Feb. 4, 2026 | NASCAR champ Joey Logano on Ford dealership partnership; J.D. Power profit forecast
About this episode
Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR champion, discusses his new venture as a partner in Huntsville Ford, a dealership he's long collaborated with. He shares insights into the complexities of automotive retail, the importance of building relationships, and how his racing background provides unique advantages in business. The episode also covers JD Power's forecast of a 12% drop in dealer profits and the potential entry of Chinese automakers into the U.S. market through joint ventures, highlighting the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.
Three-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano discusses his partnership with Huntersville Ford and why he’s getting into automotive retail. J.D. Power expects U.S. dealer profits to drop 12 percent this year to $25.4 billion. Plus, China is top-of-mind at the 2026 NADA Show in Las Vegas.
NADA
"...an NADA backs efforts to keep Chinese brands out of the market."
NADA stands for the National Automobile Dealers Association, which helps car dealers in the U.S. with resources and support. They also advocate for dealer interests.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is a trade organization that represents the interests of new car dealers in the United States. They provide resources, training, and advocacy for the automotive retail industry.
joint ventures
"...One venture capitalist predicts Chinese automakers will enter the U.S. this year through joint ventures."
A joint venture is when two companies work together on a project while still being separate businesses. In cars, this can help companies enter new markets more easily.
Joint ventures are business arrangements where two or more parties agree to pool their resources for a specific goal while remaining independent organizations. In the automotive context, this often involves manufacturers collaborating to enter new markets.
tariffs
"...because of the macroeconomic trends. So you've got the tariffs hanging like the sort of democles over the brand."
Tariffs are extra taxes that a government charges on products coming from other countries. For car companies, this can make it more expensive to sell cars, which can affect how many they sell.
Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods. In the automotive industry, tariffs can affect the cost of manufacturing and selling vehicles, influencing pricing and sales strategies for car manufacturers.
U.S. production
"Even though they are ramping up U.S. production, they're trying to get about 65% of U.S. sales produced in the U.S."
U.S. production means making cars in the United States instead of importing them from other countries. This can help companies save money on taxes and make it easier to get parts.
U.S. production refers to the manufacturing of vehicles within the United States. Car manufacturers often aim to increase local production to reduce costs associated with tariffs and improve supply chain efficiency.
hybrid
"...they're finally rectifying that with a hybrid version of their bestseller, the Rogue crossover."
A hybrid car uses both a regular engine and an electric motor to save fuel and be better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Nissan Rogue
"...t with a hybrid version of their bestseller, the Rogue crossover. So that's going to launch late this ye..."
The Nissan Rogue is a type of car called a crossover SUV, which means it's a mix between a car and an SUV. It's popular because it has a lot of space inside for passengers and luggage, and it’s designed to be easy to drive and fuel-efficient. The new hybrid version will use less gas and be better for the environment.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and fuel efficiency. The introduction of a hybrid version reflects Nissan's commitment to sustainability and meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly vehicles. It is often discussed for its blend of practicality and modern technology.
Nissan XTerra
"One of those models that dealers are most excited about is the return of the XTERRA SUV. It was an iconic brand that was discontinued,"
The Nissan XTERRA is a type of SUV that was popular for its ability to handle rough terrains. It was stopped being made a few years ago, but now there are talks about bringing it back.
The Nissan XTERRA is a mid-size SUV that was known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It was discontinued in 2015, but there is excitement about its potential return to the market.
V6 engine
"...it's expected to have a V6 engine, but according to a source, Nissan may be considering putting in a V8..."
A V6 engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders. It usually offers a good mix of power and fuel efficiency, making it popular in many cars.
A V6 engine has six cylinders arranged in a V shape, providing a balance of power and efficiency. It's commonly used in many mid-sized and larger vehicles.
Nissan Altima
"...the Altima, which is Nissan's mid-sized sedan, that was supposed to be put to pasture this year, but it looks like they're going to extend the Altima to late summer 2027..."
The Nissan Altima is a popular car that is comfortable and good on gas. It was supposed to be discontinued soon, but now it's going to be available for a few more years.
The Nissan Altima is a mid-sized sedan known for its comfort and efficiency. The model is being extended to late summer 2027, indicating continued demand for this vehicle.
NASCAR Cup Series
"...I'm Kellan Walker. Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joy Lagano has a new title, dealership partner...."
NASCAR is a popular racing series in the U.S. where specially designed cars race on tracks. The Cup Series is the main event of this racing competition.
The NASCAR Cup Series is the top level of professional stock car racing in the United States, featuring a series of races held on various tracks. It is known for its high-speed competition and has a large fan base.
Ford Mustang
"...A lot of times it was Mustang, but it was sometimes other things..."
The Mustang is a famous sports car made by Ford, known for being fast and stylish. It's a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and iconic design, often associated with speed and sporty driving.
performance vehicles
"...if you're asking me as a racecar driver, I want something fast. I want..."
Performance vehicles are cars that are built to be fast and fun to drive. They usually have strong engines and special features that help them handle well on the road or track.
Performance vehicles are designed for speed, handling, and overall driving enjoyment. They often feature powerful engines, advanced suspension systems, and lightweight materials to enhance their capabilities.
Ford Expedition
"And even the practical cars are really cool. My wife has an expedition. We drive that a lot."
The Ford Expedition is a big family SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for road trips and everyday driving.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, strong towing capacity, and family-friendly features. It's popular among those needing a large vehicle for both daily use and travel.
Ford F150
"I got an F-150. I drive that as my everyday driver."
The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's strong and can carry a lot of weight.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that is one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States. It is known for its durability, versatility, and range of configurations to suit different needs.
Ford Mustang GTD
"I got a GTD getting delivered here next week. So I'm excited about that one."
The Ford Mustang GTD is a special version of the Mustang that is made for speed and performance. It's exciting for car fans.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the Mustang, designed for enthusiasts seeking enhanced power and handling. It represents Ford's commitment to performance and innovation in their sports car lineup.
Ford Dark Horse SC
"And the Dark Horse SC just being released, that's going to be obviously a win, I think, as well."
The Ford Dark Horse SC is a new performance car that Ford is making. It's designed for people who love fast driving and racing.
The Ford Dark Horse SC is a performance-oriented model in the Mustang lineup, focusing on track capabilities and enhanced driving dynamics. It is part of Ford's strategy to offer exciting options for performance enthusiasts.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.