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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 Great Automotive Shift: EVs, Carvana, China, and the New Rules of Retail

    The Great Automotive Shift: EVs, Carvana, China, and the New Rules of Retail
    Jun 18 2026

    The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges of working on modern vehicles, the impact of EVs on the automotive industry, the rise of Carvana, the influence of China on automotive innovation, and the importance of education and transparency in the industry.

    Takeaways

    • EVs are changing the automotive landscape
    • China is becoming a benchmark for automotive innovation
    • Transparency and education are crucial in the automotive industry

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Importance of Education and Transparency in the Industry
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    39 mins
  • The Sports Car Is Dead: Slate, BYD, Carvana, AI, and the Future of Automotive Retail

    The Sports Car Is Dead: Slate, BYD, Carvana, AI, and the Future of Automotive Retail
    Jun 12 2026

    The conversation covered a range of topics, including the introduction and reunion, the Slate vehicle's features and market potential, the decline of sports cars, Motor Acceptance Corp's audit of Nissan dealerships, Carvana's investment in Slate Auto, BYD's expansion to Canada, BYD's impact on the EV market and the rental economy, and the role of transparency, competition, and AI in the automotive industry.

    Takeaways

    • Slate vehicle's potential impact on the market
    • The role of transparency, competition, and AI in the automotive industry

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Reunion
    • 07:15 Motor Acceptance Corp's Audit of Nissan Dealerships
    • 13:09 Carvana's Investment in Slate Auto and BYD's Expansion to Canada
    • 25:54 BYD's Impact on the EV Market and the Rental Economy
    • 34:55 Transparency, Competition, and the Role of AI in the Automotive Industry
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    38 mins
  • Addendums, AI, EVs, and FTC Warnings: The New Reality for Automotive Dealers

    Addendums, AI, EVs, and FTC Warnings: The New Reality for Automotive Dealers
    Jun 4 2026

    The conversation covers a range of topics related to the automotive industry, including FTC warnings, addendum pricing, dealership practices, AI, and sales strategies. The discussion also delves into the impact of federal and state laws, the role of social media, and the future of commission salespeople. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the automotive industry, including the impact of EVs, self-driving technology, and the challenges and opportunities for dealerships. The discussion also delves into the future of automotive manufacturing and the role of AI in the industry.

    Takeaways

    • FTC warnings and addendum pricing
    • Impact of federal and state laws on dealership practices
    • The role of social media in influencing consumer behavior
    • The future of commission salespeople and sales strategies EVs and self-driving technology are driving significant changes in the automotive industry.
    • The role of dealerships and the impact of AI on the automotive industry are key areas of focus.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 FTC Warnings and Addendum Pricing
    • 06:03 The Role of Social Media in Influencing Consumer Behavior
    • 25:56 The Impact of EVs and Self-Driving Technology
    • 35:01 The Role of AI in the Automotive Industry
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    44 mins
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