Dealers vs. Change: The Truth About VW, Scout, and the EV Road Ahead — From an Insider | Fred Emich IV, Partner at Emich Automotive
Today I’m joined by Fred Emich IV, Partner at Emich Automotive.
We cover how Emich Automotive became the #1 EV retailer for Kia, the challenges Fred’s faced as Chairman of VW’s National Dealer Council, and the evolving threat Scout poses to VW dealers — plus much more.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. Lotlinx - What if ChatGPT actually spoke dealer? Meet LotGPT — the first AI chatbot built just for car dealers. Fluent in your market, your dealership, and your inventory, LotGPT delivers instant insights to help you merchandise smarter, move inventory faster, and maximize profit. It pulls from your live inventory, CRM, and Google Analytics to give VIN-specific recommendations, helping dealers price vehicles accurately, spot wasted spend, and uncover the hottest opportunities — all in seconds. LotGPT is free for dealers, but invite-only. Join the waitlist now @ Lotlinx.com/LotGPT
2. CDK Global - Managing inventory doesn’t have to be a grind. Backed by over 50 years of CDK know-how and powered by next-gen AI tools, you’ll price with confidence, merchandise like a pro, and move cars off the lot faster — all while boosting your bottom line. Learn more about the CDK Vehicle Inventory Suite @ https://www.cdkglobal.com/cdk-vehicle-inventory-suite
3. CDG Circles - A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com to learn more.
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
For dealers:
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com
Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
For industry vendors:
Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
Topics:
00:37 How did racing shape Fred's career?
02:51 Entering the family car business how?
05:40 Biggest triumph and challenge in auto?
09:57 Strategy for dominating the EV market?
17:34 Future vision for Volkswagen leadership?
20:39 Key industry challenge with Volkswagen?
22:26 Direct-to-consumer: threat or opportunity?
24:28 How has Tesla impacted the industry?
35:30 How does community shape future vision?
Car Dealership Guy Socials:
X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy
Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
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Auto Marketing Monday w/ Jeff Ramsey, Brian Kramer, and Dustin Clark | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Jeff Ramsey, CMO of Ourisman Auto Group
Brian Kramer, EVP, Dealer Growth & Success at Cars Commerce
Dustin Clark, CMO of Andy Mohr Auto Group
This episode is brought to you by:
Stream Companies – A full-service, fully integrated, tech-enabled advertising agency that drives measurable results through performance marketing, creative and content development, and proprietary AdTech solutions. Our innovative platforms, including the Retail Ready platform and Integrated Marketing Cloud, empower brands to optimize performance and accelerate growth. To learn more, visit https://www.streamcompanies.com/
CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more.
Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It’s the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas!
—
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/
CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/
CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/
My Socials:
X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/
Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
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The New Auto Arms Race: How Dealers Are Turning Vehicle Data into Loyalty and Cash Flow | Shane Wilson, President at Connected Dealer Services
Today special guest host Sam D'Arc is joined by Shane Wilson, President at Connected Dealer Services.
We dive into the tug-of-war between dealers and automakers for customer ownership after the sale, how real-time vehicle data is fueling explosive fixed-ops growth, the playbook dealers are using to win loyalty long after delivery – and much more.
This episode is brought to you by:
1. Connected Dealer Services - Staying connected after the sale isn’t optional anymore, it’s your competitive edge. Connected Dealer Services, creators of CarRx, help you transform every car on your lot into an ongoing customer relationship. Their connected-car technology powers real-time tracking, stolen-vehicle recovery, and service alerts that keep customers engaged long after they drive off the lot. From protecting your inventory to driving retention and fixed-ops growth, CarRx turns vehicle data into real, measurable profit. Discover how @ http://CarRx.com/Retention
2. S&P/IHS Global - With over 1,000 segments, across Service, Trade-In and In-Market Shoppers across, Polk Auto Direct gives dealers the best return out of every dollar spent. The self-serve platform includes multi-dealer management capabilities and targeting up to a 50-mile radius.
Save now with special discounts for new sign-ups through November 30! Visit @ http://PolkAutoDirect.com today.
3. Amazon Autos - With Amazon Autos, your dealership can reach more buyers, drive more sales, and deliver a modern, more delightful car-buying experience. Learn more @ https://sell.amazon.com/programs/autos
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
For dealers:
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com
Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
For industry vendors:
Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
Topics:
1:30 What is Connected Dealer Services?
4:30 What is Connected Dealer Services' unique data advantage?
8:00 How do you measure service appointment success?
12:30 What is Connected Dealer Services' origin story?
16:00 How does F&I improve in profitability?
21:00 Dealer group vs. OEM strategy differences?
24:30 How to enhance fixed operations?
28:00 What is the installation and support process?
32:00 What is the future vision for Connected Dealer Services?
Car Dealership Guy Socials:
X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy
Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
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Fixed Ops Friday w/ Tully Williams, Colin Speer, Frank Knox | Daily Dealer Live
Today's show features:
Tully Williams, Parts & Service Director at The Niello Company
Colin Speer, Director of Sales at Sonic Tools USA
Frank Knox, Chief Operating Officer of AutoAcquire AI
This episode is brought to you by:
CR Stream – Put the power of multiple auctions in your hand! CR Stream multi-lists your inventory to OVE, SmartAuction, and Copart simultaneously. Capture vehicle photos, damage, details and pricing start to finish in under 10 minutes with the CR Stream iPhone and Android mobile apps. Pay only $150 sell fee when you vehicles sells at auction! visit https://crstream.com/ to learn more.
CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more.
Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It’s the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas!
—
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/
CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/
CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/
My Socials:
X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/
Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
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The Car Sales Secret Lost in the 90's — and How Dealers are Reviving it at Scale | Industry Spotlight
Welcome to Industry Spotlight—a focused series hosted by Sam D’Arc, highlighting standout dealerships and innovative companies, and exploring the trends driving success in today’s automotive market. Today, Sam sits down with David Long, Executive General Manager at Hansel Auto Group, and Curtis Lewsey, Founder of DealerCards.
This episode is brought to you by:
DealerCards - The direct-mail platform built specifically for dealerships. With DealerCards, you can send personalized thank-you notes, birthday cards, and service reminders — even include brownies — all handsfree and branded for your store. It’s a small touch that drives big loyalty and repeat business. Right now, CDG listeners can get a free sample box with cards and brownies at http://www.dealercards.com/cdg
CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more.
Check out Car Dealership Guy’s stuff:
For dealers:
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com
Fix your dealership’s social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
For industry vendors:
Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com
Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com
Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com
Topics:
00:46 What makes a number one salesperson?
01:26 Do 90s sales strategies still work?
02:21 Why is personal touch so crucial?
07:41 How does DealerCards scale personalization?
11:24 How does gratitude drive business success?
18:56 Top tips for personal dealer connections?
19:27 Best creative customer follow-up methods?
22:09 How to measure personalization's impact?
29:38 What are high-impact customer touches?
Car Dealership Guy Socials:
X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership
Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/
TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership
LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy
Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy
Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683
Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
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Flere Fritid podcasts
Trendige Fritid podcasts
Om Car Dealership Guy Podcast
The Car Dealership Guy Podcast Network is your front-row seat to the people, companies, and trends shaping the future of automotive retail—delivered across three focused formats:
The Car Dealership Guy Podcast (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Hosted by Yossi Levi, these deep-dive interviews feature top dealers, operators, and innovators driving the industry forward.
Daily Dealer Live (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays)
Our live-streamed show, also released here in audio format, brings real-time news, sharp takes, and high-impact guests—think CNBC for car dealers.
Industry Spotlight
Hosted by Sam D’Arc, this segment highlights standout dealerships and vendors with tactical insights and stories from the front lines.
Follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for highlights and behind-the-scenes content from every episode.