Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick, powered by CBT News

Jim Fitzpatrick
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

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. Jun 11

    Why Connected Systems Matter More Than Ever for Dealers

    As AI adoption accelerates and pricing transparency remains under regulatory scrutiny, dealerships face growing pressure to modernize their operations. In this episode, Michael Affronti, Chief Product & Business Officer at DriveCentric, discusses how dealers can navigate evolving compliance expectations while leveraging AI to create more consistent customer experiences. Affronti explains why operational inconsistencies across websites, CRM systems, sales teams, and F&I departments create some of the industry's biggest compliance risks. He also outlines how responsible AI can help dealerships reduce those gaps by delivering accurate information, maintaining audit trails, and connecting customer data across the organization. Key discussion points: Why pricing transparency remains a priority despite the FTC’s CARS Rule being vacatedThe compliance risks created by disconnected dealership systems and processesHow AI can improve consistency across customer communications and transactionsWhat separates responsible AI from tools that introduce new operational risksThe importance of unified customer records and connected dealership dataHow dealers can prepare for an AI-native operating model across sales, service, and F&IAffronti shares practical insights for dealers looking to build compliance-ready operations while improving customer experiences in an increasingly AI-driven retail environment. 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. Jun 10

    Mike Gilson on Making AI Accessible to Every Dealership Employee

    Mike Gilson, CEO of Conversica, joins us to discuss how AI is helping dealerships uncover hidden revenue opportunities buried within their existing data systems. As dealerships generate massive amounts of information through sales, service, inventory, and customer interactions, much of that data remains trapped in disconnected legacy platforms. Gilson explains how modern AI can act as an intelligence layer on top of existing DMS and CRM systems, helping dealers identify actionable opportunities without replacing their current technology stack. Key discussion points include:  Why valuable revenue opportunities are often hidden in dealership data  How AI can surface insights from DMS and CRM platforms  Identifying opportunities through declined services, lease maturities, and inventory trends  The importance of acting quickly on time-sensitive revenue opportunities  How AI can make dealership analytics accessible to every employee  Why personalized customer engagement improves when teams have better information Gilson also shares how conversational AI is changing the way dealerships interact with technology, empowering employees to make faster, more informed decisions while enhancing the customer experience. 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

  3. Jun 9

    Breaking Down the Sales-Service Divide in Automotive Retail

    As economic uncertainty pushes consumers to keep their vehicles longer, dealerships are searching for more efficient ways to drive sales and retention. In this episode, Sharon Kitzman, CEO of Affinitiv, explains why the service lane remains one of the most overlooked opportunities in automotive retail and how dealers can turn service customers into vehicle buyers through data-driven engagement. Kitzman discusses how service history, vehicle equity, and ownership data can help dealers identify the right moment to initiate sales conversations. She also explores the operational barriers that often prevent dealerships from fully leveraging their existing customer base. Key discussion points: Why service lane customers represent a high-value source of sales opportunitiesHow data and equity mining tools help identify ideal trade-in timingThe persistent divide between sales and service departments and how to overcome itThe role of pay plans, technology integration, and dealership processes in driving collaborationWhy retention marketing often delivers stronger ROI than customer acquisition campaignsThe importance of accurate attribution reporting when evaluating marketing performanceKitzman argues that dealerships that prioritize service-lane engagement and customer retention will be better positioned to navigate affordability challenges and strengthen long-term loyalty. 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.

    17 min

  4. Jun 9

    Why Dealers Are Pulling Back on Advertising Amid FTC Scrutiny

    This episode explores the growing impact of FTC advertising compliance rules on automotive retail with David Spisak, CEO of Disruptive Growth Solutions. Spisak breaks down why the FTC’s expanded enforcement efforts are creating significant operational and financial challenges for dealerships, while also acknowledging the industry’s role in prompting increased regulatory scrutiny. From social media posts and vehicle listings to vendor accountability and declining dealer profitability, he explains how compliance now touches nearly every aspect of dealership operations. Key discussion points:  How the FTC’s 16 compliance categories affect every dealership department and marketing channel  Why outdated vehicle listings, emails, and social media posts can trigger costly violations  The industry's responsibility for creating conditions that led to stronger FTC oversight  The financial and reputational risks dealerships face from compliance failures  How reduced advertising activity may be contributing to weaker sales performance  What dealers, vendors, and industry groups must do to adapt and advocate for a more practical regulatory framework Spisak argues that customer protection is essential, but effective enforcement must balance accountability with realistic expectations for dealers operating in today’s marketplace. 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.

    36 min

  5. Jun 8

    How Consumer AI Is Reshaping the Car-Buying Experience

    Devin Daly, co-founder and CEO of Impel, joins Inside Automotive to discuss the evolving landscape of FTC compliance, pricing transparency, and the growing role of AI in automotive retail. As regulators continue scrutinizing dealership pricing practices, Daly explains why many retailers misunderstood the implications of the FTC's 2025 rule vacatur and how recent warning letters signal that compliance enforcement remains a major focus. He also explores how compliance responsibilities now extend beyond websites and advertising into CRMs, BDC operations, and everyday customer conversations. The discussion highlights how AI can help dealerships maintain consistent messaging, improve disclosure practices, and adapt more quickly to changing market conditions. Daly also shares his perspective on how consumer-facing AI tools are accelerating transparency and reshaping the traditional car-buying process. Key discussion points: • Why FTC scrutiny of dealership pricing practices continues to intensify • How compliance responsibilities have expanded into CRMs and BDC operations • The role of AI in delivering consistent pricing disclosures and documentation • Why pricing transparency is becoming a permanent market reality • Common dealership compliance mistakes involving add-on product disclosures 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

  6. Jun 4

    Fair Pricing, FTC Scrutiny, and the Future of Dealer Marketing

    John Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Force Marketing, joins Inside Automotive to discuss the growing compliance challenges facing dealerships and the industry's response to increased FTC scrutiny. As dealers navigate evolving expectations around pricing transparency, advertising disclosures, and digital marketing practices, compliance has become a critical business priority. Fitzpatrick shares insights from conversations with dealers across the country, highlighting the risks associated with noncompliant pricing, social media activity, and vehicle advertising. He also previews CBT News' upcoming Fair Pricing and Compliance Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where industry leaders will gather to address some of the most pressing regulatory questions facing automotive retail today. The conversation also explores marketing accountability, lead generation challenges, and overlooked opportunities in fixed operations and service retention. Key discussion points: • Why FTC warning letters are creating urgency around dealership compliance  • Pricing transparency challenges across websites, third-party listings, and social media  • Compliance concerns surrounding vehicles advertised while in transit  • The importance of top-down leadership in managing regulatory risk  • How dealers should rethink marketing spend amid declining lead volume  • Why fixed ops and service retention remain major growth opportunities Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with dealership leaders, industry experts, and innovators shaping the future of automotive retail. For more content, visit CBTNews.com and follow us on your favorite podcast platform. 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

  7. Jun 3

    The Next Generation of Automotive Retail Leadership

    Jane Vaden Thacher, President of Vaden Automotive, and Jack Thacher, the group's Director of F&I, join Inside Automotive to discuss dealership growth, digital retailing, affordability challenges, workforce retention, and the future of family-owned automotive retail. As Vaden Automotive continues expanding across Georgia and South Carolina, Jane and Jack share how the organization approaches acquisitions, develops talent from within, and adapts to changing consumer expectations. They also discuss the role of digital retailing, the importance of F&I in today's market, and how dealerships can navigate affordability pressures while maintaining profitability. The conversation also explores generational leadership, employee burnout, and the legacy behind one of the Southeast's largest family-owned dealership groups. Key discussion points: • Vaden Automotive's acquisition strategy and approach to integrating new stores • How digital retailing is changing the customer buying journey • The impact of affordability pressures on dealerships and consumers • Why F&I remains critical to profitability and customer retention • Addressing employee burnout through workplace flexibility • Building and preserving a multigenerational family business 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

  8. Jun 2

    Ed Garsten on Why Hybrids Continue to Outpace EV Adoption

    Ed Garsten, Senior Contributor at Forbes, joins Inside Automotive to discuss the future of EV adoption, affordability challenges, and the evolving competitive landscape facing the automotive industry. While rising fuel prices have renewed interest in electric vehicles, Garsten explains why many consumers continue to favor hybrids over fully electric models. He explores the lifestyle changes associated with EV ownership, the growing opportunity in the used EV market, and the affordability pressures influencing vehicle purchase decisions. The conversation also examines the strength of fixed operations, shifting consumer priorities, and the potential impact of Chinese automakers on the U.S. market. Key discussion points: • Why consumers remain hesitant to fully embrace battery-electric vehicles • The role of charging infrastructure, education, and ownership experience in EV adoption • Growing demand for used EVs and opportunities for dealers • How affordability pressures are changing vehicle ownership and purchasing behavior • Why fixed operations continue to benefit from longer ownership cycles • The competitive threat and opportunities presented by Chinese automakers 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.

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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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