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Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the latest on the used car market. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
**Title:**Quick Wins for Honda & Acura Dealers: 5 Digital Moves to Drive More LeadsDescription**:**In this 30-minute Quick Wins session, David Farmer from Intice shares five practical digital marketing moves Honda and Acura dealers can review and implement this month to create better shopper engagement and drive more measurable opportunities.The session focuses on simple, high-impact improvements dealers can make without rebuilding their entire digital strategy, including stronger SRP and VDP call-to-action hierarchy, turning offers into full-funnel campaigns, matching CTAs to shopper intent, aligning ads, landing pages, and lead response, and running a monthly digital health check.Attendees will also learn how better message consistency, offer visibility, CRM handoffs, and lead response scripts can help turn more existing traffic into real showroom opportunities.**Key Topics Covered:*** Strengthening SRP and VDP CTAs* Turning OEM and dealer offers into full-funnel campaigns* Matching website CTAs to shopper intent* Aligning ads, landing pages, CRM leads, and follow-up scripts* Using the Intice Lead Playbook to improve lead response* Running a simple digital health check across speed, mobile, tracking, SEO, accessibility, and offer accuracyThis session is designed for Honda and Acura dealers looking for practical ways to improve website performance, campaign consistency, lead quality, and digital-to-showroom handoffs.
This one is a throwback and it is one of the best stories we have ever had on the show.Joe Johnson spent over a decade inside dealerships across finance, sales, parts, and service before moving to the wholesale distribution side with Tucker Powersports, where he has spent more than a decade training parts staff and partnering with dealers to help them grow. He also hosts the Powersports and People podcast. Relationships are his whole game.In this conversation with Brian Croft, Joe tells the Elvis story, a customer experience lesson from his days running one of the largest Kawasaki dealerships in the country that every salesperson and parts person needs to hear. Then he breaks down the idea box, a simple framework for generating creativity and ideas in a team that feels completely stuck.No fluff. Just real lessons that still hit today.What we cover:How a distributor rep earns the trust to actually train a dealer's staff, and why that trust is a responsibilityJoe's approach to walking into a dealership and finding the real gaps, what he calls getting nosyThe difference between being an asset and being a visitor, and why that distinction mattersThe Elvis story: the customer who walked in looking like he came off the streets and changed how an entire dealership thought about judging peopleWhy 8 out of 10 customers still want to touch and feel a product in the store even after buying onlineThe three things a dealership delivers that an online store never can: customer experience, a source of information, and assurance of the purchaseThe idea box framework explained step by step, the tool Joe uses to generate ideas when a team has noneThe real-world example of how the idea box turned an ordinary laundry hamper into a multi-million dollar businessWhy most dealership meetings fail and what a productive one actually needsTwo books Joe recommends for anyone who wants to think more creativelyWatch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit?si=xGw636a89UUDAK20Connect with Joe Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-johnson-16b4841a6/Connect with Jacob: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berryFollow the Fixit Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixitMotoHunt for Dealers: https://dealers.motohunt.com
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Natalie Hood sits down with Michael Thill, Regional Sales Manager with The Grit Game, to tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding sales, distribution, retail operations, dealer support, and business growth in the swimming pool industry. Michael shares lessons learned from more than 15 years in retail, distribution, service, renovations, and manufacturer representation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what really drives success in today's marketplace. From his unexpected introduction to the industry in 2011 as a part-time helper at Caribbean Pools to leadership roles with PoolCorp and now The Grit Game, Michael discusses the power of company culture, mentorship, relationship building, and why loving what you do can completely transform your career. Topics Covered in This EpisodeDo Dealers Only Care About Price?Michael explains why price is often the first question asked—but rarely the deciding factor. Customers and dealers alike are willing to pay more when they receive exceptional service, expert guidance, and genuine support. The conversation explores how value consistently outperforms price in long-term business relationships. Why Product Knowledge Still MattersThe discussion challenges the idea that customers should educate themselves before entering a retail store. Natalie and Michael explain why knowledgeable staff remain one of the most valuable assets a business can have and how ongoing education creates better customer experiences, stronger teams, and increased profitability. The Real Purpose of Retail StoresContrary to popular belief, customers don't only visit pool stores when something breaks. The episode explores how successful retailers create environments that foster loyalty, trust, community, and repeat business long after the initial sale. Distribution Is More Than Moving BoxesMichael shares what he learned working inside distribution and why great distributor representatives function as educators, problem-solvers, business developers, and strategic partners—not simply order takers. Inventory, Forecasting & Supply Chain RealitiesThe pair discuss common misconceptions about inventory availability, forecasting, lead times, and why communication between dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and reps is critical to maintaining product availability and supporting business growth. Building Better Dealer RelationshipsWhat makes a dealer easy to support? What creates challenges? Michael shares candid insights about adaptability, openness to change, communication, and why strong relationships remain one of the most powerful business tools available. Why Great Products Don't Always WinThe conversation explores why even outstanding products can struggle to gain market share and how education, awareness, promotion, and dealer buy-in often matter more than product quality alone. Promotion vs. DiscountingOne of the most practical discussions of the episode focuses on the difference between promoting products and discounting them. Michael explains why businesses often rush to markdowns before fully utilizing effective marketing, customer engagement, and event-driven promotion strategies. Key Takeaways Relationships outperform transactions. Product knowledge remains a competitive advantage. Great customer experiences create loyalty beyond price. Distribution and manufacturer reps can be valuable business partners. Forecasting and communication reduce inventory challenges. Education fuels growth at every level of the industry. Promotion creates excitement; discounts should be a last resort. Long-term success comes from investing in people, not just products. Memorable Quote"Plants don't grow in the same pot they started in. They need new soil, new opportunities, and continued cultivation. Businesses are no different." — Michael Thill Whether you're a builder, service professional, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or sales representative, this episode provides valuable insight into the relationships, strategies, and mindset required to thrive in today's pool industry.#TalkingPools #PoolIndustry #PoolBusiness #DealerSupport #Distribution #SalesLeadership #PoolProfessionals #RetailSuccess #BusinessGrowth #AquaticsIndustry #NatalieHood #MichaelThill Support the showThank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTik TokEmail us: talkingpools@gmail.com
In this episode of Lennox ON AIR, Doug and Dave sit down with dealer Richard Dorman (Rite Way Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing) and DM Sean Dinel to break down why speed to lead has become a defining advantage in today's market. From shifting homeowner behavior to rising competition and lead costs, they explore how dealers are rethinking lead generation—from leveraging existing customers to testing new tools, digital strategies, and grassroots approaches.The conversation also highlights where many dealers lose opportunities: after the lead comes in. Sean and Richard share what effective follow-up really looks like, how top performers track and optimize every lead source, and why doing nothing is no longer an option. If you're looking to move faster, convert more, and build a more resilient pipeline, this episode delivers practical, real-world insights you can put to work right away.Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL!Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.
In this week's episode, Martin and Steve are back in the studio after quite some weeks away.There's a big update on Steve's 1985 90 build including body alignment and sourcing genuine parts, and another day in the diary to drive the project even further towards that all-important finishing line. Will the burgundy 90 make it to Fest? Only time will tell...Elsewhere, the boys recap a cracking day at the off-road course for the Big Land Rover Fest, including testing all different shapes and sizes of Land Rover on the course – everything from a £500 Freelander to a £100,000 Range Rover and plenty in between.Finally, Martin buys a new barbecue, and reports back on his adventures shopping for yet another Freelander 2. It's all go go go!As always, we love to get your feedback and questions, so don't hesitate to send us an email on editorial@lrm.co.uk. We love to get them! Enjoy the episode.
In a major win for telcos, Bombay High Court on Monday quashed the government's one time charge for spectrum, stating that the Centre has failed to justify any authoritative power in levying the charges and altering the financial terms of the telecom licenses as an afterthought. A division bench of Justices Shreeram V. Shirsat and Manish Pitale also directed the government to set aside demand notices and return any related bank guarantees furnished by the telcos. It upheld Bharti Airtel's and Vodafone Idea's arguments that the Centre holds no power to retrospectively impose a one-time spectrum charge in 2012 for spectrum held above 6.2 MHz from the year 2008 onwards. India's EV inventory falls to single digits as waiting periods loom, ICE vehicle stocks rise A sharp surge in demand for EVs has pushed dealer inventory levels down sharply to low single digits, with select higher-end variants of models such as the MG Windsor EV, Tata Nexon EV, Tata Punch EV, Mahindra BE 6, Mahindra XEV 9e, Bajaj Chetak and Ather's 450X and Rizta scooters beginning to see waiting periods as fuel-price hikes accelerate consumer preference for electric mobility and other fuel-efficient vehicles, according to dealers and automakers who spoke to businessline. Dealers and automakers said fuel-price hikes are accelerating consumer preference for EVs, CNG cars and smaller fuel-efficient vehicles, while simultaneously leading to rising inventories of higher-displacement petrol and diesel vehicles as buyers are increasingly moving away from ICE models. FY27 Disinvestment proceeds cross full FY25 collections in 2 months; Miscellaneous Capital Receipts exceeds 23% of BE The government's Mop-up under ‘Miscellaneous Capital Receipts' (MCR) crossed more than 23 per cent of the budget estimates in just little over two months of FY27 driven primarily by robust earnings from disinvestment. Significantly, earnings from disinvestment in just two months exceeded those during full fiscal of FY25 and nearly 72 per cent of full fiscal of FY26 . Union Budget has pegged MCR at ₹80,000 crore. According to the budget document, these include receipts on account of management of equity investments and public assets through various mechanisms. Put simply, MCR primarily includes disinvestment (sale of minority share holdings and strategic disinvestment) and asset monetisation. Data from DIPAM shows government offloaded parts of its stake in three CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises) — Central Bank, Coal India and NHPC and mobilised ₹12,165 crore. Govt cuts PM Ujjwala subsidy as domestic LPG cylinder cost surpasses ₹1,600 Government has reduced the number of cylinders for which a Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) household can avail subsidy from nine to four. The subsidy amount remains unchanged at ₹300 per 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder. The decision comes amid the disruption in Strait of Hormuz, West Asian conflict almost completely choking-off LPG supplies coming out of West Asia via the Strait of Hormuz (SoH) which have pushed up benchmark Saudi CP prices, resulting which reflected in the domestic cylinder cost rising past ₹1,600 and losses of PSU oil marketing companies (OMCs) hitting ₹700 a cylinder. Praveen Mal Khanooja, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), said on Monday that PMUY households will receive ₹300 a cylinder on the first four refills each year -- ₹1,200 per beneficiary a year. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)
#940 Want to know what it's really like to grow up inside a family business and help take it to the next level? In this episode, host Kirsten Tyrrel sits down with Colby Stevens, who shares the inspiring story of joining his family's business, Shine Supply. Founded by his father after years in mobile detailing, Shine Supply grew from a garage-based startup to a global detailing product brand with 50+ dealers worldwide. Colby opens up about stepping into the business right after high school, balancing the father-son dynamic with the boss-employee relationship, and how consistency, culture, and passion have fueled their success. He also breaks down Shine Supply's unique marketing approach, their evolution from serving professional detailers to reaching DIY car enthusiasts, and the lessons learned about team building, leadership, and scaling without losing authenticity! (Original Air Date - 10/7/25) What we discuss with Colby: + Family business roots in detailing + Founding of Shine Supply in 2008 + Overcoming challenges of father-son dynamics + Lessons from early bankruptcy and restart + Instagram as a growth catalyst + Balancing professional detailers vs DIY market + Importance of culture and authenticity + Scaling team and leadership insights + Simple, clear product strategy + Consistency as key to growth Thank you, Colby! Check out Shine Supply at ShineSupply.com. Watch the video podcast of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Great Car Market Reset: Are Dealers Finally Negotiating Again? With Special Monthly Guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge After several years of inflated prices, limited inventory, and “take it or leave it” dealership attitudes, the automotive market may finally be returning to reality. Is the era of paying thousands over sticker becoming a thing of the past? On this month’s edition of WrenchNation Radio, host Frank Leutz welcomes back special monthly guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge to examine what many are calling The Great Car Market Reset. For consumers who delayed buying a vehicle during the pandemic and post-pandemic price surge, the conversation has become increasingly interesting. Rising inventory levels, higher interest rates, and changing consumer demand are putting pressure on dealers nationwide. In many cases, dealerships are once again finding themselves competing for customers rather than customers competing for vehicles. Additionally , as a last minute in studio surprise -we have young independent film talents Kenny Li and Nothing But Laughz as they discuss their latest film project at Singing Panda Asian Restaurant !
Ready to outsmart the car dealers and save big? On this episode of https://Drive-Radio.com – The Extra Mile, John Rush and Luke Cashman expose the secrets behind auto financing, revealing how dealerships really make money, and how you can keep more of yours. Discover the hidden traps and little-known strategies that could put thousands back in your pocket. Find out why one small mistake with your interest rate could cost you dearly, and how smart buyers lock in deals while others overpay for the same car. Get the inside scoop on credit scores, pre-approvals, and the lender secrets that can make or break your next car purchase. From negotiation hacks and trade-in tactics to avoiding the most common buyer blunders, this episode arms you with the knowledge to beat the system, no matter your credit score. Learn how to play the game whether you're buying new, used, or facing credit obstacles. John also shares behind-the-scenes insights from the financing trenches straight from the showroom floor to buy-here-pay-here lots and repo tales. Whether you have perfect credit or are rebuilding from scratch, there's something here for every driver. If you want to stop leaving money on the table and start winning at the dealership, don't miss this episode, it could save you thousands on your next ride. Curious about something you heard on Drive Radio – The Extra Mile, need a car review, or have an automotive question? Connect with us live! Call the KLZ560am studios in Denver during the show (Saturdays, 10 am–1 pm MT) at 303-477-5600, or text your questions to 307-200-8222. Stream the show live on the KLZ560am app or at https://Drive-Radio.com.
AI-powered research tools are changing how consumers shop for powersports vehicles, prompting dealers to spend more time explaining financing options and correcting misconceptions about rates, promotions and pricing. Consumers are increasingly arriving at dealerships with information gathered from online searches and AI platforms, creating both opportunities and challenges for finance managers, Fun Bike Center Motorsports Finance Manager Samer Fidy tells Auto Finance News during an episode of “The Roadmap” podcast. “They're coming to confirm the research that they've done online,” he says. At the same time, affordability remains a key factor in powersports financing decisions, with about 80% of the Lakeland, Fla., dealership's customers focused on monthly payments as they evaluate motorcycles, personal watercraft and side-by-sides, Fidy says. AI-driven shopping behavior The preparation consumers are doing is leading finance teams to engage earlier in the buying process, Fidy says. “The monthly payment is key [to] us closing the deal,” he says. While AI tools can help shoppers gather information quickly, they can also create confusion when consumers encounter financing offers, rates or promotions that do not apply to a specific brand, vehicle or lender, Fidy says. “The challenge is people are coming more prepared. They're coming with more knowledge, or they think they know more than we do.” — Fun Bike Center Motorsports Finance Manager Samer FidyAffordability and financing options At the same time, longer loan terms, including 72- and 84-month financing options, continue to increase in powersports financing, particularly for higher-priced units such as personal watercraft, side-by-sides and premium motorcycles, Fidy says. Dealers now need to spend more time educating first-time buyers about credit, interest rates and financing structures, especially when a powersports purchase represents their first independent financing experience, he added. As AI adoption grows and consumers keep researching before entering a showroom, education is becoming a larger part of the sales and financing process, Fidy says. “I think this will be the new norm,” he says. “That's why it's important to educate your team on the importance of the dealership.”
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Karen Chagnon, VP Sales at Guidepoint Systems, and Ferris Hamdan, General Manager at Wesley Chapel Honda, to discuss why most dealers are operating blind — unaware of which vehicles on their lot have a dead battery, a check engine light, or low fuel, and equally unaware of what's happening inside the vehicles they already sold, data their manufacturer sees but doesn't share with them. Ferris walks through how Wesley Chapel Honda nearly doubled sales volume to 400 units a month, and credits real-time vehicle health visibility with saving an estimated 15 to 20 deals per month. Karen reveals that the average dealer loses three to 10 sales a month to vehicles that simply weren't ready when the customer arrived, explains how the same data drives a 70% attachment rate in the finance office, and lays out why dealers who rely on manufacturer outreach are handing customer relationships to an entity whose loyalty is to the brand, not the store. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Guidepoint Systems. Topics: 03:30 One Dead Battery = One Lost Deal. 04:00 The Hour-Long Drive To A Dead Car. 06:50 The Three To Ten Deals You're Losing. 07:20 Why GPS Mileage Is 20% Off. 09:45 The 10-20 Batteries You Replace Monthly. 12:20 15 To 20 Saved Deals Per Month. 14:45 The 70% F&I Pen Rate. 16:45 Why Time-Based Service Reminders Fail. 22:30 Who Really Owns The Customer? 23:30 We Track Health, Not Location. 28:00 Can Your Product See A Check Engine Light? 32:55 The 10% Service Lift You're Missing. Guidepoint Systems - 25+ years. 1M+ vehicles. OEM-approved by Stellantis. Guidepoint Systems has spent decades purpose-building telematics for franchise dealerships — and in a flat-sales environment, their platform is becoming a dealer's most important retention tool. Real-time vehicle health signals, true odometer data, proactive service alerts. The right information at the right moment. That's how Guidepoint turns fixed ops into growth. Visit @ here. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
This one is a throwback and it still hits.Craig Johnson is the founder of Wild Ass Seats, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of premium motorcycle air cushions built in an FDA-approved medical device facility. He started the company about 10 years ago and has spent the better part of the last decade traveling the country, working shows, and building one of the most loyal product followings in the powersports accessories space.In this conversation with Brian, Craig talks about what drives him to keep pushing, why the best dealers are the ones willing to get educated on products rather than just looking for what is new, and what happens when a manufacturer has inventory but the distribution chain is broken.He also dropped a line that every parts manager and every dealer rep should hear: if they are not selling your product, they do not know enough about it yet.That is still true.What we cover:What keeps Craig going after a decade of building Wild Ass from the ground upThe pressure mapping test Craig ran against competitors at a local medical supply facility and what it showedWhy customer stories, not sales numbers, are the real fuel for a founderThe training portal Wild Ass built to incentivize dealer reps and parts staff to get educatedWhy asking what is new is the wrong question — and what dealers should be asking insteadThe manufacturer's perspective on supply chain blame: how dealers blame the brand when the distributor is the actual problemHow a great product can sit in a warehouse while the floor sells nothing because nobody passed on the knowledgeWild Ass's 10th anniversary expansion into UTVs, cars, trucks, tractors, and stadium seatingWhy this product is no longer just for long-distance motorcycle ridersWatch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit?si=xGw636a89UUDAK20Connect with Craig Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wildasscraig/Wild Ass Seats: https://www.wild-ass.comConnect with Jacob: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berryFollow the Fixit Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixitMotoHunt for Dealers: https://dealers.motohunt.com
Prime Time's Conor McMorrow reports on how children are groomed into working as drug mules.
A 10h, ce jeudi 4 juin 2026, les GG : Mourad Boudjellal, éditeur de BD, Charles Consigny, avocat, et Flora Ghebali, entrepreneure dans la transition écologique, débattent de : "300 euros la journée", les dealers affichent les salaires !
Dans le quartier Hoche de Grenoble, des dealeurs ont affiché sur les murs des offres pour recruter des vendeurs, guetteurs pour des "postes" de jour et de nuit. La maire écologiste Laurence Ruffin assure que ces tags seront effacés "très prochainement".Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Episode #1361: The FTC names 97 dealers in a warning over advertising practices, new data shows EV truck owners are surprisingly disloyal to legacy brands, and Anthropic files for an IPO after rocketing past OpenAI in valuation. Show Notes with links: ...
In this eye-opening episode of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Sean V. Bradley sits down with CBT News co-founder and automotive industry veteran Jim Fitzpatrick for a conversation that every dealer principal, general manager, and automotive leader needs to hear. "The FTC is going to be saying, look, you can't play games with this. If your salesperson is out there pitching a price on a car... your salesperson is now going to be representing to the consumers what the sale price of that car is." - Jim Fitzpatrick As the FTC increases its focus on dealership advertising, pricing transparency, and consumer protection, many retailers are left wondering: Is my dealership truly prepared? Sean and Jim unpack one of the most important topics facing the automotive industry today, exploring how regulatory changes, compliance expectations, and evolving consumer demands are reshaping the dealership landscape. From pricing disclosures and advertising practices to the growing influence of social media and personal branding, this discussion highlights why old habits could create new risks in today's market. "We're really bringing together the smartest minds in retail automotive or most of them, to bring them together to say, look, let's help dealers figure this thing out." - Jim Fitzpatrick Without giving away all the answers, this episode challenges dealers to think differently about compliance, leadership, training, and accountability. More importantly, it highlights why staying informed and proactively adapting may be one of the biggest competitive advantages a dealership can have moving forward. Whether you're a dealer principal, GM, GSM, compliance officer, or automotive professional, this conversation will help you better understand the road ahead and why industry leaders are paying close attention to the conversations surrounding FTC enforcement, dealership operations, and the future of automotive retail. Register for the Auto Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. here and get $100 OFF with code 'SEAN100': https://www.cbtnews.com/auto-leadership-summit/ Because in today's environment, what you don't know could cost you far more than you think… Key Takeaways: ✅ The FTC is focusing on fair pricing and transparent marketing practices in the automotive industry to protect consumer interests. ✅ Dealers need a comprehensive training program that includes a structured compliance strategy to address pricing and social media marketing challenges. ✅ Social media influencers and individual sales representatives can unwittingly cause compliance issues if they post content related to pricing without understanding the implications. ✅ Establishing a robust audit system for social media content posted by dealership employees is vital to maintain compliance and protect brand reputation. ✅ The CBT News Auto Leadership Summit on Fair Pricing and Compliance will offer insights from experts across the industry on how to navigate these compliance challenges. About Jim Fitzpatrick Jim Fitzpatrick is a 25-year veteran of the retail automotive industry. He began his career in 1980 as a new car salesperson at a high-volume Toyota dealership in South Florida and quickly rose through the ranks, holding executive positions with AutoNation and JM&A. In 2001 Jim became the Managing Partner of a Toyota dealership in Augusta Georgia. In 2004 Jim, along with his son, John, co- founded Force Marketing in Atlanta, Georgia which currently serves over 1600 franchised dealers throughout North America. In 2012, realizing the need for new car dealers to have their own news and information platform, Jim and his wife Bridget, launched CBT Automotive Network. In addition to providing daily news reports, CBT produces nine weekly shows, hosted by the industry's best known consultants and trainers. Each show focuses on different departments of the dealership operation. Over 54,000 dealer principals, OEM, and Association Executives throughout North America receive CBT's daily newsletters. A recent study found that more people view CBT's video segments than any other automotive media platform. A father of five and grandfather of six, Jim lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his family. Harnessing Regulatory Compliance and Social Media Strategy in Automotive Sales: Insights from Industry Leaders Key Takeaways Social Media Compliance: Dealerships must enforce strict social media policies to ensure compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations and protect their brand image. Price Transparency: Aligning advertising strategies with FTC guidelines on fair pricing can prevent costly violations and enhance consumer trust. Training and Policies: Implementing comprehensive training programs and policies can safeguard dealerships against potential regulatory breaches and maintain operational integrity. Navigating the Complex World of Social Media Compliance In the ever-evolving automotive industry, dealerships face a growing demand to maintain transparency and compliance, particularly in the realm of social media. The transcript from a riveting conversation between Jim Fitzpatrick and Sean V. Bradley highlights the importance of ensuring dealership employees adhere to social media guidelines set by the FTC. Fitzpatrick asserts that social media has become crucial in portraying a dealership's brand and customer experience. "Take the influencers and have them talk about the experience, have them talk about the selection," he suggests, emphasizing content that avoids pricing to remain compliant. The conversation underscores the significant role dealerships' social media strategies play in forming consumer perceptions and regulatory compliance. With employees potentially acting as brand ambassadors online, the repercussions of non-compliant posts can be detrimental. Discounted prices or misleading offers shared on personal platforms, as Fitzpatrick points out, can draw unwanted regulatory scrutiny. Dealerships are not just at risk of tarnishing their reputation but also face hefty fines. Simply put, ensuring a strategy that focuses on non-monetary aspects of the dealership experience can protect both brand and financial standing. Price Transparency: A Path to Building Consumer Trust Price transparency in dealership advertising is another crucial theme woven throughout the dialogue. The FTC, under the Biden administration, has intensified its focus on what it terms "junk fees" in various industries, including automotive. "Maybe the managers are saying, well, in order for us to be compliant, we're going to price ourselves right out of the marketplace," Fitzpatrick notes, acknowledging the balance dealerships must strike between competitive pricing and regulatory adherence. According to Bradley, the importance of consistency across advertised prices and what consumers actually pay when they walk into a dealership cannot be overstated. Misleading pricing not only disrupts consumer trust but also exposes dealerships to severe penalties. With the FTC reportedly sending out 97 warnings to dealerships about these practices, the industry is on high alert. Dealerships must ensure that their advertising reflects the actual purchase price, minus incentives, to maintain compliance and consumer confidence. Comprehensive Training and Policies for Sustainable Operations Both Bradley and Fitzpatrick adamantly express the importance of robust training and policy establishment to mitigate the risks of regulatory infringements. Fitzpatrick underscores the need for ongoing employee education, suggesting that training programs specifically tailored to reinforce compliance norms can be a dealership's strongest defense. "If you don't have ongoing training in this area…you have no defense," he mentions. Bradley concurs, emphasizing the necessity of consistent managerial oversight and the implementation of structured communication protocols, such as computer use policies. These measures not only ensure that the dealership aligns with federal regulations but also empower employees with the knowledge they need to uphold the company's reputation. Comprehensive, routine audits and training can preemptively address and rectify potential compliance issues before they escalate to external disputes or regulatory scrutiny. Navigating the intricacies of compliance in the automotive industry requires a proactive and strategic approach. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability through comprehensive training and controlled social media strategies, dealerships can fortify themselves against regulatory pitfalls. As the conversation between Bradley and Fitzpatrick poignantly illustrates, these measures not only safeguard against financial penalties but also contribute to building a resilient, consumer-focused brand reputation in a competitive industry landscape. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Automotive Sales Mastermind Facebook Group with over 29,000 automotive professionals worldwide. The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group is the go-to community for car salespeople, BDC agents, sales managers, general managers, and dealer principals looking to increase performance, income, and leadership skills. Inside the group, members collaborate daily on automotive sales strategies, lead handling, phone scripts, closing techniques, CRM best practices, dealership leadership, and accountability systems. Learn directly from top automotive trainers, industry mentors, and high-performing sales leaders who are actively winning in today's market. If you're serious about growing your automotive career, increasing car sales, and building long-term success, join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: Dealer Synergy is the automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm, with over 20 years of proven dealership success nationwide. We specialize in helping car dealerships increase sales, improve processes, and build high-performing Sales, Internet, and BDC departments from the ground up. Our expertise includes automotive phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, BDC workflows, Internet sales processes, management training, and accountability systems. Dealer Synergy partners directly with dealership leadership to align people, process, and technology, ensuring consistent results and scalable growth. From independent dealers to large dealer groups and OEM partnerships, Dealer Synergy delivers measurable performance improvements, stronger teams, and sustainable profitability. ➼ Bradley On Demand: Bradley On Demand is the automotive industry's most advanced interactive training, tracking, testing, and certification platform for car dealerships — built to develop top-performing teams across Sales, Internet Sales, BDC, CRM, Phone Skills, Leadership, and Management. In addition to LIVE virtual automotive training classes and a library of 9,000+ on-demand dealership training modules, Bradley On Demand now includes AI Phone Roleplaying and Coaching to help salespeople and BDC agents practice real dealership conversations before they ever get on the phone with customers. This AI-powered roleplay technology strengthens phone scripts, objection handling, appointment setting, lead follow-up, and closing skills, while providing measurable coaching feedback for continuous improvement. Bradley On Demand empowers dealerships to train faster, coach smarter, improve call performance, increase closing ratios, and sell more cars more profitably — all through structured, trackable, modern automotive training.
Send us Fan MailAI is moving fast enough to feel like magic, but in equipment dealerships that “magic” can just as easily turn into expensive confusion. We sit down with Mets Kramer to get specific about what AI will change in the capital goods space and why the winners won't be the teams with the fanciest chatbot, but the ones who actually understand parts, service, sales, warranty, and how a dealership makes money. If AI can ship a week's worth of work in a day, the real question becomes: are we getting smarter, or just getting faster?We dig into the practical reality of AI hallucinations, the danger of trusting the first clean-looking answer, and why domain knowledge is now the ultimate safeguard. We also talk about the leadership gap inside the industry: fewer managers have “done the jobs” they lead, and training programs that used to build judgment have been treated like optional spending for decades. AI doesn't fix that problem; it amplifies it. Without real training and clear processes, teams can waste weeks chasing confident, wrong outputs.Then we move into high-impact use cases dealers can actually act on: connecting AI to CRM data, using telematics and lifecycle management to time replacement conversations before cost per hour spikes, and using AI to untangle messy service histories for better maintenance planning. We also make the case for a true CIO-style information leader, plus a sober look at cybersecurity and why modern cloud security posture matters for dealer systems.If you want AI to improve dealer profitability, technician productivity, and territory strategy without creating chaos, listen through and share this with someone who controls training and systems. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: where would you start applying AI inside your dealership first? Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Ben Atkinson, VP of Auto Lending at Upstart, and Evan Driscoll, General Sales Manager at Audi Jacksonville to discuss why the credit score has become the most overrated number in auto lending and how a full-spectrum dealership running everything from $2,000 used cars to $400,000 Rolls-Royces gets first-time buyers approved at competitive rates with no money down. Evan breaks down how a slow approval costs his store at least $1,000 per car per day in aging inventory, and how a 10-second automated decision changed the math. They also get into why 24/7 automated approvals matter most during the weeks traditional lenders go dark. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Upstart. Topics: 04:30 Why Slow Approvals Kill Deals. 05:50 The $1,000 Cost Of One Extra Day. 08:00 How Soft Pulls Close More Deals. 09:50 Why Customers Love Soft Pulls. 11:20 The 10-Second Approval. 15:00 Why First-Time Buyers Get 7% Rates. 16:30 The 280 Data Points Beyond Credit Scores. 20:00 24/7 Automation Beats Banking Hours. 21:00 The Beach Chair Email That Enraged A Store. 24:30 Why Manual Credit Apps Are Dead. 26:00 One Portal Beats Five Logins. 29:00 People First, Tech Second. Upstart - Unlike traditional auto financing, Upstart uses thousands of data points – not just credit scores – to approve more buyers, structure more profitable deals, and speed up funding. Learn more at here. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
In this high-energy episode of Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki, Jen Suzuki gets brutally honest about one of the biggest mistakes happening inside dealerships right now… slow lead response. This isn't about cheesy auto-responses, outdated templates, or "just checking in" emails that customers ignore. Jen breaks down why speed alone is not enough anymore. Dealers must combine fast response times with engaging, value-based conversations that actually pull customers in emotionally and stop them from shopping everyone else. From real dealership observations to simple but powerful examples, Jen explains why the first five minutes can determine whether your store wins or loses the deal. She challenges salespeople, BDC teams, and leaders to rethink how they approach internet leads, customer engagement, and communication strategy in today's hyper-competitive market. If your team is still responding an hour later with "Is this vehicle still something you're interested in?" this episode might sting a little. But it's the reality of modern automotive retail. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways on lead speed, customer psychology, conversation hooks, trust-building, engagement strategy, and why "professional speed" has become one of the biggest competitive advantages in the car business today.
Get 30% off your next rv mattress with code RVMILES at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles The RV industry is sending some warning signs right now. Dealers are openly talking about a “structural change” in the RV business as sales continue slowing, RV shipments fall again, and affordability becomes a growing concern for buyers. This week we break down what some of the biggest dealership groups in America are saying about the future of RVing — and why used RV sales are suddenly outperforming new ones. We also cover: • New RV solar safety rules coming in 2026 • Sun Communities selling off its UK campground business • Major upgrades to Campground Views and Campendium Watch the full RV Business Power Breakfast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxpbzf-GMiE&t=7152s *Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1355: Today we're talking about dealers feeling cautiously optimistic despite economic pressure, Volvo dodging a major U.S. regulatory headache tied to its China ownership, and OpenAI quietly building what could become a serious challenger to Google's ad business through conversational AI.Show Notes with links:Dealer optimism is creeping back up according to Cox Automotive's Q2 Dealer Sentiment Index, especially around used cars. But underneath the positivity? Plenty of concern around the economy, politics, and affordability.Dealers rated current market conditions at a “slightly favorable” 53, with optimism for the next three months jumping to 57.Customer traffic showed a meaningful rebound, climbing from a weak 34 in Q1 to 43 in Q2. Still not back to 2025 levels, but enough movement to suggest shoppers are slowly re-entering the market.Dealers gave the used car market a 62 rating — the strongest since 2022 — with several stores reporting record grosses and fast-moving pre-owned inventory.The biggest drag on business? The economy. 54% of dealers said economic conditions are holding them back, while 43% pointed to the political climate.One Toyota dealer summed it up perfectly: “Still a high demand, but economic uncertainty is making people wary.”Volvo shares jumped after the automaker secured approval to continue importing and selling vehicles in the U.S., easing fears that its Chinese ownership ties could create a major roadblock for future business stateside.Volvo stock climbed nearly 7% after the company announced it received “specific authorization” from U.S. regulators tied to China-connected vehicle restrictions, set to begin in model year 2027.The concern stemmed from Volvo's majority owner, Geely, which controls nearly 79% of the company and had investors worried about future bans under new national security rules.Instead of restrictions, Volvo says talks with U.S. officials around governance, technology, and data security led to an approval with no added conditions — something analysts say was better than expected.Volvo continues investing heavily in the U.S., including plans to build two additional models at its South Carolina plant by 2030.OpenAI's early advertising experiments are revealing something marketers are paying close attention to: ChatGPT can create buying intent during a conversation, not just respond to it. That could fundamentally change how digital ads work.Unlike Google Search ads built around keywords, ChatGPT ads are triggered by “conversational intent” — meaning the AI can infer what users may want even if they never search for it directly.Similarweb found that 46% of users who eventually saw an ad started the conversation with zero commercial intent. The chat itself gradually created the opportunity.Ads appear much later in conversations — sometimes 30 to 50 exchanges deep — making them feel more like recommendations than interruptions.OpenAI currently shows just one ad at a time inside chats, creating premium inventory that analysts estimate could command CPMs around $60 and CPCs near $12.Similarweb's Heral Amir: “OpenAI has a chance to take advertising to a very good place from user experience, but they can also mess it up completely.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1354: Today we talk about Mazda trying to define what the brand actually stands for, Ford battling yet another F-150 production headache while inventory stays tight, and Ferrari shocking enthusiasts with a futuristic $640k EV designed alongside former Apple design legend Jony Ive.Show Notes with links:Mazda's U.S. CEO says the brand's biggest challenge isn't product, pricing, or even tariffs—it's clarity. As Mazda pushes toward 500,000 annual U.S. sales, Tom Donnelly says dealers will play the starring role in making the brand more distinctive and desirable.Mazda has hovered around 400,000 U.S. sales for two years and believes stronger brand identity is the path to 500,000 units.Dealers were challenged to rethink customer experience with shorter processes, stronger relationships, and what Mazda calls a more “sticky” ownership experience.Donnelly emphasized affordability as a major opportunity, noting Mazda's average transaction price is around $39,000 compared to the industry average above $51,000.Tariffs, incentives, and shifting production have pressured profitability, but Mazda says strategic moves like shifting Mazda3 sedan production to Japan helped improve earnings.“If you walked out of this hotel and asked 10 people what Mazda stands for, you'd get 10 different answers. That is my keeps-me-up-at-night thing.” — Tom Donnelly, CEO of Mazda North American Operations.Ford finally started climbing out of its F-150 inventory hole after last year's aluminum supplier fire… and then a broken hood die shut the line down again. The pause may only last a few days, but when you're already 60,000 trucks behind, every hour matters.Ford paused F-150 production late last week after a hood die reportedly broke at a nearby stamping plant that forms the truck's aluminum hood panels.The Dearborn plant was expected to sit idle Thursday night through at least Saturday, with Memorial Day potentially stretching the shutdown to four days.With two 10-hour shifts running daily, the downtime could cost Ford roughly 2,500 trucks at a time when inventory is already down more than 40% year-over-year.Ford is reportedly considering “super Saturday” or “super Sunday” shifts to claw back lost production and keep dealers supplied heading into summer truck season.Ferrari officially pulled the cover off its first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, and let's just say… the internet has thoughts. Designed with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, the $640,000 EV swaps engine roar for amplified sound and tradition for experimentation.The Ferrari Luce is the brand's first EV and first-ever five-seat Ferrari, using four electric motors to hit 0–60 in under 2.5 seconds with a top speed above 190 mph.Ferrari partnered with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive, creating a glass-heavy, ultra-minimal interior meant to feel more “analog” than tech gadget.Ferrari says range wasn't the priority, with the Luce targeting about 330 miles despite its massive battery pack.Online reactions were… spicy. Many enthusiasts blasted the design for straying too far from Ferrari tradition, while Ferrari shares dropped roughly 6% after the reveal.“As a car becomes electric, it doesn't mean that it needs to be a consumer electronics object.” — Ferrari Chairman John ElkannJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Send us Fan MailThe fastest way to lose the next generation of technicians is to make the job feel rigged. We sit down with longtime automotive leader Jim Centorbi to talk about what's really happening in the workforce, why so many young people avoid the trades, and how outdated systems inside the dealership are pushing good talent away.We get specific about technician compensation and the flat rate pay model: what it rewards, what it punishes, and why “uncontrollables” like scheduling chaos, parts delays, and inconsistent estimating land directly on the tech's paycheck. From there we zoom out to the bigger operational issue: too many service departments and fixed operations teams run without a real handbook, clear job descriptions, or consistent training. When everyone improvises, customers wait longer, advisors guess more, and trust erodes.Then we look forward. If direct-to-consumer vehicle sales and EV contracts keep moving the way they are, what happens to the traditional dealership? Where do technicians go? How do parts and service protect labor market share and parts market share when customers can buy everything with three clicks? We argue for a return to basics: mentoring, process, data-driven forecasting, and the golden rule as a competitive advantage.If you care about dealership service, fixed absorption, customer experience, and the future of the automotive industry, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a service leader or technician, and leave a review with the one change you'd make first. Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.
Dealers are wasting marking dollars because their data isn't clean and updated. I had the opportunity to sit down with Robb from RMA Data Plus at Agent Summit 2026 for an incredibly insightful conversation on how clean data and training your staff can help dealerships increase their profitability in 2026. For more on RMA Data Plus, visit: https://rmadataplus.com/ #dealership #automotive
Culture isn't built through slogans or perks—it's built through leadership, accountability, training, and creating an experience people actually want to be part of.In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, we welcome back Nick Ruffolo for an in-depth conversation on what truly drives long-term success inside a dealership. From customer retention and employee engagement to leadership development and process accountability, Nick breaks down the systems and mindset shifts that separate average dealerships from elite-performing organizations.Drawing from his experience leading fixed operations across the , Nick shares why culture is more than a buzzword—it's the foundation behind customer loyalty, employee retention, and sustainable growth. He explains how dealerships can create stronger relationships with customers, empower advisors and technicians, and develop leaders who inspire performance instead of simply managing it.This conversation goes far beyond service lanes and KPIs. It's about understanding people, creating buy-in, building trust, and developing systems that keep both employees and customers coming back.We talk about:Why dealership culture impacts every departmentThe connection between customer experience and employee retentionWhy fixed ops success starts with leadership and accountabilityHow training and coaching create high-performing teamsThe importance of understanding your employees' “why”How dealerships lose customers after the warranty periodWhy service advisors should focus on relationships over transactionsThe role of communication in dealership performanceWhy process consistency matters more than flashy amenitiesHow great leaders create buy-in and trustThe difference between managing people and inspiring themWhy dealerships must break down silos between sales and serviceHow setting the next appointment improves retentionWhy top-performing dealerships invest heavily in culture and developmentThe importance of hiring for attitude and emotional intelligenceNick also shares powerful insights on leadership, employee motivation, customer trust, and how embracing discomfort and continuous growth can transform both individuals and organizations.His message is clear: dealerships don't grow because of luck—they grow because of people, culture, accountability, and leaders willing to invest in the long game.This is a high-energy, insight-packed conversation about customer retention, leadership, fixed ops culture, and what it really takes to build a dealership people want to work for—and customers want to return to.BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HEREwww.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host Russell B. Hill and Co-Host Charity Dunning as they discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in What the Fixed Ops?!podcast #automotive #fixedoperations #dealershipmarketing
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Film Festival Tickets are here! https://buytickets.at/thedopeyfoundation/2216905 Listen without ads www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast Summary Dave opens this Dopey Greatest Hits episode with a full Long Island transportation saga after the LIRR strike, the Knicks comeback, Australian Dopey Nation messages, a dentist/implant update, and a voicemail from Ben about 7OH being so strong it blocked the effects of oxy and Dilaudid. Dave then reads Patreon and Spotify comments from the Gabor Maté replay, talks about AI, Katz's, the Dopey Film Festival, and why Motorcycle Gang Gary won the “Long Island fucko” replay poll. The main replay is Gary from the beach — a classic Long Island Dopey story. Gary talks about growing up on Long Island, early drinking, weed, the Beatles, Zeppelin, handball, woods parties, coke, fighting crews, Teamster money, selling weed, motorcycles, 1% biker culture, strip clubs, ego, crack, destroying his marriage, losing his house, Gordon Heights crack runs, robbing a dealer, getting stabbed and beaten nearly to death, 250 stitches, rehabs, relapse, spiritual darkness, and eventually finding recovery. It's funny, brutal, very Long Island, and one of the great beach-meeting Dopey stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this special episode of the Independent Dealer Podcast, recorded live on location at Buy Here Pay Here United 2026, Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin flip the script with a first-of-its-kind vendor panel. Instead of the traditional dealer open forum, six of the industry's top service providers take the stage to share what they see from their side of the glass — the blind spots, pain points, and opportunities that dealers are missing right now. Featuring Steve Levine (Ignite Dealer Compliance Group), Mike Downey (Auto Master Systems), Bill Neylan (Tax Max), Jason Gosnell (Buckeye Risk Services), Ariad Sommer (Ituran USA), and Terry MacCauley (Big Time Advertising), this panel pulls back the curtain on AI, automation, compliance, disaster planning, parts sourcing, and where the BHPH industry is headed next.What You'll Learn:-Why AI in your dealership can be a compliance time bomb — and why every store needs a written AI policy-How dealers are "doing more with less" using data warehouses (BigQuery, Snowflake) instead of dumping PII into ChatGPT-The heated debate over AI replacing employees — and why some 40-year dealers refuse to use it at all-Why most dealers have NO contingency plan to operate when an ice storm, hurricane, or outage shuts the doors during tax season-The backup systems every dealer needs: power, internet (Starlink), VOIP phones, and remote-ready staff-How starter interrupt and GPS integration can collect a late payment automatically — without you ever picking up the phone-Why you're probably paying for features your current vendors already offer but never turned on-How automotive recyclers became the "Amazon fulfillment center" of parts — and how it's lowering recon costs-The massive shift in search: customers now treat Google like ChatGPT, and organic traffic is down 20–30%-How to get your dealership to show up in AI Overviews (and why the top 10% of your website is everything)-What vendors wish dealers would do: communicate your pain points, stop ghosting, and never cancel over cost alone-Where six industry insiders see Buy Here Pay Here heading over the next 10 yearsIf you're a buy here pay here or independent dealer trying to navigate AI, automation, compliance, and an industry that's changing faster than ever, this vendor panel is packed with insider perspective you won't hear anywhere else. These are the people who touch hundreds of dealers every month — and they're telling you exactly what's working, what's coming, and what's quietly costing you money.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytz - BHPH payment processing with fast funding and text-to-pay. https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpayIturan GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupLuke Godwin: @lukegodwinJeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.
Most independent dealers are working harder than ever — and still watching inventory sit. The difference between the stores that are winning right now and the ones that are grinding isn't budget, market size, or luck. It's discipline. The top-performing independent dealers are turning inventory 54% faster and generating 4.5x as many leads as the average store. They're replacing their entire lot 8 to 10 times a year. That's not a story about technology. It's an operational one — and it's replicable. In this special sponsored episode of the Auto Remarketing Podcast, Hayley Hollen and Chris Vangellow of Dealer Car Search break down what fast-turn dealers actually do differently: how they think about stocking decisions, why they don't wait for perfect listings before going live, and how they use trust signals — reviews, pricing transparency, response consistency — to keep the buyer path moving. Timely, practical, and grounded in data from thousands of independent dealerships.
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1349: Today we talk about Mitsubishi cutting weak dealers while betting on a product comeback, the growing FTC pressure pushing vendors toward all-in pricing transparency, and Pizza Hut discovering the hottest new trend in retail… 1990s nostalgia complete with red cups and Pac-Man.Mitsubishi is shrinking its dealer network while promising a future product comeback. The brand has cut underperforming stores, frustrated some retailers with low profits and aging products, but says a new EV and refreshed lineup could turn things around.Mitsubishi's U.S. dealer count has dropped 16% since 2019, falling from 355 stores to just under 300 today.CEO Mark Chaffin says the strategy is “quality over quantity,” replacing low-volume stores with higher-performing operators expected to sell 3-5x more vehicles.Dealers say profits are razor thin, with many relying on used cars to stay afloat while struggling with an aging lineup and heavy fleet sales.Mitsubishi is betting on its “Momentum 2030” plan, including a new electric crossover this fall and several electrified models through 2030.One frustrated dealer summed it up bluntly: “Eventually Mitsubishi may get there with the new product, but it's going to have to commit more to the U.S. if it wants to do well here.”As regulators tighten the screws on vehicle pricing transparency, vendors are racing to help dealers stay compliant. S&P Global Mobility and TrueCar both rolled out new tools designed to simplify fee disclosures, standardize pricing, and avoid FTC headaches before they become lawsuits.S&P Global Mobility launched “FeeSync,” a free industrywide tool that lets dealers update fees across vendors and marketplaces from one central hub.The push comes as the FTC continues sending warning letters to nearly 100 dealer groups over pricing and advertising practices.TrueCar updated its platform to display all-in pricing upfront, including dealer fees and add-ons, with expandable disclosures for shoppers.TrueCar CEO Scott Painter said the platform's goal is “a transactional price that is good for both the dealer and the car buyer upfront, without negotiation.”Pizza Hut is leaning hard into retro vibes, remodeling stores to look like peak-1990s dine-in restaurants complete with Pac-Man, stained-glass lamps, and those iconic red cups. Turns out millennials will absolutely drive three hours for a little childhood comfort food.Since 2019, Pizza Hut has converted 144 locations into “Pizza Hut Classics” with throwback décor and dine-in experiences.Some remodeled stores are now top performers, with customers traveling long distances just to relive the experience.The nostalgia push comes as Pizza Hut closes underperforming locations while rival Domino's continues expanding aggressively.Pizza Hut is also reviving its legendary “BOOK IT!” reading program, rewarding kids with pizza for summer reading goals.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
This week, Mike lets listeners run the show! It's an "Ask Mike Anything" episode where our intrepid host tackles questions asked by listeners. Here are the questions covered in this episode. At what point do we start trading in metals instead of paper currency? What does that timeline look like, and where are we currently on that timeline? How will the higher price of oil impact overall consumer price inflation? Higher oil prices cause higher prices in certain goods, but will it also lessen demand and prices in other areas? I heard an ad for a gold seller that said, "Some experts claim that gold could hit 6 thousand this year." I'm typically dubious of ads that say "some experts", rather than citing specific experts. 1 - Do you know of any reputable experts making this claim? 2 - Do you agree? 3 - Do you think the January peak is likely the highest we'll see this year? Why or why not? As SHTF scenarios become more likely, metals will be a life-saving alternative to fiat. Dealers put a high premium on rare collectible coins, whereas I only value the metal content of coins. Will these collectibles retain extra value when Mad Max hits town? Does AI feel like a bubble to you based on the huge valuations of these companies? Should people consider trading the gold/silver ratio? If so, when? And if the refiners get backed up, will it be even possible? Silver has been significantly outpacing gold. Do you see this continuing, and should we expect a rate cut with the new Fed Chair, even if inflation rises? Texas established a precious metals depository with the ability to conduct transactions within the depository. Can you give us an update on how that's progressing and if any other states have done something similar? What is a realistic way of making it normal to trade and pay for items in precious metals? Are there good precious metal-backed currencies that you like? Maybe talk a little bit about the lead time between cause and effect. Related to the old saying health is wealth, you managed to play goalie and do it well long after younger (and lesser) men have hung up their skates. How do you manage to do this? To be clear, no joking, I'd very much like to hear the answer.
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1348: Today we cover Tesla raising Model Y prices for the first time in years, lenders diving deeper into subprime auto financing, and why automotive advertising is quietly losing market share.Show Notes with links:Tesla just bumped prices on several higher-trim Model Y variants for the first time in two years, signaling confidence that EV demand may be heating back up. Meanwhile, Wall Street is still trying to decide if the stock is charging ahead or stuck in traffic.Tesla raised prices by $1,000 on the Model Y Premium RWD and AWD trims, while the Performance trim climbed by $500.Entry-level Model Y versions remain unchanged, suggesting Tesla is protecting affordability while testing premium demand elasticity.Analysts point to rising gas prices and battery material costs as possible drivers behind the move.Despite the pricing confidence, TSLA stock slid over 4% Friday and dipped again Monday as investors weigh slowing momentum and new technical buy points.Auto lenders are diving deeper into subprime financing as affordability pressures push buyers back into the market and lenders get more aggressive chasing deals. The result? More approvals, higher payments, and longer loan terms.Subprime and deep subprime borrowers made up 15.4% of all auto loans and leases in Q4, the highest share since 2021.Average interest rates are eye-popping: 13.2% for subprime new-car loans and nearly 22% for deep subprime used-car loans.Dealers say lenders are “digging a little deeper” rather than dramatically lowering standards, helped by better data and digital document verification.Experian's Melinda Zabritski summed it up saying, “As affordability remains top of mind, both lenders and consumers are adapting.”For decades, automotive advertising practically was the ad industry. But now, shrinking OEM budgets, EV uncertainty, and Tesla-style marketing strategies are changing the game and auto's share of ad spend is slipping below a historic benchmark.Automotive advertising is projected to fall below 10% of total ad category spend for the first time ever tracked by Guideline.The category shrank roughly 7% in 2025, with spending pressure continuing into 2026.Analysts point to weaker EV momentum and automakers scaling back electric initiatives as major contributors.Newer brands are ditching traditional “big splash” campaigns in favor of leaner marketing approaches, following Tesla's no-advertising playbook.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
- Chinese Cars Infiltrate America Anyway - Chinese Robotaxis Dodge U.S. Tech Bans - Xpeng Robotaxis Ditch Lidar For Cameras - WeRide Plans Massive Robotaxi Fleet - Will Robotaxis Cripple Car Sales? - Carvana Rattles Stellantis Dealers - U.S. Fees Fleece EV and Hybrid Drivers - Renault Launches Niagara Hybrid Truck - Geely Buys Radar Pickup Brand - Risky Auto Loans Spark Alarm
- Chinese Cars Infiltrate America Anyway - Chinese Robotaxis Dodge U.S. Tech Bans - Xpeng Robotaxis Ditch Lidar For Cameras - WeRide Plans Massive Robotaxi Fleet - Will Robotaxis Cripple Car Sales? - Carvana Rattles Stellantis Dealers - U.S. Fees Fleece EV and Hybrid Drivers - Renault Launches Niagara Hybrid Truck - Geely Buys Radar Pickup Brand - Risky Auto Loans Spark Alarm
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1343: Today we discuss dealers trusting people more than AI when it comes to lead follow-up, Hyundai's big push to repair struggling service satisfaction, and a new lawsuit claiming Toyota buyers deserve part of a potential $9 billion tariff refund.Show Notes with links:Dealers still believe the human element wins the sale. A new Urban Science survey shows strong confidence in showroom sales teams, but much less trust in AI lead follow-up. The takeaway? Dealers want better process visibility before turning things over to automation.72% of dealers said they're highly confident in their sales teams' ability to convert leads, while 75% say they respond in under five minutes.Dealers still see weak spots: 38% cited lack of real-time insight into lost sales and 34% pointed to inconsistent follow-up.Consumers expect speed. Urban Science found 82% say follow-up matters, and 72% expect a response within 24 hours.AI still has a trust gap. Only 14% of dealers trust AI tools for lead follow-up compared to 57% who trust in-house sales teams.Urban Science's Eric Demont said dealers need “a clear understanding” of wins, losses and defection patterns to improve conversion rates.Hyundai is trying to fix one of its biggest weak spots: service satisfaction. After years of complaints about delays, parts shortages and overloaded service departments, the automaker is rolling out mobile service vans, technician recruiting and dealership efficiency programs to win customers back.Hyundai says poor service capacity and years of engine replacement recalls overwhelmed dealerships and dragged down customer satisfaction scores.The brand has added 4,000+ service bays nationwide, while dealers are extending hours and adding Saturday service to handle demand.Hyundai plans to launch a 150-van mobile service fleet by year's end to handle oil changes, brake jobs, software updates and other light repairs at homes or workplaces.The company is also recruiting more technicians, improving diagnostic training and coaching 185 dealerships on service efficiency and workflow gaps.Hyundai's Michel Poirier said the goal is climbing back up JD Power rankings by 2028, adding: “Service is the most important part of the business.”A California Toyota buyer is taking aim at tariff pricing, claiming customers helped foot the bill for billions in import costs — and should get paid back if Toyota ever receives tariff refunds. A proposed class action lawsuit claims Toyota passed tariff costs onto buyers through higher vehicle and parts prices.The filing covers buyers and lessees of qualifying Toyota vehicles purchased between February 2025 and February 2026.Toyota reportedly absorbed about $9 billion in tariff-related costs tied to Japan, Canada and Mexico operations.Toyota recently raised prices on several models, including a $1,600 increase for the 2026 Sequoia, while calling the changes part of a “regular review of the prices.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Nathan Johns, CFO of Smith Auto Group, and Justin Feist, President of Auto Dealer Payments, to discuss how credit card processing is the "last frontier" of dealership expense management, yet most CFOs struggle to decipher their 20-page monthly statements. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how processors use "price creep" to erode margins and why dealerships are structurally disadvantaged in the world of chargebacks. We break down how to audit your effective rate and implement a defense strategy to reclaim lost profit without selling a single extra car. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by Auto Dealer Payments. Auto Dealer Payments - Auto Dealer Payments exclusively works with automotive dealerships, providing simple, transparent, and best-in-class support for payment processing. Visit @ here for more information and to schedule a meeting. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 04:20 Why Credit Card Processing Never Gets Audited. 05:40 The 20-Page Statement Nobody Reads. 06:05 Why Your Processor Only Lowers Rates When You Leave. 07:10 The Line Item That Made Justin Investigate. 08:00 Why Dealerships End Up In 1-800 Support Hell. 09:30 The “Local Relationship” Costing You Thousands. 11:45 Why Chargebacks Hit Service Departments Hardest. 12:45 Guilty Until Proven Innocent. 14:40 The 20% Win Rate That Can Jump To 80%. 16:00 The $5,000 Monthly Chargeback Exposure. 18:40 Why Your Processor Raises Rates Twice A Year. 24:30 The $21,000 Per Million Hidden Cost. Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
The F&I department can be much more efficient and profitable with the right tools. I had the opportunity to sit down with Brad Hartsell from Vision Dealer Solutions at Agent Summit 2026 for an incredibly insightful conversation on the opportunities dealers are missing in F&I to increase their profitability in 2026. For more on Vision Dealer Solutions, visit: https://www.visiondealersolutions.com/ #dealership #automotive Digital Dealership Solutions: ddsolutions.ca Strategy With Jason: strategywithjason.com Bell2Bell: bell2bell.ca Listen To The Strategy With Jason Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3IwlT3v Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3fT8V3H Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/347rnDb
Dealer marketing can look really organized at the corporate level and still completely fall apart in the field. A portal gets built, assets get uploaded, launch emails go out… and then a dealer posts an off-brand phone photo five minutes later.This week, Sam and Roop talked about why that happens. Most dealers are not trying to ignore the brand. They are trying to sell in their market, to their customers, in real time. And when corporate marketing feels too disconnected from that reality, they will find their own way.That's why the conversation kept coming back to partnership over control. Better tools help, but the best channel marketing strategies make dealers feel supported, not managed.Because at the end of the day, the question is simple: are we making it easier for dealers to stay on brand, or easier to work around us?See you next week for our special Chelsea episode! You won't want to miss it!— Claudia, Sam, Chelsea, and RoopTell us what you think!
AI is everywhere right now.Collectors are curious.Dealers are experimenting.Business owners are trying to figure out what matters and what is noise.In this episode of Built for the Hobby, Brett sits down with InfernoRed Technology CEO Scott Lock to answer real AI questions submitted by people inside the hobby. Topics include:• Can AI help price rare cards with little sales history?• Can dealers use AI to source better inventory and improve margins?• What does AI look like for collectors focused on enjoyment instead of profit?• Will AI eventually anticipate opportunities before we even recognize them ourselves?This conversation explores where AI fits into sports cards right now and where the biggest opportunities still exist for collectors, dealers, hobby shops, and businesses trying to build better experiences.If you've been wondering where AI is heading in the hobby, this episode is for you.Check out the awesome software that InfernoRed Technology can build for you.Get your free copy of Collecting For Keeps: Finding Meaning In A Hobby Built On HypeStart your 7 day free trial of Stacking Slabs Patreon TodaySign up for Hobby Jobs and The Weekly Rip for freeFollow Stacking Slabs: | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
No topic outline. No pre-shared lists. Just two people who live inside the powersports industry every day comparing notes on the books that actually changed how they think.Jacob Berry from Dealership fiXit and Brendan Baker from PSB Power Hour sat down for a joint episode to share the business books that hit hardest in the past year and talk about why they matter for dealers, operators, and anyone in a leadership role in this industry.1. How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale CarnegieThe first book Jacob picked up on his audiobook journey. The foundation for every people and sales conversation in this episode.2. Never Split the Difference — Chris VossFBI hostage negotiator turned business negotiation coach. Jacob calls it one of the best strategy books on how to talk to people in any situation.3. The Laws of Human Nature — Robert GreeneOld but powerful. The idea that people buy emotionally and justify logically maps directly to every powersports sale.4. Magnetic Marketing — Dan KennedyThe OG of direct response marketing. Stop chasing customers and build marketing that attracts them. One is the loneliest number.5. $100M Leads — Alex HormoziDistribution beats creativity. Dealers who post daily win attention. Dealers who wait lose market share.6. $100M Offers — Alex HormoziMost businesses fail because the offer is weak, not the execution. Engineer deals, do not discount them.7. $100M Money Models — Alex HormoziThe third in the series. Revenue stability comes from stacking predictable models. One-time sales are fragile.8. Velocity 2.0 — Dale PollakThe only book on this list written specifically for dealerships. Inventory turn beats margin hoarding. Speed creates leverage.9. Buy Back Your Time — Dan MartellTime is your most expensive asset. Delegate outcomes, not tasks. If you are the bottleneck, your growth is already capped.10. 12 Rules for Life — Jordan B. PetersonResponsibility precedes progress. Discipline beats motivation. Clean up your own house before criticizing other systems.11. Extreme Ownership — Jocko WillinkLeaders own outcomes. No excuses. If sales are down, start with yourself.12. CEO Excellence — Carolyn DewarHigh-level leaders think differently than operators. Culture is modeled, not declared.13. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen CoveyBrendan's go-to. Effectiveness is not about doing more things faster. It is about doing the right things in the right order. The four quadrant matrix is something every dealer principal needs on their wall.14. The Art of War — Sun TzuAncient military strategy that maps to business chess. Victory goes to whoever understands the terrain, knows themselves, and moves at the right moment.15. 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History — Andrew Ross SorkinBoth Jacob and Brendan are reading this one right now. The parallels to today's market are striking. The danger of assuming this time is different.16. How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships — Leil LowndesBrendan's pick for anyone who deals with people. 92 specific, practical moves for every conversation situation.Emotional Intelligence 2.0 — Travis Bradberry and Jean GreavesBrendan referenced emotional intelligence as an underrated skill set for dealer operators and salespeople.Libby App — Free audiobooks and ebooks through your local library card.Available at: https://libbyapp.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit?si=xGw636a89UUDAK20Connect with Brendan Baker (PSB): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-baker-b744629/PSB Power Hour Podcast: https://powersportsbusiness.com/powersports-business-power-hour/Connect with Jacob: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berryFollow the Fixit Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixitMotoHunt for Dealers: https://dealers.motohunt.com
Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach are joined by Jared Glover from Jim Glover. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1336: Chinese automakers quietly prep a Canadian invasion, dealers ramp up ad spend amid tariff uncertainty, and even the Cozy Coupe gets an EV twistShow Notes with links:Chinese automakers are laying the groundwork to enter Canada, with hiring, vehicle sightings, and dealer conversations signaling real momentum. With a new 49K EV import quota opening this year, brands like BYD, Geely, and Chery are positioning early for market entry.Geely's Zeekr brand is already hiring senior leadership in Toronto, signaling active plans for sales, service, and dealer network development.Chery is testing vehicles in Toronto and courting Canadian dealers, even flying some to the Beijing Auto Show to build early relationships.BYD is moving fastest on retail, aiming to open as many as 20 stores this year through local partnerships.Despite the activity, no official quota allocations have been issued yet, and sales likely won't begin until late this year.Rising tariffs and shifting inventory levels are putting dealer marketing back in the spotlight. As uncertainty creeps into pricing and supply, dealers are leaning harder into advertising to guide consumers.Dealers spent $9.22B on advertising last year, up 4% and nearing pre-pandemic levels as the market stabilizes.Digital dominates, capturing 73% of ad budgets, with third-party listings, search, and social leading the chargeDealers spent an average of $705 per new vehicle sold on advertising, still well above pre-pandemic levels despite a slight year-over-year dip.Third-party listing sites alone captured over 20% of total ad spend, making them the single largest channel in dealer marketing budgets.“The future of the U.S. auto industry is murky… effects are difficult to quantify,” said NADA Chief Economist Patrick Manzi.Even the toy aisle isn't immune to the EV transition. Little Tikes is giving its iconic Cozy Coupe a plug-in twist, introducing a playful charging station that mirrors the real-world shift from gas pumps to electrons.Little Tikes launched a $33 “Cozy E-Charging Station” accessory for its classic Cozy Coupe, aimed at kids ages 18 months to 5 years.The plug fits right into the existing fuel door, signaling how seamlessly EVs are replacing gas—even in pretend play.The Cozy Coupe itself still runs Flintstones-style, powered by kids' feet—not batteries.The toy has sold up to 500,000 units annually at its peak, making it one of the most recognizable “vehicles” in America.At $65 for the car, it may be the cheapest “EV” on the market, even if range is limited to the living room.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1334: Dealers face workforce cuts as Group 1 trims costs, Ford's secret EV project reveals how it plans to hit a $30K price point, and Harley-Davidson shifts back to entry-level bikes to drive volume, boost dealer profits, and reconnect with new riders.Group 1 Automotive has reduced its U.S. workforce by nearly 700 employees in April as leadership responded to a slower retail market and leaned further into technology to improve efficiency.Executives said the company cut about 5% of its U.S. workforce across dealerships and corporate roles to reduce costs.CFO Daniel McHenry said the cuts will save about $35 million annually, while vendor reductions add another $15 million in savings.CEO Daryl Kenningham said leadership reviewed “costs by store and market and business unit” and assigned new staffing targets accordingly.Leadership said the company protected service technicians and retained roles tied to training, development, and retention initiatives.Kenningham: “We feel like we have enough technology overlay that's going to compensate for those lower productivity salespeople that we might have separated with,”We've talked about Ford's low-cost EV project before, but now we're getting a clearer look at how they plan to actually make money on a $30K electric truck.A Wall Street Journal article is detailing how the Ford program led by Silicon valley engineers is focused on stripping costs out of EVs.Ford insiders said the “techie outsiders” and legacy engineers initially struggled with “misunderstandings and distrust,” as fast-moving, risk-tolerant Silicon Valley approaches clashed with Ford's more cautious, process-heavy culture.The development team cut parts, simplified wiring, and redesigned assembly using large castings and modular builds to reduce labor and complexity.Engineering lead Alan Clarke said, “We can look at it as, ‘The Chinese are really far ahead and it's really scary that they're coming.' But, get off your ass and do something about it.”Harley-Davidson is pivoting hard toward affordability, bringing back the Sportster and launching lower-cost models as it tries to reverse years of declining sales and reconnect with a broader rider base.Harley leadership is returning to entry-level bikes after years focused on high-priced touring models that boosted margins but hurt unit sales.CEO Artie Starrs said the revived Sportster will start around $10,000, while a new Sprint model is expected near $6,000 to drive volume.The strategy aims to grow dealer profitability, with plans to double profits this year and quadruple them by 2029.Harley is also pushing more showroom traffic by requiring online merchandise purchases to be picked up at dealerships.CEO Artie Starrs said, “Our riders want it, which means our dealers want it, which is why we're so passionatJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
The national average F&I per copy in powersports is $370. Alex Reyes and his team are targeting $1,000 as their floor, not their ceiling.Alex is the General Manager at Broward Motorsports Treasure Coast in Hobe Sound, Florida, part of an eight-location group. He has spent the better part of the last decade building and running the F&I operation at one of the most active powersports dealer groups in the country. Three-time PSB Magazine 40 Under 40. MPN author. Featured on Auto Finance News with Synchrony. And he came from automotive at Hyundai Motor, which gives him a benchmark most powersports F&I people never had.This is the most comprehensive F&I conversation we have ever done on this podcast. We go from the product menu all the way to pay plans, lender strategy, the digital customer, and what metrics a GM should be watching every single week.What we cover:Why the $370 powersports average vs $2,500 automotive F&I gap comes down to habits, training, and focus, not talentAlex's first career move into powersports and why the emotional nature of the purchase changes the entire F&I conversationWhy financing is still an afterthought at too many stores and the simple script to shift that conversation at the point of saleThe 400% rule: offer every product, every customer, every time with 100% effortThe two non-negotiable products in any powersports F&I office and why ESC is not an upsell, it is a safety netWhy 85% of powersports repossessions trace back to mechanical failure and what that means for every service contract conversationThe GAP math: when to offer it at full LTV, what to say at 70% or under, and when to leave it outPrepaid maintenance as a VIP retention tool, saving customers 30-40% while bringing them back to your service bayHow Alex built a near-prime and subprime lending program at Broward from scratch and why a single-lender strategy is a one-hand-tied-behind-your-back problemThe Synchrony Outdoors card as a cross-departmental revenue tool that works across sales, parts, and serviceThe used bike lending reality: LTVs are different, CITs need to move fast, and MotoHunt helps you buy right in the first placeAlex's unorthodox F&I handoff: the business manager gets involved the moment credit is submitted, not at the endThe "tour de ride" concept and how Broward turns the wait time before the box into a dealership relationship builderHow to handle time in the box without killing the customer experience and the Jimmy at school storyThe baseball farm league approach to building F&I talent from the ground upWhy pay plans based on product mix produce better behavior than pay plans based on sheer PVR volumeThe three numbers a GM has to watch every week: cash to finance ratio, penetration by product, and CITWhat an F&I training program actually looks like and why Rob Greenwald gets the call when Alex needs outside helpThe CRM cadence for declined deals and why a no today is a lead for laterSoft pulls, VIP appointment setting, and where Broward draws the line on digital deliveryWhat Alex looks at first when a GM suspects their F&I department is underperformingWhy penetration rates tell a better story than PVR and what to do when they are out of balanceWatch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit?si=xGw636a89UUDAK20Connect with Alex Reyes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-r-a97a321a0/Broward Motorsports Treasure Coast: https://www.browardmotorsportstreasurecoast.comPowerSports HQ (Alex's YouTube): https://youtube.com/@PowersportsHQAlexConnect with Jacob: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berryFollow the Fixit Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixitMotoHunt for Dealers: https://dealers.motohunt.com
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1333: Used-car consolidation accelerates as the biggest dealer groups tighten their grip, Ford opens up employee pricing to drive volume, and Audible tests a bold physical retail concept. It's all about scale, strategy, and finding new ways to connect with today's customer.Show Notes with links:Automotive News dropped its 2026 Top 100 used dealer group ranking, and the big headline is scale: the top 100 retailed 3.45 million used vehicles in 2025, up 1.4%, while the top 10 alone moved 52% of the total. Big stores got bigger, and the used-car chessboard got sharper. Lithia stayed on top with 435,070 used units, followed by AutoNation at 269,558, Group 1 at 234,906, Penske at 226,301, and Sonic at 171,838.Group 1 had a monster year, jumping from 209,687 to 234,906 used units, while Hudson Automotive cracked the top 10 with 72,044 units after a big gain from 2024.The list also shows plenty of movement below the giants, with new names including DriveChoice, Price Family Dealerships, Sam Pack, Bob Moore, Young Automotive, Bayway, ZT, Hiley, and American Motors Group.Takeaway for dealers: used-car scale is still a weapon, but so is execution. The groups climbing fastest are proving inventory discipline, acquisition strategy, and turn speed still matter more than just rooftop count.Ford is opening up employee pricing to the public on most 2025 and 2026 models, leaning into affordability concerns while trying to keep volume strong. The move comes as competition tightens and buyers remain cautious on big purchases.Ford extends employee pricing broadly to attract cost-conscious buyers sitting on the sidelines.The strategy aims to boost showroom traffic and maintain plant utilization in a competitive market.Q1 2026 results show solid footing with $43B revenue and $2.5B net income, helped by a $1.3B tariff refund.The big question: will increased volume offset thinner margins or create a discounting habit?Audible is stepping into the physical world with a limited-time NYC pop-up designed to bring audio storytelling to life. The 6,000-square-foot “Story House” blends retail, community, and immersive tech into a new kind of media experience.Audible opened a three-story listening lounge in Manhattan, running through May 31.Features include Dolby Atmos rooms, live events, and interactive “story tiles” for browsing content.The space blends digital and physical, letting users sample, stream, and engage with content on-site.Community-driven programming includes creator panels, fan events, and themed experiences.James Finn, Audible's global head of brand and content marketing:“What does a bookstore look like without any books? A place where audio storytelling comes alive.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Today I'm joined by Jim Roche, CEO of Warrcloud. This conversation breaks down the massive $32 billion surge in warranty work, why customer pay is decelerating, and how dealers can use technology to fix "leaky" receivables and technician dissatisfaction. Jim reveals the tactical steps needed to modernize the service lane before the "death spiral" of rising prices drives your customers away. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Podium - the AI platform trusted by one in three dealerships. Podium helps dealers consolidate sales, service, messaging, and voice into one connected system that actually runs the work. If your AI isn't driving real outcomes, it's time to take a closer look @ here 2. CDG Recruiting – Hire top dealership talent, fast. From sales managers to GMs and C-suite execs, we've placed over 1,000 roles across auto retail. Ready to scale without the hassle? Visit @ here to get started. 3. WarrCloud - Your warranty claims process shouldn't drain your profits—or your people. Dealers reduce costs, speed up reimbursements, and uncover new revenue opportunities—while consistently improving OEM claim scores. The future of fixed ops belongs to those who adapt. Let's talk about automating your warranty processing today. Visit @ here Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 04:20 The Death Spiral Pricing Out Customers 06:50 Why Techs Feel Underpaid for Warranty 08:50 Why Your $25 Clerk Can't Handle Warranty 12:25 Fixed Ops Now Drives 54% 14:40 The $6 Million in Warranty Receivables 18:45 The Bob and Gladys Factor Killing Profits 22:10 Why 54% of Gross Gets 0% Time 24:15 The Two-Step AI Primer for Dealers 26:25 The Two-Day AI Summit That Changed Walzer Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Jeff Watson and Luke Godwin hit the floor at the 2026 BHPH United Summit in Las Vegas to ask dealers one simple question: what's your biggest problem right now? The answers? Honest, unfiltered, and exactly what you'd expect from a room full of operators who've seen it all.What You'll Hear:-The challenges keeping BHPH dealers up at night in 2026-How operators are responding to tighter credit, rising repos, and shifting customer behavior-Real talk on compliance, collections, and customer retention-Why BHPH United has become a must-attend event for serious independent dealersIf you couldn't make it to Vegas, this is the next best thing.Support the businesses that support the podcast:Buckeye Risk Services - Reinsurance and wealth strategies for independent dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/buckeyeBlytz - BHPH payment processing with fast funding and text-to-pay. https://theindependentdealer.com/blytzpay Ituran GPS - Asset protection and customer management for BHPH and retail dealers. https://theindependentdealer.com/ituranFollow & Connect:Website: www.theindependentdealer.comFacebook Group: @independentautogroupLuke Godwin: @lukegodwinJeff Watson: /sendtojeffwLike, subscribe, and share this with a dealer who needs to hear it.
Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach are joined by Joe Lewis from JC Lewis. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.