Ryan Kerrigan, Managing Director at Kerrigan Advisors, examines the current state of automotive retail, highlighting steady demand, macroeconomic pressures, and accelerating industry consolidation. He explains why dealership performance remains stable despite volatility tied to fuel prices, policy shifts, and global trade dynamics.

Kerrigan breaks down how rising energy costs are influencing renewed interest in EVs, while regulatory changes are reshaping the national market landscape. He also discusses the growing role of geopolitical competition, particularly from Chinese automakers, and how that may impact global positioning. On the retail side, consolidation activity continues to gain momentum, with both public and private dealer groups pursuing scale and efficiency. The conversation underscores how underlying consumer demand continues to anchor the industry, even as external pressures evolve.

•  Why dealership performance remains stable amid economic uncertainty 
•  The impact of rising fuel prices on EV demand 
•  Federal policy shifts and their effect on market consistency 
•  Growing competition from Chinese automakers in global markets 
•  Acceleration of dealership M&A and industry consolidation trends 

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Mike Stanton, CEO and President of the National Automobile Dealers Association, examines the debate סביב claims that franchised dealerships act as a “middleman tax” in vehicle pricing. He challenges recent findings from the International Center for Law & Economics, arguing that the analysis overlooks the operational realities of automotive retail and the value dealers provide.

Stanton explains how dealerships manage inventory risk, integrate sales and service functions, and support consumers throughout the ownership lifecycle. He also highlights the scale of investment required to replicate the current franchise system and discusses ongoing tensions around direct-to-consumer models. The conversation further explores regulatory developments, including FTC scrutiny on pricing transparency, and how dealers are adapting to evolving compliance expectations.

•  Why NADA disputes the “middleman tax” characterization of dealerships 
•  The role dealers play in managing inventory and distribution costs 
•  Estimated costs for OEMs to replicate the franchise network 
•  Ongoing debate around direct-to-consumer sales models 
•  FTC oversight and evolving pricing transparency requirements

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Namu Keys joins Inside Automotive to discuss how dealers can balance FTC compliance with competitive pricing strategies in an increasingly digital retail environment.

Keys explains how fragmented pricing systems and conditional incentives create compliance risks, particularly as regulators focus on transparency and consistency. He outlines how digital retail tools, real-time inventory updates, and AI-driven workflows can help dealers present accurate “all-in” pricing while improving the customer experience. The conversation also explores how clear disclosures around add-ons and F&I products can reduce friction, build trust, and support stronger conversion rates in both online and in-store transactions.

•  Challenges of maintaining consistent “all-in” pricing across platforms 
•  Managing conditional incentives to meet FTC compliance standards 
•  Improving transparency in add-ons and F&I product disclosures 
•  Using real-time inventory data to ensure pricing accuracy 
•  Integrating CRM, F&I, and AI tools to streamline compliance workflows 
•  Reducing customer friction around fees and negotiation through clear communication 

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Lauren Fix joins Inside Automotive to break down key takeaways from the 2026 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), focusing on how affordability and consumer priorities shape the market. Fix analyzes award-winning vehicles, emerging trends, and the disconnect between automaker innovation and what buyers are actively seeking. She explores how automakers balance electrification, hybrid and traditional powertrains, while addressing rising vehicle prices and evolving consumer expectations. The discussion provides insights for dealers and industry stakeholders navigating a competitive, cost-conscious automotive landscape.

•  Consumer priorities at NYIAS: affordability over advanced features 
•  Trends in hybrid, electric, and gasoline powertrain options 
•  Highlights from the World Car of the Year awards, including BMW iX3 
•  Key vehicle reveals and design trends from Hyundai, Genesis, Volkswagen, Nissan, Kia, Subaru, and Ford 
•  Shifts in consumer preference toward simplicity and smartphone integration 
•  Implications for dealers: aligning inventory, messaging, and pricing strategies 

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Shannon Robertson joins Inside Automotive to discuss the FTC’s recent warning letters to 97 auto groups and the implications for dealership compliance. Robertson outlines why transparent pricing, robust training, and adherence to federal and state regulations are critical in maintaining consumer trust and avoiding enforcement actions. She emphasizes that consistent online-to-in-store pricing, combined with documented processes and staff education, can protect dealerships while enhancing brand credibility.

•  Overview of the FTC warning letters and their targets 
•  Importance of aligning online advertised prices with in-store quotes 
•  Dealer training strategies to ensure compliance across staff and departments 
•  How written processes and legal guidance provide a “safe harbor” defense 
•  The role of compliance in protecting profitability and building consumer trust 
•  Integrating transparency and compliance into dealership marketing and operations 

Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive.

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Jake Lebowitz joins Inside Automotive to examine the rise of unlicensed auto brokers in New Jersey and the implications for dealers, consumers, and the franchise system.

Lebowitz outlines how broker-driven transactions are reshaping competitive dynamics by introducing pricing models that operate outside traditional dealer frameworks. While brokers can drive short-term volume, they also create challenges around compliance, profitability, and long-term customer relationships. The conversation explores how this growing trend affects dealership performance, manufacturer incentives, and regulatory enforcement, as well as what steps may be needed to restore balance across the retail landscape.

•  How unlicensed brokers operate and compete with franchised dealers 
•  The impact of broker-driven deals on dealer margins and profitability 
•  Risks tied to compliance, incentive programs, and potential chargebacks 
•  Why broker-acquired customers often lack long-term service retention 
•  Challenges in identifying and enforcing regulations against broker activity 
•  The need for coordinated action between dealers, OEMs, and regulators

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U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, a former car dealer, joins Inside Automotive to discuss the economic, regulatory, and geopolitical pressures shaping today’s retail automotive landscape. Drawing on both industry and policy experience, Moreno offers perspective on how global conflict, affordability challenges, and evolving regulations are impacting dealers and consumers alike.

The conversation explores the short-term effects of rising fuel prices tied to global instability, as well as longer-term risks such as potential memory chip shortages driven by AI demand. Moreno also outlines his views on trade policy, interest rates, and electrification, emphasizing the need for market-driven solutions and regulatory balance. As dealerships navigate increasing scrutiny and shifting consumer expectations, he highlights the importance of operational discipline, customer experience, and adaptability in maintaining profitability and long-term success.

Key discussion points:

•  The impact of global conflict and fuel price volatility on dealers 
•  Emerging supply chain risks tied to memory chip demand 
•  Trade policy, tariffs, and U.S. manufacturing priorities 
•  Interest rates, financing, and affordability challenges 
•  Regulatory pressures, including FTC oversight of dealership practices 
•  Market-driven approach to EV adoption and vehicle mix

Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive.

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Seth Dobbs, Partner and Co-Chair of the National Automotive Practice at Fox Rothschild, joins Inside Automotive to break down the Federal Trade Commission’s recent wave of warning letters sent to nearly 100 dealerships. The move signals a more aggressive stance on advertising compliance, with increased scrutiny on pricing transparency, vendor oversight, and consumer disclosures.

Dobbs explains how the FTC is holding dealers accountable not only for their own advertising, but also for third-party vendors managing listings and marketing content. He outlines the potential financial and reputational risks tied to non-compliance, especially as state attorneys general ramp up parallel enforcement efforts. The conversation also covers practical steps dealers can take to strengthen compliance programs, from internal audits to staff training. As regulatory pressure intensifies, Dobbs emphasizes that proactive oversight and consistent execution will be critical to avoiding penalties and maintaining consumer trust.

Key discussion points:

•  Why the FTC issued warning letters to dealerships nationwide 
•  New expectations around pricing transparency and consistent advertising 
•  Dealer responsibility for third-party vendor compliance 
•  Risks of federal and state enforcement actions 
•  Practical steps to strengthen dealership compliance programs 

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Tax refund season, affordability pressures, and shifting inventory dynamics are shaping the automotive market in 2026. On this episode of Inside Automotive, Jeremy Robb breaks down the key economic forces influencing dealer performance and consumer behavior this year.

Robb explains how rising tax refunds could extend the demand window for dealerships while affordability challenges continue to push more buyers—across income levels—toward used vehicles. He also explores the growing impact of off-lease EV supply, evolving lending conditions, and the early role of AI in dealership operations.

With macroeconomic uncertainty still in play, Robb offers a data-driven outlook on where opportunities exist, from increased service demand to emerging used EV adoption trends.

Discussion points include:

•  Tax refund trends and their impact on vehicle demand timing 
•  Ongoing affordability pressures and shifts toward used vehicles 
•  Rising off-lease EV supply and market opportunities 
•  Interest rates, lending conditions, and consumer financing challenges 
•  Potential service department gains from increased consumer liquidity 
•  Early-stage AI adoption and operational efficiency in dealerships 

Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive.

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David Christ joins Inside Automotive to discuss how Toyota navigates a rapidly evolving market, balancing affordability, dealer support, and electrification. Christ explains how lean inventories, diverse powertrains, and digital retail tools allow Toyota to maintain profitability and meet changing consumer expectations. He also outlines strategies for electrification, dealer profitability, and operational resilience in 2026 and beyond.

•  Maintaining strong resale values and dealer margins through lean inventory and selective production 
•  Expanding electrification with hybrids, BEVs, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles 
•  Launching new BZ, CHR, and Highlander BEVs to meet urban and family buyer needs 
•  Supporting dealers with profitable leasing programs and digital retailing via SmartPath 
•  Balancing a broad product portfolio, including small cars, SUVs, trucks, and body-on-frame models 
•  Strategic investments in battery production to ensure flexibility and long-term growth

Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick is powered by CBT News, your go-to source for the latest news, trends, and insights in retail automotive. Subscribe for more interviews with top industry leaders, dealership innovators, and experts shaping the future of automotive.

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