Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick, powered by CBT News

On this episode of Inside Automotive, Don Hall, President of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), discusses the growing concerns surrounding Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market, national security risks tied to connected vehicles, and the increasing regulatory pressure dealers face from the FTC. Hall argues that the debate over Chinese vehicle imports extends far beyond trade...

On this episode of Inside Automotive, Nick Anderson, General Manager of Chuck Anderson Ford and Chairman of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association, discusses how Ford dealers are navigating ongoing F-150 inventory shortages while adapting to growing FTC scrutiny around pricing transparency and advertising practices. Anderson explains how supply disruptions tied to aluminum supplier issues hav...

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a defining competitive advantage in automotive retail. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Todd Smith, CEO of QoreAI and author of The Intelligent Dealership , explains why dealers need to rethink how they approach AI adoption and data ownership. Smith argues that AI should not be treated like traditional software. Instead, dealerships must train AI sy...

Rising gas prices, tariff concerns, and changing consumer priorities are reshaping today’s automotive market. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Jenni Newman, Editor-in-Chief of Cars.com, breaks down the latest consumer shopping trends and explains why used EVs and domestically produced vehicles are gaining momentum. Newman shares insights from recent Cars.com data showing increased shopper int...

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping dealership operations, and some retailers are choosing to build their own tools instead of relying entirely on outside vendors. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Kevin Pitts, General Manager of BMW of Reading, explains how he developed in-house AI solutions to streamline workflows, improve marketing, and enhance customer engagement. Pitts shares how...

Affordability, employee expectations, and operational discipline are reshaping dealership management in today’s automotive market. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Colin Liss, General Manager of Green Mazda Lincoln and recent NADA Academy graduate, shares how his dealership is adapting to changing consumer behavior while maintaining stability and performance. Liss discusses how rising vehicle...

Chinese automakers and their potential entry into the U.S. market take center stage as global competition, tariffs, and shifting trade dynamics reshape the automotive landscape. Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights, joins Inside Automotive to break down why he believes direct Chinese auto sales in the U.S. are increasingly likely within the next three years. Michael Dunne outlines how Chinese auto...

Scott Simons, owner of Simons Chevrolet GMC, shares how he transformed an underperforming rural store into a top-performing operation in just a few months. By focusing on team alignment, disciplined inventory strategy, and expanded financing capabilities, Simons and his team achieved significant gains in sales, service, and parts performance. Operating in a small market with limited population and...

Paul Sansone Jr., owner of Sansone Jr’s Auto Group, examines the growing scrutiny surrounding automotive brokers and the impact on franchised dealerships. He discusses how broker activity is reshaping vehicle sales in certain markets and raising concerns around compliance, pricing integrity, and dealer agreements. Sansone outlines how state-level regulations—particularly in New Jersey—prohibit bro...

Russell Richardson, founder of RFW Training, explains how dealerships can turn social media into a consistent driver of leads, sales, and recruitment. He outlines a shift away from chasing views toward building authentic connections that convert into real business outcomes. Richardson shares why organic, unscripted content often outperforms highly produced marketing, and how social platforms now a...

Ryan Kerrigan, Managing Director at Kerrigan Advisors, examines the current state of automotive retail, highlighting steady demand, macroeconomic pressures, and accelerating industry consolidation. He explains why dealership performance remains stable despite volatility tied to fuel prices, policy shifts, and global trade dynamics. Kerrigan breaks down how rising energy costs are influencing renew...

Mike Stanton, CEO and President of the National Automobile Dealers Association, examines the debate סביב claims that franchised dealerships act as a “middleman tax” in vehicle pricing. He challenges recent findings from the International Center for Law & Economics, arguing that the analysis overlooks the operational realities of automotive retail and the value dealers provide. Stanton explains...

Namu Keys joins Inside Automotive to discuss how dealers can balance FTC compliance with competitive pricing strategies in an increasingly digital retail environment. Keys explains how fragmented pricing systems and conditional incentives create compliance risks, particularly as regulators focus on transparency and consistency. He outlines how digital retail tools, real-time inventory updates, and...

Lauren Fix joins Inside Automotive to break down key takeaways from the 2026 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), focusing on how affordability and consumer priorities shape the market. Fix analyzes award-winning vehicles, emerging trends, and the disconnect between automaker innovation and what buyers are actively seeking. She explores how automakers balance electrification, hybrid and tradi...

Shannon Robertson joins Inside Automotive to discuss the FTC’s recent warning letters to 97 auto groups and the implications for dealership compliance. Robertson outlines why transparent pricing, robust training, and adherence to federal and state regulations are critical in maintaining consumer trust and avoiding enforcement actions. She emphasizes that consistent online-to-in-store pricing, comb...

Jake Lebowitz joins Inside Automotive to examine the rise of unlicensed auto brokers in New Jersey and the implications for dealers, consumers, and the franchise system. Lebowitz outlines how broker-driven transactions are reshaping competitive dynamics by introducing pricing models that operate outside traditional dealer frameworks. While brokers can drive short-term volume, they also create chal...

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, a former car dealer, joins Inside Automotive to discuss the economic, regulatory, and geopolitical pressures shaping today’s retail automotive landscape. Drawing on both industry and policy experience, Moreno offers perspective on how global conflict, affordability challenges, and evolving regulations are impacting dealers and consumers alike. The conversation explores...

Seth Dobbs, Partner and Co-Chair of the National Automotive Practice at Fox Rothschild, joins Inside Automotive to break down the Federal Trade Commission’s recent wave of warning letters sent to nearly 100 dealerships. The move signals a more aggressive stance on advertising compliance, with increased scrutiny on pricing transparency, vendor oversight, and consumer disclosures. Dobbs explains how...

Tax refund season, affordability pressures, and shifting inventory dynamics are shaping the automotive market in 2026. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Jeremy Robb breaks down the key economic forces influencing dealer performance and consumer behavior this year. Robb explains how rising tax refunds could extend the demand window for dealerships while affordability challenges continue to pus...

David Christ joins Inside Automotive to discuss how Toyota navigates a rapidly evolving market, balancing affordability, dealer support, and electrification. Christ explains how lean inventories, diverse powertrains, and digital retail tools allow Toyota to maintain profitability and meet changing consumer expectations. He also outlines strategies for electrification, dealer profitability, and ope...

Pre-owned vehicle growth and operational flexibility are driving strong performance across dealership groups in 2026. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Jeff Dyke shares how the company is scaling its used-car strategy through EchoPark while navigating affordability pressures and shifting market dynamics. Dyke reflects on Sonic Automotive’s record-setting 2025 and explains how adapting invento...

Daniel Pilger and Brian Traugott break down key trends shaping dealer performance, from used-vehicle dynamics to fixed ops profitability and luxury sales cycles. Drawing on recent public dealer earnings, the conversation highlights how shifting supply, affordability pressures, and margin compression are reshaping dealership strategy. Pilger and Traugott explain why used vehicles remain central to...

Alex Casebeer and Phillip Cianni discuss how employee engagement and customer-focused strategies are driving retention and profitability at Capitol Auto Group. In a market defined by shifting demand and margin pressure, the group is prioritizing culture, operational discipline, and service-driven growth over volume alone. Casebeer and Cianni explain how empowering employees, enhancing the customer...

Dodge is doubling down on performance, brand identity, and dealer engagement as it navigates electrification and market uncertainty. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Matt McAlear concludes a three-part series by outlining how the brand is positioning itself for the future while staying true to its roots. McAlear explains how Dodge is building on its muscle car legacy with next-generation veh...

Dodge is working to rebuild dealer confidence while redefining performance for a new generation of buyers. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Matt McAlear shares how the brand is resetting its dealer relationships and rolling out a flexible, multi-energy strategy to meet shifting consumer demand. McAlear explains how Dodge is balancing electrification with internal combustion options through a...