Talking Business with Mark and John

In this episode, we take a deep dive into how the automotive industry actually works. We explain how companies are driven to make money and how this impacts stock allocation and supply. We explore government legislative changes around fuel efficiency standards and how companies make decisions based on these outcomes. We provide valuable insights on the factors that will impact both original equipm...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the future of the automotive industry, providing an analysis of market changes from 2022 to 2023 and predictions for the year 2024. We explore the emerging trends and innovations that are shaping the industry and discuss how car dealerships can adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape. From government legislative changes around fuel efficiency standards...

Join us in this episode as we speak with Michael Mckenna from the VACC (Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce) about the current and future challenges facing licensed motor car traders in the automotive industry. Michael sheds light on the various legislative hurdles that dealers are encountering, including the introduction of the new fuel tax levy, disparities in taxes paid on imported vehicle...

In this episode we talk to Michael Mckenna from the VACC (Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce) about consumer law and how it is impacting their members the Licenced Motor Car Traders. Michael explains that dealers are facing increased complaints related to issues like buyers remorse and technical issues. He believes these complaints have risen due to increased consumer awareness of their righ...

In the automotive industry, the relationship between dealers and manufacturers has traditionally been a complex one. With different objectives and priorities, it often falls upon the field staff to bridge the gap between the two. In this enlightening episode of "Are Your Field Teams Productive?" we have the privilege of speaking with Kim Walker, an expert from UON Global, who sheds light on the ch...

Looking to buy a used police car in Australia? Here's what you need to know according to Frank Melilli, who heads up the police car fleet for Victoria Police. Victoria Police go to great lengths to ensure their police vehicles are extremely safe and suitable for their officers. This includes conducting extensive testing on new police car models to guarantee they meet all safety and performance sta...

Welcome to this exciting episode where we delve into the world of automotive sales and discuss the unveiling of the agency model, unlocking automotive success. The automotive industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation in how vehicles are sold to customers. While the franchise model has long been the conventional approach, some automakers are now embracing the agency model as an...

Decoding the automotive Industry: Unravelling the agency vs franchise model. The automotive industry is undergoing a major shift in how vehicles are sold to customers. Traditionally, automakers have relied on independent dealerships to sell their cars using the franchise model. However, some automakers are now adopting the agency model as an alternative. In this episode, we explain the key differe...

#paintlessdentrepair #paintlessdentremoval #paintless #automotivenews #automotiveindustry This week's episode features John Ashton from the Dent Academy, a leading provider of paintless dent removal training and services. John gives us an inside look at the benefits of paintless dent removal and why it has become the preferred method for repairing dents and dings on vehicles. Paintless dent remova...

In this week's video, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jack McMahon, an expert from CMT, who will enlighten us on the fascinating topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its profound impact on the automotive industry. Jack begins by providing a comprehensive explanation of what AI entails and delving into the various forms it takes. He sheds light on how AI is actively driving change within...

This week, we speak with Jack McMahon, CEO of CMT, about how artificial intelligence is transforming vehicle damage assessment in the automotive industry. CMT provides the automotive industry with an end-to-end vehicle damage assessment and repair solution. This includes market-leading 3D scanning technology, automated reporting systems, and highly skilled repair technicians. CMT's solution provid...

This week on Talking Automotive with Mark and John, we sit down with professional Australian race car driver Tony D'Alberto. Tony has had an exciting career spanning from go karts to V8 Supercars and now races Honda TCR's. In this interview, Tony shares how he first got into racing at a young age and has steadily progressed up through the ranks of different series over the years. He discusses what...

This week in Talking Automotive with Mark and John, we have a fascinating discussion with Al and Tony D'Alberto of Bellmont Nominees, a leading Australian automotive supplier. Tony takes us through Bellmont's rich history, originating as a motorsports business before pivoting to new opportunities after the close of car manufacturing in Australia. We learn how Bellmont leveraged their expertise to...

In this week's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Brendon Green, the General Manager of Motor Vehicles at Pickles Auctions. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in Used Car Remarking, Brendon will address the pressing questions surrounding the current state of the used car market. As we dive into the conversation, Brendon will shed light on the dynamic relationship between suppl...

In this episode of Talking Automotive with Mark and John, we explore the brands that have been successful in the Australian automotive industry and then try and predict with reason which brands are going to play a significant role in the future. The Australian automotive market is complex with many factors currently impacting the industry. To start, we look at the brands that have historically dom...

Welcome back to Talking Automotive with Mark and John. In this episode, we're analysing how immigration trends are impacting Australia's automotive market. With vehicle supply chains recovering and production ramping back up, we would normally expect to see an oversupply of new vehicles leading to aggressive price discounting by dealers and a drop in used car prices. However, Australia's populatio...

In this week's episode of Talking Automotive with Mark and John, we take an in-depth look at the current state of the Australian automotive industry. With new vehicle sales rising and used car prices on the decline, we analyze what's driving these market conditions and what it could mean for the future. Mark and John draw on the latest market data to break down new and used car sales trends. Resid...

In this captivating episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Kim Nauntofte, the esteemed CEO of Signcraft, to delve into the future of signage in the automotive industry. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Kim provides us with a profound understanding of how the signage landscape is evolving and the paramount role that branding and signage play in this dynamic arena. Prepare to b...

In today's world, CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) is changing the way we launch cars. For car companies, CGI is not only a way to create realistic video footage for launch communication; it's also a way to reduce costs and improve the overall quality of the launch videos. In this episode, we talk to Faruk Hepelvent from the Scope Studio about CGI and how computer generated imagery is changing car...

In this captivating audio, join us as we delve into the world of automotive entrepreneurship with Ric De Reuter, a seasoned automotive dealer hailing from rural Victoria, Australia. With his wealth of experience and unwavering determination, Ric takes us on a remarkable journey, recounting the humble beginnings of his automotive dealership and the secrets behind his enduring success. Throughout th...

How to Ensure a Successful Dealership and Business By Focusing On The Basics. In this audio, experienced automotive dealer Ric De Reuter shares his wealth of knowledge on how to manage and run a successful automotive dealership. With years of experience in sales, marketing, and management roles, as well as currently owning a dealership in rural Victoria, Ric provides honest and practical advice fo...

In this informative audio, we have the privilege of speaking with Ric De Reuter, a seasoned automotive dealer hailing from rural Victoria, Australia. Ric brings his wealth of experience to the forefront as he sheds light on the prevalent challenges faced by automotive dealers when it comes to scams and being scammed. Throughout the discussion, Ric offers valuable insights and practical advice for...

In this captivating episode, join us as we delve into a thought-provoking conversation with Ric De Reuter, a seasoned automotive dealer with a wealth of experience in the ever-evolving automotive industry. With his extensive background in sales, marketing, and management roles, Ric brings a unique perspective on the current and future state of the automotive landscape. The automotive industry is e...

Max Zanan, author of the "Definitive Guide to F&I," joins us to discuss strategies for increasing dealership profitability through finance and insurance. As an expert in F&I management, Max provides invaluable insights for senior management teams looking to optimize their operations. He outlines the key challenges dealerships face when it comes to F&I, including training and retaining...

In this episode, we explore the Australian automotive industry by speaking with industry experts on the cutting edge. We interview Geoff Becker, Managing Director of MSR, an engineering testing and verification firm working with major global automotive brands. With his insights into the latest trends, Geoff helps us stay on the pulse of this fast-paced, competitive industry. The automotive sector...