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Automotive Informants

Automotive Informants

By: Chris J. Martinez
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Automotive Informants is where real operators talk about what’s actually happening inside the car business.

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.

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.

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.

The future of automotive won’t be shaped by opinions. It will be shaped by operators who execute.

2026 Chris J. Martinez Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The Dealers Who Win: FTC Pressure, EV Reality, and Why Execution Still Matters

    The Dealers Who Win: FTC Pressure, EV Reality, and Why Execution Still Matters
    Mar 26 2026

    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.

    Takeaways

    • Competition in the automotive industry is healthy and drives innovation
    • Transparency with customers is crucial for success in the industry
    • Adapting to the internet and being honest with customers leads to increased sales and service opportunities
    • Stick to the basics and focus on blocking and tackling to be successful in the business
    • The team with the least amount of mistakes wins the game
    • Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you're doing the impossible

    Chapters

    • 00:00 FTC Crackdown on Dealers
    • 08:11 Competition and Market Dynamics
    • 27:08 EVs and Future of Automotive Industry
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    36 mins
  • Rage Bait, Fake Pricing, and the Truth About Today’s Car Market

    Rage Bait, Fake Pricing, and the Truth About Today’s Car Market
    Mar 19 2026

    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.

    Takeaways

    • Transparency in pricing is crucial
    • Emotional reactions should be balanced with data-driven decisions

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Market Commotion
    • 08:25 Consumer Experience and Pricing Tactics
    • 18:31 Rage Bait and Clickbait in Automotive Content
    • 29:35 Impact of Gas Prices on Vehicle Market
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    39 mins
  • The Truth About the Auto Market Right Now

    The Truth About the Auto Market Right Now
    Mar 5 2026

    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.

    Takeaways

    • Negative equity in auto retail
    • Impact of AI on automotive industry

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Negative Equity in Auto Retail
    • 09:16 Impact of AI on Automotive Industry
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    35 mins
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