Dealer Driven

The second quarter of 2026 brought plenty of questions for the automotive industry, from tariffs and affordability concerns to changing consumer demand and shifting market dynamics. So how did the numbers actually shake out?

In this episode of Dealer Driven, hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes welcome back Patrick Manzi, Chief Economist at the National Automobile Dealers Association, for a closer look at NADA's Quarterly Economic Report for Q2 2026.

Patrick breaks down the biggest economic indicators that shaped the quarter, explains what drove light-vehicle sales, and shares his perspective on inventory levels, vehicle affordability, and financing trends. The conversation also covers EV, hybrid, and gasoline vehicle demand, the outlook for used vehicle pricing, and whether recent changes in manufacturer market share signal a longer-term shift.

Whether you're tracking market conditions, planning inventory, or looking for economic context behind today's headlines, this conversation provides a timely snapshot of where the automotive industry stands.

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Presented by The National Automobile Dealers Association
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The policy landscape for dealers continues to evolve, and many of the decisions shaping the future of auto and truck retail are being made in Washington.

In this episode of Dealer Driven, hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes sit down with Paul Metrey, Executive Vice President of Public Policy at NADA, and David Bell, President of American Truck Dealers (ATD), to discuss the legislative and regulatory issues that matter most to dealers right now.

Paul and David share updates on key topics including proposed restrictions on Chinese vehicle manufacturers, the latest developments surrounding right-to-repair legislation, FTC advertising compliance, tariff-related questions, efforts to combat catalytic converter theft through the PART Act, and the push to repeal the Federal Excise Tax on heavy-duty trucks.

Listen in to hear what’s happening on Capitol Hill, what changes could be on the horizon, and how these policy discussions may affect your dealership, your customers, and the industry as a whole.

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Presented by The National Automobile Dealers Association
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The market isn’t just changing, it’s shifting fast enough to challenge even the most experienced dealers. So how do you make confident decisions when the landscape keeps moving?

In this episode of Dealer Driven, we sit down with Dale Pollak, founder of vAuto, creator of the Velocity Method, and now the champion of Investment Management for used vehicles. With decades of experience guiding dealers through uncertainty, Dale shares how to rethink inventory, pricing, and performance in today’s environment.

We get into the most common mistakes dealers are still making, what a “healthy” inventory really looks like now, and how aging strategies need to evolve beyond pre-pandemic habits. Dale also breaks down the signals dealers should be watching closely to stay ahead of the next market shift, not behind it.

The conversation also explores how today’s more informed and cautious consumers are reshaping pricing strategies, where dealers are unintentionally leaving profit on the table, and why adopting an investment mindset is critical when managing used vehicle inventory.

If you’re trying to make smarter, faster decisions in a market that refuses to sit still, this episode gives you a clearer way forward.

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Presented by The National Automobile Dealers Association
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Warranty repairs are a key part of running a successful dealership, but they can be complex, and all the different coverages can be confusing.

In this episode of Dealer Driven, hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes are joined by Leigh Yates, instructor at NADA Academy, to break down how warranties work and what dealers need to know. The conversation covers different types of warranties, common claim mistakes, and what can lead to audits and chargebacks.

Leigh also shares practical tips on improving documentation, training staff, and building better internal processes to reduce risk.

This episode offers a straightforward look at how dealerships can stay compliant and protect their revenue.

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Presented by The National Automobile Dealers Association
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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Dealer Driven, Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes sit down with Patrick Manzi, Chief Economist at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), to break down what really happened in the auto market during Q1 2026 and what it means for the months ahead.

Even with winter storms and global uncertainty, vehicle sales held steady. But underneath that, there are clear shifts happening. The labor market is slowing, affordability remains tight, and global tensions, especially in Iran, are affecting fuel prices and supply chains.

They also talk through changing consumer demand. EV sales are showing true levels without the tax credits, hybrids are gaining traction, and used vehicles are even more important as buyers look for more affordable options.

Looking ahead to Q2, Patrick shares what could drive sales, from tax refund season to stronger used inventory, and what risks dealers should keep an eye on, including interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty.

If you want a clear, practical read on where the market stands right now, this episode gives you exactly that.

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Presented by The National Automobile Dealers Association
https://www.nada.org/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.