Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick, powered by CBT News

Jim Fitzpatrick
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Inside Automotive is a groundbreaking show that offers a captivating blend of dealership news, automotive retailing best practices, and cutting-edge industry insights from top executives and analysts. Featuring trailblazing industry insiders, this show offers a comprehensive look into the latest happenings within dealerships, highlighting key trends and developments. Through interviews with successful dealers, expert analysis, and practical advice, viewers gain valuable knowledge on implementing effective strategies, improving operations, and navigating the ever-changing automotive landscape. For more like this visit us at CBTNews.com.

  1. 1D AGO

    Jenni Newman on Tariffs, Gas Prices, and the Rise of Used EVs

    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 interest in EVs and hybrids as fuel costs rise and affordability pressures persist. She also explains how tariff uncertainty is influencing purchase decisions, with more consumers viewing “buying American” as a financial strategy rather than simply a patriotic choice. Key discussion points include:  How tariffs are impacting vehicle shopping behavior  Rising gas prices driving interest in EVs and hybrids  Why used EV searches continue to climb  Tesla’s dominance in used EV search activity  The growing supply of off-lease EV inventory  How dealers can better educate EV shoppers  Why affordability and value remain top consumer priorities Newman also outlines how dealers can capitalize on shifting demand by focusing on consumer education, ownership costs, and long-term value. Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

    9 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Kevin Pitts on Building AI Tools for His Dealership

    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 his dealership automated social media content creation, simplified internal processes, and integrated AI-powered research and communication tools without requiring extensive coding experience. He also discusses how customers are increasingly using AI during the car-buying process and why transparency is becoming even more important in today’s retail environment. Key discussion points include:  Why dealerships are building AI tools internally  Automating social media and marketing workflows  AI-powered customer communication and content creation  Managing employee concerns around AI adoption  How AI is changing customer research and buying behavior  The growing importance of AI visibility and search relevance  Practical advice for dealers starting with AI Pitts also explains why dealers should view AI as a tool for efficiency and customer service, rather than a replacement for human interaction. Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

    14 min

  3. APR 28

    Colin Liss Shares Leadership Lessons from the NADA Academy

    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 prices and higher monthly payments are forcing dealers to focus on value-driven selling, product fitment, and customer retention instead of relying heavily on incentives. He also explores how leadership strategies are evolving as dealerships navigate employee retention, work-life balance expectations, and changing workplace dynamics. Key discussion points include:  Affordability challenges and payment-sensitive consumers  Managing negative equity and financing complexity  Leadership lessons from the NADA Academy  Employee retention, staffing flexibility, and workplace culture  The role of urgency and consistency in dealership operations  Using authentic social media engagement to strengthen customer relationships  Why process discipline remains critical during market uncertainty Liss explains why dealerships that stay focused on fundamentals, leadership consistency, and customer alignment are better positioned to navigate ongoing market pressure. Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

    21 min

  4. APR 27

    Michael Dunne on China’s Auto Expansion and Pressure on Global OEMs

    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 automakers have rapidly scaled exports from roughly 1 million vehicles to around 10 million annually, now accounting for more than one-third of global production. While U.S. tariffs and regulatory barriers remain significant, indirect market entry and lobbying efforts continue to build momentum. Key discussion points include:  Rapid expansion of Chinese vehicle exports and global market share  Likelihood and timing of direct U.S. market entry  Tariffs, regulatory barriers, and political resistance  Indirect entry strategies through North American channels  Competitive pressure from pricing, design, and technology  Dealer readiness and franchise implications  Multi-powertrain strategies (ICE, hybrid, EV) driving expansion Dunne also highlights how affordability, technology integration, and manufacturing scale are reshaping global competition and positioning Chinese automakers as a growing force in the industry. Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

    28 min

  5. APR 23

    How To Hit 280% Of New-Car Goal

    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 income constraints, Simons took a hands-on approach—meeting with every employee, implementing transparent performance tracking, and building a competitive, accountable culture. He also leveraged subprime financing, targeted marketing, and deep community involvement to drive demand and build trust. The conversation highlights how operational discipline, local engagement, and strategic decision-making can unlock growth, even in challenging markets.  Building a high-performance team through alignment and accountability  Using real-time data and competitive tracking to drive results  Inventory strategies focused on volume and market demand  Leveraging subprime financing to unlock underserved buyers  Community engagement as a core driver of dealership growthInside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

    15 min

  6. APR 21

    Are brokers distorting the dealership model?

    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 broker involvement, yet enforcement remains uneven across the industry. He explains why relying solely on OEM guidance is insufficient and highlights the operational and legal risks dealers face when engaging in broker-related transactions. The conversation also explores how widespread broker activity can distort market dynamics, weaken dealer control, and create internal vulnerabilities. As regulatory pressure increases, dealers must balance compliance with competitive realities in evolving retail environments.  How broker activity impacts pricing, compliance, and dealer agreements  Differences in state laws and enforcement, including New Jersey’s strict stance  Limitations of OEM guidelines in regulating broker transactions  Operational and legal risks tied to non-compliance  Strategies for dealers navigating broker-heavy markets Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

    24 min

  7. APR 20

    Russell Richardson on turning social media into dealership sales

    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 act as a long-term follow-up system that keeps dealerships top of mind. He also highlights the growing role of social media in hiring, particularly within fixed operations, and emphasizes the importance of leadership involvement to drive adoption. With a structured, repeatable approach, dealerships can generate measurable results within months while reducing reliance on traditional paid channels.  Why social media is becoming a top lead source for dealerships  The difference between content for engagement vs. content for sales  Using authentic, daily posts to build trust and drive conversions  Leveraging social platforms for recruiting service and sales staff  The role of leadership in creating accountability and consistencyInside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

    25 min

  8. APR 16

    EV demand, oil prices, and policy shifts: what dealers need to know

    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 renewed interest in EVs, while regulatory changes are reshaping the national market landscape. He also discusses the growing role of geopolitical competition, particularly from Chinese automakers, and how that may impact global positioning. On the retail side, consolidation activity continues to gain momentum, with both public and private dealer groups pursuing scale and efficiency. The conversation underscores how underlying consumer demand continues to anchor the industry, even as external pressures evolve.  Why dealership performance remains stable amid economic uncertainty  The impact of rising fuel prices on EV demand  Federal policy shifts and their effect on market consistency  Growing competition from Chinese automakers in global markets  Acceleration of dealership M&A and industry consolidation trends Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

    21 min
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About

Inside Automotive is a groundbreaking show that offers a captivating blend of dealership news, automotive retailing best practices, and cutting-edge industry insights from top executives and analysts. Featuring trailblazing industry insiders, this show offers a comprehensive look into the latest happenings within dealerships, highlighting key trends and developments. Through interviews with successful dealers, expert analysis, and practical advice, viewers gain valuable knowledge on implementing effective strategies, improving operations, and navigating the ever-changing automotive landscape. For more like this visit us at CBTNews.com.

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