Autoconverse :: Future Of Mobility

In this episode we feature our conversation with Benjamin Dykstra from DealershipLife.org which provides training resources for car dealerships. Benjamin is on a mission to change the  tune that consumers often hear about dealerships in advertising. We also talk with a Ford dealer about their deliveries of the all-new Bronco, and we meet with the purveyor of the new auto shopper resource AskOtto and get first-look at the company’s new car matching quiz. Go to www.autoconverse.com/askotto to learn more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this episode we feature Host Ryan Gerardi’s conversation with CarGurus Consumer Insights Analyst Ali Chapman to discuss the company’s third edition of the COVID-19 Sentiment Study: How the Pandemic Impacted the Automotive Industry in 2020. Leading up to the conversation is a sneak preview to our discussion panel from the MTC Show that day talking about the audio drop-in app Clubhouse with a group of Automotive Marketing Pros.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

The AutoConverse podcast is back with its first new episode in over six months, featuring a one-on-one conversation with Modal SVP Matt Weinberg talking about his company’s new partnership with Honda and how that impacts Honda shoppers. Also in this episode: Ford Mustang Mach-E: Green Car Reports’ Best Car to Buy in 2021 and GM may build more Hummer EVs due to overwhelming response, plus more mobility tech and connectivity news.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

Another mashup of live stream recording sessions of the Mobility Tech & Connectivity Show. This episode covers three of our four most recent sessions: One from April 22 that included Bill Sattree, Jay Wertzberger, and Mike Phillips where we talked about states reopening and effects on auto retail; One on April 29 that features highlights from Host Ryan’s live debate with friend Tiffany Simonsen and Jay about wearing face masks; and one from May 13 that  features our first ‘2-Minute Drill Down’ which includes Stephanie Robbins and Joe Webb, Jay and Ryan talking about police drones and  insurrection in the United States. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

This episode features highlights from three separate interviews in January on the Mobility Tech & Connectivity Show before any of us knew that a New World Order was developing. First up is Bestmile Founder & CEO Raphael Gindratt on Optimizing Mobility Services With Fleet Orchestration. The second is 321 Ignition Founder and CEO Lyamen Savy on the importance of Mobile-First websites for auto retailers. The final is with Matthew Fanelli from MNI Targeted Media on reimagining business with AI marketing.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

This episode is a mashup of conversations about fixed operations from January through March that reveals how undetected COVID-19 was and how quickly it became the unassuming disruptor that it was. In it we review the online auto parts business of 2019, hear how dealers recruit and develop service technicians, and we see first-hand how dealers are adopting COVID-19 protocols and safety measures. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has given everyone reason to worry. And dealing with a challenging time like this is a lot harder when you focus solely on the negative. Conversely, looking for that silver lining isn’t about ignoring the problem either. And while this episode is meant to identify some slivers of hope, it's also a call to take a stand for Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this episode we highlight pre COVID-19 rhetoric about the importance of auto retailers adapting not only to certain technologies but also fundamental principles and practices, and how now with stay in shelter ordinances auto retailers are being forced to embrace many of these ideas in order to stay in business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this episode we highlight segments of conversations from two different Auto Retail Marketing webcasts leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, quarantine, and shutdown of the auto industry. The first conversation occurred in early February, just prior to the 2020 NADA Show. The second conversation took place a month later, one day prior to the NBA calling off the Jazz-Thunder game just prior to tip-off which sparked a global shutdown of all major group activities and events. Nobody on either panel had any idea of what was about to ensure.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this episode we bring 4 fixed operations specialists to the table – Jarrod Kilway from Germain Automotive Partnerships, Owen Moon from FIXED OPS DIGITAL, Ed Roberts from Bozard Ford Lincoln, and Greg Noonan – Fixed Operations Consultant to talk about the importance of taking control of your recall business. View the original live stream and complete conversation on our blog. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this episode we talk about autonomous passenger and fleet mobility with Beep, Inc. CEO Joe Moye. Leading up to the conversation, Orange County Florida had just been awarded a $20 Million Federal BUILD Grant to “reimagine mobility in the region,” and Beep, Inc. was part of the reason this grant allocation had come together. And in the news...Caterpillar’s autonomous vehicles may be used by NASA to mine the moon and build a lunar base; Singapore expands test site for autonomous vehicles. See original show on our blog. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this episode we feature excerpts from 3 separate panel sessions about the used car business. From late-2019 market and auction trends to comprehensive data analyses and today's technology trends that are making it possible for dealers to make smart decisions and gain increased marketshare like never before. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this episode we feature the key highlights from a live panel discussion held on one of our Auto Retail Marketing Webcasts. Google My Business became a major part of the discussion, and the increasingly more significant role it is playing for auto retailers. The panel includes two auto retail marketers on the retail side, and two on the vendor side. View the original live stream on our blog. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

First impressions and customer experience matter to OEMs because the next dealership is only a phone call away for today’s ready-to-purchase tech-savvy customer. So what is the one score brands must pay attention to in order to identify gaps in the dealership sales process to increase profitability and quickest to revenue? Find out in this conversation with an Auto Retail Operator, a BDC Trainer, and an OEM Strategist as we discuss the CallSource's recent Inbound Phone Shopper Experience Study. View the original live stream on YouTube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

Meet Jon, a Chicagoland auto shopper who in this episode shares his complete story of finding his Lexus GS on eBay listed by a dealer in Florida. Listen to how Jon researched the dealer, built trust, purchased a CarFax, and handled all communication with the dealer via SMS, and signed all the documents electronically. It's a fascinating story that reveals deep insights about today's shopper and a savvy dealer.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

Reality is, this episode isn't strictly about "broadcast hysteria" and the "art of fake news." That does come up during our conversation about Orson Welles's 1938 broadcast of War of the Worlds. Also in this episode we talk about SoftBank-backed Fair, Inc. cutting 40% of its workforce, plus talk about "bringing the heat" to the consumer experience. If you want the complete conversation, see the original live stream recording on YouTube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this final episode of 2019 we take a look back, a look up, and a look ahead by featuring highlights from our year-end season 5 finale of the Mobility Tech & Connectivity Show that featured 5 show guest alumni plus your host Ryan Gerardi. And while the primary focus was to talk about Tesla becoming 3rd largest automaker in the world, Uber's fallout with the city of LA over their electric scooters, and the rise and fall of WeWork, we also got sidetracked with a slew of other important topics which aren't featured in the podcast but which can be experience in the original YouTube recording.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

Highlights from our panel discussion about how to turn parts obsolescence in the fixed ops department into revenue, and how to leverage YouTube to service your fixed ops marketing campaigns. This conversation was featured on the Fixed Ops Marketing Panel Discussion Series as part of our Auto Retail Marketing Webcast Series. For the complete conversation, visit this link on AutoConverse.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

In this special episode we feature a star-studded lineup of guests including El Patronn, Paul J Daly, and Micah Birkholz who joined your host Ryan Gerardi live from Boston at the CarGurus Navigate Conference along with Clearshift Founder Jeff VanderWal and Remora, Inc. President Christian Jorn. As you can tell from the title, there's a lot going on in this podcast. Enjoy and feel free to catch the original live stream recording from our website: Not Your Dad's Car Lot - Live from Boston. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com

This month our Used Car Marketing Dealer Strategy Session features a live web chat with Lotpop owner Jasen Rice and your host Ryan Gerardi talking about Used Car SAAR rates remaining steady in September, Used Car Sales continued hot streak, rising depreciation, Ally Auto's recent investment into Fair, and Costco's used car program gaining attention. View the original live stream or visit our website for the complete breakdown. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autoconverse.substack.com