Episode #1021: We hit the ground at the NY Auto Forum to catch up with the voices shaping the retail auto landscape, featuring interviews with Mike Stanton, John Bozzella, Stewart Stropp, Tom Castriota, Alan Haig and Bernie Moreno. From EV and tariff turbulence to actionable insights and dealer valuations, this episode is packed with takeaways from the industry’s front lines. Thanks to Liftkit for making it all happen.
- Tariff Talk & EV Targets
- Tariffs could cause pandemic-level supply shocks; NADA urges policymakers to consider job risk and affordability.
- EV mandates like NY and CA's 35% target by 2026 are “mathematically impossible” under current conditions, per John Bozzella, President of Alliance for Automotive Innovation.
- Dealers should monitor, not panic; manufacturers want more time to respond to sudden policy shifts.
- Tom Castriota, Chairman of NADA echoes the need for consistent messaging: “We’re monitoring, not making knee-jerk moves.”
- Data-Driven Service & Trust
- JD Power’s Stewart Stropp shared how combining data sets with AI can help dealers act on real-time insights.
- Platforms that merge call center, OEM surveys, and social content are improving customer retention.
- Tools like photo/video MPI drive measurable profit gains—up to 40% higher RO totals.
- People First, Politics Later
- Senator Bernie Moreno encourages dealers to double down on people and operations: used cars, finance, service.
- Calls on dealers to engage with state reps: “Don’t make me the last auto dealer in the Senate.”
- Blunt on EV policy: “Make cars consumers want, not what politicians want.”
- Valuation Steady Amid Uncertainty
- Despite tariff concerns, Alan Haig says dealer buy/sell activity is strong with values beating expectations.
- Toyota and Lexus remain top targets; Kia and Mazda are rising stars.
- “Private buyers still see a 20-year horizon,” Haig notes.
Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.
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