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. 2d ago

    Jason Swiech on How Dealers Can Improve the F&I Experience

    The finance and insurance office remains the most trusted part of the dealership experience, but customer frustrations haven't disappeared. In this episode, Jason Swiech, F&I Product Marketing Manager at CDK Global, breaks down the findings from CDK Global's 2026 State of F&I at the Dealership study and explains what dealers can do to improve the customer experience without overhauling the entire process. Swiech discusses why customers continue to place their trust in F&I managers despite ongoing complaints about wait times and duplicated paperwork. He also shares how earlier conversations around financing, interest rates, and F&I products can improve transparency, reduce friction, and strengthen customer relationships throughout the sales process. Key discussion points: Why customers rank the F&I office as the most trusted step in the dealership journeyThe biggest pain points, including long wait times and duplicated paperworkWhether dealerships should rethink the traditional F&I office modelHow affordability and higher interest rates are changing F&I conversationsWhy financing discussions should begin earlier in the sales processHow customized product presentations can improve the customer experienceSwiech offers practical insights into building a more efficient, transparent, and customer-focused F&I process. 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.

    15 min

  2. Jul 2

    Can Stellantis Turn It Around? One Dealer Thinks So

    As affordability pressures continue to weigh on the automotive market, Stellantis dealers are navigating tighter margins, limited inventory, and shifting product strategies. In this episode, Dave Kelleher, President of David Auto Group, shares his perspective on Stellantis' recent challenges, why he believes the automaker lost its way under former CEO Carlos Tavares, and why he's optimistic about the company's future under Antonio Filosa. Kelleher discusses the impact of rising vehicle prices and interest rates on consumer demand, the importance of restoring dealer profitability, and why affordable new models will be critical to the brand's turnaround. He also weighs in on FTC pricing compliance, Carvana's expansion into franchised retail, and the role marketing plays in rebuilding customer demand. Key discussion points: Why inventory shortages—not customer demand—have hurt Stellantis dealersHow affordability and rising interest rates are changing consumer buying behaviorWhy Kelleher believes Antonio Filosa can lead a successful Stellantis turnaroundThe importance of restoring dealer incentives and profitabilityKelleher's concerns about Carvana's growing role in franchise retailHow dealers are approaching FTC pricing compliance and transparencyKelleher offers an inside look at the challenges facing Stellantis retailers and what he believes must happen for the brand to regain momentum. 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.

    25 min

  3. Jul 1

    How Dealers Can Improve Close Rates Without More Leads

    As dealerships compete for sales in a more normalized inventory environment, RevDojo Founder and CEO Kyle Disher says many stores are missing opportunities after the first customer contact. In this episode, Disher explains why dealers may not need more leads, advertising, or inventory as much as stronger follow-up, appointment-setting, and management involvement. Drawing from RevDojo hiring events, sales candidate interviews, and more than 120,000 mystery shops completed in 2026, Disher highlights where dealership teams are falling short in the sales process. He also explains how personalized communication, trade-in conversations, and consistent lead management can help stores improve close rates from the opportunities they already have. Key discussion points: Why existing leads may hold more value than new trafficWhat RevDojo’s mystery shops reveal about dealership follow-upThe role of custom video and personalized communication in shopper engagementWhy salespeople often answer questions without setting appointmentsHow management involvement can improve internet lead performanceWhy trade-in conversations can strengthen close ratesDisher outlines practical areas where dealers can improve execution and capture sales opportunities already coming into the store. 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.

    39 min

  4. Jun 30

    The Leverage Problem Facing Today’s Dealerships

    As dealership profits tighten, Dave Mondragon, Founder and CEO of AutoTrust Dealer Alliance, says many retailers are facing a leverage problem rather than an operational one. In this episode, Mondragon explains how collective scale can help independent and smaller dealer groups compete more effectively without giving up ownership. Mondragon discusses how larger public groups use scale to lower costs, improve margins, and accelerate growth, while smaller operators often lack the same negotiating power. He outlines AutoTrust’s dealer-owned cooperative model, which aggregates member volume to secure better terms with vendors, lenders, and partners while returning profits to participating dealers. Key discussion points: Why dealers may need more leverage, not more operational adviceHow collective scale can help smaller groups compete with public retailersAutoTrust’s 100% dealer-owned cooperative structureHow vendor and lender partnerships can improve back-end profitabilityWhy AutoTrust focuses on non-OEM opportunities like used and subprime financingHow dealers can preserve independence while gaining scale advantagesMondragon explains why the future may favor dealers who find new ways to scale collaboratively while maintaining local ownership. 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

  5. Jun 23

    Nathan Shaver Explains Why Fixed Ops Is Driving Dealer Growth

    As dealers navigate affordability challenges, evolving compliance expectations, and increased global competition, fixed operations have become more important than ever. In this episode, Nathan Shaver, Managing Partner at Shaver Automotive Group, shares how his dealership is adapting to changing market conditions while remaining optimistic about the future of Stellantis brands. Shaver discusses why service departments have become a key driver of profitability and customer retention, how pricing transparency is reshaping dealership operations, and why he believes Chinese automakers represent the industry's next major competitive challenge. He also explains how dealers can strengthen long-term customer relationships by focusing on the entire ownership journey rather than individual transactions. Key discussion points: Why fixed operations and service retention are becoming critical profit driversHow the service lane can help dealers source used vehicle inventoryThe growing importance of pricing transparency and FTC complianceLessons the auto industry can learn from past pricing practicesWhy Chinese automakers are the competitive threat Shaver is watching most closelyHow Stellantis brands are positioning themselves for long-term successShaver offers practical insights on balancing compliance, customer retention, and future growth while preparing for an increasingly competitive automotive landscape. 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

  6. Jun 23

    The New Rules of Dealership Visibility in an AI Search World

    AI is reshaping how consumers discover dealerships and make vehicle-buying decisions online. In this episode, Robert DeGeorge, Director of Product Consulting for Dealer.com and VinSolutions Retail Solutions & Sales, explains why dealers must rethink website structure, data accuracy, and digital visibility as shoppers increasingly turn to AI tools for direct answers. DeGeorge discusses how platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are changing the research process, making it more important for dealership websites to be readable not only to consumers but also to AI systems. He also explains why structured data, real-time inventory updates, and generative engine optimization are becoming essential to digital retail strategy. Key discussion points: How AI tools are changing consumer search behaviorWhy dealership websites must be understandable to AI systemsThe role of generative engine optimization in dealership visibilityWhy structured data and clean site architecture matterHow real-time indexing supports pricing transparency and inventory accuracyWhat dealers risk if their websites are not ready for AI-driven searchDeGeorge outlines how dealers can prepare their websites for the next phase of online automotive discovery. 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.

    10 min

  7. Jun 22

    The Auto Industry's Case Against Chinese Vehicle Expansion

    As concerns over vehicle affordability grow, a new debate is emerging around whether Chinese automakers should be allowed greater access to the U.S. market. In this episode, Mike Darrow, Chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) and President of the Russ Darrow Automotive Group, discusses why many dealers and automakers oppose the expansion of Chinese vehicle sales in the United States. Darrow explores the industry's concerns surrounding national security, vehicle data collection, government-backed pricing strategies, and the long-term impact Chinese competition could have on the U.S. automotive market. He also addresses the affordability challenges facing consumers and explains why he believes the solution lies in pressuring existing manufacturers to build more affordable vehicles rather than opening the market to Chinese brands. Key discussion points: Why U.S. dealers and automakers are concerned about Chinese vehicle importsNational security questions surrounding connected vehicles and data collectionThe debate over state-backed pricing and market competitionHow automakers can address vehicle affordability without relying on Chinese importsWhether tariffs and industry guardrails are enough to mitigate potential risksAIADA's priorities on dealer advocacy, trade policy, and USMCA renewalDarrow shares his perspective on one of the most consequential debates facing the automotive industry and what it could mean for dealers, manufacturers, and consumers in the years ahead. 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

  8. Jun 18

    Why Dealership Buy-Sell Activity Surged 21% in Q1 2026

    Dealership mergers and acquisitions continue to accelerate despite economic uncertainty. In this episode, Ryan Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, examines the forces driving a surge in dealership buy-sell activity and what the latest trends reveal about the future of automotive retail. Kerrigan discusses why franchise sales increased 21% year-over-year in Q1 2026, how public dealer groups are fueling acquisition activity, and why dealership valuations remain strong despite affordability challenges facing consumers. He also explores how AI, geopolitical risks, tariffs, and new retail competitors are reshaping how investors evaluate dealership assets and long-term growth opportunities. Key discussion points: Why franchise dealership transactions jumped 21% in Q1 2026The role of public dealer groups in driving M&A activityHow vehicle affordability challenges are impacting consumer behavior and service retentionWhy AI and automation are beginning to influence dealership valuationsThe impact of geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, and industry disruption on buy-sell activityWhat recent changes in franchise valuations reveal about brands like Kia, Audi, and NissanKerrigan provides a market-driven perspective on dealership valuations, consolidation trends, and the factors shaping the automotive retail landscape in 2026. 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
See All (125)

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.

Information

You Might Also Like