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. 6D AGO

    Jeremy Robb on Tax Refund Season and Auto Demand in 2026

    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 push more buyers—across income levels—toward used vehicles. He also explores the growing impact of off-lease EV supply, evolving lending conditions, and the early role of AI in dealership operations. With macroeconomic uncertainty still in play, Robb offers a data-driven outlook on where opportunities exist, from increased service demand to emerging used EV adoption trends. Discussion points include:  Tax refund trends and their impact on vehicle demand timing  Ongoing affordability pressures and shifts toward used vehicles  Rising off-lease EV supply and market opportunities  Interest rates, lending conditions, and consumer financing challenges  Potential service department gains from increased consumer liquidity  Early-stage AI adoption and operational efficiency in dealerships 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.

    19 min

  2. MAR 23

    David Christ on Toyota’s electrification and dealer strategy

    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 operational resilience in 2026 and beyond.  Maintaining strong resale values and dealer margins through lean inventory and selective production  Expanding electrification with hybrids, BEVs, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles  Launching new BZ, CHR, and Highlander BEVs to meet urban and family buyer needs  Supporting dealers with profitable leasing programs and digital retailing via SmartPath  Balancing a broad product portfolio, including small cars, SUVs, trucks, and body-on-frame models  Strategic investments in battery production to ensure flexibility and long-term 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.

    22 min

  3. MAR 18

    Daniel Pilger & Brian Traugott on used cars, fixed ops, and dealer profits

    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 volume, how fixed operations are stabilizing profits, and what’s really happening in the luxury segment. They also emphasize the growing importance of disciplined execution, data-driven decision-making, and inventory management in a more normalized market environment.  Why used vehicles now drive the majority of dealership volume and affordability  Rising used EV demand and the impact of incoming off-lease supply  Fixed operations as a primary profit center amid front-end margin pressure  The role of data and operational discipline in improving inventory turns and margins  Understanding the recent dip in luxury sales and why demand remains resilient  How dealers can position for growth through execution, efficiency, and market intelligenceInside 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

  4. MAR 18

    Jeff Dyke on EchoPark Growth and Used-Car Strategy

    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 inventory strategies—leveraging franchise stores, loaners, and fleet vehicles—has strengthened EchoPark’s performance. He also discusses brand-level trends across OEMs, the impact of rising vehicle prices, and why pre-owned demand is expected to grow if affordability challenges persist. With expansion plans underway and cautious optimism for the year ahead, Dyke outlines how disciplined growth and operational efficiency position the company for continued success. Discussion points include:  EchoPark’s rebound and flexible inventory sourcing strategy  Record-breaking 2025 performance and key operational metrics  Rising vehicle prices and their impact on new vs. used demand  OEM performance trends across Nissan, Stellantis, Mercedes, and Audi  EV adoption trends and market-driven growth expectations  Expansion plans and outlook for pre-owned vehicle 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

  5. MAR 17

    Alex Casebeer & Phillip Cianni on building dealership culture that drives profit

    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 experience, and leveraging fixed operations are helping sustain performance across multiple franchises. They also share how internal talent development and selective technology adoption are strengthening long-term stability.  Building a culture where employees are treated as the top priority  Empowering staff with autonomy to enhance customer experiences in real time  Leveraging fixed operations to drive sales through service-to-sales conversion  Developing technician talent through structured training and career pathways  Using AI and digital tools to improve service efficiency and customer communication  Balancing profitability, affordability, and inventory strategy in a flat market 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.

    29 min

  6. MAR 16

    How Matt McAlear Is Positioning Dodge for the Future

    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 vehicles that expand performance capabilities and appeal to a broader audience. He also addresses the impact of tariffs on production and pricing, the importance of dealer engagement, and how Dodge’s passionate customer community helps shape product strategy. As new models arrive in showrooms, the focus remains on delivering best-in-class performance, strengthening dealer confidence, and maintaining a distinct identity in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Discussion points include:  Reinforcing Dodge’s identity as a performance-first brand  Expanding next-generation vehicles beyond traditional muscle car benchmarks  Leveraging customer community feedback to guide product strategy  Tariff impacts on production, pricing, and supply chain decisions  Dealer engagement through hands-on product experience  Positioning Dodge for multi-generational consumer appealInside 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

  7. MAR 12

    Matt McAlear Explains Dodge’s Next-Gen Performance Platform

    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 “freedom of choice” approach, giving dealers and customers greater flexibility. He also discusses the launch of Dodge’s next-generation performance platform, pricing strategy, and efforts to attract younger buyers while maintaining the brand’s core identity. With new models arriving in showrooms and dealer engagement initiatives underway, Dodge aims to align production, performance, and affordability to support long-term growth. McAlear covers: Rebuilding dealer relationships and improving sentiment post-NADALaunch of Dodge’s next-generation performance platformMulti-energy strategy: EV, ICE, and future hybrid considerationsPricing and value positioning of new Charger modelsFlexibility in production based on regional demand shiftsTargeting Gen Z and younger performance-focused buyersInside 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.

    12 min

  8. MAR 11

    Matt McAlear Discusses Dodge’s Electrification and Performance Strategy

    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 its identity as a bold, performance-driven brand. Listeners will hear how Dodge leverages its storied history while embracing modern technology, from the 710-horsepower Durango Hellcat to the fully electric Charger, and how brand identity guides marketing and product development for a passionate, younger demographic. McAlear also explains how Dodge positions its vehicles as lifestyle statements, not just transportation, while preparing for future growth within Stellantis. Discussion topics include: Evolution of Dodge from a full-line to high-performance brandMaintaining heritage with the Charger and Durango lineupsIntroduction of electrified and high-output performance modelsTargeting younger, enthusiast-driven consumer demographicsBrand identity as a cornerstone of marketing and product strategyMulti-generational appeal and customer engagement initiativesInside 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.

    10 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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