Dealer Driven: The NADA Podcast
Each ~20-minute episode provides practical solutions that can be applied immediately in the dealership. Listen below or on your favorite podcast app.
Episodes
S2E3: Dealerships are generating more data than ever before, and as technology accelerates, protecting dealer data is a critical business priority. NADA 20 Group Dealership Management Consultant Joe Akers breaks down what “owning your data” actually means in practical terms. This episode provides clear starting points and practical guidance for dealers to protect their independence, improve marketing efficiency and strengthen operational clarity. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S2E2: In this live edition from NADA Show 2026, Chairman Rob Cochran discusses why the dealer model remains the most efficient path to market, and what NADA is doing to protect it. From fighting regulatory overreach to rethinking the customer experience to AI. Cochran lays out his strategic priorities for 2026. This episode captures NADA’s leadership mindset in a pivotal year for retail automotive. This episode sponsored by DMS. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S2E1: NADA Chief Economist Patrick Manzi kicks off season two of Dealer Driven to unpack the biggest forces that defined Q4 and the full year in auto retail, including "the EV cliff," inventory discipline, pricing and affordability pressures, interest rates, tariff impacts and more. Along the way, Manzi shares his outlook for the U.S. light vehicle market in 2026 and offers practical guidance on how dealers can position their inventory and operations for the year ahead. This episode sponsored by Kerrigan Advisors. Read the blog | View on YouTube
ARCHIVE
- 2025
S1E18: In a special holiday-themed episode, NADA’s legislative affairs leaders—Ivette Rivera and Michael Harrington—take listeners on an It’s a Wonderful Life–style journey through an alternate universe—one where Congress failed to act on expiring tax provisions and allowed California’s gas-car ban to take effect nationwide. This episode sponsored by CARFAX. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E17: Kim Saylor, senior director of product marketing for fixed operations with CDK, walks us through the flow of the repair experience—starting with scheduling and ending with payment—highlighting along the way how technology is improving each step of the service process. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E16: NADA Academy Instructor Andy Seidenman cuts through the hype, helps us understand AI’s real implications and uncovers how it can revolutionize the way dealerships operate. This episode sponsored by CARFAX. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E15: NADA's Matt Vollmers and Joe Fleming break down the biggest takeaways from NADA’s 2025 Workforce Study—The most authoritative and comprehensive study on dealership workforce trends. Discover how data-backed insights can help you build stronger teams, boost retention and create a workplace where careers thrive. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E14: NADA's Patrick Manzi and the National Auto Auction Assn.'s Larry Dixon dissect how the U.S. new, used and wholesale light-vehicle markets performed in Q3, and offer dealers insight as to how to prepare for Q4 and beyond. This episode sponsored by NAAA. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E13: NADA Show staff Alison Wides and Ashley Kempson preview the 2026 NADA Show lineup—sessions, speakers, exchanges, the expo, the high-octane Welcome Reception and what dealers can’t miss Feb. 3-6 in Las Vegas. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E12: NADA Academy instructors Sharlene Croteau and Heather Westman share practical strategies for forecasting, involving department managers in planning, and reviewing overlooked areas like unnecessary vendors, contract renewals and expense allocations. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E11: NADA Academy instructor Chuck Bryant unpacks how dealers can strike the perfect balance between compliance and performance in the F&I office—two areas often seen as competing, but in reality, they can (and should) work hand in hand. This episode sponsored by CUDL. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E10: Michelle Phelps with Authenticom shares real-world examples of what can happen when dealers lose track of access to their data. She explains how NADA Vault, a free resource available to NADA members, can help dealers manage data on their own terms. This episode sponsored by NADA Vault. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E9: NADA Chief Economist Patrick Manzi reviews how the U.S. light vehicle market performed in Q2 and offers his expert insights into what dealers, automakers and consumers might expect in the months ahead. This episode sponsored by Kerrigan Advisors. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E8: Autotrader and KBB's Jade Terreberry and Cox Automotive's Vanessa Ton join us to unpack the results of Cox Automotive's latest Car Buyer Journey Study and what it means for dealerships aiming to stay ahead of evolving consumer expectations. This episode sponsored by Autotrader. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E7: Automotive retail expert Joe St. John explains how to create a seamless journey for your customers from online research to in-dealership purchase. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E6: Powerhouse sales trainer Jennifer Suzuki discusses how service departments can dramatically increase profitability while improving customer retention. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E5: Kerrigan Advisors Founder and Managing Director Erin Kerrigan shares how dealers can increase the value of their business by focusing on performance, operations, real estate and smart expansion. Read the blog | View on YouTube
S1E4: NADA Consultant & Digital Analytics Technical Specialist Jim Dodd breaks down how dealers can use AI, CDPs and their data to gain a competitive edge. Read the Blog | View on YouTube
S1E3: NADA Academy instructor Brian Crossin emphasizes the importance of managing parts inventory effectively to maximize a dealership’s cash investment. Read the Blog | View on YouTube
S1E2: NADA Academy instructor Larry Hourcle offers several silver bullets to help identify and eliminate technician "time vampires" in your dealership. Read the Blog | View on YouTube
S1E1: Cathy Palochko, COO of Quantum5 & Esi-Q, explains how to build a team that thrives in today’s evolving automotive landscape, but is also ready for the future. Read the Blog | View on YouTube
T: Welcome to Dealer Driven, the podcast of the National Automobile Dealers Association.
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Sponsorship Contacts
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Upcoming Episodes
Winslow
"Smarter Customers, Stronger Deals: The Power of Financial Literacy," with American Financial Services Association President Celia Winslow
Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest financial decisions most consumers make, yet many walk into the showroom confused about which options are really available to them. As we prepare for Financial Literacy Month in April, AFSA President Celia Winslow joins us to explore how improving financial literacy transforms the dealership experience for everyone involved. In this episode, dealership staff can learn how to explain the complexities of financing — like rising interest rates, longer loan terms and new lending products — to buyers without overwhelming them. More financially literate customers are happier customers, and happier customers boost long-term loyalty and retention rates at your stores.
Tentative release date: March 23
Manzi
"NADA Market Beat: Q1 Review, Q2 Preview," with NADA Chief Economist Patrick Manzi
NADA Chief Economist Patrick Manzi reviews how the U.S. light vehicle market performed Q1 and what are the biggest forces affecting auto retail, including inventory discipline, pricing and affordability pressures, interest rates, tariff impacts and more. Manzi also offers his expert insights into what dealers, automakers and consumers might expect in the months ahead.
Tentative release date: April 13
Pollak
"Beyond Velocity: Used Vehicle Investment Management," with vAuto Founder Dale Pollak
In his latest book, Invested: The New Science, Strategy & System of Used Vehicle Investment Management, Pollak challenges traditional beliefs and assumptions that have governed used vehicle departments for over a century. He joins us for a lively discussion and offers dealers actionable strategies and resources for used vehicle operations to drive success in today’s historically challenging market.
Tentative release date: May 4
Yates
"Demystifying Warranties," with NADA Academy Instructor Leigh Yates
Warranties are a complex part of dealership operations, yet getting them right is essential. In this episode, we break down why the differences between warranties like bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, emissions and EV battery coverage often create confusion and what dealerships need to know to stay compliant. You’ll learn about warranty audits, why dealers face costly chargebacks, the risks of incorrect claims and practical steps to strengthen your warranty process to avoid expensive errors.
Tentative release date: May 25
Aquilina
"The Race for Success," with Vice President of Global Cadillac Kristian Aquilina
Join us as we discuss Cadillac's recent foray into Formula 1 racing with its new global leader. You’ll gain insights into the team’s debut season, the challenges of performing at the pinnacle of motorsport, how technology and innovation are shaping their strategy, and what lessons in teamwork have been critical to this new venture.
Tentative release date: June 15
