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

    Shannon Robertson on Building a Compliance-First Dealership

    Dealership compliance takes center stage in this episode of Inside Automotive featuring Shannon Robertson, Executive Director of Automotive Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP) and host of Compliance That Works. Robertson outlines practical strategies dealers can implement to reduce regulatory risk, strengthen operations, and build a culture of accountability. As digital retail and social media marketing expand, compliance oversight must evolve. Robertson explains why proactive monitoring, consistent training, and clearly documented policies are essential to preventing costly fines and enforcement actions. She also discusses how dealerships can significantly mitigate penalties by maintaining an active compliance program—even when individual employees make mistakes. Key discussion points include: How active compliance programs can reduce fines by up to 96%The importance of ongoing employee training amid high industry turnoverManaging digital advertising, disclosures, and social media riskAssigning a dedicated compliance officer and enforcing top-down accountabilityIntegrating compliance into daily operations to protect profitability and trustInside 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

  2. FEB 5

    Brian Maas Breaks Down California’s Lawsuit Against Volkswagen and Scout

    Scout Motors’ approval to sell vehicles directly to consumers in Colorado has reignited debate around dealer franchise protections and OEM competition. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), unpacks the legal and market implications of the decision and what it could mean for dealers nationwide. Maas explains why CNCDA, with support from NADA, filed suit against Volkswagen and Scout Motors, arguing that direct-to-consumer sales violate California franchise law. He discusses how the Colorado ruling may prompt dealer associations in other states to reexamine their statutes and enforcement mechanisms. Beyond the courtroom, Maas shares insights on broader industry trends, including EV sales normalization, rising vehicle affordability challenges, and intensifying competition in the used-car market. The conversation also looks ahead to key legislative priorities in California, from gubernatorial turnover to compliance preparations for the upcoming CARS Act. Together, these developments highlight the growing intersection of policy, retail strategy, and consumer access in today’s automotive market. Discussion topics include: Scout Motors’ direct-sales approval in ColoradoLegal challenges surrounding OEM direct-to-consumer modelsFranchise law protections and state-by-state enforcement gapsEV sales trends in California versus the national marketNew-vehicle affordability and used-car inventory pressuresLegislative priorities facing California dealers in 2026Inside 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

  3. FEB 4

    Greg York and Charlie Dyjak on Federal Solutions to Converter Theft

    Catalytic converter theft continues to disrupt dealerships and burden consumers nationwide, fueling renewed momentum behind the bipartisan federal PART Act. In this special edition of Inside Automotive, Greg York, President and CEO of Vann York Auto Group, and Charlie Dyjak, Legislative Affairs Manager at NADA, break down why the legislation matters and how it could reshape theft prevention and enforcement efforts across the industry. York shares firsthand insights into how frequently dealerships are impacted, including the added financial and emotional strain when customer and employee vehicles are targeted. The discussion highlights why insurance alone fails to address the broader consequences of theft, from increased premiums to extended repair delays. Dyjak outlines how the PART Act aims to close enforcement gaps through traceability requirements, stronger penalties, and improved scrap metal recordkeeping. Together, they explain why federal standards are seen as essential, how bipartisan support has formed, and why dealer engagement with lawmakers remains critical. As affordability pressures rise and theft persists, the episode explores how coordinated legislative action could create meaningful deterrence while supporting dealers, consumers, and law enforcement alike. Discussion topics include: The real-world impact of catalytic converter theft on dealershipsWhy customer and employee vehicle thefts are especially disruptiveLimitations of current theft prevention and prosecution effortsHow the PART Act would improve traceability and enforcementBipartisan support and remaining industry concernsWhy dealer advocacy plays a key role in advancing legislationInside 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

  4. FEB 3

    Scott Painter On Reclaiming TrueCar And Rebuilding Trust With Dealers

    TrueCar founder Scott Painter returns to lead the automotive marketplace following a $227 million transaction to take the company private, marking a strategic reset for the platform. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Painter explains why his comeback centers on restoring balance between pricing transparency for consumers and sustainable profitability for dealers. Painter reflects on TrueCar’s early impact on automotive retail, acknowledging dealer skepticism tied to its original pricing model, and explains how today’s digital-first buying environment has changed expectations on both sides of the transaction. He outlines why TrueCar remains committed to being a marketplace connector—not a retailer—and how the company plans to refocus on qualified demand, lower acquisition costs, and higher close rates. The conversation also explores TrueCar’s shift away from mass advertising toward affinity partnerships, the role of credit unions, and how emerging technologies like AI could enhance digital engagement without disintermediating dealers. Looking ahead, Painter shares his vision for growth under private ownership and why long-term value, not disruption, now defines TrueCar’s strategy. Topics covered include: Taking TrueCar private and resetting its business modelBalancing consumer transparency with dealer profitabilityMarketplace positioning versus direct-to-consumer retailAffinity partnerships and credit union strategiesDigital retail tools, AI, and sales efficiencyInside 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

  5. FEB 3

    How Jonathan Dawson and David Booth Doubled Sales at Cherokee Mitsubishi

    Customer retention and employee engagement are driving a different kind of dealership growth at Cherokee Mitsubishi. On this episode of Inside Automotive, new dealer principals Jonathan Dawson and David Booth share how a relationship-first strategy helped the store rapidly build momentum after its acquisition in mid-2025. Rather than focusing on aggressive acquisition tactics, Dawson and Booth explain how prioritizing repeat business, referrals, and internal culture led to measurable gains in both sales and service. They outline how intentional customer experiences—designed to extend well beyond the showroom—create lasting emotional connections that translate into loyalty and advocacy. The conversation also explores how treating employees as the dealership’s first customers strengthens performance, accountability, and morale. By investing in people, consistency, and community presence, the owners believe dealerships can achieve sustainable growth even amid broader market uncertainty. Topics discussed include: Retention-driven dealership growth strategiesReferral programs and customer advocacyRedefining the vehicle delivery experienceEmployee engagement and internal cultureCommunity visibility without heavy advertisingInside 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.

    33 min

  6. JAN 29

    Erin Kerrigan on Valuations, Mega Deals, and Dealer Confidence

    Dealership buy-sell activity is gaining momentum in 2026 as confidence in earnings, valuations, and capital availability strengthens across the automotive retail landscape. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Erin Kerrigan, Founder and Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, breaks down what’s driving the next wave of dealership acquisitions and how emerging forces are reshaping transactions. Kerrigan explains why improving dealer sentiment is bringing both buyers and sellers back to the table, setting the stage for increased consolidation and larger, more complex deals. She outlines where acquisition activity is most concentrated geographically, how capital markets are supporting growth, and why transaction structures are becoming more sophisticated. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence dealership operations and why AI-driven efficiency may factor more heavily into valuations over time. Kerrigan also shares insights into shifting franchise performance and what dealers should understand as buy-sell transactions increasingly resemble corporate M&A. Topics covered include: 2026 outlook for dealership buy-sell activityMega deals, capital access, and liquidity trendsRegional consolidation and high-demand marketsAI adoption and operational efficiencyShifting franchise valuations and dealer sentimentInside 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. JAN 27

    John Fitzpatrick on Force Marketing’s GM Canada Win and Dealer Retention

    General Motors Canada has selected Force Marketing to support after-sales marketing for its dealer network, marking a significant expansion of Force’s OEM-certified footprint. On this episode of Inside Automotive, John Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Force Marketing, joins the show to unpack what the partnership means for Canadian GM dealers and where retention strategies are headed in 2026. Fitzpatrick explains how Force Marketing’s inclusion in GM Canada’s CSSR choice program reflects a broader industry shift toward fixed ops performance, cleaner data, and more integrated customer communication. As affordability pressures push consumers to keep vehicles longer, dealers are increasingly focused on retention, lifecycle marketing, and execution across every customer touchpoint. The conversation also explores how data hygiene, operational handoffs, and OEM alignment can either strengthen or undermine long-term dealer profitability. Key discussion points include: Why GM Canada selected Force Marketing from a competitive OEM RFP processThe role of retention and fixed ops in dealer profitability entering 2026How Audience IQ supports personalized, lifecycle-based customer communicationThe importance of data hygiene within DMS and CRM systemsExecution challenges across marketing, BDCs, and frontline teamsWhat retention-first strategies mean for dealers navigating longer ownership cyclesInside 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. JAN 21

    Kevin Tynan on Why 2026 Is a Turning Point for Auto Retail

    Electric vehicle adoption, pricing power, and distribution strategy are converging at a pivotal moment for automotive retail. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Kevin Tynan, director of research at The Presidio Group, breaks down how shifting supply discipline, EV economics, and direct-sales models are reshaping dealer and OEM priorities heading into 2026. Tynan explains why disciplined production helped stabilize margins in 2025 and why automakers now face clear trade-offs between volume growth and pricing power. He also examines how fading EV subsidies have exposed weaknesses in EV business models, prompting OEMs to redirect capital toward higher-margin segments. The conversation explores emerging portfolio strategies for EV technology, the structural limits of direct-to-consumer sales at scale, and what these shifts mean for dealer profitability and inventory planning. As regulatory pressure eases, Tynan outlines why 2026 is shaping up as a reset year driven more by market forces than mandates. Topics covered: Production discipline and its impact on pricing and marginsEV demand trends following the loss of subsidiesOEM capital allocation and portfolio strategyAffordability challenges and demand-led EV deploymentDirect-to-consumer sales models and scale limitationsInside 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.

    23 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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