Full Throttle, a Presidio Podcast

Jason Stein

The Presidio Group’s Director of Multimedia and Events, Jason Stein, hosts Full Throttle, a podcast that brings together industry leaders to discuss retail trends, innovation and thought-provoking business models. Jason interviews some of the industry’s key personalities and insiders. Full Throttle will be available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Pandora. Tune in to stay ahead of industry news and learn how some companies are thriving in the new automotive landscape.

  1. Episode 68: Duncan Aldred - GM Senior VP and President of North America

    May 27

    Episode 68: Duncan Aldred - GM Senior VP and President of North America

    What does it take to run the most powerful brand portfolio in American automotive history? Duncan Aldred knows. As GM's Senior VP and President of North America, Duncan oversees Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC — and he sat down with Jason Stein to break down exactly where the industry is headed, and how GM plans to lead it. From the real state of EV adoption (the numbers might surprise you) to Cadillac's historic Formula One debut, next-gen full-size truck launches, the jaw-dropping Corvette ZR1, and why GM's biggest superpower has nothing to do with horsepower — this is a rare, unfiltered conversation with one of the most experienced executives in the global auto industry. Duncan's story is as compelling as the products he oversees — from an internship on the factory floor in Liverpool to running Vauxhall, overseeing 30 European markets, and now leading all of North America for General Motors. In this episode: - Why EV adoption has plateaued — and what actually comes next - How GM is expanding combustion engine capacity while keeping EVs as the "north star" - The real story behind Cadillac's F1 entry and what it means for the brand - Super Cruise, OnStar, and the software-defined vehicle revolution - The Corvette ZR1 — 1,150 hp and a legitimate hypercar killer - Duncan's leadership philosophy forged across 30+ countries 0:00 – Welcome to Full Throttle 2:52 – GM's Most Diverse Product Portfolio Ever 5:29 – The EV Reality Check: What the Numbers Actually Say 10:00 – GM's Adaptability Superpower (And Why It's Winning) 13:02 – From Factory Floor Intern to President of North America 19:18 – A Leadership Philosophy Built Across 30+ Countries 25:37 – Inside the Brand Portfolio: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick & Cadillac 32:21 – Cadillac's Formula One Moment 29:56 – Super Cruise, OnStar & the Software-Defined Vehicle Future 38:52 – The Corvette ZR1: GM's Hypercar Killer 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with the leaders reshaping the auto industry. #FullThrottle #GeneralMotors #DuncanAldred #Cadillac #Corvette #Formula1 #EVs #Chevrolet #GMC #Automotive

    45 min
  2. Episode 67: Adam Chamberlain - CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA

    Apr 28

    Episode 67: Adam Chamberlain - CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA

    Adam Chamberlain came back to Mercedes-Benz at the worst possible moment — and that's exactly why he took the job. After 3.5 years on the retail side at Lithia (the largest dealer group in the US), Adam returned to lead Mercedes-Benz North America on July 1, 2025 — walking into tariffs, Chinese EV pressure, a crowded luxury landscape, and a brand that had slipped to #3 in the US behind BMW and Lexus. In Episode 67 of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down with Adam for a remarkably candid conversation about the comeback plan: 30+ new vehicles by 2029, a path to 400,000 US sales, holding the line on pricing while competitors raise prices, and what he learned about OEM bosses from the other side of the desk. If you sell cars, run a dealership, or care about where the luxury auto business is headed — this one is essential listening. 🎧 What's inside: - The 12 listening-tour dinners that shaped his entire 9-month plan - Why dealers told him Mercedes had "over-complicated" the business - Lessons from Lithia CEO Brian DeBoer ($9B → $40B) - The CLA BEV at $55,900 — and why the math finally works - Tariffs, war rooms, and the case for export credits - The Chinese EV threat and the level-playing-field problem - The new S-Class, the electric AMG GT, and the Brad Pitt F1 halo ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 — Intro - Back to Mercedes: The Listening Tour 3:51 — "We Over-Complicated the Business" 5:57 — The Lithia Years & Working for Brian DeBoer 11:31 — Why Return to the OEM Side? 13:09 — The Road to 400,000 US Sales by 2030 16:48 — Powertrain Flexibility: Letting Customers Decide 21:55 — Manufacturing, Tariffs & Holding the Line on Pricing 29:07 — The Chinese EV Threat 32:40 — The New S-Class & the Electric AMG GT 35:51 — F1, Brad Pitt & the Brand Halo 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of the automotive industry. #FullThrottle #MercedesBenz #AdamChamberlain #JasonStein #AutoIndustry #LuxuryCars #ThePresidioGroup #CarDealers #EV #FormulaOne

    44 min
  3. Episode 66: George Karolis - President, The Presidio Group

    Apr 15

    Episode 66: George Karolis - President, The Presidio Group

    The dealership business has changed — and it’s not going back. In this episode of Full Throttle, Jason Stein sits down with George Karolis to break down what’s really happening inside the automotive retail industry. From post-COVID profit normalization to the rise of fixed operations, AI-driven efficiency, and the evolving M&A landscape — this conversation goes beyond headlines and into what dealers actually need to understand right now. One of the biggest takeaways? 👉 The industry is shifting from a people-based business supported by technology… to a technology business supported by people. 📊 What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why dealership profits are still well above 2019 levels - The real drivers behind today’s “new normal” profitability - Why parts & service now dominate profit growth - How AI and automation are reshaping dealership operations - The surprising truth about Carvana vs traditional dealers - Why consolidation is happening slower than expected (and what 2060 has to do with it) - What’s fueling the surge in dealership buy/sell activity - Why earnings matter more than multiples in valuations 🚗 The Big Picture Despite margin compression, the industry has found a sustainable new baseline — driven by smarter operations, stronger fixed ops, and rapidly advancing technology. But with more buyers than deals, rising competition, and shifting consumer dynamics, the next phase of automotive retail will reward those who adapt fastest. 🎙️ About the Podcast The Presidio Group’s Podcast Full Throttle features in-depth conversations with the leaders shaping the future of automotive retail.

    27 min
  4. Episode 65: Scott Gunnell, President of JM&A Group

    Mar 25

    Episode 65: Scott Gunnell, President of JM&A Group

    The automotive industry is evolving fast—and dealerships are being forced to adapt. In this episode of The Presidio Group’s Podcast “Full Throttle”, host Jason Stein sits down with Scott Gunnell, President of JM&A Group, to break down how AI, data, and shifting consumer behavior are reshaping the dealership model. From rising cost pressures to the growing role of automation, Scott shares how dealers can stay competitive—and why leveraging data is no longer optional. They also dive into JM&A’s latest innovation, Gyde, a new platform designed to transform the F&I process using real-time data, AI-driven insights, and personalized customer experiences. 🚗 What You’ll Learn: - How AI is changing the dealership experience - Why dealership margins are under pressure - The role of data in improving F&I performance - How personalization (personas) is shaping customer interactions - What dealers should focus on to improve efficiency and profitability - Why the auto industry continues to show resilience ⏱ Key Topics Covered: - Introduction of Gyde (Guiding Your Dealership Experience) - AI-powered decision making in F&I - Cost reduction and operational efficiency - Dealer strategies for navigating margin compression - Industry outlook and growth projections 🎙 About the Guest: Scott Gunnell is the President of JM&A Group, a leading provider of F&I products, training, and dealership performance solutions. With decades of experience, Scott is at the forefront of helping dealers adapt to a rapidly changing automotive landscape. 🔔 Subscribe for More: Stay up to date with the latest insights from automotive leaders, dealers, and industry experts. #AutomotiveIndustry #CarDealership #AI #FandI #JMAGroup #FullThrottlePodcast #JasonStein #DealerStrategy #AutoIndustry #digitaltransformation  0:00 – Scott Gunnell joins Full Throttle to discuss the future of dealerships, AI, and F&I 0:23 – Dealer optimism, skepticism, and rising curiosity around AI 2:00 – What is Gyde? A new approach to F&I using data, automation, and integration 3:45 – How personalization is changing the dealership experience 5:45 – Reducing the learning curve from 500–600 deals to real-time guidance 7:58 – The strategy behind owning the transaction and continuous iteration 10:20 – FlexCare Drive + investing in the future of automotive talent 14:45 – Where dealers should focus to improve efficiency and profitability 17:40 – Why the auto industry remains strong despite economic pressures

    23 min
  5. Episode 64: Joseph Agresta Jr., Chair of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Board

    Mar 10

    Episode 64: Joseph Agresta Jr., Chair of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Board

    What really happened inside Mercedes-Benz during the last five years of industry upheaval? In this episode of The Presidio Group’s Podcast Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Joseph Agresta Jr., fresh off a rare three-year term leading the Mercedes-Benz National Dealer Board. Agresta shares a candid look at what dealers experienced during one of the most turbulent periods in automotive history — from COVID supply chain disruption and EV strategy shifts to margin negotiations, facility investments, and dealer-OEM alignment. He also weighs in on where the industry is headed next, including electric vehicles vs. hybrids, direct-to-consumer sales models, and how Mercedes plans to regain market share. In this conversation: - Why Mercedes may have missed a major growth opportunity - The reality of the EV transition and Tesla competition - How dealer profitability has changed since COVID - Why direct-to-consumer sales may not work for automakers - The importance of dealer-OEM alignment in today’s market - What’s next for Mercedes-Benz dealers and luxury auto retail Agresta also reflects on his family’s 100-year legacy in the automotive business and why he remains bullish on the industry despite rapid change. If you want an inside look at the relationship between automakers and dealers — and the future of luxury automotive retail — this conversation is a must-listen. 0:00 – Intro 1:41 – Did Mercedes miss a major growth opportunity? 3:09 – Dealer friction, restructuring, and rebuilding transparency 5:00 – Mercedes’ ambitious plan: 400,000 vehicles by 2030 6:49 – Why dealers trust new Mercedes leader Adam Chamberlain 8:23 – Dealer margins, profitability, and the next big negotiation 14:09 – Mercedes EV strategy vs. Tesla and the future of powertrains 18:08 – Why automakers and dealers must win together 21:03 – Direct-to-consumer car sales: myth or real threat? Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of the automotive industry.

    26 min
  6. Episode 63: Bill Berman, CEO of Pinewood.AI

    Feb 25

    Episode 63: Bill Berman, CEO of Pinewood.AI

    For 25 years, dealership technology has barely changed. Layered apps. Fragmented systems. Limited productivity gains. Now Bill Berman — CEO of Pinewood.AI — says that era is over. In this episode of The Presidio Group’s Podcast “Full Throttle”, host Jason Stein sits down with Berman at NADA in Las Vegas to discuss: • Why Pinewood isn’t “just another DMS” • What an embedded AI operating system actually looks like • The rise of the “digital worker” inside dealerships • Why most AI in automotive is just another layer — not a solution • How Pinewood scaled to 4,000+ rooftops globally • And what it means to launch in North America with Lithia as a strategic partner Berman shares his journey from leading major retail operations in the U.S. to running a publicly traded automotive tech company on the London Stock Exchange — including signing his CEO contract just weeks before the global shutdown of 2020. This isn’t about chatbots. It’s about replacing fragmented systems with a unified automotive intelligence platform built by car people, for car people. If you’re a dealer principal, operator, or automotive tech executive — this conversation matters. 🎙 Hosted by Jason Stein 🏁 The Presidio Group’s Automotive Industry Podcast Subscribe for conversations with the leaders shaping the future of retail automotive. #Automotive #Dealerships #AI #DealerTech #Lithia #NADA #FullThrottle #AutoIndustry

    20 min
  7. Episode 62: Eddie Stivers, Owner and Dealer Principal of Stivers Automotive

    Feb 11

    Episode 62: Eddie Stivers, Owner and Dealer Principal of Stivers Automotive

    On this episode of Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Eddie Stivers, Owner and Dealer Principal of Stivers Automotive and former Chairman of the Ford Dealer Council, for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, policy, profitability, and the future of the retail auto business. Fresh off six years on the Ford Dealer Council — including overseeing Ford Pro and Model e during one of the most turbulent periods in automotive history — Eddie shares what it was really like negotiating directly with Ford Motor Company through COVID, electrification mandates, supply-chain chaos, and shifting government policy. In this wide-ranging interview, Eddie breaks down: - Why Ford’s dealer–OEM relationship is fundamentally different from other automakers - What went wrong with forced EV adoption — and why hybrids made more sense - How dealers are tightening operations and staying profitable despite margin pressure - The real risks and realities of Chinese automakers and global supply chains - Why optimism remains a survival trait in the retail car business This is a candid, experience-driven perspective you don’t often hear — from someone who’s been in the room, made the hard calls, and lived with the consequences. If you care about the future of auto retail, dealer profitability, OEM strategy, or how policy decisions ripple through the entire industry, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the automotive world.

    40 min
  8. Episode 61: Tom Castriota, Owner and Dealer of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc.

    Jan 21

    Episode 61: Tom Castriota, Owner and Dealer of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc.

    In this episode of Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Tom Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc., for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping the auto retail industry. Castriota reflects on his year traveling the country — and the world — listening directly to dealers about their biggest concerns, from direct-to-consumer sales and franchise law threats to affordability, tariffs, workforce shortages, and consolidation. He explains why NADA’s role as “the voice of the dealer” has never been more critical, and what it really means to have a seat at the table with policymakers in Washington. The conversation also dives into the shrinking middle-class buyer, $50,000 transactions, $800 monthly payments, and why the industry can’t reach 18 million annual sales without more affordable vehicles. Plus, Castriota shares personal reflections on leadership, legacy, and what’s next after passing the torch. 🎙️ Topics covered: - Franchise laws vs. direct sales - Dealer consolidation & rural dealer survival - Vehicle affordability & buyer economics - Tariffs, trade policy, and Washington influence - Workforce challenges & future talent pipelines - Leadership, legacy, and what comes next 📌 Subscribe for more insider conversations with the people shaping the future of the automotive industry. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 3:26 – A year on the road: what dealers are really saying 5:58 – The threat of direct sales & the future of franchise laws 7:44 – “Don’t be afraid”: generational dealers and long-term stability 8:52 – The affordability crisis facing car buyers 11:48 – Tariffs, trade policy, and having a seat at the table 15:00 – Workforce challenges & preparing the next generation 18:46 – Life after leadership: vineyards, drums, and passing the torch

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Presidio Group’s Director of Multimedia and Events, Jason Stein, hosts Full Throttle, a podcast that brings together industry leaders to discuss retail trends, innovation and thought-provoking business models. Jason interviews some of the industry’s key personalities and insiders. Full Throttle will be available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Pandora. Tune in to stay ahead of industry news and learn how some companies are thriving in the new automotive landscape.

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