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. May 21

    How Dealers Can Stay Profitable Amid Affordability Pressures

    Profitability in automotive retail is increasingly tied to flexibility, transparency, and operational discipline, and Jeff Rosen shares how his group is adapting to meet the moment. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Jeff Rosen, President and CEO of Rosen Automotive Group and Chairman of Hyundai’s Dealer Advisory Board, discusses how a diversified franchise portfolio is helping navigate affordability pressures, changing consumer demand, and evolving technology. Rosen explains why Hyundai continues to outperform, how AI is beginning to reshape dealership operations, and why transparent pricing is becoming essential to preserving trust in the franchise model. He also shares strategies for sourcing affordable used inventory and weighs in on how global competition could influence the U.S. market. Key discussion points:  Why Hyundai’s hybrid lineup continues to support growth and momentum  The role of diversified franchise operations in navigating market shifts  How AI is being applied across service, customer engagement, and sales opportunities  Why pricing transparency is becoming a competitive necessity  Strategies for sourcing affordable used inventory under $30,000  What Chinese automaker competition could mean for dealers and OEMsInside 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

  2. May 20

    How MADA’s NextGen Leaders Are Preparing Dealers for the Future

    The future of automotive retail depends on how the next generation of dealership leaders responds to rapid change, and this episode explores how Missouri dealers are preparing for it. On this episode of Inside Automotive, MADA President and CEO Doug Smith joins Chairman Nick Anderson and NextGen Committee members Kyle Weymuth, Alex Thompson, and Megan Sinclair Rosso to discuss leadership development, dealership succession, and the forces reshaping retail automotive. From AI and affordability to FTC scrutiny and evolving employee expectations, the panel shares how emerging leaders are approaching today’s biggest challenges while protecting the long-term strength of independent dealerships. Key discussion points:  Why MADA launched the NextGen program to develop future dealer leaders  Leadership lessons from managing multi-department dealership operations  How AI is influencing sales, marketing, operations, and customer experience  The impact of affordability pressures and changing workforce expectations  FTC pricing transparency and the growing importance of digital consistency  Why customer trust and experience remain the strongest competitive advantageInside 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

  3. May 18

    Tom Maoli on Why Inventory Could Become the Industry’s Biggest Challenge

    On this episode of Inside Automotive, Tom Maoli, CEO of Celebrity Motor Car, discusses how global instability, evolving policy, and supply chain pressures are shaping dealer strategy and consumer behavior across the automotive industry. Maoli shares his perspective on how geopolitical uncertainty, rising vehicle costs, and affordability concerns are affecting consumer confidence and influencing purchase decisions. He also explains why tightening production and inventory constraints could create conditions similar to recent supply shortages, placing additional pressure on both new and used vehicle markets. Beyond market dynamics, the conversation explores pricing transparency, broker activity, EV demand, and the competitive forces reshaping retail automotive. Key discussion points include:  How global instability and economic uncertainty are influencing consumer confidence  Early signs of renewed inventory and supply chain pressure  Why used vehicle pricing continues to strengthen amid limited supply  The FTC’s growing focus on pricing transparency and dealer compliance  Dealer concerns around brokered transactions and franchise stability  Expectations for EV, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid demand moving forwardInside 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.

    16 min

  4. May 18

    Laura Perrotta on Affordability, Direct Sales, and Industry Challenges

    On this episode of Inside Automotive, Laura Perrotta, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), examines the growing pressures facing franchised dealers—from illegal broker activity and FTC pricing scrutiny to emerging threats to the franchise model itself. Perrotta explains how unlicensed brokers continue operating in New Jersey despite long-standing prohibitions, creating uneven competition for licensed dealers navigating strict compliance and facility requirements. She also discusses concerns around FTC enforcement, arguing that transparency standards should apply consistently across all vehicle sellers. Beyond regulation, the conversation explores direct-to-consumer sales models, affordability concerns, and how dealers are positioning themselves for long-term sustainability. Key discussion points include:  Why illegal broker activity remains a growing issue in New Jersey  How stair-step incentive structures may contribute to market pressure  The impact of FTC pricing enforcement and dealer compliance expectations  NJ CAR’s “Local Matters” campaign supporting the franchise model  Concerns about direct-sales expansion and evolving state policy  Why affordability and technician development remain top industry priorities 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.

    20 min

  5. May 15

    Don Hall Warns Dealers About the Risks of Chinese Vehicle Imports

    On this episode of Inside Automotive, Don Hall, President of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), discusses the growing concerns surrounding Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market, national security risks tied to connected vehicles, and the increasing regulatory pressure dealers face from the FTC. Hall argues that the debate over Chinese vehicle imports extends far beyond trade and competition, touching on data security, intellectual property concerns, and long-term impacts on the U.S. automotive industry. He also examines how dealers are responding to evolving FTC enforcement around advertising transparency and compliance standards, emphasizing the need for clearer pricing and stronger operational discipline. Key discussion points include:  Why Hall views Chinese vehicle imports as a national security issue  Concerns around connected vehicle data and global supply chains  How Chinese automakers differ from prior foreign entrants like Toyota and Honda  Dealer perspectives on franchising future Chinese brands  The FTC’s warning letters and increased compliance enforcement  Why transparent pricing and state-specific legal guidance are becoming critical for dealersInside 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

  6. May 13

    Inside the F-150 Shortage: What Ford Dealers Are Facing

    On this episode of Inside Automotive, Nick Anderson, General Manager of Chuck Anderson Ford and Chairman of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association, discusses how Ford dealers are navigating ongoing F-150 inventory shortages while adapting to growing FTC scrutiny around pricing transparency and advertising practices. Anderson explains how supply disruptions tied to aluminum supplier issues have significantly reduced truck availability during peak selling periods, forcing dealers to rely more heavily on factory orders and used inventory strategies. He also shares how transparent pricing practices are helping dealerships reduce customer friction and maintain trust as regulators increase oversight of online advertising and dealer fees. Key discussion points include:  How the F-150 production shortage is impacting dealer operations and customer demand  Why factory ordering has become more accepted by consumers post-pandemic  The rising value and demand for used F-150 inventory  FTC pricing transparency expectations and evolving compliance pressures  How dealers can reduce friction with clear, all-in pricing strategies  Anderson’s outlook on EV adoption, Ford market share, and Chinese automaker competitionInside 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

  7. May 6

    Why Dealerships Need a “Dealership Brain” for AI Success

    Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a defining competitive advantage in automotive retail. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Todd Smith, CEO of QoreAI and author of The Intelligent Dealership, explains why dealers need to rethink how they approach AI adoption and data ownership. Smith argues that AI should not be treated like traditional software. Instead, dealerships must train AI systems using their internal workflows, operational knowledge, and transactional data to create what he calls a “dealership brain.” He explains how AI can improve efficiency across sales, service, marketing, HR, and used-vehicle operations while helping dealers build long-term operational advantages. Key discussion points include:  Why dealerships misunderstand AI implementation  The importance of building a “dealership brain”  Protecting dealership data from third-party dependency  How consumers are already using AI during the buying process  Practical AI applications across every dealership department  Why AI-driven efficiency compounds over time  The risks of delaying AI adoption in automotive retail Smith also discusses why transparency, operational intelligence, and data ownership will become critical differentiators as AI reshapes 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.

    35 min

  8. May 4

    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
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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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