Presented by:
Hey everyone,
Today I’m joined by Chase Abbott, VP of Sales at Cox Automotive, for the latest episode of the CDG Podcast.
We’re breaking down how AI, data, and connected technology are reshaping dealership operations, customer experience, and competitive strategy. Plus, where dealers are falling behind, why ecosystem-level integration matters, and how to overcome resistance to new tools.
— CDG
First time reading a CDG Newsletter?
Why Strosnider Chevrolet joined the growing list of dealers rethinking wholesale auctions
At Strosnider Chevrolet in Hopewell, Va., high auction fees and transportation costs were pushing inventory too close to retail in a market where the average used car sells for $19–20K.
So instead of stretching price points or hoping margins rebound, Strosnider is shifting acquisitions toward trade-ins and off-the-street purchases.
The goal: Source about 80% of used inventory outside the auction lanes, even if that means making a lot of offers that don’t stick. To make it work, the store put one person in charge of street buying full-time, consistently working Facebook Marketplace and similar channels.
For dealers stuck in tight markets, it’s a reminder that when pricing power is limited, control over acquisition often matters more than chasing volume.
A quick word from our partner
Planning growth in 2026?
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Former Tricolor executives charged with systematic fraud in federal case
Federal prosecutors have charged former Tricolor executives, alleging that fraud was baked into the subprime lender’s business for years.
According to an unsealed Manhattan indictment, founder Daniel Chu and COO David Goodgame allegedly double-pledged auto loans, manipulated loan data, and misrepresented collateral to lenders from 2018 through September 2025.
For now: Two other executives (the former CFO and a finance executive) have already pleaded guilty, while prosecutors say the scheme helped fuel a multibillion-dollar collapse that left lenders, investors, employees, and customers exposed.
Chrysler, Alfa, Maserati in the spotlight as Stellantis once again mulls brand cutbacks
Stellantis is reviewing its 14-brand portfolio as CEO Antonio Filosa pushes a broader turnaround, reopening questions around smaller and underperforming nameplates.
Reuters reports the “emergency room” review could put brands like Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati under scrutiny as the company reassesses long-term viability.
Bottom line: Nothing’s been cut yet, but when an OEM starts rethinking brands, it’s a signal for dealers to stay close to factory messaging and be deliberate about where they invest next.
Missed yesterday’s episode of Daily Dealer Live?
Presented by:
Murphy on EV Politics, Crain on Video MPIs
Featured guests:
Mike Murphy, Founder of EVs for All America
Christian Crain, VP of Operations at Crain Automotive
Impel integrates further into dealership ops with secondary share sale to FM Capital
Impel just tightened its connection to dealership ops through a secondary share sale to FM Capital, a venture firm backed by 56 dealer groups representing more than 1,100 rooftops.
The deal gave early investors an exit and brought in owners who actually run stores and live with the product every day. It’s the same secondary playbook seen with companies like OpenAI or Stripe, just applied squarely to automotive.
The signal here is the feedback loop: Impel gets closer to how dealerships really operate, and dealers get exposure to a platform they’re already using across sales, service, and fixed ops.
