Confronted with challenges ranging from Mother Nature to controversial stair-step incentive programs, many dealerships are left scrambling at month's end to meet sales targets that can make or break profitability in a shrinking new-vehicle market.

Retail Realities is a 4-part podcast series from Automotive News. Our reporters were dispatched to dealerships across the U.S. to examine dealers’ challenges and progress from right inside their stores.

Four of this year's honorees discuss cost-cutting tips to cope with falling new-vehicle sales, fixed ops strategies, how to recruit and retain associates and much more.

Automotive News reporter Jackie Charniga talks to representatives from Ford, the UAW and the academic community about how previous epidemics shaped workplace policies on substance-use disorders, and how the UAW may be uniquely positioned to tackle the opioid problem.

We’re launching a new podcast to take you beyond what you see in our weekly print edition and online at autonews.com.