Chris J. Martinez

Automotive Informants

News EN ↓ 33 episodes

Automotive Informants is where real operators talk about what’s actually happening inside the car business. Hosted by Chris Martinez and Zach Fritz, this podcast goes beyond headlines and hype. We break down the strategies, decisions, and execution that drive real growth inside dealerships and automotive companies across the country. You’ll hear conversations about AI implementation, fixed ops performance, used car strategy, leadership, marketing, inventory, and the operational moves that separate average stores from elite ones. No theory. No recycled conference talk. Just practical insight fr...

Author

Chris J. Martinez

Episodes

The Perfect Storm in Automotive: Tariffs, EVs and the Used Car Surge 10.04.2026 32:32

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the automotive industry, vehicle technology, aluminum tariffs, used car prices, EVs, and taxation. The discussion also delves into the impact of these factors on business operations and market strategies. Takeaways EVs and hybrids are gaining importance in the automotive market Used car prices are on the rise, impacting consumer behavior an...

Gas, Gears & AI: What’s Really Driving the Auto Industry? 03.04.2026 34:40

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including car prices, housing, car payments, autonomous driving, AI, and the impact of oil prices on the automotive industry. It also delves into the use of AI in the automotive industry and the need for adaptation and change to keep up with the evolving market. Takeaways Car prices and gas prices are impacting consumer behavior and vehicle preferenc...

The Dealers Who Win: FTC Pressure, EV Reality, and Why Execution Still Matters 26.03.2026 36:11

The conversation covered various topics related to the automotive industry, including the FTC crackdown on dealers, dealership addendums and pricing, competition and market dynamics, data and technology in the automotive industry, and the future of EVs in the automotive industry. Key takeaways include the importance of healthy competition, transparency with customers, adapting to the internet, and...

Rage Bait, Fake Pricing, and the Truth About Today’s Car Market 19.03.2026 39:23

The conversation covers various topics related to the automotive industry, including market commotion, transparency in pricing, consumer experience, rage bait and clickbait in automotive content, and the impact of gas prices on the vehicle market. The hosts discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by these themes, providing valuable insights for industry professionals. Takeaways Transpar...

The Truth About the Auto Market Right Now 05.03.2026 35:27

The conversation delves into the challenges of negative equity in auto retail, highlighting the impact of AI on the automotive industry. The discussion provides insights into the dynamics of dealership transparency scores and the role of AI in negotiating car prices. It also explores the influence of social media on automotive ownership and the changing landscape of dealership operations. Takeaway...

Auto on Edge: Record Debt. Rising Robotics. A Market Reset. 27.02.2026 34:31

The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, addressing the impact of debt and the emergence of robotics. It provides insights on navigating the market and adapting to changing dynamics, emphasizing the need to focus on the fundamentals and make smarter decisions. Takeaways Navigating the Automotive Industry Challenges and Opportunities The Impact of De...

Negative Equity, Subprime, and the Future of Auto. 19.02.2026 38:18

The conversation delves into the uncertainty in the automotive market, the impact of negative equity on the credit market, the rise of subprime lending, the challenges and advantages of lender fees, and the transition to autonomous vehicles and its implications. Each chapter explores a different aspect of the automotive industry, providing insights and perspectives on the current landscape and fut...

When OEMs Feel Pressure, Dealers Feel It Next 19.02.2026 27:23

The conversation covers various themes in the automotive industry, including the impact of technology, trends in vehicle manufacturing, the rise of electric vehicles, tariffs and lawsuits, automation's impact on jobs, market trends, and navigating industry noise and opportunities. The discussion provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, particularly in rel...