In this episode of Inside Automotive, Steve Greenfield, CEO of Automotive Ventures, breaks down the current state of the retail automotive industry and explains why dealer profitability remains strong despite tariffs, economic pressure, and shifting market dynamics. He highlights how the industry has transitioned from volume-driven strategies to more disciplined, profit-focused operations, and offers practical guidance on where AI is delivering real value for dealerships.

Key topics explored:

• Why dealer profitability remains elevated compared to pre-2020 levels
• How tariffs are impacting automakers more than retailers
• The shift toward operational efficiency and stable revenue despite lower SAAR
• Practical, high-impact applications of AI in sales, service, and CRM
• Evaluating new technology ahead of NADA 2026 with an ROI-first mindset
• How digital-first competitors like Tesla and Carvana are reshaping consumer expectations

Greenfield also shares examples of AI tools improving warranty processing and workflow efficiency, emphasizing the importance of adopting technologies that demonstrate measurable, strategic outcomes.

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