Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick, powered by CBT News

Dodge is redefining American performance in an era of electrification and evolving consumer expectations. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Matt McAlear discusses how the brand balances heritage, innovation, and performance to appeal to enthusiasts across generations. McAlear shares insights on Dodge’s evolving lineup, the role of flagship vehicles, and the company’s strategy for maintaining...

People-first leadership and community engagement are at the center of this conversation with David Wright , president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru and the 2026 recipient of the TIME Dealer of the Year. On Inside Automotive , Wright reflects on his path in the automotive industry and how a culture-focused approach has helped his dealership achieve long-term success. Wright discusses building an eng...

The EV market is shifting as automakers recalibrate investments and production, and dealers must adapt to a new sales landscape. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Tim Hovik discusses how these changes affect dealerships, consumers, and the broader automotive economy. Hovik shares insights on EV sales trends, generational adoption patterns, and what the “second-generation” EV market could look...

Strategic acquisitions, operational discipline, and leadership development are key drivers behind the growth of Empire Automotive Group , according to Michael Brown on this episode of Inside Automotive . Brown shares how his organization has expanded across the Northeast while maintaining a strong focus on culture, workforce development, and brand strategy. Drawing on early experience working alon...

Negative equity and shifting market dynamics are shaping dealer strategy in 2026, according to Jessica Caldwell , AVP of Insights at Edmunds , on this episode of Inside Automotive . While the share of trade-ins with negative equity isn’t at record highs, the average amount now exceeds $7,000—creating new pressures for lenders, dealers, and consumers. Caldwell explains how elevated transaction pric...

Dealership compliance takes center stage in this episode of Inside Automotive featuring Shannon Robertson , Executive Director of Automotive Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP) and host of Compliance That Works. Robertson outlines practical strategies dealers can implement to reduce regulatory risk, strengthen operations, and build a culture of accountability. As digital retail and social...

Scout Motors’ approval to sell vehicles directly to consumers in Colorado has reignited debate around dealer franchise protections and OEM competition. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), unpacks the legal and market implications of the decision and what it could mean for dealers nationwide. Maas explains why CNCDA, wi...

Catalytic converter theft continues to disrupt dealerships and burden consumers nationwide, fueling renewed momentum behind the bipartisan federal PART Act. In this special edition of Inside Automotive , Greg York, President and CEO of Vann York Auto Group, and Charlie Dyjak, Legislative Affairs Manager at NADA, break down why the legislation matters and how it could reshape theft prevention and e...

TrueCar founder Scott Painter returns to lead the automotive marketplace following a $227 million transaction to take the company private, marking a strategic reset for the platform. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Painter explains why his comeback centers on restoring balance between pricing transparency for consumers and sustainable profitability for dealers. Painter reflects on TrueCar’s...

Customer retention and employee engagement are driving a different kind of dealership growth at Cherokee Mitsubishi. On this episode of Inside Automotive , new dealer principals Jonathan Dawson and David Booth share how a relationship-first strategy helped the store rapidly build momentum after its acquisition in mid-2025. Rather than focusing on aggressive acquisition tactics, Dawson and Booth ex...

Dealership buy-sell activity is gaining momentum in 2026 as confidence in earnings, valuations, and capital availability strengthens across the automotive retail landscape. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Erin Kerrigan, Founder and Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, breaks down what’s driving the next wave of dealership acquisitions and how emerging forces are reshaping transactions. K...

General Motors Canada has selected Force Marketing to support after-sales marketing for its dealer network, marking a significant expansion of Force’s OEM-certified footprint. On this episode of Inside Automotive , John Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Force Marketing, joins the show to unpack what the partnership means for Canadian GM dealers and where retention strategies are headed in 2026. Fi...

Electric vehicle adoption, pricing power, and distribution strategy are converging at a pivotal moment for automotive retail. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Kevin Tynan, director of research at The Presidio Group, breaks down how shifting supply discipline, EV economics, and direct-sales models are reshaping dealer and OEM priorities heading into 2026. Tynan explains why disciplined produc...

As dealers confront mounting pressure from OEM incentive structures and online pricing transparency, Andy Wright, managing partner at Vinart Dealerships, shares his perspective on how the industry can protect profitability and restore consumer trust. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Wright reflects on Vinart’s 2025 performance and explains why he remains cautiously optimistic about 2026 amid...

A landmark acquisition is redefining Ohio’s luxury automotive landscape as the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family acquires Midwestern Auto Group and launches The Wyler Collection. On this episode of Inside Automotive , CEO David Wyler joins Dave Cantin, CEO and Chairman of the Dave Cantin Group, to discuss the strategy behind the transaction and what it means for luxury retail consolidation. The convers...

Glenn Lundy, automotive leadership coach and founder of the 800% Elite Automotive Club, joins Inside Automotive to share practical strategies for helping dealerships start the year with clarity, focus, and momentum. Lundy outlines why simplifying processes is often the first step toward stronger execution and how leaders can build consistency by committing to clear 90-day priorities. He explains t...

Premier Companies President Joe Laham joins Inside Automotive to discuss his group’s recent acquisition of a BMW dealership in Northern California and what it signals about brand confidence, market risk, and long-term strategy. Laham explains why California—despite regulatory pressure and dealer exits—still represents a compelling opportunity, particularly given BMW’s product mix and EV strength....

China’s rapid rise as a global automotive powerhouse is reshaping competitive dynamics worldwide. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights and host of Driving with Dunne , analyzes how the surge in Chinese vehicle exports is impacting automakers, dealers, and suppliers as the industry approaches 2026. Dunne explains how China has gone from a marginal exporter to...

As the industry looks toward 2026, Don Hall , president and CEO of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, joins Inside Automotive to help dealers put market conditions and legislative priorities into context. Hall shares why Virginia’s vehicle sales remain a bright spot, with fleet purchases from businesses and government agencies playing a significant role in supporting overall volume. He r...

Colorado’s approval of Scout Motors’ dealer license has raised new concerns about franchise protections and manufacturer-owned retail models. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Fred Emich IV , managing partner at Emich Automotive and chairman of the Volkswagen National Dealer Council, explains why the ruling is a wake-up call for dealers and OEMs nationwide. Emich breaks down how legal gray ar...

Colorado’s approval of Scout Motors’ dealer license has intensified concerns around direct-to-consumer sales and the future of the franchise system. On this special episode of Inside Automotive , Mike Stanton , CEO and President of NADA, and Don Hall , CEO and President of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, examine what the decision means for dealers nationwide and why the issue extends...

Minnesota’s auto market is entering a period of reset, and Scott Lambert, president of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association, joins Inside Automotive to break down the forces shaping dealerships statewide. Lambert explains how soft economic conditions—driven in part by agriculture headwinds and rising tariffs—are influencing vehicle demand and affordability. He also details ongoing legal an...

Colorado’s decision to grant Scout Motors a dealer license has reignited national debate over direct-to-consumer sales and the future of the franchise model. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Mike Maroone, CEO of Mike Maroone Auto and former AutoNation executive, shares his perspective on why the move represents a circumvention of long-standing franchise protections and risks destabilizing OE...

Despite softer EV demand in California and ongoing cost pressures, dealership operations remain resilient. On this episode of Inside Automotive , Del Grande Dealer Group CEO Jeremy Beaver explains how disciplined growth, strong fixed operations, and workforce investment are positioning dealers for success heading into 2026. Beaver discusses how the expiration of EV tax credits has reshaped demand...

As 2025 comes to a close, Dave Cantin, CEO and Chairman of the Dave Cantin Group, joins Inside Automotive to discuss AutoNation’s acquisition of Jerry’s Toyota—its first Toyota deal in more than a decade—and what it signals for dealer succession planning and the future of automotive M&A. Cantin explains why more than half of dealerships remain without a formal succession plan and how that gap...