OEM approval remains one of the hardest gates to clear in dealership acquisitions. Scott Simons, Dealer Principle of Simons Chevrolet GMC, breaks down the two *factors* manufacturers care about most when deciding who gets the green light. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on…
Today I’m joined by Scott Simons, Dealer Principal of Simons Chevrolet GMC. Scott breaks down the leap from corporate leadership to dealership ownership — the money discipline, personal brand, and network it actually takes. He lays out the unexpected challenges of buying his first store, how he navigated a sub-$10M…
Daily Dealer Live is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google’s basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? Overfuel is the new technical standard in automotive websites, proven to grow…
Today's show features: - Andy Wright, Managing Partner at VINART Automotive Group - Rob Dell, Vice President of Bob Ruth Ford - Patrick Robertson, GM of Hyundai of Cool Springs This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You’re torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when…
Data from Podium, to capture more customers with Podium, check them out here → https://carguymedia.com/3M7H0k2 | @podiumsoft5005 Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast?…
Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…
Service retention is moving to the top of the *priority list* for dealers heading into 2026. Marcello Sciarrino, Partner at Island Auto Group, breaks down how fixed ops and used cars are becoming the safety net. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on your…
Daily Dealer Live is brought to you by: Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight…
Amazon is testing its way into the auto retail funnel— But some dealers aren’t sold on the model yet. Marcello Sciarrino, Partner at Island Auto Group, breaks down why removing F&I and trade control leaves stores with no margin to win. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership…
Today's show features: Gerry Raymond, President of Gerry Raymond Automotive Kevin Strosnider, Dealer Operator of Strosnider Chevrolet This episode is brought to you by: Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that…
Stair-step incentives are becoming a pain point for dealers. Programs built to push units are instead fueling *race-to-bottom* pricing. Marcello Sciarrino, Partner at Island Auto Group, explains why stair-step pressure is breaking alignment between OEMs and retailers. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast now on…
Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…
Today I’m joined by Marcello Sciarrino, Co-Owner Island Auto Group. We unpack how family-owned dealerships can stand out against national groups, why transparency matters now more than ever, and the biggest fixed ops opportunities in today’s market. We also get into service retention, culture, and why Toyota’s hybrid strategy is…
Daily Dealer Live is brought to you by: @fullthrottleAI – fullthrottle.ai® helps dealers, OEMs, and automotive agencies deliver laser-sharp, household-level omnichannel targeting with the first generative-AI powered automotive DSP — enabling identity-based reach and real-time bidding efficiency. We’re also a proud partner of the Automotive Media Marketplace, bringing smarter, tierless…
Service phones remain one of the slowest systems inside the dealership. AI scheduling tools are stepping in as the first *relief* valve— Picking up where customers typically abandon. Mark Altieri, EVP of Business Development at Zonic Design, breaks down how voice tech is tackling the weakest link in service communication.…
Today's show features: JR Toothman, Owner of Toothman Ford Amol Waishampayan, Co-Founder of Fullthrottle.ai Glenn Lundy, President of 800% Elite Auto This episode is brought to you by: Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare…
Wild auto market stats from @vAutoInc For a season that’s supposed to be dead quiet… segments of the market are holding up. Dealers who react fast — and price smarter — are going to clean up while everyone else scrambles. Data via @vauto’s Winning Today’s Race To The Consumer video…
Post-warranty drop-off is becoming one of the *costliest* leaks in fixed ops. More dealers are seeing revenue walk when engagement breaks after warranty. Mark Altieri, EVP of Business Development at Zonic Design, explains how lowering friction is keeping customers in-house. ➤ Stream the latest episode of the Car Dealership Guy…
Today I’m joined by Mark Altieri, EVP of Business Development at Zonic Design. We break down why fixed ops is still the most under-leveraged profit center in dealerships—and how communication gaps are quietly eroding customer loyalty. Mark explains how AI is reshaping customer engagement, why half of a dealership’s DMS…
Daily Dealer Live is brought to you by: Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise and a better way to compare vehicles. Unlike marketplaces that reduce everything to price, Cars.com automatically merchandises your inventory’s most compelling features and accolades to highlight…
Today's show features: - Tim Pohanka, Vice President of Pohanka Nissan Hyundai - Jeremy Scates, Owner of 111 Motorcars - Dario Arnautovic, General Manager of Urban Motors This episode is brought to you by: Cars.com – the #1 most recognized automotive marketplace and the place shoppers turn for trusted expertise…
Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…
Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs…
Dealers are rethinking how they handle "long-tail" leads. AI platforms are now tailoring first responses to the exact source— Meeting shoppers in the context they came in with. Matt Muilenburg, Chief Product Officer at @GetImpel explains how this shift is lifting appointment rates across overlooked lead channels. ➤ Stream the…