Hall on Scout DTC Win in CO, Haig on Dealership M&A Market Update | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
Colorado's recent approval for Scout Motors to sell directly to consumers raises questions about the future of the dealership model. Don Hall, a leading advocate for dealer rights, discusses the implications of this ruling and its potential to disrupt the franchise system. The episode also covers the current state of the dealership buy-sell market, highlighting trends in valuations and the impact of brand strategies. Alan Hague provides insights into dealership M&A activity and the importance of understanding market dynamics as dealers prepare for the future.
OEM
"brand just got approved to sell direct in Colorado outside the franchise system is this a narrow ruling or is it the blueprint every OEM's been waiting for"
OEM means the original company that makes a car, like Ford or Toyota. They create the parts and put them together before you buy it.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, the company that designs and builds a vehicle before it is sold to consumers.
Land Defenders
"...g for will break it down with one of the sharpest defenders of dealer rights in the country then we shift to ..."
The Defender is a tough SUV that can handle rough trails and heavy work. It looks like a classic off‑road truck but comes with modern tech to help you drive in any kind of terrain.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off‑road SUV that has evolved from a military workhorse into a modern adventure vehicle. Its iconic boxy design, advanced terrain‑management systems, and strong towing capacity make it a staple in discussions about durability and versatility.
new vehicle sales
"2025 is ending stronger than expected with us new vehicle sales on track"
New vehicle sales are how many brand‑new cars people buy in a year. It shows if the car market is doing well.
New vehicle sales count the number of brand-new cars sold during a specific period, indicating market health.
auto industry news
"let's hit today's auto industry news first up today 2025 is ending stronger than expected with us new vehicle sales on track"
Auto industry news is the latest information about car companies, new models, and changes in rules that affect cars.
Auto industry news covers updates on car manufacturers, market trends, regulations, and technology developments.
Chrysler Imperial
"...iot automotive cells New England Subaru stored at Imperial cars Hananiya automotive acquires Chrysler Dodge ..."
The Imperial was a big, fancy car made by Chrysler in the 1960s and 70s. It was known for its smooth ride and roomy interior.
The Chrysler Imperial was a luxury sedan produced from the 1960s to the early 1970s, celebrated for its opulent styling and powerful V8 engines. It represents an era of American automotive grandeur that is often referenced in classic car circles.
Patriot Automotive
"Patriot automotive just picked up a Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store in Palm Coast"
Patriot Automotive owns a number of car shops that sell specific brands.
Patriot Automotive is a dealership group that manages several automotive retail locations, focusing on brand dealerships.
Hananiya Automotive
"Hananiya automotive just picked up a Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store in Palm Coast"
Hananiya Automotive runs several car shops in the Southeast U.S.
Hananiya Automotive is a dealership group that owns and operates multiple car dealerships across the southeastern United States.
Imperial Cars
"Patriot automotive sold at Subaru store in north Attleboro Massachusetts to Imperial cars"
Imperial Cars is a car shop that sells Subaru cars.
Imperial Cars is a dealership that specializes in selling Subaru vehicles and other brands.
Scout Motors
"fine finally up today the Volkswagen backed EV startup scout motors has received legislative approval"
Scout Motors is a new company that makes electric cars and sells them straight to people, not through regular car dealers.
Scout Motors is an electric vehicle startup that has partnered with Volkswagen to produce and sell EVs directly to consumers.
Rivian
"similar to how Tesla Rivian and Lucid operate"
Rivian makes electric trucks and SUVs and sells them straight to customers.
Rivian is an American EV startup that focuses on electric trucks and SUVs, also using a direct-to-consumer sales approach.
Virginia Auto Dealers Association
"let's welcome to the show Don Hall president CEO of the Virginia auto dealers Association Don welcome to the show"
It’s a group that helps car dealers in Virginia by giving them support and sharing information about selling cars.
The Virginia Auto Dealers Association is a trade organization that represents car dealerships in the state of Virginia, providing advocacy, resources, and industry standards for its members.
VW
"if I were not a VW dealer and it's Super Bowl week I probably say hey we're selling cars baby I'm going to worry about that Don seems like an interesting guy but I'm going to move on because I don't care about VW because I dont sell VWs"
VW stands for Volkswagen, a big car company from Germany that makes many popular cars.
VW is the abbreviation for Volkswagen, a German automobile manufacturer known for models like the Golf, Passat, and Beetle.
Volkswagen Scout
"at all look what scout has done is exactly what many if not all of our manufacturers want to do I have in my hands as we speak letters from the manufacturers"
The Scout is a small pickup truck made by Volkswagen. It can go off-road and has a new look.
The Volkswagen Scout is a compact pickup truck produced by the German automaker Volkswagen. It was first introduced in 2017 and is known for its off‑road capability and modern styling.
Volkswagen
"at all look what scout has done is exactly what many if not all of our manufacturers want to do I have in my hands as we speak letters from the manufacturers"
Volkswagen is a big German car company that makes many different cars and trucks.
Volkswagen AG is a German automotive manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. It produces cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles under various brands including Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Porsche, and others.
Lexus brand
""every manufacturer deciding if they want to pick out certain inventory called a new brand called the Lexus brand and then sell that direct""
Lexus is a fancy brand made by Toyota that sells luxury cars.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, offering high-end cars and SUVs.
Hyundai Genesis
"...r is a Lexus dealer not every Hyundai dealer is a Genesis dealer we're okay with the idea that not every V..."
The Genesis is a fancy car from Hyundai that feels like a high‑end vehicle but costs less. It has a smooth ride and many comfortable features.
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that offered premium features at an affordable price, bridging the gap between mainstream and high‑end vehicles. Its strong performance and comfortable ride made it a popular choice for buyers seeking value without compromising on luxury.
Toyota dealer
""Toyota who said no no no we're going to deal with Lexus and we're going to make Lexus dealers not every Toyota dealer is a Lexus dealer""
A Toyota dealer is a shop that sells Toyota cars and trucks.
A Toyota dealer is a retail location authorized to sell new and used Toyota vehicles.
Hyundai dealer
""not every Hyundai dealer is a Genesis dealer""
A Hyundai dealer is a shop that sells Hyundai cars and SUVs.
A Hyundai dealer is a retail location authorized to sell new and used Hyundai vehicles.
franchise system
"[1618.6s] Don last topic or question because I'm curious about this just following this thread so I think as I hear you talk about dealers the franchise system how we deliver our best to the consumer Tesla right there the outlier maybe there why oems think this might be a good idea"
In a franchise, you run your own store but use the big company’s brand and help from them to sell products.
A franchise system is a business model where independent owners operate retail locations under a brand’s name, following standardized practices and receiving support from the parent company.
direct purchase
"or if I'm looking to purchase one of those brands looking to go direct"
Direct purchase means buying a car straight from the company that makes it, instead of going through a dealer.
Direct purchase refers to buying a vehicle or brand directly from the manufacturer, bypassing traditional dealership channels.
pickup truck
"like a pickup truck full size SUVs you know it's better now but you look back about 8 years ago"
A pickup truck is a car with an open bed for carrying stuff and pulling trailers.
A pickup truck is a light-duty vehicle with an open cargo area, often used for hauling and towing.
full size SUV
"like a pickup truck full size SUVs you know it's better now but you look back about 8 years ago"
A full size SUV is a big car that can seat many people and has lots of room for cargo.
A full size SUV is a large sport‑utility vehicle designed for passenger comfort and cargo space, often with three rows of seats.
Tesla Model
"...s like Colorado and elsewhere trying to chase the Tesla model I feel like it's if you look back at when Scout ..."
The Model Y is a battery‑powered car that can go a long way on one charge. It has a roomy inside and lots of tech, like a big screen that controls many functions.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that blends performance, range, and cutting‑edge software. Its popularity stems from Tesla’s brand cachet, spacious interior, and the growing network of Superchargers.
direct consumer model
"and the board says what are you going to do about this we're going to have the same thing we're going to start our own direct consumer model it'll be all EVs"
Instead of buying a car from a dealer, the company sells it straight to you online or in a showroom they own.
A direct consumer model refers to a manufacturer selling vehicles directly to customers without using traditional dealership networks.
Rivian camper van
"it's a cool van like a truck like a Rivian that has a camper you know a thing with a grill and a cooler built into it that's kind of innovative"
Rivian makes electric trucks and vans. Their camper van is a small, off‑road vehicle that comes with a built‑in cooler and grill for camping.
Rivian is an electric vehicle manufacturer; their camper van is a lightweight, off‑road capable vehicle with built‑in storage and a grill.
tariffs
"so these questions that are that have arisen about tariffs and think about all the other brands that have been impacted by tariffs"
When governments add tariffs, cars from other countries can become more expensive for buyers. This can change how much people pay for a car.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can increase the cost of vehicles sold in a country.
US production
"yes certainly in the case of Audi we've seen you know they don't have any US production"
Cars made in the U.S. usually have lower import taxes and can be cheaper for American buyers, but not all brands build there.
US production refers to manufacturing vehicles within the United States, which can affect pricing, tariffs, and supply chains.
Jeep Wrangler
"...ompetitive you couldn't charge 70,000 for a Jeep Wrangler and expected to sell in any quantity I don't wan..."
The Wrangler is a tough SUV that can climb steep hills and go off the beaten path. It has removable doors and a simple, sturdy design that many people love.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off‑road SUV known for its removable doors, high ground clearance, and legendary 4×4 capability. Its enduring popularity is rooted in its ruggedness and the sense of adventure it evokes.
Carmax
"Carmax owned at one point over 10 franchise dealerships they own Solanus stores they own Toyota stores"
Carmax is a big company that sells used cars and runs many car lots in the U.S.
Carmax is a large used‑car retailer that operates many franchise dealerships and retail stores across the United States.
F&I
"dealers fortunately they make most of their money in F&I and parts and service"
F&I is the part of a car dealership that helps you get a loan or insurance for your new car.
F&I stands for Finance & Insurance, the department in a dealership that handles vehicle financing, warranties, and related products.
negative equity
"they're showing up with negative equity"
Negative equity means you owe more on your car loan than the car is worth.
Negative equity occurs when a vehicle’s trade‑in value is less than the remaining balance on its loan, leaving the owner owing more than the car is worth.
Kia
"The other brand that we like a lot is Kia."
Kia makes cars that are usually cheaper and still have good quality. They’re popular in many places, especially after the pandemic.
Kia is a South Korean automobile manufacturer known for producing affordable, reliable vehicles with modern features.
buy sell
"what I really love about Kia is in a buy sell, they will give the incoming buyer a lot of new vehicle inventory"
When a new owner takes over a car shop, they might get a bunch of brand‑new cars to sell right away. This helps the shop start making money quickly.
A buy-sell program is a dealership strategy where an incoming owner receives new vehicle inventory to help launch or revitalize a store, often used for underperforming locations.
Chevrolet
"And so other brands are very hard to get inventory like to get more inventory from Ford or General Motors Chevrolet."
Chevy makes a wide range of cars and trucks that many people use every day.
Chevrolet is a GM brand known for vehicles like the Silverado truck, Malibu sedan, and Corvette sports car.
Ford
"And so other brands are very hard to get inventory like to get more inventory from Ford or General Motors Chevrolet."
Ford makes cars like the F‑Series trucks and the Mustang, which are popular in the U.S.
Ford is an American automaker famous for trucks, SUVs, and the Mustang sports car.
General Motors
"And so other brands are very hard to get inventory like to get more inventory from Ford or General Motors Chevrolet."
GM sells many different kinds of cars and trucks under several brand names.
General Motors (GM) is a U.S.-based conglomerate owning brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
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.