Pharr on Recruiting, Ferri on Inbound Challenges, Westrum on Team Dev | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
Celebrating its 100th episode, Daily Dealer Live dives into the challenges and strategies of automotive dealerships in 2026. Guests Scott Farr, COO of P4 Automotive, and Stefan Farie, CEO of Car Wars, discuss team building, hiring challenges, and the importance of customer engagement through technology. They highlight the significance of video communication in sales and the role of AI in improving customer service. Micah Westrom from Ramsey Mazda shares insights on fixed absorption and the value of training and mentorship in enhancing dealership performance. This episode is packed with actionable insights for dealers navigating a competitive market.
Nissan Versa
"First up today, new vehicle affordability has taken another hit, as Nissan confirms that the Versa, America's cheapest new car, will be discontinued."
The Nissan Versa is a small, inexpensive car that many people buy when they want a new vehicle without spending a lot of money. It's designed to be simple and affordable.
The Nissan Versa is known as one of the most affordable new cars in the U.S. market. It is a subcompact sedan that has been popular for budget-conscious buyers looking for basic transportation.
Kia K4
"Now, the cheapest new car on sale in 2026 thus far is the, get it, Kia K4. It's just over $23,000."
The Kia K4 is a new, small car that is priced to be affordable for many buyers. It's meant to be a good option for people who want a new vehicle without spending a lot of money.
The Kia K4 is a compact sedan that has been introduced as an affordable option in the automotive market. It is designed to appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for a new car with modern features.
Kix SUV
"...including the 9th generation Sentra, which starts at $23,845, and the Kix SUV priced at $23,925."
The Nissan Kix is a small SUV that gives you more space and a higher seat than a regular car. It's a good choice for people who need extra room for passengers or cargo.
The Nissan Kix is a compact SUV that offers a higher driving position and more cargo space compared to sedans. It is designed for consumers looking for versatility and practicality in their vehicle.
Nissan Sentra
"...vehicles in the US, including the 9th generation Sentra, which starts at $23,845, and the Kix SUV priced..."
The Nissan Sentra is a small car that's easy to drive and park, making it a great option for city living. The latest version has a nice look and comes with modern features, which makes it a popular choice for people looking for a reliable vehicle.
The Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that has been a staple in the Nissan lineup since its introduction in the early 1980s. The 9th generation Sentra, which debuted in 2020, features a more upscale design and improved technology, making it a competitive choice in the compact car market.
Ferrari
"I'm thinking there's a there's a nice Ferrari showroom I want to do a walk around on."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are well-known for their racing cars and have a strong presence in motorsports.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and involvement in motorsport, particularly Formula 1. The brand is synonymous with speed, style, and exclusivity.
Chevrolet
"...you've got Chevy, you have Buick GMC, you've got CDJR..."
Chevrolet is a popular car brand in the United States that makes many types of vehicles, like trucks and cars.
Chevrolet, commonly referred to as Chevy, is an American automobile brand known for a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars.
Buick
"...you have Buick GMC, you've got CDJR..."
Buick is a car brand that makes luxury vehicles, often known for being comfortable and stylish.
Buick is an American luxury automobile brand that is part of General Motors, known for its premium vehicles and comfortable rides.
GMC
"...you have Buick GMC, you've got CDJR..."
GMC is a brand that makes trucks and SUVs, often built for tough use and outdoor activities.
GMC is a division of General Motors that primarily focuses on trucks and SUVs, known for their ruggedness and capability.
Stellantis
"...you've got Stellanus Ford Nissan..."
Stellantis is a large car company that owns many brands, including Chrysler and Peugeot, after a merger.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, encompassing several well-known brands.
Ford
"...you've got Stellanus Ford Nissan..."
Ford is a well-known car brand that makes popular vehicles like trucks and sports cars.
Ford is an American multinational automaker known for its trucks, cars, and SUVs, including the iconic Ford F-Series and Mustang.
Harley-Davidson
"...you've got Harley Davidson as part of the group..."
Harley-Davidson is a famous brand that makes motorcycles, especially known for their powerful and stylish bikes.
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its heavyweight motorcycles designed for cruising on highways.
Asbury Automotive
"by a gentleman who helped form Asbury Automotive, and he likes the front desk, the directors of first impressions, to be able to talk."
Asbury Automotive is a company that sells cars and provides services for them, like repairs and maintenance. They have many dealerships across the U.S.
Asbury Automotive is a large automotive retailer in the United States, operating a network of dealerships that sell new and used vehicles. They also provide automotive services and financing options.
add-on
"And when you asked earlier, Yuli, about what an add-on is, an add-on is when we take a shop code, like an oil change, and we have our conversational AI by the name of Kerry, book an additional service."
An add-on is something extra you can buy when you get your car serviced, like getting a tire rotation along with an oil change. It helps make the service better and can cost more money.
An add-on refers to additional services or products that can be purchased alongside a primary service, such as an oil change. These can enhance the overall service experience and often increase revenue for service providers.
fixed ops
"...the hardest job in the dealership is to work on the service drive, servicing the customer that's in front of you..."
Fixed ops means the parts of a car dealership that deal with service and repairs, not just selling cars. It's important because it helps the dealership make money even when car sales are low.
Fixed ops refers to the fixed operations of a dealership, which typically include service and parts departments. These areas generate consistent revenue for dealerships, regardless of vehicle sales, and are crucial for overall profitability.
fixed absorption
"...if you increase fixed absorption of your dealership, it puts less stress on variable operations..."
Fixed absorption is a way to see how much money a dealership makes from services and parts compared to its costs. If they make enough from services, they can cover their expenses without relying only on car sales.
Fixed absorption is a metric that measures how much of a dealership's fixed costs are covered by the profits generated from fixed operations. A higher fixed absorption rate indicates better financial health for the dealership.
variable operations
"...it puts less stress on variable operations..."
Variable operations are the parts of a car dealership that change based on how many cars they sell. If they sell more cars, they make more money, but if they sell fewer, their income goes down.
Variable operations refer to the parts of a dealership that depend on car sales, such as new and used car sales departments. These operations can fluctuate significantly based on market conditions and inventory levels.
oil change
"...she decided to get her oil changed and two or three times I caught her going to a local Jiffy..."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car's engine with new oil. It's important for keeping the engine running smoothly.
An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure that involves draining old engine oil and replacing it with fresh oil. This is crucial for maintaining engine performance and longevity.
routine maintenance
"...if she's thinking that other people are thinking that. So how can I be quicker? So when you start really interrogating that process..."
Routine maintenance is the regular care you give to your car to keep it running well. This includes things like changing the oil and checking the brakes.
Routine maintenance refers to regular checks and services performed on a vehicle to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
Jiffy Lube
"...I caught her going to a local Jiffy Lube or whatever the case may be. And I said, why don't you come to..."
Jiffy Lube is a company that quickly changes the oil in cars. They are popular for their fast service and are found in many places.
Jiffy Lube is a well-known chain of automotive service centers that specializes in quick oil changes and other routine maintenance services. They are recognized for their fast service and convenience.
OEM
"...Your Mazda OEM. Mazda is a sleeper of a brand. Tell us a little bit about what do most people in January of 2026 not know about Mazda from a dealer perspective? Oh, man..."
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. It refers to the company that makes the parts for a car, usually the same company that makes the car itself.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. In the automotive context, it usually means parts made by the car manufacturer itself.
value for the money
"...the number one thing that floored me was the value for the money in the product. And I mean, they just do such a good job..."
Value for the money means getting a good deal for what you pay. In cars, it means how much you get in terms of quality and features for the price you spend.
Value for the money refers to the quality and features of a product relative to its price. In the automotive context, it means how much car buyers get in terms of performance, reliability, and features compared to what they pay.
Suzuki
"...but in the Suzuki dealership. Nobody remembers Suzuki. I remember Suzuki. I remember the Suzuki Rodeo and..."
Suzuki is a car company from Japan that makes different types of vehicles. The Suzuki Rodeo was a popular SUV that many people drove years ago.
Suzuki is a Japanese automaker known for producing a variety of vehicles, including compact cars and SUVs. The Suzuki Rodeo was a mid-size SUV that was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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