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S4E20 - Dealership Profitability & Disruption: What’s Ahead in 2026

S4E20 - Dealership Profitability & Disruption: What’s Ahead in 2026

The Walk Around Nov 19, 2025 32 min
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About this episode

Steve Greenfield, a prominent figure in the automotive industry, shares insights on dealership profitability and the future landscape of automotive retail. He discusses the challenges of affordability, the impact of supply chain disruptions, and the evolving role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing dealership operations. Greenfield emphasizes the importance of focusing on controllable factors for dealers and predicts that the franchise dealer model will remain resilient despite emerging direct-to-consumer brands. His unique perspective, combined with anecdotes about his love for cats, makes for an engaging conversation.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

MSRP

"...that we continue to see cars coming back three, four years after COVID that were sold far above MSRP, where consumers are shocked at just how dramatically underwater they are."

MSRP is the price that the car manufacturer suggests you should pay for a new vehicle. It's like a starting point for how much a car should cost, but the actual price can be higher or lower depending on the dealership.

Term

negative equity

"...shocked at just how dramatically underwater they are. I have all this negative equity that when they buy a new car, they've got to roll into..."

Negative equity means you owe more money on your car loan than what your car is currently worth. This can happen if the car loses value quickly or if you bought it for more than its market price.

Concept

autonomous vehicles

"But so the autonomous thing is interesting. I'm not threatened that it's going to replace car ownership and like everyone's going to go to autonomous ride, hailing and no one's going to own a car."

Autonomous vehicles are cars that can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. They use technology to see and understand the road, so they can drive safely on their own.

Company

Waymo

"I'm just going to hop in one of these autonomous vehicles powered by Waymo or whomever and it may start to substitute a significant proportion of the miles"

Waymo is a company that makes self-driving cars. They are working on technology that allows cars to drive themselves without a human driver.

Term

autonomy

"For example, one of the benefits of as we move more towards autonomy. So autonomy is one that I was a doubter, but now I'm a believer having sat in some of these Waymo's."

Autonomy means that a car can drive itself without needing a person to control it. It's a technology that uses computers and sensors to navigate and make decisions on the road.

Brand

Volkswagen

"...we still hear Scout, which is owned by Volkswagen, launching their new vehicle..."

Volkswagen is a well-known car company from Germany that makes many different types of cars, like the Beetle and Golf.

Car

Afila

"...We have this Afila car, which is the joint venture between Honda and Sony..."

Afila is a new car being made by Honda and Sony together, focusing on technology and entertainment for drivers.

Concept

franchise dealer model

"...going through the franchise dealer model is just the most effective way to sell and service cars in their local communities."

The franchise dealer model is how most car companies sell their cars through local dealerships instead of selling directly to customers. It helps customers get service and support nearby.

Term

fixed operations

"And I do think there are some unique opportunities to unlock additional profitability, especially in fixed operations. For example, as the cars get more sensors on them or able to diagnose when a critical component needs to be serviced or is going to fail."

Fixed operations are the services that car dealerships provide, like repairs and maintenance. This part of the business can make a lot of money for dealerships, especially as cars need more work over time.

Term

sensors

"For example, as the cars get more sensors on them or able to diagnose when a critical component needs to be serviced or is going to fail."

Sensors are small devices in cars that check how different parts are working. They help the car know when something needs to be fixed or checked, making it easier to keep the car running well.

Term

service bay

"And on the dash, the car recommends going to a service bay to get that work done. They're not going to recommend independent repair shops."

A service bay is a special area in a car dealership or repair shop where cars are fixed or checked. It's where mechanics work on cars to keep them in good shape.

Brand

Kia

"...I'm thinking about when dealers were approached with Hyundai and Kia, the ones that got in early."

Kia is another car company from South Korea, similar to Hyundai. They make a variety of cars and are known for their good designs and prices.

Brand

Hyundai

"...I'm thinking about when dealers were approached with Hyundai and Kia, the ones that got in early."

Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many types of cars, including sedans and SUVs. They are known for being affordable and reliable.

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