Why Dealers Will Win, Frozen Waymos, Gen Z Loves Holiday Shopping

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Episode #1225: Cars Commerce’s Alex breaks down why the future isn’t car vending machines, Waymo robotaxis freeze during a San Francisco power outage, and Gen Z embraces the holiday experiences.

Show Notes with links:

• In a reflective interview, Cars Commerce leader Alex encourages dealers to use better tech to get leaner, faster, and more customer-friendly. 
  • Alex says the next wave of dealership tech has to reduce SG&A and improve operational efficiency, not just add more dashboards.
  • He calls out a stubborn reality: sales per salesperson hasn’t improved in about a decade, even as tools multiplied — and says AI should finally change that.
  • He pushes back on the “dealers hate change” narrative, arguing dealers are highly adaptable entrepreneurs who will adopt what actually helps them win.
  • The consumer journey gets more complicated closer to purchase, with more indecision around vehicle feel, color, space, and drive — meaning the funnel “widens” at the end.
  • His bottom line: the winning model is omnichannel that finishes with a strong local dealer, saying, “I don’t think the consumer wants a vending machine… they want an online experience that finishes with a local partner.”
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• Waymo’s driverless ride service ran into a very human problem this weekend: no power. A widespread outage across San Francisco left robotaxis frozen mid-ride, snarling traffic and raising fresh questions about how autonomous vehicles handle chaotic, real-world conditions.
  • A power outage knocked out traffic lights across San Francisco, with social media videos showing multiple Waymo vehicles stopped in intersections with hazard lights flashing.
  • One rider said his Waymo handled quieter streets but abruptly stopped at a dense intersection with dark signals, offering no warning or explanation.

• New research shows Gen Z shoppers are bringing life back to malls and stores this holiday season, showing up for the vibes, the memories, and the experience.
  • Lightspeed Commerce found nearly 80% of consumers ages 18–24 say the “holiday experience” is important to them, driving a return to physical stores.
  • Sixty-seven percent of Gen Z shoppers said festive elements like music, décor, scents, and displays make them stay longer — nearly double the rate of shoppers over 65.
  • For younger consumers, in-store shopping is social, with photo-taking, video content, and sharing moments with friends cited as major draws.
  • Those experiences convert to sales: 58% of Gen Z and 55% of younger millennials are more likely to buy when stores add small seasonal touches like gift wrapping, hot drinks, or events.

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