<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Automotive Informants]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p><b>Automotive Informants</b> is where real operators talk about what’s actually happening inside the car business.</p><p>Hosted by Chris Martinez and Zach Fritz, this podcast goes beyond headlines and hype. We break down the strategies, decisions, and execution that drive real growth inside dealerships and automotive companies across the country.</p><p>You’ll hear conversations about AI implementation, fixed ops performance, used car strategy, leadership, marketing, inventory, and the operational moves that separate average stores from elite ones. No theory. No recycled conference talk. Just practical insight from people who’ve built, scaled, and led from the front lines.</p><p>If you’re a dealer principal, GM, department manager, or growth-minded executive who wants to stay ahead of where this industry is going, this is your weekly edge.</p><p>The future of automotive won’t be shaped by opinions. It will be shaped by operators who execute.</p>]]></description><link>www.automotiveinformants.com</link><generator>Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 16:25:43 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://api.riverside.com/hosting/0WxvHnmu.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><author><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></author><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:53:38 GMT</pubDate><copyright><![CDATA[2026 Chris J. Martinez]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><ttl>60</ttl><category><![CDATA[Business News]]></category><category><![CDATA[News Commentary]]></category><itunes:author>Chris J. Martinez</itunes:author><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Automotive Informants&lt;/b&gt; is where real operators talk about what’s actually happening inside the car business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hosted by Chris Martinez and Zach Fritz, this podcast goes beyond headlines and hype. We break down the strategies, decisions, and execution that drive real growth inside dealerships and automotive companies across the country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You’ll hear conversations about AI implementation, fixed ops performance, used car strategy, leadership, marketing, inventory, and the operational moves that separate average stores from elite ones. No theory. No recycled conference talk. Just practical insight from people who’ve built, scaled, and led from the front lines.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’re a dealer principal, GM, department manager, or growth-minded executive who wants to stay ahead of where this industry is going, this is your weekly edge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The future of automotive won’t be shaped by opinions. It will be shaped by operators who execute.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Chris J. Martinez</itunes:name><itunes:email>jmbdinc@gmail.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:category text="News"><itunes:category text="Business News"/><itunes:category text="News Commentary"/></itunes:category><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><item><title><![CDATA[China, Tariffs & the Fight for the Future of Automotive]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation delves into the dynamics of the automotive industry, including partnerships, market trends, and the impact of tariffs on consumer pricing. It also highlights the future of small trucks and pickups, the influence of Chinese automakers, and the need for consumer education and advocacy in the automotive market.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Automotive industry dynamics</li><li>Consumer education and empowerment</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Industry Dynamics and Partnerships</li><li>05:59 Chinese Automakers and Knockoff Products</li><li>11:59 Dealer Practices and Consumer Advocacy</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">a012906f-860e-4934-986b-9259142266d2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 16:13:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/c4bb98e75a1615b6e866c50632f9edae467866371c4aa1d3797d1b2ba8b98cb5/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJhMDEyOTA2Zi04NjBlLTQ5MzQtOTg2Yi05MjU5MTQyMjY2ZDIiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmEwZjJiYjAwNDBkZTY1ZTU1YzAxMmRmL2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi01LTIxX18xNy01OC00MC5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="65253607" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/a012906f-860e-4934-986b-9259142266d2/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation delves into the dynamics of the automotive industry, including partnerships, market trends, and the impact of tariffs on consumer pricing. It also highlights the future of small trucks and pickups, the influence of Chinese automakers, and the need for consumer education and advocacy in the automotive market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Automotive industry dynamics&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Consumer education and empowerment&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Industry Dynamics and Partnerships&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;05:59 Chinese Automakers and Knockoff Products&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;11:59 Dealer Practices and Consumer Advocacy&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:33:59</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode><itunes:title>China, Tariffs &amp; the Fight for the Future of Automotive</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Chinese Auto Invasion: AI, Lawsuits & the Truth Problem in Retail Automotive]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covers the entry of Chinese OEMs into the US automotive market, the potential impact of Chinese OEMs on the industry, and the significance of service revenue in dealership performance. The conversation covers topics related to dealership lawsuits, transparency, customer trust, AI workflow integration, safety concerns, and OEM recalls. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and process optimization in maximizing revenue and the significance of customer trust and truthfulness in the automotive industry.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Chinese OEMs entering the US automotive market</li><li>Impact of Chinese OEMs on the automotive industry</li><li>Service revenue and dealership performance Transparency and process optimization are key to maximizing revenue in the dealership business.</li><li>Customer trust and truthfulness are essential in the automotive industry.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Chinese OEMs in the US Market</li><li>08:11 Service Revenue and Dealership Performance</li><li>20:14 Lawsuit Against Atlantic Kia</li><li>29:04 AI Workflow Infrastructure and Integration</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">96bbe303-17c1-4434-8a54-63f33e9e3fbd</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 16:51:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/9f738e6164d79424a1999d672b9a2d3deae4ca382e837e9edddf839d0f19fe99/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI5NmJiZTMwMy0xN2MxLTQ0MzQtOGE1NC02M2YzM2U5ZTNmYmQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmEwNWYxODJiYTlkMjhlOWQ5MWY1MDJjL2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi01LTE0X18xOC0wLTIubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="72853777" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/96bbe303-17c1-4434-8a54-63f33e9e3fbd/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers the entry of Chinese OEMs into the US automotive market, the potential impact of Chinese OEMs on the industry, and the significance of service revenue in dealership performance. The conversation covers topics related to dealership lawsuits, transparency, customer trust, AI workflow integration, safety concerns, and OEM recalls. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and process optimization in maximizing revenue and the significance of customer trust and truthfulness in the automotive industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Chinese OEMs entering the US automotive market&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Impact of Chinese OEMs on the automotive industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Service revenue and dealership performance Transparency and process optimization are key to maximizing revenue in the dealership business.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Customer trust and truthfulness are essential in the automotive industry.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Chinese OEMs in the US Market&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;08:11 Service Revenue and Dealership Performance&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;20:14 Lawsuit Against Atlantic Kia&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;29:04 AI Workflow Infrastructure and Integration&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:37:57</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode><itunes:title>The Chinese Auto Invasion: AI, Lawsuits &amp; the Truth Problem in Retail Automotive</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inside the Used Car Wars: Strategy, EVs & Dealer Survival]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covers a range of topics related to the automotive industry, including the impact of used car retailers, challenges in sourcing and strategy, maximizing profit from used cars, the importance of education and strategy, financial performance of dealerships, the impact of EVs on dealerships, brand loyalty, and customer experience, and streamlining the car buying process.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Used car retailers are reshaping the automotive industry</li><li>The importance of education and strategy in used car operations</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Catching Up</li><li>05:27 Sourcing and Strategy for Used Cars</li><li>13:28 Financial Performance of Dealerships</li><li>19:09 Streamlining the Car Buying Process</li><li>26:29 Impact of EVs on Dealerships</li><li>32:55 Impact of EVs on Dealerships</li><li>38:12 Streamlining the Car Buying Process</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">c163c0a2-c0d5-40be-a206-48e5f8d92541</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 16:19:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/633f0c12300b8cac8ffdcf4ab0c2f092810304df40effa0956fb97d040e5484a/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJjMTYzYzBhMi1jMGQ1LTQwYmUtYTIwNi00OGU1ZjhkOTI1NDEiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjlmY2JhNDBjOWQwZjVhN2U3NzI5ZmMwL2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi01LTdfXzE4LTEzLTUyLm1wMyJ9.mp3" length="63480624" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/c163c0a2-c0d5-40be-a206-48e5f8d92541/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers a range of topics related to the automotive industry, including the impact of used car retailers, challenges in sourcing and strategy, maximizing profit from used cars, the importance of education and strategy, financial performance of dealerships, the impact of EVs on dealerships, brand loyalty, and customer experience, and streamlining the car buying process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Used car retailers are reshaping the automotive industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The importance of education and strategy in used car operations&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Introduction and Catching Up&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;05:27 Sourcing and Strategy for Used Cars&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;13:28 Financial Performance of Dealerships&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;19:09 Streamlining the Car Buying Process&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;26:29 Impact of EVs on Dealerships&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;32:55 Impact of EVs on Dealerships&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;38:12 Streamlining the Car Buying Process&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:33:04</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode><itunes:title>Inside the Used Car Wars: Strategy, EVs &amp; Dealer Survival</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[Carvana Outearns CarMax, Robots Rise, and a Safety Wake-Up Call]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covers a range of topics including the comparison of CarMax and Carvana's earnings, changing consumer behavior in the car buying experience, a tragic incident involving Hyundai's third-row seat, financial performance of BYD, and the impact of robots in the automotive space. The discussion also delves into marketing and messaging strategies, profitability, legal implications, corporate responsibility, and safety concerns.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Changing consumer behavior is influencing the car buying experience</li><li>Marketing and messaging play a crucial role in consumer perception</li><li>Corporate responsibility and accountability are essential in the automotive industry</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Background</li><li>05:36 Car Buying Experience: Carvana vs. CarMax</li><li>12:19 Tragic Incident: Hyundai Third Row Seat</li><li>18:57 Corporate Responsibility and Accountability</li><li>27:46 Impact of Robots in the Automotive Space</li><li>52:39 Business Strategies and Cost Management</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">755549c5-f4a2-40c9-a4f5-6d0ce09e9ded</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:45:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/a67f62e0e4ce67cff254620d44ae5b08a8fa7f86403fdc4baee11bc05a9d0037/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI3NTU1NDljNS1mNGEyLTQwYzktYTRmNS02ZDBjZTA5ZTlkZWQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjlmMzdmNjM4YmRkMTFmZmExZGE5MDNkL2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi00LTMwX18xOC0xMi0xOS5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="98593375" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/755549c5-f4a2-40c9-a4f5-6d0ce09e9ded/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers a range of topics including the comparison of CarMax and Carvana&apos;s earnings, changing consumer behavior in the car buying experience, a tragic incident involving Hyundai&apos;s third-row seat, financial performance of BYD, and the impact of robots in the automotive space. The discussion also delves into marketing and messaging strategies, profitability, legal implications, corporate responsibility, and safety concerns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Changing consumer behavior is influencing the car buying experience&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Marketing and messaging play a crucial role in consumer perception&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Corporate responsibility and accountability are essential in the automotive industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Introduction and Background&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;05:36 Car Buying Experience: Carvana vs. CarMax&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;12:19 Tragic Incident: Hyundai Third Row Seat&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;18:57 Corporate Responsibility and Accountability&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;27:46 Impact of Robots in the Automotive Space&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;52:39 Business Strategies and Cost Management&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:51:21</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode><itunes:title>Carvana Outearns CarMax, Robots Rise, and a Safety Wake-Up Call</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Auto Industry Squeeze: Closures, Compliance, and Consumer Trust]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation delves into the impact of dealership closures on the automotive industry, the challenges in the used car market, the technician shortage, stimulus checks, FTC regulations, and transparency in the automotive industry. The conversation delves into the importance of transparency and fairness in the automotive industry, highlighting the impact of regulations, market dynamics, and ethical conduct on consumer trust and business success. It also emphasizes the significance of mutual respect and ethical business practices in fostering a positive industry environment.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Impact of dealership closures on the automotive industry</li><li>Challenges in the used car market Transparency and fairness are crucial in the automotive industry</li><li>The importance of mutual respect and ethical conduct in the industry</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Dealership Closures and Subprime Market</li><li>05:49 Technician Shortage and Stimulus Checks</li><li>20:14 Regulation and Transparency in Pricing</li><li>39:40 Employee Satisfaction and Ethical Business Practices</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">0e71046b-8086-4fab-9379-1b03d33d2009</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:30:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/c23e5829cb7158cb661fb812b3a031190299a26e91a166cf675e9775a3e39be1/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIwZTcxMDQ2Yi04MDg2LTRmYWItOTM3OS0xYjAzZDMzZDIwMDkiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjllYTQyNDA4ZDFkMzRkY2Q5NzEyYzA2L2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi00LTIzX18xOC0xLTQubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="75455991" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/0e71046b-8086-4fab-9379-1b03d33d2009/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation delves into the impact of dealership closures on the automotive industry, the challenges in the used car market, the technician shortage, stimulus checks, FTC regulations, and transparency in the automotive industry. The conversation delves into the importance of transparency and fairness in the automotive industry, highlighting the impact of regulations, market dynamics, and ethical conduct on consumer trust and business success. It also emphasizes the significance of mutual respect and ethical business practices in fostering a positive industry environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Impact of dealership closures on the automotive industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Challenges in the used car market Transparency and fairness are crucial in the automotive industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The importance of mutual respect and ethical conduct in the industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Dealership Closures and Subprime Market&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;05:49 Technician Shortage and Stimulus Checks&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;20:14 Regulation and Transparency in Pricing&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;39:40 Employee Satisfaction and Ethical Business Practices&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:39:18</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode><itunes:title>The Auto Industry Squeeze: Closures, Compliance, and Consumer Trust</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Truth About Car Prices: Tariffs, Loans, and the Illusion of Affordability]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the automotive industry, including transparency in advertising, the impact of time and change, affordability and vehicle pricing, and the challenges of used car acquisition and inventory management. The discussion also delves into the impact of tariffs on car prices and the role of leasing as an alternative to traditional car ownership. Throughout the conversation, there is a recurring theme of transparency, accountability, and trust in the automotive industry. The conversation covers the topics of auction pricing strategy, extended car loans, and the importance of transparency and integrity in the automotive industry. It emphasizes the impact of auction prices on dealers, the risks of longer loan terms, and the value of honesty and integrity in business dealings. The key takeaways include the need for a solid auction pricing strategy, the financial risks of longer loan terms, and the importance of transparency and integrity in business.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Transparency and accountability are crucial in advertising and marketing</li><li>Affordability and vehicle pricing are key concerns for consumers and dealers Auction prices consistently higher</li><li>Dealers need a solid strategy</li><li>Longer loan terms pose financial risks</li><li>Lenders need to consider long-term impact</li><li>Stop trying to be slick</li><li>Protect your character at all costs</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format</li><li>05:44 Transparency in Advertising and Marketing</li><li>11:28 Transparency and Accountability in Advertising</li><li>16:44 Tax Season Car Buying and Affordability</li><li>22:20 Impact of Tariffs on Car Prices</li><li>28:01 Used Car Acquisition and Inventory Management</li><li>39:11 Extended Car Loans</li><li>46:53 Transparency and Integrity</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">ca415b78-2818-4a2c-90ad-87102852d911</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:26:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/140b807120ec1eb4a274c9a9ac536c17336d39e5e688b5a5225500a5d81c92e6/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJjYTQxNWI3OC0yODE4LTRhMmMtOTBhZC04NzEwMjg1MmQ5MTEiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjllMTBiODZlOTQ1M2YyMmZjYmE1MDE5L2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi00LTE2X18xOC0xNy0xMC5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="73704951" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/ca415b78-2818-4a2c-90ad-87102852d911/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the automotive industry, including transparency in advertising, the impact of time and change, affordability and vehicle pricing, and the challenges of used car acquisition and inventory management. The discussion also delves into the impact of tariffs on car prices and the role of leasing as an alternative to traditional car ownership. Throughout the conversation, there is a recurring theme of transparency, accountability, and trust in the automotive industry. The conversation covers the topics of auction pricing strategy, extended car loans, and the importance of transparency and integrity in the automotive industry. It emphasizes the impact of auction prices on dealers, the risks of longer loan terms, and the value of honesty and integrity in business dealings. The key takeaways include the need for a solid auction pricing strategy, the financial risks of longer loan terms, and the importance of transparency and integrity in business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Transparency and accountability are crucial in advertising and marketing&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Affordability and vehicle pricing are key concerns for consumers and dealers Auction prices consistently higher&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Dealers need a solid strategy&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Longer loan terms pose financial risks&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Lenders need to consider long-term impact&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Stop trying to be slick&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Protect your character at all costs&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;05:44 Transparency in Advertising and Marketing&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;11:28 Transparency and Accountability in Advertising&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;16:44 Tax Season Car Buying and Affordability&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;22:20 Impact of Tariffs on Car Prices&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;28:01 Used Car Acquisition and Inventory Management&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;39:11 Extended Car Loans&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;46:53 Transparency and Integrity&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:51:11</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode><itunes:title>The Truth About Car Prices: Tariffs, Loans, and the Illusion of Affordability</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Perfect Storm in Automotive: Tariffs, EVs and the Used Car Surge]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the automotive industry, vehicle technology, aluminum tariffs, used car prices, EVs, and taxation. The discussion also delves into the impact of these factors on business operations and market strategies.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>EVs and hybrids are gaining importance in the automotive market</li><li>Used car prices are on the rise, impacting consumer behavior and market dynamics</li><li>Aluminum tariffs and taxation are influencing business decisions and market strategies</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Hyundai's $105,000 Car</li><li>05:59 Aluminum Tariffs and Ford's Manufacturing Challenges</li><li>13:05 Impact on Used Car Prices and Market Dynamics</li><li>21:01 Aluminum vs. Steel and Vehicle Repair Challenges</li><li>28:56 EVs, Hybrids, and Market Strategies</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">fbb4569c-27ac-4c30-939f-661d0c8b1ea2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:40:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/903c1807b2d2053580f9e080d6d855f423fb6de4226e90d84a291993a48a3717/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJmYmI0NTY5Yy0yN2FjLTRjMzAtOTM5Zi02NjFkMGM4YjFlYTIiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjlkN2NhYTQ2ZjZlMGEzNzVkNGU3NDY5L2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi00LTlfXzE3LTQ5LTU1Lm1wMyJ9.mp3" length="46839370" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/fbb4569c-27ac-4c30-939f-661d0c8b1ea2/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the automotive industry, vehicle technology, aluminum tariffs, used car prices, EVs, and taxation. The discussion also delves into the impact of these factors on business operations and market strategies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;EVs and hybrids are gaining importance in the automotive market&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Used car prices are on the rise, impacting consumer behavior and market dynamics&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Aluminum tariffs and taxation are influencing business decisions and market strategies&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Introduction and Hyundai&apos;s $105,000 Car&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;05:59 Aluminum Tariffs and Ford&apos;s Manufacturing Challenges&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;13:05 Impact on Used Car Prices and Market Dynamics&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;21:01 Aluminum vs. Steel and Vehicle Repair Challenges&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;28:56 EVs, Hybrids, and Market Strategies&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:32:32</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode><itunes:title>The Perfect Storm in Automotive: Tariffs, EVs and the Used Car Surge</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gas, Gears & AI: What’s Really Driving the Auto Industry?]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including car prices, housing, car payments, autonomous driving, AI, and the impact of oil prices on the automotive industry. It also delves into the use of AI in the automotive industry and the need for adaptation and change to keep up with the evolving market.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Car prices and gas prices are impacting consumer behavior and vehicle preferences.</li><li>The use of AI in the automotive industry is crucial for staying ahead of market changes and customer demands.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Impact of Car Prices and Gas Prices</li><li>05:53 The Rise of Autonomous Driving and AI in the Automotive Industry</li><li>21:14 Adaptation and Change in the Automotive Industry</li><li>29:09 The Future of EVs and the Impact of Oil Prices</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">e81be0aa-8c00-4f6c-865a-d92b2946dc67</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:26:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/7e4e237c2c0888c331f2d81c7581644764fec18ec4077592d5b3b898ea5eb959/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJlODFiZTBhYS04YzAwLTRmNmMtODY1YS1kOTJiMjk0NmRjNjciLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjljZmUxN2Q4ZTZhMzM3YjRiMzdhMTM2L2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi00LTNfXzE3LTQ5LTE3Lm1wMyJ9.mp3" length="49927044" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/e81be0aa-8c00-4f6c-865a-d92b2946dc67/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including car prices, housing, car payments, autonomous driving, AI, and the impact of oil prices on the automotive industry. It also delves into the use of AI in the automotive industry and the need for adaptation and change to keep up with the evolving market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Car prices and gas prices are impacting consumer behavior and vehicle preferences.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The use of AI in the automotive industry is crucial for staying ahead of market changes and customer demands.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Impact of Car Prices and Gas Prices&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;05:53 The Rise of Autonomous Driving and AI in the Automotive Industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;21:14 Adaptation and Change in the Automotive Industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;29:09 The Future of EVs and the Impact of Oil Prices&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:34:40</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode><itunes:title>Gas, Gears &amp; AI: What’s Really Driving the Auto Industry?</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dealers Who Win: FTC Pressure, EV Reality, and Why Execution Still Matters]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covered various topics related to the automotive industry, including the FTC crackdown on dealers, dealership addendums and pricing, competition and market dynamics, data and technology in the automotive industry, and the future of EVs in the automotive industry. Key takeaways include the importance of healthy competition, transparency with customers, adapting to the internet, and focusing on the basics for success in the industry.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Competition in the automotive industry is healthy and drives innovation</li><li>Transparency with customers is crucial for success in the industry</li><li>Adapting to the internet and being honest with customers leads to increased sales and service opportunities</li><li>Stick to the basics and focus on blocking and tackling to be successful in the business</li><li>The team with the least amount of mistakes wins the game</li><li>Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you're doing the impossible</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 FTC Crackdown on Dealers</li><li>08:11 Competition and Market Dynamics</li><li>27:08 EVs and Future of Automotive Industry</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">01d44358-6d47-4aef-8ae1-2bef9ef8827a</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:39:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/54e211ab045bf8e3be14bc4f62c64421281fec466f380b6e9746030ea5777d5a/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIwMWQ0NDM1OC02ZDQ3LTRhZWYtOGFlMS0yYmVmOWVmODgyN2EiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjljNTU2ZTIzYjM3YmI3MjcxNDFmYzMzL2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi0zLTI2X18xNi01NS0xNC5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="52111926" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/01d44358-6d47-4aef-8ae1-2bef9ef8827a/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covered various topics related to the automotive industry, including the FTC crackdown on dealers, dealership addendums and pricing, competition and market dynamics, data and technology in the automotive industry, and the future of EVs in the automotive industry. Key takeaways include the importance of healthy competition, transparency with customers, adapting to the internet, and focusing on the basics for success in the industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Competition in the automotive industry is healthy and drives innovation&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Transparency with customers is crucial for success in the industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Adapting to the internet and being honest with customers leads to increased sales and service opportunities&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Stick to the basics and focus on blocking and tackling to be successful in the business&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The team with the least amount of mistakes wins the game&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Start by doing what&apos;s necessary, then do what&apos;s possible, and suddenly you&apos;re doing the impossible&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 FTC Crackdown on Dealers&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;08:11 Competition and Market Dynamics&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;27:08 EVs and Future of Automotive Industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:36:11</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><itunes:title>The Dealers Who Win: FTC Pressure, EV Reality, and Why Execution Still Matters</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rage Bait, Fake Pricing, and the Truth About Today’s Car Market]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covers various topics related to the automotive industry, including market commotion, transparency in pricing, consumer experience, rage bait and clickbait in automotive content, and the impact of gas prices on the vehicle market. The hosts discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by these themes, providing valuable insights for industry professionals.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Transparency in pricing is crucial</li><li>Emotional reactions should be balanced with data-driven decisions</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Market Commotion</li><li>08:25 Consumer Experience and Pricing Tactics</li><li>18:31 Rage Bait and Clickbait in Automotive Content</li><li>29:35 Impact of Gas Prices on Vehicle Market</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">4f863838-ec4d-41a5-9f78-665397f390ca</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:19:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/b3d3e33ea04a37f163a7007e8e20007968badc274d3bf6d2fca2e4b3b7f154bb/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI0Zjg2MzgzOC1lYzRkLTQxYTUtOWY3OC02NjUzOTdmMzkwY2EiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjliYzIxOThkY2VkZjU5NzVkOTIzY2RmL2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi0zLTE5X18xNy0xNy0yNy5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="56701117" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/4f863838-ec4d-41a5-9f78-665397f390ca/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers various topics related to the automotive industry, including market commotion, transparency in pricing, consumer experience, rage bait and clickbait in automotive content, and the impact of gas prices on the vehicle market. The hosts discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by these themes, providing valuable insights for industry professionals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Transparency in pricing is crucial&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Emotional reactions should be balanced with data-driven decisions&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Introduction and Market Commotion&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;08:25 Consumer Experience and Pricing Tactics&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;18:31 Rage Bait and Clickbait in Automotive Content&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;29:35 Impact of Gas Prices on Vehicle Market&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:39:23</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode><itunes:title>Rage Bait, Fake Pricing, and the Truth About Today’s Car Market</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Truth About the Auto Market Right Now]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation delves into the challenges of negative equity in auto retail, highlighting the impact of AI on the automotive industry. The discussion provides insights into the dynamics of dealership transparency scores and the role of AI in negotiating car prices. It also explores the influence of social media on automotive ownership and the changing landscape of dealership operations.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Negative equity in auto retail</li><li>Impact of AI on automotive industry</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Negative Equity in Auto Retail</li><li>09:16 Impact of AI on Automotive Industry</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">ddda965e-63cd-4905-9215-67741cc2c2a1</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:03:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/af29ce81b5f0d39f3762596ddaa296eb01528c412f94c4567297f5cebf0f18b7/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJkZGRhOTY1ZS02M2NkLTQ5MDUtOTIxNS02Nzc0MWNjMmMyYTEiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjlhOWZkMmRjMDZiNGVmODU3MGU0ZDk1L2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi0zLTVfXzIzLTEtMTYubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="51054280" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/episodes/ddda965e-63cd-4905-9215-67741cc2c2a1/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation delves into the challenges of negative equity in auto retail, highlighting the impact of AI on the automotive industry. The discussion provides insights into the dynamics of dealership transparency scores and the role of AI in negotiating car prices. It also explores the influence of social media on automotive ownership and the changing landscape of dealership operations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Negative equity in auto retail&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Impact of AI on automotive industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Negative Equity in Auto Retail&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;09:16 Impact of AI on Automotive Industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:35:27</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><itunes:title>The Truth About the Auto Market Right Now</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[Auto on Edge: Record Debt. Rising Robotics. A Market Reset.]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, addressing the impact of debt and the emergence of robotics. It provides insights on navigating the market and adapting to changing dynamics, emphasizing the need to focus on the fundamentals and make smarter decisions.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Navigating the Automotive Industry</li><li>Challenges and Opportunities</li><li>The Impact of Debt and Robotics</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Debt and Financial Impact in the Automotive Industry</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">18e55ecf-2b7f-42d6-80b9-f149e2bef001</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:20:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/5e699ab51a80dfb6b9cf7b0f11411ef4f1d9199517edaebf94ac044e7053233b/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIxOGU1NWVjZi0yYjdmLTQyZDYtODBiOS1mMTQ5ZTJiZWYwMDEiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjlhMWRlN2ViZWY1NWFkMTQxMzI5YTUzL2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi0yLTI3X18xOS0xMi0xNC5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="49714512" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, addressing the impact of debt and the emergence of robotics. It provides insights on navigating the market and adapting to changing dynamics, emphasizing the need to focus on the fundamentals and make smarter decisions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Navigating the Automotive Industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Challenges and Opportunities&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The Impact of Debt and Robotics&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Debt and Financial Impact in the Automotive Industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:34:31</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><itunes:title>Auto on Edge: Record Debt. Rising Robotics. A Market Reset.</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[Negative Equity, Subprime, and the Future of Auto.]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation delves into the uncertainty in the automotive market, the impact of negative equity on the credit market, the rise of subprime lending, the challenges and advantages of lender fees, and the transition to autonomous vehicles and its implications. Each chapter explores a different aspect of the automotive industry, providing insights and perspectives on the current landscape and future trends.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Automotive market uncertainty</li><li>Impact of negative equity on credit market</li><li>Rise of subprime lending</li><li>Challenges and advantages of lender fees</li><li>Transition to autonomous vehicles and its implications</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Automotive Market Uncertainty</li><li>10:06 Negative Equity and Credit Market</li><li>20:04 Subprime Lending and Lender Fees</li><li>30:07 Transition to Autonomous Vehicles</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">7073ce2e-b22a-4f83-912a-2fe073f0fa64</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:40:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/84c714009b8848e9697116d88e20decf94ec86c1cc77b0948d7ba5cd4e855bfd/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI3MDczY2UyZS1iMjJhLTRmODMtOTEyYS0yZmUwNzNmMGZhNjQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjk5NzUxNjBhYjNjODE0NWFiZDA1NjhlL2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi0yLTE5X18xOS03LTI4Lm1wMyJ9.mp3" length="55163237" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation delves into the uncertainty in the automotive market, the impact of negative equity on the credit market, the rise of subprime lending, the challenges and advantages of lender fees, and the transition to autonomous vehicles and its implications. Each chapter explores a different aspect of the automotive industry, providing insights and perspectives on the current landscape and future trends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Automotive market uncertainty&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Impact of negative equity on credit market&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Rise of subprime lending&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Challenges and advantages of lender fees&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Transition to autonomous vehicles and its implications&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Automotive Market Uncertainty&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;10:06 Negative Equity and Credit Market&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;20:04 Subprime Lending and Lender Fees&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;30:07 Transition to Autonomous Vehicles&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:38:18</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><itunes:title>Negative Equity, Subprime, and the Future of Auto.</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[When OEMs Feel Pressure, Dealers Feel It Next]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>The conversation covers various themes in the automotive industry, including the impact of technology, trends in vehicle manufacturing, the rise of electric vehicles, tariffs and lawsuits, automation's impact on jobs, market trends, and navigating industry noise and opportunities. The discussion provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, particularly in relation to technological advancements and market dynamics.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Automotive industry trends</li><li>Impact of technology on automotive industry</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Navigating Industry Noise and Opportunities</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">7add392b-ec27-44c3-9d09-30d37375138c</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris J. Martinez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:00:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/fe67d112911e2a48d2c98865e534b30f31e32cfd76b9c8cb334ac24619c5ad04/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI3YWRkMzkyYi1lYzI3LTQ0YzMtOWQwOS0zMGQzNzM3NTEzOGMiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIzMTAxZGRkZC1mN2E4LTRjYWYtYjQ2Ny0xOGIzMjRkZWQ5NmUiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTdiODlhNTc2NTE2MDcyMGZkMGVmNTIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjk4ZTA3MDRlYjlkZWZmZmJlZmMyNDQ5L2Nocmlzcy1zdHVkaW8tMEJna1UtY29tcG9zZXItMjAyNi0yLTEyX18xNy01OS00OC5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="39432716" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers various themes in the automotive industry, including the impact of technology, trends in vehicle manufacturing, the rise of electric vehicles, tariffs and lawsuits, automation&apos;s impact on jobs, market trends, and navigating industry noise and opportunities. The discussion provides insights into the challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry, particularly in relation to technological advancements and market dynamics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Automotive industry trends&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Impact of technology on automotive industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;00:00 Navigating Industry Noise and Opportunities&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:27:23</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/3101dddd-f7a8-4caf-b467-18b324ded96e/logos/6cb965d4-82a5-4c51-88d4-3da36b7b2a2c.png"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><itunes:title>When OEMs Feel Pressure, Dealers Feel It Next</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>