Hill on Sales Process, Thomas on 2026 Predictions, Smith on Mystery Shopping | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
A deep dive into the evolving automotive dealership landscape, featuring insights from industry experts Steven Hill, Dave Thomas, and Greg Smith. The discussion covers the impact of social media on sales processes, predictions for 2026, and the importance of mystery shopping in enhancing customer engagement. Key highlights include the rise of AI in dealerships, the significance of training and career pathing for technicians, and strategies for improving sales through streamlined operations. The episode emphasizes the need for dealers to adapt to market changes and focus on customer experience to thrive in the competitive environment.
GM
"...the winning brands well Toyota, GM, Hyundai, Kia they all won..."
GM stands for General Motors, a big car company that makes many different brands of vehicles, like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, producing brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac.
Hyundai
"...the winning brands well Toyota, GM, Hyundai, Kia they all won..."
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes a variety of vehicles, often known for being affordable and reliable.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for its affordable and reliable vehicles, as well as its advancements in electric and hybrid technology.
Mitsubishi
"...movers in the opposite direction well Rivian deliveries fell sharply Mitsubishi was down double digits..."
Mitsubishi is a car company from Japan that makes various vehicles, but it has been having a hard time selling as many cars recently.
Mitsubishi is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including the Outlander and Eclipse, but has struggled in recent years to maintain market share.
Subaru
"...Subaru and Mazda both finished the year lower than..."
Subaru is a car company that makes vehicles known for their all-wheel drive, which helps in tough weather and off-road conditions.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and outdoor-oriented models like the Outback and Forester, appealing to adventure enthusiasts.
Rivian
"...movers in the opposite direction well Rivian deliveries fell sharply..."
Rivian is a newer car company that makes electric trucks and SUVs, designed for people who love outdoor adventures.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its electric trucks and SUVs, such as the R1T and R1S, focusing on adventure and outdoor lifestyles.
Ford
"year's CES Expo Ford previewed an AI built-in a system and a new generation of BlueCruise both of"
Ford is a well-known car company that makes many types of vehicles, including trucks and electric cars.
Ford is an American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and electric cars.
Tesla
"market today i.e. Rivian and Tesla the AIS assistant that Ford unveiled runs on Google Cloud"
Tesla is a popular car company that makes electric cars and is known for its innovative technology.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company known for its electric cars, battery energy storage, and solar products.
BlueCruise
"the same time Ford showed off its next gen BlueCruise system which it says cost about 30% less to build"
BlueCruise is a feature from Ford that lets drivers take their hands off the wheel in some situations, making driving easier.
BlueCruise is Ford's hands-free driving technology that allows for 'eyes off' driving in certain conditions, similar to Tesla's Autopilot.
autonomous driving
"later this decade until that's something similar to Tesla's autonomous driving but short of fully autonomous"
Autonomous driving means cars can drive on their own without needing a person to control them.
Autonomous driving refers to vehicles that can drive themselves without human intervention, using various technologies like sensors and AI.
electric pickup
"both features will debut on a new midsize electric pickup in 2027 part of"
An electric pickup is a truck that uses electricity to run instead of traditional fuel, which is better for the environment.
An electric pickup is a type of truck that runs entirely on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel, offering a more environmentally friendly option.
transparency in automotive
"...but this is an example of just the type of connecting video you can send to your customers to up our game in automotive and by the way transparency in automotive makes us all better..."
Transparency in automotive means being clear and honest with customers about car prices and services. It helps customers feel more confident and trusting in their car buying or servicing experience.
Transparency in automotive refers to the practice of being open and honest with customers about vehicle pricing, services, and processes. It aims to build trust and improve customer relationships.
brake fluid reservoir
"...of your brake fluid your brake fluid reservoir is located underneath of here replacing both of"
The brake fluid reservoir is a small container in your car that holds the fluid needed for the brakes to work. It's important to keep it filled so your brakes can stop the car effectively.
The brake fluid reservoir is a component of the braking system that holds the brake fluid necessary for hydraulic brake operation. It's crucial for maintaining brake performance and should be checked regularly for fluid levels.
rotors
"...in regards to all of your vehicles brake pads rotors and tires i'm also happy to report that they're in excellent condition..."
Rotors are the round metal discs that the brake pads press against to help your car stop. They are an important part of the braking system.
Rotors are metal discs that work with brake pads in a vehicle's braking system. When the brake pads clamp down on the rotors, it slows the vehicle down by creating friction.
tires
"...in regards to all of your vehicles brake pads rotors and tires i'm also happy to report that they're in excellent condition..."
Tires are the round rubber parts on your car that touch the road. They help your car move and stop safely.
Tires are the rubber components that provide traction and support for a vehicle. They are essential for safe driving and handling, as they connect the vehicle to the road.
brake pads
"...in regards to all of your vehicles brake pads rotors and tires i'm also happy to report that they're in excellent condition..."
Brake pads are the parts that help your car stop when you press the brake pedal. They push against the wheels to create friction, which slows down the car.
Brake pads are components of a vehicle's braking system that press against the brake rotors to create friction and slow down or stop the vehicle. They are crucial for effective braking performance.
multi-point inspection
"...that actually concludes the service and the multi-point inspection after this video is completed..."
A multi-point inspection is a thorough check of your car to make sure everything is working well. It looks at many parts to catch any problems early.
A multi-point inspection is a comprehensive check of various components of a vehicle, typically performed during routine maintenance. It helps identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
GMC
"...we have two key of stores and one gmc store uh it was doing about 50 cars a month..."
GMC is a brand of vehicles that makes trucks and SUVs. They are known for being tough and good for heavy-duty use.
GMC is a division of General Motors that primarily focuses on trucks and SUVs. Known for their ruggedness and capability, GMC vehicles are popular among consumers looking for durable and powerful options.
Kia Telluride
"...the big one is obviously the telluride was huge when that came out they got..."
The Kia Telluride is a popular SUV made by Kia. It's known for being roomy and having many safety features, making it a great choice for families.
The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV that has received acclaim for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and overall value. It has quickly become one of Kia's best-selling models since its introduction.
Kia Sportage
"they've done a great job with and the sportage and um the serento..."
The Kia Sportage is a smaller SUV that is great for city driving and families. It combines good looks with useful features and a comfortable ride.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and practicality. It has been a strong contender in the SUV market, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Kia Sorento
"...and the serento and then also the telluride coming out with the hybrids..."
The Kia Sorento is a family-friendly SUV that has room for more passengers. It's a good option if you need extra space and comfort for trips.
The Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV that offers three rows of seating, making it a versatile choice for families. It is known for its spacious interior and a variety of engine options, including hybrids.
extended warranty
"...the extended warranty being the top you know product that's being sold..."
An extended warranty is like extra insurance for your car that helps pay for repairs after the regular warranty runs out. It can save you money if something goes wrong.
An extended warranty is a service contract that provides additional coverage for a vehicle beyond the manufacturer's warranty period. It can cover repairs and maintenance, offering peace of mind for car owners against unexpected costs.
prepaid maintenance
"...same with prepaid maintenance which i've always recommended..."
Prepaid maintenance is when you pay for car service in advance, so you don't have to worry about costs later. It helps keep your car in good shape without surprise bills.
Prepaid maintenance is a program where car owners pay upfront for scheduled maintenance services over a certain period. This can help save money and ensure that the vehicle is properly maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
tariffs
"...especially now with with tariffs still happening those prices will go up..."
Tariffs are extra fees that the government charges on things brought in from other countries. If these fees go up, it can make cars more expensive to buy.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can affect the prices of vehicles and parts. When tariffs increase, the cost of manufacturing and selling cars can rise, leading to higher prices for consumers.
Dodge Omni
"...ld would likely increase as well so you know the omni channel experience you know how much people can d..."
The Dodge Omni is an older, small car that was popular in the 1980s. People mention it when talking about how cars have changed over the years and how companies market them.
The Dodge Omni was a compact car produced in the 1980s that is notable for its role in the hatchback segment and its affordability. It is often referenced in discussions about automotive history and the evolution of car design and marketing strategies.
average transaction price
"...it's really around this average transaction price that is so widely reported..."
The average transaction price is the average cost of cars sold. It helps people understand how much buyers are spending on vehicles.
The average transaction price (ATP) refers to the average amount paid for a vehicle at the time of sale. It is a key metric in the automotive industry that helps understand market trends and consumer spending behavior.
K-shaped recovery
"...we understand that you know it's k shape recovery luxury sales are going to be way up here..."
A K-shaped recovery means that some parts of the economy are doing well while others are not. For example, luxury car sales might be increasing while sales of cheaper cars are not.
A K-shaped recovery describes an economic situation where different segments of the economy recover at different rates. In this context, luxury vehicle sales are recovering faster than those of more affordable cars, indicating a disparity in consumer spending.
Toyota Corolla
"...ou look back at inflation on a Honda cord Toyota Corolla whatever you want to do they are less today than ..."
Honda Cord
"...you look back at inflation on a Honda Accord Toyota Corolla whatever you want to do they are less today..."
The Honda Accord is a popular car that many people choose because it's reliable and good on gas. It's a comfortable car for families and daily driving.
The Honda Accord is a midsize car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. It has been a popular choice among families and commuters for decades.
Volkswagen
"...two being volkswagen two mazda one chrysler one volvo and one subaru so uh a little bit of everything..."
Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes many popular cars, like the Golf and Jetta.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and the Golf.
all-wheel drive
"...which in the canadian market an all-wheel drive family hauler is really something um so that hurt us at our two folks wagon stores..."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow. It's great for driving in tough conditions.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. It is commonly found in SUVs and crossovers.
BMW X5
"...ppening in with that brand a lot of times on the x5 and x7 um fraud theft um you know just we would h..."
The BMW X5 is a fancy SUV that is known for being fast and comfortable. People talk about it a lot, especially because there have been some issues with it being stolen.
The BMW X5 is a luxury midsize SUV that combines performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It is significant for its role in popularizing the luxury SUV segment and often discussed due to its high-profile theft cases and reliability concerns.
Lexus
"...i went up and spoke to a group of Canadian Lexus dealers and was talking about you know..."
Lexus is a luxury car brand that comes from Toyota. They are known for making comfortable and reliable cars with lots of features.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota. Known for its reliability and comfort, Lexus vehicles often feature advanced technology and high-quality interiors.
Mazda Cx5
"...s getting also getting brand new uh uh redesigned cx5 model so you guys should be expecting more sales..."
The Mazda CX-5 is a smaller SUV that looks good and is fun to drive. It's getting a new design, which means it might be even better and more people will want to buy it.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that has gained popularity for its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and practicality. The recent redesign aims to enhance its appeal further, making it a topic of interest in discussions about sales trends in the automotive market.
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