Bowers on Challenging Carvana, San Martin on Dealership Design, Wood on Stocking | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
February 2026 brings new challenges for car dealers as used car prices stabilize at over $30,000 and monthly payments rise significantly. Industry leaders Matt Bowers, Miguel Martin, and Shane Wood share insights on effective strategies in this evolving landscape, emphasizing the importance of communication and inventory management. The episode also covers the shift in auto lending, the rise of AI in brand management, and the financial struggles of automakers like Stellantis as they recalibrate their EV strategies. Real dealer experiences and actionable advice make this a relevant discussion for today's market.
NADA
"...this first week post-NADA, where that NADA hangover is real. The free money era has gone..."
NADA is an organization that helps car dealers in the U.S. It holds a big event every year where dealers meet to talk about cars and business.
NADA stands for the National Automobile Dealers Association, which represents the interests of automobile dealers in the United States. The annual NADA convention is a significant event in the automotive industry, where dealers gather to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities.
used car prices
"...used car prices have settled into a permanently higher range, and that's how dealers buy, stock, and sell inventory in 2026."
Used car prices are how much people pay for cars that have been owned before. These prices can change based on how many cars are available and how many people want to buy them.
Used car prices refer to the market value of pre-owned vehicles. Factors like supply and demand, economic conditions, and consumer preferences can influence these prices, which have recently settled at a higher range due to various market dynamics.
used vehicles
"low new vehicle sales are basically defining the pool of used vehicles that we're facing today. We're still going to see that supply gap flowing through the market."
Used vehicles are cars that someone else owned before you. They usually cost less than new cars and can be affected by how many new cars are being sold.
Used vehicles are cars that have had previous owners and are sold at a lower price than new cars. The market for used vehicles can be influenced by factors like new car sales and inventory levels.
supply gap
"We're still going to see that supply gap flowing through the market, the result is much more expensive, used inventory mix."
A supply gap happens when more people want to buy something than what is available. In cars, this can mean fewer options and higher prices for buyers.
A supply gap occurs when the demand for a product exceeds the available supply. In the automotive market, this can lead to higher prices and limited options for buyers.
monthly payments
"The result is much more expensive, used inventory mix, and the majority of buyers are looking at monthly payments that are 30% to 40% higher than they were six years ago."
Monthly payments are the amount of money you pay every month if you borrow money to buy a car. It's based on how much the car costs, how long you take to pay it off, and the interest rate.
Monthly payments refer to the amount of money a buyer pays each month when financing a vehicle. These payments are determined by the vehicle's price, the loan term, and the interest rate.
certified pre-owned
"The bright spot is certified pre-owned. CPO vehicles deliver payments closer to regular units, used units sell faster, and carry factory warranties that buyers trust."
Certified pre-owned means the car has been checked and approved by the manufacturer, so it's more reliable than a regular used car. It usually comes with a warranty, which is like a guarantee that it won't have major problems for a certain time.
Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are used cars that have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or a third party. They often come with a warranty and other benefits, making them a more reliable choice for buyers compared to regular used cars.
MSA
"be the brand. I was going to try to go into top 25, top 30 MSAs in the country by image..."
MSA means Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a way to group cities and towns that are close together and have many people living in them.
MSA stands for Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a geographic region with a high population density and close economic ties, often used in market analysis.
North Dallas Chrysler Dodge Jeep
"And so I bought a store in Dallas, Texas, you know, it's called North Dallas Chrysler Dodge Jeep..."
North Dallas Chrysler Dodge Jeep is a car dealership in Dallas, Texas, where you can buy Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep cars.
North Dallas Chrysler Dodge Jeep is a dealership in Dallas, Texas, that sells Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles, providing a range of new and used cars.
Stellantis
"So with the Stellantis acquisition, two big ones, Indianapolis and then Dallas."
Stellantis is a big car company that owns several smaller car brands like Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep. It was created when two car companies merged together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and others.
Carvana
"In Dallas, you share a marketplace with Carvana. And Carvana has been in auto news recently."
Carvana is a company that sells used cars online. You can buy a car from them without going to a dealership, and they even have a special way to pick up your car from a vending machine-like structure.
Carvana is an online used car retailer that allows customers to buy and sell cars through their website, often featuring a unique car vending machine concept. They have gained attention for their innovative approach to car sales.
Chrysler Six Chrysler
"...t they do with used cars. They take their four or six Chrysler franchises, whatever they have currently. They a..."
The Chrysler Six is an older car that had a six-cylinder engine, which was popular many years ago. It's part of automotive history and is interesting to collectors.
The Chrysler Six was a mid-20th century automobile that represented Chrysler's entry into the six-cylinder market. It is significant for its role in the evolution of Chrysler's lineup and is often mentioned in discussions about classic American cars.
Jeep Wrangler
"...oesn't. It doesn't take literally anything. Jeep Wranglers, German Shepherd puppies. Yeah, yeah. You can se..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough-looking SUV that can drive on rough roads and trails. People love it because it can go almost anywhere, making it great for adventures.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often discussed for its versatility and ability to handle challenging terrains.
Nissan Z
"...you think Nissan, you think the Z, you think the Maxima, that's what you think."
The Nissan Z is a sporty car made by Nissan, known for being fun to drive and having a sleek design. It's part of a long line of Z cars that Nissan has made over the years.
The Nissan Z is a sports car that has a long history within the Nissan lineup, known for its performance and sporty design. It represents Nissan's commitment to producing exciting vehicles.
Nissan Maxima
"...you think Nissan, you think the Z, you think the Maxima, that's what you think."
The Nissan Maxima is a larger car made by Nissan that offers a comfortable ride and sporty performance. It's designed for families but has features that make it feel more luxurious.
The Nissan Maxima is a full-size sedan known for its performance, comfort, and upscale features. It has been a flagship model for Nissan, often marketed as a 'four-door sports car.'
wholesale availability
"...there is far more wholesale availability of new Nissan's and there is demand to buy them. Okay. Currently. And when there's that sort of imbalance..."
Wholesale availability means how many cars a manufacturer is selling to car dealers at a lower price. If there are too many cars and not enough buyers, it can cause problems for the dealers trying to sell them.
Wholesale availability refers to the quantity of vehicles that manufacturers are willing to sell to dealers at a lower price, which can affect supply and demand dynamics in the automotive market. An imbalance can lead to profitability issues for dealerships.
Subaru
"...demand by the consumer. Honda, Toyota, Subaru, all these brands come on and that's one thing..."
Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes vehicles known for their all-wheel drive, like the Outback and Forester. They are popular among people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and rugged designs. They are particularly popular for their SUVs and crossover models like the Outback and Forester, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
Honda
"...demand by the consumer. Honda, Toyota, Subaru, all these brands come on and that's one thing..."
Honda is a car company from Japan that makes popular vehicles like the Civic and Accord. They are known for making reliable and long-lasting cars.
Honda is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer, recognized for producing reliable cars and motorcycles. They are known for models like the Civic and Accord, which have a strong reputation for quality and longevity.
Toyota
"...demand by the consumer. Honda, Toyota, Subaru, all these brands come on and that's one thing..."
Toyota is a car company from Japan that makes many popular cars, including the Camry and Prius. They are known for their reliability and innovation.
Toyota is another leading Japanese automotive manufacturer, famous for its innovative production techniques and reliable vehicles. The company is well-known for models such as the Camry and the Prius, which have set benchmarks in their respective segments.
General Motors
"...So let's talk about that pivoting from Nissan. We had the head of General Motors on the show last Wednesday..."
General Motors, or GM, is a big car company that makes many different brands of vehicles, like Chevrolet and Cadillac. They are important in the car industry and affect how cars are made and sold.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. They have a significant influence on the automotive market and industry trends.
controlling supply
"...they were very forward about, hey, we're controlling supply to help dealers be more profitable..."
Controlling supply means that a car company decides how many cars to make and sell. This helps them keep prices higher and make more money by not making too many cars at once.
Controlling supply refers to the practice of managing the number of vehicles produced and available for sale in the market. This strategy can help manufacturers maintain higher prices and profitability by preventing oversupply.
Hyundai Palisade
"...o New Orleans that wanted to buy a white Hyundai Palisade and there existed six or nine in the market, you..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a family-friendly SUV with lots of room for passengers and cargo. It's known for being comfortable and safe, making it a good choice for road trips.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a comfortable ride. It has gained popularity for families due to its three-row seating and modern technology.
oversupply
"...there might be six or seven people that want to buy them. And there's 92 of them out there. And so it oversupply erodes profit..."
Oversupply means there are too many products available for sale compared to how many people want to buy them. This can cause prices to drop, making it harder for sellers to make money.
Oversupply occurs when there are more products available than there are buyers. This can lead to decreased prices and reduced profitability for sellers, as they may need to lower prices to attract buyers.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...h. What am I going to say? I wish I had six more Silverados. I mean, look, I'll take that in my opinion. It's..."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or play. Many people like it because it can be used for many different tasks.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck recognized for its durability, towing capacity, and range of configurations. It's a popular choice among both work and leisure users, often discussed for its performance and versatility.
direct to consumer sales
"...One big concern in automotive today is direct to consumer sales..."
Direct to consumer sales mean that car companies sell their cars straight to buyers instead of going through car dealerships. This is becoming popular with electric car makers.
Direct to consumer sales refer to a sales model where manufacturers sell their products directly to customers, bypassing traditional dealerships. This model is becoming more common in the automotive industry, especially with electric vehicle manufacturers.
Rivian
"...like Tesla and Rivian and some of the others..."
Rivian is a new car company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They focus on vehicles that are great for outdoor adventures.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer focused on producing electric trucks and SUVs. Their R1T pickup and R1S SUV are designed for adventure and outdoor activities.
franchise model
"...One of the biggest arguments is the franchise model..."
The franchise model is how many car companies sell their cars through independent dealerships. These dealerships have to follow certain rules and spend money to look nice.
The franchise model in the automotive industry refers to a system where manufacturers grant licenses to independent dealers to sell their vehicles. This model often requires dealers to invest in facilities and adhere to specific brand standards.
digital retailing
"...thinking of digital retailing, more online purchases and acquisitions, how is the shape of a dealership in 2026 changing to accommodate that online buyer..."
Digital retailing means buying and selling cars online instead of going to a dealership. More people like this way because it's easier and more convenient.
Digital retailing in the automotive industry refers to the process of buying and selling cars online, allowing customers to complete transactions without visiting a dealership. This trend is growing as more consumers prefer the convenience of online shopping.
government incentives
"...because of lack of incentives from the government, but that's not going to change."
Government incentives are financial benefits offered by the government to encourage people to buy electric cars. This can include things like tax breaks or cash rebates.
Government incentives for electric vehicles often include tax credits, rebates, or grants to encourage consumers to purchase EVs. These incentives can significantly lower the overall cost of buying an electric vehicle.
500 mile range
"...when they get batteries that will go at the 500 mile range and whatnot, they will become mainstream."
A 500 mile range means that an electric car can drive up to 500 miles before needing to be charged again. This is important for people who want to travel long distances without worrying about running out of battery.
A 500 mile range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. This benchmark is significant as it addresses range anxiety, a common concern for potential EV buyers.
ICE cars
"...those cars don't need that much service like the ICE cars do."
ICE cars are vehicles that use gasoline or diesel engines to run. They are the most common type of car on the road today, but electric vehicles are becoming more popular.
ICE cars refer to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, which burn fuel to create power. This is the traditional technology used in most vehicles before the rise of electric vehicles.
trade-in
"...when you're selling a car and you only take three. We've pushed that up to 60. We look for trade-ins. We're feeling pretty good about that number."
A trade-in is when you give your old car to a dealership to help pay for a new car. It lowers the amount you need to pay for the new one.
A trade-in is when a customer offers their used vehicle as part of the payment for a new or used vehicle at a dealership. This can help reduce the overall cost of the new purchase.
back-end finance team
"...but I build a car for the referral fee. My cost has gone up, but we're not buying these to wholesale them. We're buying them to sell them. I have a back-end finance team at the dealership."
The back-end finance team helps customers with money matters when buying a car, like loans and extra services they can buy after choosing a car.
A back-end finance team at a dealership handles the financial aspects of vehicle sales, including financing options, warranties, and additional products that can be sold to customers after the initial sale.
CarMax
"CarMax offers top dollar for a car. They buy a lot of cars, but they also average $1,800 in discount once the customer comes for an active appraisal."
CarMax is a company that buys and sells used cars. They make it easy for people to sell their cars without having to negotiate prices.
CarMax is a well-known used car retailer in the United States that offers a no-haggle pricing policy, making the car buying and selling process straightforward for customers.
Bob Ruth Ford
"I'm a big fan of Bob Ruth Ford. They buy a lot of cars off the street. They're just insane with what they can do from a third party, but like us,"
Bob Ruth Ford is a car dealership that sells Ford vehicles. They are known for buying a lot of cars from people who want to sell them.
Bob Ruth Ford is a Ford dealership known for its aggressive car buying practices, often sourcing vehicles from various channels, including trade-ins and direct purchases from customers.
OEM
"...the most recalled OEM of 2025, Ford, you would think does present a great opportunity..."
OEM means the original company that made the car or its parts. For example, if Ford makes a car, they are the OEM for that vehicle.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It refers to companies that produce parts or vehicles that are sold under another company's brand name. In this context, it indicates vehicles made by Ford that are sold as new.
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