Car Dealership Guy Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Ernie Garcia Jr., co-founder and CEO of Carvana, shares insights on the automotive retail revolution. He details Carvana's remarkable comeback story amid stock declines, emphasizing the importance of resilience and team morale. Garcia delves into transformative business strategies, the complexities of acquisitions, and the company's innovative customer experience. He also discusses challenges in inventory management and the future of automotive hiring, highlighting how adaptability is crucial for success in this dynamic industry.

David Donaldson, SVP at DLRdmv, discusses the challenges of managing out-of-state car sales and the innovative technologies assisting dealerships. He highlights the complexities of title and registration processes exacerbated by DMV regulations. Hear about the infamous 'Montana loophole' and how it affects fees and customer satisfaction. Donaldson also covers the transformative role of AI in dealership operations and the essential function of lenders in improving vehicle titling efficiency for better dealer and customer relationships.

Nathanael Greklek, Corporate Brand Director at Mohawk Auto Group, is a mastermind behind viral dealership videos. He shares his innovative strategies that have caught the attention of industry giants like General Motors. The discussion reveals how TikTok can be creatively used in dealerships, inspired by popular TV shows, and highlights the balancing act of gaining attention while driving sales. Nathanael also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and measuring content effectiveness to build lasting brand loyalty.

Join Alex Lawrence, CEO of EV Auto, specializing in electric vehicles, and Ross Tinkham, VP at Podium, as they delve into the exciting intersection of AI and car sales. Discover how AI is reshaping customer interactions, enhancing the sales process, and creating unique experiences in dealerships. Learn about the profitability of remote EV services and the challenges of navigating the electric vehicle market. They explore the balance between advanced technology and personal touch in automotive retail, hinting at the future of a more automated yet human-centered industry.

In this conversation with John Temerian, CEO of CURATED, a Miami boutique dealership for rare supercars, he shares his journey from nightclub promoter to luxury car expert. He reveals the challenges of the supercar rental market versus ownership, discusses the growing interest from younger, affluent buyers, and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in sales. John also dives into the intricate art of building relationships with high-net-worth clients and how location shapes the luxury car culture in Miami.

Angela Zepeda, the Global Head of Marketing for X and former CMO of Hyundai, discusses her transformative journey in redefining brand narratives. She reflects on Hyundai’s shift towards EV innovation and its impact on consumer trust, especially through strategies like the 100,000-mile warranty. Zepeda shares insights on the challenges of transitioning to a digital platform, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and responsive marketing in today’s landscape. She also explores how local dealers can effectively harness social media to engage customers.

Aharon Horwitz, Founder & CEO of Fullpath, and Brad Title, Founder & CEO of Gubagoo, dive into how modern dealerships are revolutionizing the car shopping experience through data and AI. They discuss the ongoing transformation in dealership technology since early 2024, emphasizing the importance of consumer data and seamless integration for personalized marketing. The duo predicts significant advancements by 2025, highlighting collaborative efforts to overcome challenges in data management and enhance customer engagement, ultimately driving sales.

Dustin Collins, Vice President at Bill Kay Auto, delves into the blend of technology and emotional intelligence that drives modern car sales. He shares insights on the pivotal traits of a successful service director and how the right focus can enhance dealership operations. Dustin emphasizes the significance of employee retention and innovative strategies for customer experience, including the power of video transparency. His journey from washing cars to leading a dealership illustrates the potential of experiential learning in the automotive industry.

Aaron Zeigler, President and CEO of Zeigler Automotive Group, and Melissa High, Vice President at LoJack by Solera, dive into the rising car theft crisis. They discuss innovative security solutions adopted by auto dealers, including advanced tracking technology that enhances vehicle recovery. The conversation highlights collaboration between dealerships and law enforcement, emphasizing new apps that streamline recovery processes. Aaron shares insights on lessons learned from other auto groups, tackling the sophisticated tactics of modern thieves in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I'm speaking with Alan Haig, CEO of Haig Partners, where we discuss: how dealers can navigate the post-election landscape in the automotive business, Fords wild rise in recent months, the imapct on AI on dealership valuations, VW's fatal mistake rolling out the relaunched Scout brand, and much more.This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by:OPENLANE - The world’s best online dealer marketplace for used cars, bringing you exclusive inventory, simple transactions, and better outcomes. Learn more at https://www.openlane.com/Impel - Impel enables automotive retailers, manufacturers, and online marketplaces to turn shoppers into buyers, and buyers into lifelong customers, with the auto industry's most advanced AI-powered Customer Lifecycle Management platform. Learn more @ https://impel.ai/Haig Partners - Haig provides expert advice based on extensive retail dealership buy-sell experience to lead a confidential and customized sale process helping dealership owners maximize the value of their life's work. Learn more @ https://haigpartners.com/Read the latest Haig Report: https://haigpartners.com/haig-report/Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line hereInterested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name hereTopics:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:00:53) - Catching up with Alan(00:05:03) - How will the EV trend impact dealership valuations?(00:10:37) - An overview of the latest Haig report(00:18:47) - What areas of weakness are you seeing at dealerships?(00:22:43) - What are you getting calls for from buyers?(00:35:06) - How does Scout impact the industry?(00:43:34) - What’s driving deal-making velocity in this current market?(00:48:07) - Leveraging AI in dealership valuations(00:53:09) - What’s your outlook for 2025?(00:57:30) - Closing thoughtsCheck out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/My Socials:X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealershipInstagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealershipLinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguyFacebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.comThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.