LIVE From Final Day of NADA 2026 | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
Broadcasting live from NADA 2026, the episode captures the vibrant energy of the convention floor, featuring key discussions on the automotive industry's current challenges and innovations. Host Sam Dark engages with industry leaders like Dennis Gingrich and others, focusing on the impact of social media, AI, and the evolving dealership landscape. Topics include profitability strategies, the shift in consumer demand for electric vehicles, and the importance of adapting to new technologies. The episode also highlights significant industry news, including dealer acquisitions and regulatory discussions.
plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
"Next up today, Stellanus American Brands Chief Tim Kuniskes says the company's moved to kill its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the US came down to two main factors. Lack of demand and cost."
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are cars that use both a gas engine and an electric motor. You can charge them by plugging them in, and they can drive on electricity for a while before needing gas.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. They can be charged from an external power source and can run on electric power alone for a limited range before switching to gasoline.
battery capacity
"Automakers, he said, built battery capacity for demand that was quote artificially inflated on the backs of government rebates, not real customer demand, and now the write downs they are catching up."
Battery capacity is how much energy a battery can hold. For electric cars, a bigger battery means you can drive farther before needing to charge it again.
Battery capacity refers to the amount of energy a battery can store, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). In electric vehicles, higher battery capacity allows for longer driving ranges before needing to recharge.
Dodge Ram
"... Bowers purchased Bill Estes' Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram from the Asbury Automotive Group."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or outdoor activities. People talk about it because it's strong and has a nice inside, making it good for both work and family use.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup truck that has gained a reputation for its ruggedness and capability. It is often discussed for its performance in towing and hauling, as well as its comfortable interior and advanced technology features.
Volvo
"We represent a variety of brands, Porsche, JLR, Volvo, Acura, BMW, Mini, Audi."
Volvo is a car brand from Sweden that is famous for making safe and reliable cars. They have a variety of models, including SUVs and sedans.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety and quality. They produce a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and wagons.
Mini
"We represent a variety of brands, Porsche, JLR, Volvo, Acura, BMW, Mini, Audi."
Mini is a car brand that makes small and stylish cars. They are known for being fun to drive and have a unique look.
Mini is a British automotive brand known for its small cars with a distinctive design and fun driving experience. The brand is part of the BMW Group.
Audi
"We represent a variety of brands, Porsche, JLR, Volvo, Acura, BMW, Mini, Audi."
Audi is a luxury car brand from Germany that is known for its high-tech features and stylish designs. They make a range of vehicles, including sedans and SUVs.
Audi is a German automobile manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and advanced technology. The brand is recognized for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and performance-oriented models.
Acura
"We represent a variety of brands, Porsche, JLR, Volvo, Acura, BMW, Mini, Audi."
Acura is a luxury car brand that comes from Honda, a well-known Japanese car maker. They focus on making high-end cars with good performance.
Acura is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Honda. It is known for producing performance-oriented vehicles with advanced technology and luxury features.
JLR
"We represent a variety of brands, Porsche, JLR, Volvo, Acura, BMW, Mini, Audi."
JLR is a company that makes luxury cars, including Jaguar and Land Rover. They are known for stylish and high-end vehicles.
JLR stands for Jaguar Land Rover, a British automotive company that produces luxury vehicles under the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. They are known for their performance and off-road capabilities.
Volkswagen
"Did you say Volkswagen in there?"
Volkswagen is a popular car brand from Germany that makes many different types of cars, including the famous Beetle. They are known for being reliable and affordable.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and the Golf. The brand focuses on quality and affordability.
direct to consumer
"...Scout is attempting to go direct to consumer. Now, it's different than Tesla Rivian."
Direct to consumer means that a company sells its products straight to the people who will use them, instead of going through stores or other sellers. This is happening more with car companies now.
Direct to consumer (DTC) sales refer to a business model where companies sell their products directly to customers without intermediaries like retailers or dealerships. This model is becoming more popular in the automotive industry, allowing manufacturers to have more control over pricing and customer experience.
Scout
"...Scout is attempting to go direct to consumer. Now, it's different than Tesla Rivian."
Scout is a car brand that wants to sell cars directly to people instead of through regular car dealerships. This is becoming more common with some new car companies.
Scout is an automotive brand that is attempting to sell vehicles directly to consumers, bypassing traditional dealership networks. This approach is part of a growing trend among some manufacturers to offer direct sales models.
Tesla
"...different than Tesla Rivian. Tesla Rivian didn't exist."
Tesla is a car company from the United States that makes electric cars. They are known for their advanced technology and selling cars directly to customers.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and direct sales model. The company has popularized electric cars and has a strong focus on sustainability and renewable energy.
Rivian
"...different than Tesla Rivian. Tesla Rivian didn't exist."
Rivian is a new car company in the U.S. that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They are known for their unique designs and features for outdoor adventures.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer focused on producing electric trucks and SUVs. The company aims to offer adventure-oriented vehicles and has gained attention for its innovative designs and technology.
OEMs
"...I don't think the OEMs really want to, you know, working with a customer that's when things aren't going good..."
OEM means the original company that made the car or its parts. It's like the brand name of the car, such as Ford or Toyota.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to the company that originally manufactured the vehicle or its parts. In the automotive context, OEMs are the automakers responsible for producing the cars sold under their brand names.
EV rebates
"...the state of EVs in the state of California, EV rebates ended this year."
EV rebates are discounts or money back from the government when you buy an electric car. They help make electric cars cheaper to buy.
EV rebates are financial incentives provided by governments to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). These rebates can significantly reduce the overall cost of an EV, making them more affordable for consumers.
Moto Acquire
"...we do a social media play with a company called Moto Acquire. It's a trade-in tool that funnels people from your social media and your website."
Moto Acquire is a business that helps car dealerships get more customers by making it easier for people to trade in their cars through social media.
Moto Acquire is a company that provides a trade-in tool designed to help dealerships increase their leads by connecting social media traffic to their customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
flip
"All right, why flips, whips, by the way? I'm just curious about that. Yeah, so it's a little bit of a slang term. So Russ, obviously, I am Russ."
'Flip' means to buy a car and then sell it again quickly, usually to make money. It's like buying something and then selling it for a higher price soon after.
In automotive slang, 'flip' refers to the practice of buying a vehicle with the intention of quickly reselling it for a profit. This can involve restoring or improving the car to increase its value before selling.
whip
"...and then whip is kind of slang for car. So at first it was going to be Russ sells cars."
'Whip' is a slang word for a car. People use it when talking about their vehicles in a cool way.
In automotive slang, 'whip' is a term used to refer to a car. It often conveys a sense of style or performance associated with the vehicle.
Infiniti
"He talked about his vision moving forward with the OEM, both Infinity and Nissan. They've had a lot of leadership change over the past year."
Infiniti is the luxury brand of Nissan, similar to how Lexus is to Toyota. They make more upscale cars with extra features.
Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of Nissan, offering premium sedans and SUVs that focus on performance and comfort.
payment affordability
"...helping to solve that payment affordability issue for consumers? Number one thing, listen to the customer."
Payment affordability means how much money people can spend on their car payments without it being too much for them.
Payment affordability refers to the ability of consumers to comfortably pay for their vehicle purchases, including monthly payments, insurance, and maintenance costs.
20-inch rims
"...but now these vehicles are coming with 20-inch rims, right?"
20-inch rims are the size of the wheels on a car. Bigger wheels can make a car look nicer, but they might also make the ride bumpier and use more gas.
20-inch rims refer to the diameter of the wheel, which can significantly affect a vehicle's performance, handling, and aesthetics. Larger rims can enhance the car's appearance but may also impact ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
Chinese vehicles
"So it's interesting, a lot of conversation here about Chinese vehicles, right?"
Chinese vehicles are cars made by companies in China. These cars are becoming more popular and might be sold in other countries, including the U.S.
Chinese vehicles refer to automobiles manufactured by companies based in China. The Chinese automotive market has been growing rapidly, and several manufacturers are looking to expand their presence in international markets, including the United States.
BYD
"Some of the Chinese. The BYD, yeah, our family were electric."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars. They are known for creating vehicles that are environmentally friendly and use battery technology.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its electric vehicles and batteries. The company has gained prominence in the global market for its innovative electric cars and sustainable energy solutions.
Lexus
"...but they made the Lexus."
Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota. They make fancier cars that have more features and are designed to be more comfortable and stylish.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, known for its high-quality interiors, advanced technology, and smooth performance. It competes with other luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Nissan Ariya
"The Aria is gorgeous. I'm talking about it's a game changer."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan. It's designed to be stylish and packed with technology, making it a strong competitor in the electric vehicle market.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover SUV that represents Nissan's commitment to electric mobility. It features modern design and advanced technology, aiming to compete in the growing electric vehicle market.
Tata Motors Aria
"Do they need to be doing more? The Aria is gorgeous. I'm talking about it's a game chang..."
The Tata Motors Aria is a spacious SUV that can fit a lot of people and stuff. It's important because it shows that Tata is trying to make nice cars that can compete with bigger brands.
The Tata Motors Aria is a crossover SUV that was designed to offer a blend of comfort, space, and versatility. It is significant as it represents Tata's efforts to compete in the growing SUV market, particularly in India.
BMW Series Bmw
"...20 miles, two and four from work, I have a seven series BMW. I have that thing charged at my house."
The BMW 7 Series is a really fancy car that has lots of cool gadgets and is super comfortable to drive. It's talked about because it's one of the best luxury cars you can buy, perfect for those who want to travel in style.
The BMW 7 Series is a luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It often serves as a flagship model for BMW, showcasing the brand's latest innovations and luxurious features.
Porsche Taycan
"...spend quality time with. I spent three days in a Taycan Porsche, right? And it changed my entire perspec..."
The Porsche Taycan is a fancy electric car that looks great and drives really fast. It's important because it shows that you can have a stylish car that doesn't use gas and is good for the environment.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sedan that represents Porsche's commitment to sustainable performance. It combines the brand's iconic driving dynamics with cutting-edge electric technology, making it a significant player in the high-performance EV market.
EVs
"And it changed my entire perspective on EVs. Do EVs end up being the solution to payment affordability in the future?"
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are often seen as better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are considered more environmentally friendly and can offer lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles.
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