Chase Abbott explores the surprising disconnect between dealer awareness and implementation of consumer behavior insights, revealing how quality, first-party data can transform customer experiences and increase sales.

• Over 90% of dealers know about customer behavior insights, yet fewer than 20% actually use them
• Outdated or inaccurate data creates poor customer experiences and missed sales opportunities
• First-party data from Cox Automotive's platforms (AutoTrader, KelleyBlueBook, Dealer.com) provides more timely, accurate insights
• DealPulse and DealCentral offer comprehensive financial ranges from customers' online journeys
• Effective dealerships balance AI-powered insights with human expertise to create relevant communications
• Tools like predictive AI can identify shoppers 8x more likely to buy
• Dealers should question their vendor stack about data quality, timeliness, and results
• With increasing competition and evolving customer preferences, technological adaptation is essential

Driving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

The automotive retail landscape is shifting dramatically, and smart dealers are focusing on what they can control: fixed operations. In this eye-opening conversation with Ryan Maher, CEO of Busy Car and third-generation dealer, we uncover how properly managed recall campaigns have become a secret weapon for driving both revenue and retention during uncertain times.

Did you know there are 70 million vehicles with open recalls on American roads? That represents a staggering $22 billion in potential service revenue with approximately 70% gross margins. Yet many dealerships struggle to capture this business effectively. Maher reveals how Busy Car's AI-driven platform is transforming recall management by automating everything from customer outreach (using TCPA-exempt text messaging) to parts ordering and appointment scheduling—all without requiring dealer staff to manage the process.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the revelation that recall work often leads to unexpected benefits beyond service revenue. Dealers using the Busy Car platform report that many customers coming in for recall repairs become trade-in opportunities, helping acquire inventory when quality used vehicles remain in high demand. We also explore how recalls are helping fuel the mobile service revolution, providing predictable revenue streams that make mobile operations financially viable as the industry transitions toward an EV-dominant future with fewer traditional maintenance needs.

For dealers concerned about potential tariff impacts and market uncertainty, this episode offers a practical roadmap back to fundamentals. Learn how leading dealer groups are capturing millions in recall revenue while improving customer satisfaction and retention. Whether you're a single-point dealer or running multiple rooftops, you'll discover strategies to transform your recall process from a hassle into a substantial profit center that delivers results immediately.

Check out BusyCar.com to learn how their platform is helping dealers across the country capitalize on the recall opportunity, or call your manufacturer representative to discuss improving your recall management processes today.

Driving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.

The automotive buy-sell market is experiencing a slight slowdown with transaction activity down 14% in Q1 2025 compared to 2024, though still running 70% above pre-pandemic levels. The current market shows interesting shifts with single-store sellers dominating transactions while multi-dealership deals decline amid financial market volatility.

• Buy-sell market annualizing at about 375 transactions for 2025
• Single-store transactions now represent nearly 80% of all deals
• Multi-dealership transactions down 39% due to market volatility
• Industry earnings up 7% year-over-year for first time since pandemic peak
• Blue Sky values remain strong at 70% above pre-pandemic levels
• Regional market consolidation becoming dominant strategy for buyers
• Major metros expected to become highly consolidated within next decade
• Fixed operations continue providing stable profitability (about 50% of gross)
• Tariffs may actually benefit dealers through increased gross on limited inventory
• Stellantis and Nissan showing improved outlook with new leadership
• 76% of OEM executives believe Chinese automakers will eventually enter US market
• Chinese manufacturers now control 64% of Chinese auto market, up from 36%

Driving Solutions is the go-to podcast for dealership professionals who want to stay sharp, informed, and ahead of the curve. Hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and powered by CBT News, each episode brings you real strategies, smart tools, and expert insights to help you run a more profitable operation.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit CBTNews.com for more.