Dealer Driven

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/

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Financial literacy is at the core of every vehicle purchase, but it is often overlooked in the buying process. From understanding loan terms to making confident financial decisions, customers depend on clear and simple information when stepping into a dealership.

In this episode of Dealer Driven, hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes sit down with Celia Winslow, President and CEO of the American Financial Services Association (AFSA), to talk about why financial literacy matters more than ever—especially as customers expect clearer explanations and greater transparency around their financing options.

Celia shares how AFSA, the AFSA Education Foundation, and NADA work together to support consumers through financial education, and why initiatives like Financial Literacy Month are an important reminder for both dealerships and customers. She also highlights some of the most common misunderstandings customers bring into the showroom, from confusion about interest rates and loan terms to issues of affordability.

Whether you are working on the showroom floor or leading dealership operations, this episode offers practical insights you can start applying right away.

Resources and Helpful Links

MoneySKILL

AWARE (Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics)

Know Before You Buy Tips

MoneySKILL™

Understanding Vehicle Financing Brochure

Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy

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

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Dealerships are generating more data than ever before, but ownership and control are not always the same thing. As digital retailing accelerates and technology vendors multiply, protecting dealer data has become a critical business priority.

In this episode of Dealer Driven, hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes are joined by Joe Akers, a dealership management consultant with nearly three decades in the retail auto industry. Joe has worked across Ford, Nissan, and Porsche dealerships, including serving as General Manager, and has spent the past 20 years focused on digital marketing strategy and measuring true ROI. He works closely with dealers to evaluate their digital ecosystems, safeguard customer information, and use data more strategically.

The conversation breaks down what “owning your data” actually means in practical terms, from DMS and CRM contracts to vendor integrations and secure transfer processes. 

For dealers looking to protect their independence, improve marketing efficiency, and strengthen operational clarity, this episode provides clear starting points and practical guidance.

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Presented by The National Automobile Dealers Association

https://www.nada.org/

 

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In this live edition of Dealer Driven from NADA Show 2026, Chairman Rob Cochran joins hosts Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes for an in-depth conversation on where the industry stands and where it's headed.
Cochran, President & CEO of #1 Cochran in Western Pennsylvania, shares how his early entry into the family business shaped his leadership, 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, Cochran lays out his strategic priorities for 2026. He also discusses how NADA is tackling AI through scenario planning and what dealers need to consider when thinking long-term.
This episode captures NADA’s leadership mindset in a pivotal year for retail automotive.
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Presented by The National Automobile Dealers Association
https://www.nada.org/

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After a year shaped by shifting incentives, volatile policy signals, and stubborn affordability challenges, the auto industry closed 2025 with more questions than answers. As dealers look ahead to 2026, understanding what truly moved the market, and what’s likely to stick, has never been more critical.
In this episode, we’re joined by Patrick Manzi, Chief Economist at NADA, to unpack the biggest forces that defined Q4 and the full year in auto retail. Patrick breaks down the sharp drop in EV sales following the expiration of tax credits, the surge in hybrid demand, and why inventory discipline kept incentives in check despite ongoing uncertainty. We also dig into pricing and affordability pressures, interest rate outlooks, tariff impacts, and what the evolving mix of new and used vehicles means for dealer strategy. Along the way, Patrick shares his expectations 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.
Give this episode a listen for a clear-eyed economic perspective and actionable insights to help you navigate what’s next with confidence.
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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.