dealerships, including the shift towards e-commerce and the importance of adapting to the changing market. In recent years, there has been a shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as direct sales models. This has led to a challenging environment for traditional car manufacturers, as they try to keep up with new competitors entering the market. One solution for these OEMs has been to focus on producing fewer vehicles than demand, in order to maintain high margins and protect their brand value. However, this strategy may not be sustainable in the long run, as it could lead to market share loss to newer direct brands. On the other hand, dealerships have been faced with high inventory levels and a shift towards used cars, as well as rising interest rates and inflation. We discuss the significant changes that have taken place in the automotive industry over the past year. Just one year ago, dealerships were selling everything at MSRP or above and interest rates were low, leading to a very different environment than the one we have today. Now, new car inventories are up 78%, interest rates are closer to 7.5-8%, and there are likely to be additional interest rate hikes in the coming year. Despite these changes, Steve predicts that we will continue to see a "whipsaw" in the market, with used cars softening and high payments scaring off potential new car buyers. One of the biggest challenges facing dealerships today is the shift towards e-commerce and the need to adapt to the changing market. Steve advises dealers to focus on creating a strong online presence and building customer trust, as well as investing in technology and data analytics to stay competitive. In the automotive industry, manufacturers have struggled with overproduction and over distribution in the past, leading to the need for incentives to boost sales and ultimately devaluing their brands. However, in recent years, manufacturers have vowed to avoid these mistakes and instead focus on producing just enough vehicles to meet demand. This approach has led to healthier profits for OEMs and dealerships, but it also creates a quandary when sales rates don't keep up with inventory. This can result in a surplus of certain models, like the Volvo XC 90, which has an 800 day supply. In this situation, manufacturers may be tempted to incentivize sales to move excess inventory, but this approach can ultimately come back to haunt them. Instead, it may be more effective for manufacturers to focus on long-term supplier agreements and retooling factories for the production of electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular. However, this also carries the risk of overproduction if consumer demand for EVs does not meet expectations. It will be interesting to see how manufacturers navigate this balancing act in the coming years. The discussion in this episode is centered around the potential for connected car technology to revolutionize the automobile industry, specifically in regards to the profit potential for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). David suggests that as more vehicles become connected and able to receive updates and additional features remotely, OEMs will have the opportunity to generate billions of dollars in high margin revenue through subscriptions and other microtransactions. However, it is also noted that the distribution of this revenue and how it will be shared with dealers is still uncertain and will likely be a source of tension. David also mentions the potential for OEMs to use data collected from connected cars to offer insurance and other services directly to consumers. It is suggested that by 2030, the impact of connected car technology on the industry will be significant and could potentially result in major changes to the traditional sales and service model. Overall, it's an exciting time for the automotive industry as it adapts to new challenges and changes. Stay tuned for more insights and predictions from Steve on the future of the industry. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation with two experts in the field! Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidspisak/ Website: https://www.davidspisak.com Email: david@disruptivegrowthsolutions.com Phone: +1 (510) 604-0308 Visit https://linktr.ee/spisakd for all our links  Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

Steve Greenfield is the CEO and founder of Automotive Ventures. Steve's company invests in startups and early stage companies in the automotive industry, and he is often relied upon to provide insight on the current state and future direction of the industry.In this episode, we discuss the significant changes that have taken place in the automotive industry over the past year, including the increase in new car inventories and the impact of rising interest rates on consumer behavior. We also discuss the challenges facing dealerships, including the shift towards e-commerce and the importance of adapting to the changing market.In recent years, there has been a shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as direct sales models. This has led to a challenging environment for traditional car manufacturers, as they try to keep up with new competitors entering the market. One solution for these OEMs has been to focus on producing fewer vehicles than demand, in order to maintain high margins and protect their brand value. However, this strategy may not be sustainable in the long run, as it could lead to market share loss to newer direct brands. On the other hand, dealerships have been faced with high inventory levels and a shift towards used cars, as well as rising interest rates and inflation.We discuss the significant changes that have taken place in the automotive industry over the past year. Just one year ago, dealerships were selling everything at MSRP or above and interest rates were low, leading to a very different environment than the one we have today.Now, new car inventories are up 78%, interest rates are closer to 7.5-8%, and there are likely to be additional interest rate hikes in the coming year. Despite these changes, Steve predicts that we will continue to see a "whipsaw" in the market, with used cars softening and high payments scaring off potential new car buyers.One of the biggest challenges facing dealerships today is the shift towards e-commerce and the need to adapt to the changing market. Steve advises dealers to focus on creating a strong online presence and building customer trust, as well as investing in technology and data analytics to stay competitive.In the automotive industry, manufacturers have struggled with overproduction and over distribution in the past, leading to the need for incentives to boost sales and ultimately devaluing their brands. However, in recent years, manufacturers have vowed to avoid these mistakes and instead focus on producing just enough vehicles to meet demand.This approach has led to healthier profits for OEMs and dealerships, but it also creates a quandary when sales rates don't keep up with inventory. This can result in a surplus of certain models, like the Volvo XC 90, which has an 800 day supply. In this situation, manufacturers may be tempted to incentivize sales to move excess inventory, but this approach can ultimately come back to haunt them.Instead, it may be more effective for manufacturers to focus on long-term supplier agreements and retooling factories for the production of electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular. However, this also carries the risk of overproduction if consumer demand for EVs does not meet expectations. It will be interesting to see how manufacturers navigate this balancing act in the coming years.The discussion in this episode is centered around the potential for connected car technology to revolutionize the automobile industry, specifically in regards to the profit potential for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). David suggests that as more vehicles become connected and able to receive updates and additional features remotely, OEMs will have the opportunity to generate billions of dollars in high margin revenue through subscriptions and other microtransactions. However, it is also noted that the distribution of this revenue and how it wil

It's ‘go time' for 2023 as we talk about the all-time boom in factory builds and say hello to the new NADA Chair. We also review the Automotive Ventures top 10 predictions of 2022 and 2023, as well as talk about a newly launched text-to-shop feature from Walmart. Manufacturing Boom The USA industry has seen the biggest boom in auto-factory building in decades and is being driven by car makers' shift towards EVs, with $70 billion earmarked for such projects. Two-thirds of this investment is going towards sites in the US South (GA, TN, KY) moving away from the Great Lakes regionAvg of 2016-2020 was $5.52BThe global auto industry plans to spend a total of $526 billion on EVs by 2026.Geoffrey Pohanka, 65, who currently serves as NADA vice chairman, will succeed Mike Alford to be the 2023 NADA Chair. Pohanka is a third-generation dealer who serves as chairman of the Pohanka Automotive Group in Capitol Heights, Md.“As someone who grew up in the car business and with my family's involvement with NADA for generations, I am honored to take the reins as the next NADA chairman,” said Pohanka. “The auto industry is a rewarding and exciting business, and I'm fortunate to be a part of it. NADA has an amazing board and an amazing staff. Together, we can create a stronger environment for the industry, to help create a vibrant economy and stronger communities.”Auto Ventures top 10 predictions 2022 and 2023This years list includes:Tekion acquired by SalesforceCarvana acquired by AmazonReset in both AutoTech and Dealer valuationsMajor focus on cost reductionBonus: It will be the year of the EVAfter a year of beta testing, Walmart is launching a feature called "Text to Shop", which allows customers to add items to their online shopping basket via text message. Must be linked to the Walmart appCustomers can switch items, review their cart, check out and schedule pickups and deliveries using text or the Walmart appWM applied learnings from a $50-per-month subscription service Walmart launched in 2018, Jetblack, a Text to Shop, that enabled shoppers to text message personal shoppers.Dave Wendland, ViP, Strategic Relations, Hamacher Resource Group used the phrase “location, location, location” to define the importance of the new featureGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email Share your positive dealer stories: https://www.asotu.com/positivity ASOTU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotivestateoftheunion

Steve Greenfield is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Automotive Ventures, a company that provides entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors in the automotive industry with industry-specific information, early-stage venture financing, strategic consultancy, and extensive contacts. Steve has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive technology space, and He is also the Author of the new book "The Future of Automotive Retail."In this show episode, Steve discusses the changing agency paradigm and offers a sneak peek at some things that are changing our industry quickly.

Steve Greenfield is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Automotive Ventures, a company that provides entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors in the automotive industry with industry-specific information, early-stage venture financing, strategic consultancy, and extensive contacts. Steve has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive technology space, and He is also the Author of the new book "The Future of Automotive Retail." In this show episode, Steve discusses the changing agency paradigm and offers a sneak peek at some things that are changing our industry quickly.

Today we welcome back Steve Greenfield, Founder of Automotive Ventures to talk about today's news and give us the breakdown of his November 2022 Auto Intel Report.The tech entertainment company founded by Audi named Holoride has since spun off as its own company and is now planning a 2023 rollout for its in-vehicle entertainment system according to Automotive NewsAudi announced their partnership to create holoride-ready vehicles at SXSW 2022 and the system will be available in 2023 in EuropeStarting packages cost just under $700 USD and include a headset, hand controllers, games, and of course, a safety tether. Porsche has also developed experiences around the tech which can be taken for a spin at their LA Experience center where a professional driver whips back seat riders around a track while the rider plays a first person shooter game. The targets…bugs.Porsche has dedicated serious resources to developing a branded, immersive experience for ridersOther features allow you to view media from your phone on the perceived 180 degree screenTILI: Maybe you can drive in a 2 hour loop and convince your kids they actually went to Disney Conversation around November's Auto Intel Report.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email Share your positive dealer stories: https://www.asotu.com/positivity ASOTU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotivestateoftheunion

Join me and Steve Greenfield, CEO and Founder of Automotive Ventures to discuss his new book on the Future of Automotive Retailing. Steve has a unique perspective that all dealers, vendors, and OEMs will benefit from hearing. Steve will also be on the main stage at the Modern Retailing Conference (MRC) in Palm Beach Florida, Nov 13-15th. His new book is available for sales on Amazon in print and also as an audio book.

This Tuesday we are talking about the drop in vacancies in retail real estate. We also welcome long-time collaborator with ASOTU, Steve Greenfield, to discuss October's Auto Intel Report. Brick and mortar retailers are coming back from the pandemic with surprising strength as recent numbers reveal U.S. retail vacancy fell to 6.1% in the second quarter, the lowest level in at least 15 years, while asking rents for U.S. shopping centers in the quarter were 16% higher than five years ago, according to real-estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.More stores opened last year than closed for the first time since 1995 and analysts at Morgan Stanley expect the trend to continue even in the face of a looming recessionThis is a result of a major pull back in new retail space construction due to the digital revolution, now the table is levelingBrookfield Property Group, one of the biggest mall owners, said that spending at its 132 U.S. malls is 31% above pre-pandemic levelsThe U.S. now has nearly 22 square feet of retail real estate per person, more than any other country and more than double the per-capita square footage of France and the U.K.—and nearly eight times China's rateThe Agency model is a huge topic of conversation in Retail Auto and there are few approaching it with as much measured thoughtfulness as Automotive Ventures founder Steve Greenfiled. He shares his observations and encouragement to the Dealer body in the recent issue of his monthly Auto Intel Report you can get for free from his website www.automotiveventures.comLarger groups noted as being positive about the shifts as they see themselves as the distribution model: “receptivity to the agency model increases, while the concern goes down. This is due to the fact that bigger groups are more likely to be the preferred channel of distribution (vs. smaller players), will have more say in strategic decisions, and have a greater influence and "voice at the table" to partner with OEMs.”Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-emailShare your positive dealer stories: https://www.asotu.com/positivityASOTU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotivestateoftheunion 

Every hero has an origin story.Understand the origin story and you understand the hero. Steve Greenfield has spent more than 20 years of his professional career in automotive industry leadership roles and today, he is an authoritative voice when it comes to automotive technology and the innovators that are revolutionizing our space. Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier had so many questions for Steve that they actually ran out of time, but that's how it goes when you're talking to a hero.What we discuss in this episode:03:35 - It will come as no surprise that Steve's entrance into the automotive industry wasn't exactly intentional. He found himself unemployable with an undergrad degree when after some time, a friend from high school told him about an auto auction that was hiring for a technology manager. “So I get a call one night and he says, Steve, they're looking to hire a technology manager. I'm like, what is that? I'm like, oh, you're gonna be selling software to car dealers. I'm like, why am I qualified for that? He goes, no, I really think this is gonna be a good rule for you. You should come in. So I went in and, you know, didn't know what to expect and, you know, I remember distinctly driving out there.I was like, you know, how do used cars get on dealers lots? That's what consumed me for the 45 minutes on the way out there. And I was like, I, I would've bet anything at that point, a hundred percent of cars came onto dealers. Lots as trades. Yeah. I knew nothing about the whole wholesale mechanisms and wholesale auction industry.So I get out there. It's like the biggest auction in Canada. It's like, Top five in, in Manheim's footprint. So it's like 400, 400 acres of that's a real operation. It's a real operation, 400 acres. And I'm like, wow, look at this place. Where are these cars coming from? Where, why are they here? And I, I walk in and, you know, uh, negotiate with, uh, with the, the, uh, general manager who also was the previous owner before Manheim bottom.”06:59 - It was working for the auto auction that taught Steve a lot about the economics of the car business. 10:46 - Steve recounts his experience working alongside Dale Pollak and overseeing the acquisition of vAuto. He learned directly from Dale how to build a demand system and what value that brings to an organization. 12:31 - Today Steve works with a group of dealer investors who search out solutions so that they can be funded. Paul inquires about the common thread that Steve sees across the solutions that he is vetting. Listen to the full episode for more insights and context from our conversation with Steve Greenfield⭐️ Love the podcast? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your LinkedIn or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! We have a daily email! ✉️ Sign up for our free and fun-to-read daily email for a quick shot of relevant news in automotive retail, media, and pop culture.Connect with SteveConnect with Automotive Ventures

Today we have Steve Greenfield returning to the show to talk through his July Auto Intel Report where we'll summarize some of the biggest happenings in Retail Auto over the last 30 days and get some insight on what they mean for the next 30, 60, and 90 Days. Steve Greenfield, Founder/CEO of Automotive Ventures is our guest today:What's driving Dealer valuations and what is likely to happen?Agency model creepOEM's controlling lease end volumeF&I headwinds: Regulation, OEM Control, Online SellingBenefits of scaleSign up to receive his monthly Auto Intel Report HereFollow Steve on LinkedIn hereGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-emailShare your positive dealer stories: https://www.asotu.com/positivityASOTU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automotivestateoftheunion/

Steve Greenfield is the Founder and CEO of Automotive Ventures, a company focused on supporting automotive entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors with industry-specific resources, early-stage venture capital, strategic consulting, and extensive connections.---> Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event

Steve Greenfield is the Founder and CEO of Automotive Ventures, a company focused on supporting automotive entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors with industry-specific resources, early-stage venture capital, strategic consulting, and extensive connections. ---> Register for the upcoming Fixed Ops Roundtable Event

Automotive Ventures founder and chief executive officer Steve Greenfield is back on the show to share more details about the new Automotive Ventures DealerFund the company launched earlier this month. Greenfield explains the "aha moment" that prompted Automotive Ventures to start this fund, how the capital will be used, how dealers are building technologies, the target investors for the fund and much more.

We were excited to wake up this morning to a new weekly email from Steve Greenfield and Automotive Ventures with all the latest money moves in automotive. It also would not be a look at automotive headlines without a smattering of EV news, though not as bright and shiny as typical. Lastly, we are looking your way, our faithful listeners, to lead the transformation of automotive right where you are at!Here's to Monday!

This weekend, Kyle finally caught up to Paul in reading 'The Innovation Stack' by Jim McKelvey. We look at how the insights of that book square up

Steve Greenfield, founder and chief executive officer at Automotive Ventures, joins the show to discuss the company's recently launched $7 million venture capital fund designed to give a lift to early-stage auto tech companies. Plus, Greenfield talks about the areas of the auto tech with the most growth potentials, US markets emerging as hot spots in this space, trends in M&A and automotive buy-sell, and much more.