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At the New York Auto Show, Mark Schienberg, President of the show, breaks down what it actually takes to bring one of the largest automotive events in the world to life. With nearly 2,800 workers, millions of pounds of equipment, and just days to execute, the scale is massive—but the bigger story is what these events represent in a post-COVID, increasingly digital industry.

As manufacturers doubled down on digital during the pandemic, many questioned whether auto shows still had a role. This conversation goes beyond surface-level assumptions to reveal why in-person experiences are not only relevant—but essential. From hands-on product discovery to real-time consumer insights, auto shows create a unique environment where dealers, OEMs, and buyers converge without the pressure of a transaction.

Mark Schienberg makes a clear case: you can’t replicate the emotional connection of sitting in a vehicle through a screen. With 40% of attendees actively in-market, the show floor becomes a powerful driver of demand, not just awareness. This is a ground-level look at how consumer behavior is reshaping automotive retail—and why physical experiences are making a strong comeback.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:15 The Scale of Building the NY Auto Show

1:05 Attendance Expectations and Public Opening

1:50 Why This Could Be the Biggest Show Since COVID

2:40 The Return of In-Person Experiences

3:30 What Makes the NY Auto Show Unique

4:20 Expanding Beyond Cars: Safety and Industry Conversations

5:30 Bridging Dealers, OEMs, and Consumers

6:40 The Role of Auto Shows in the Buying Journey

7:50 40% of Attendees Are In-Market Buyers

9:00 Why No Salespeople Are Allowed on the Floor

10:10 Creating Demand vs. Forcing Sales

11:10 Manufacturer Strategy: Digital vs Physical

12:20 Why Physical Experience Still Wins

13:20 The Rebound of Auto Shows

14:10 Final Thoughts on Industry Impact

Connect with Mark Schienberg at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-schienberg-6756ba/

Learn more about the Greater NY Automobile Dealers Association at https://www.gnyada.com/

Our coverage of the NY Auto Forum is brought to you Force Marketing. Learn more at https://www.forcemarketing.com/

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At the NY Auto Forum, Senator Bernie Moreno lays out a blunt, high-stakes reality facing the U.S. auto industry. With China’s massive overcapacity, government-backed subsidies, and global expansion strategy, the threat isn’t theoretical—it’s structural. Moreno argues that without decisive action, the Western auto industry risks being undercut at scale, with long-term consequences for jobs, innovation, and economic stability.

This conversation goes beyond policy headlines to unpack what’s already changed—from the removal of EV subsidies and emissions fragmentation to new legislative efforts aimed at blocking Chinese vehicles from entering the U.S. market entirely. Moreno makes a clear case: protecting the industry isn’t about protectionism, it’s about survival in the face of a system designed to dominate globally. On the retail side, the discussion shifts to dealer accountability, FTC enforcement, and why cleaning up the last 5% of bad actors may be critical to preserving consumer trust.

It’s a direct look at the forces reshaping the auto industry—from global trade battles to showroom-level transparency—and what needs to happen next.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:18 Reflecting on Major Industry Wins (EV mandates, CARB changes)

1:20 The $100B Cost and Missed Innovation Opportunity

2:10 China’s Overcapacity and Global Strategy

3:25 Why the U.S. Must Block Chinese Vehicles

5:10 Economic Stakes: Jobs, GDP, and Industry Survival

6:30 Canada, Mexico, and Global Trade Tensions

8:05 The Push for Western Market Alignment

9:20 Refocusing on Affordability and Innovation

10:15 FTC Enforcement and Dealer Transparency

11:40 Cleaning Up the “Final 5%” of Dealers

13:10 Why Bad Pricing Practices Destroy Trust

14:30 Competing on Customer Experience, Not Deception

15:40 Final Thoughts on Mindset, Leadership, and Longevity

Connect with Senator Bernie Moreno at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-moreno-4251884/

Our coverage of the NY Auto Forum is brought to you Force Marketing. Learn more at https://www.forcemarketing.com/

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At the NY Auto Forum, John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, breaks down one of the most critical moments facing the global auto industry. With rising geopolitical tension, China’s growing dominance, and shifting retail dynamics, the stakes for U.S. dealers and OEMs have never been higher. This conversation goes beyond headlines to unpack what “fair competition” actually means—and why it’s not the current reality.

Bozzella makes a clear case: the franchise model only works if the industry stays aligned. From Tesla’s early disruption to today’s policy debates and global overcapacity concerns, the conversation highlights a hard truth—dealers and OEMs must compete together or risk losing the customer entirely. This is a front-line look at the structural forces reshaping automotive retail and what leaders must do now to stay competitive.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:20 Why U.S.–China Talks Matter for Auto

1:05 The Auto Industry’s Role in U.S. GDP

1:50 The Problem with “Unfair” Global Competition

3:05 China’s Overcapacity and Global Impact

4:10 Breakdown of Dealer Struggles in Global Markets

5:20 Why the Franchise Model Still Wins

6:35 The Tesla Effect and Policy Consequences

8:05 One System or No System at All

9:10 Why Alignment Between Dealers and OEMs Matters

10:15 Competing for the Modern Customer

11:20 Building a More Competitive Industry Together

Connect with John Bozzella at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bozzella/

Learn more about the Alliance for Automotive Innovation at https://www.autosinnovate.org/

Our coverage of the NY Auto Forum is brought to you Force Marketing. Learn more at https://www.forcemarketing.com/

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At the NY Auto Forum, Force Marketing CEO John Fitzpatrick breaks down the real forces shaping automotive retail right now—from tariffs and policy shifts to EV adoption and affordability pressures. With insights tied directly to Senator Moreno’s surprisingly accurate market predictions, this conversation challenges the “doom and gloom” narrative and reframes where dealers actually stand today.

Fitzpatrick dives into what’s actually working on the ground: transparency, consistent communication, and operational fundamentals that most high-performing dealers already execute well. He also unpacks the FTC’s latest enforcement stance, the opportunity in used EV inventory, and why AI isn’t about perfection—it’s about speed. For dealers navigating uncertainty, this is a grounded, operator-level look at what matters now and what’s coming next.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro

0:18 Why This Moment Matters for Dealers

1:05 Senator Moreno’s Market Prediction Accuracy

2:10 Tariffs, Policy, and Dealer Sentiment Shift

3:05 Dealers at the Intersection of Economy and Consumer

4:12 FTC Enforcement and Advertising Transparency

6:02 The “Bad Actor” Narrative vs Reality

7:25 What Consumers Actually Respond To

8:40 Used EV Opportunity and Affordability Shift

10:05 Toyota’s Strategy Dealers Should Copy

11:15 Why Service Drives Repeat Purchases

12:05 AI as Speed, Not Perfection

13:20 The Future Impact of Decisions Made Today

Connect with John Fitzpatrick at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwfitz/

Our coverage of the NY Auto Forum is brought to you Force Marketing. Learn more at https://www.forcemarketing.com/

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This episode was originally released on April 24, 2025.

In 2025, we joined up with Erroll Bomar III to bring the world the Unscripted podcast, live from the ASOTU CON floor. This was our first long-form conversation with him and the More Than Cars mindset that he has is on full display. Erroll will be back at ASOTU CON 2026, from May 12-14 in Hanover, MD. You can get tickets and learn more at https://www.asotucon.com/

For Erroll Bomar III, selling cars is just the surface—his real drive is inspiring lasting change, one relationship at a time.

In this episode of Auto Collabs, we’re joined by the magnetic Erroll Bomar III—Ford product specialist, NADA Live Stage veteran, and founder of The Change 365. Known for his presence at auto shows and his encyclopedic knowledge of vehicles, Erroll unpacks his journey from early car sales to national events, sharing how relationship-driven selling laid the foundation for his career. His automotive chops are impressive, but what really shines through is his genuine care for people and his belief that emotional connection beats transactional business every time.

The conversation shifts gears to something even deeper: the difference between motivation and inspiration. Erroll drops wisdom about helping people change not just their minds, but their lives—one day at a time. His nonprofit work with The Change365 shows how he's using that ethos to impact men’s physical and mental health. From subtle Ford hacks (hello, nine-volt battery trick) to the reality of loneliness in our digital age, this episode is part car talk, part soul talk—and fully inspiring. Yes, part two is already in the works.

0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo

6:08 -Relationship-Driven Roots: Erroll details his start in automotive, selling cars commission-only and learning the power of customer relationships before social media changed the game.

10:25 - From Spokesmodel to Specialist: He walks through the evolution of auto show roles and why deep product knowledge has become non-negotiable for today’s consumers.

11:18 - The 9-Volt Hack: Learn the little-known Ford feature that could unlock your vehicle in a pinch—and why these niche facts matter to brand loyalty.

18:21 - The Change365 and the Power of Inspiration: Erroll explains why he champions inspiration over motivation and how his nonprofit helps men take control of their wellness year-round.

26:33 - It's All About Connection: Whether at an auto show or a dealership, Erroll's mission is to ensure people feel seen, heard, and cared for—because that’s what makes the biggest impact.

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A candid, hosts-only conversation about the mindset shift quietly transforming the automotive industry from the inside out.

Somewhere between a conversation and a checkpoint, Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier, and Michael Cirillo zoom out on what “More Than Cars” actually means when you’re living it day to day. From dealership floors to global conversations, they unpack how a simple mindset shift is helping people see beyond transactions and into impact.

What unfolds is a raw, honest look at the tension between short-term wins and long-term legacy. They talk about the weight of leadership, the reality of bad actors still succeeding, and why choosing the human path is harder, but ultimately more sustainable. This isn’t just about selling cars, it’s about building something that lasts and realizing that the real work has always been about people.

Key Takeaways

0:00 “What You’re Doing Isn’t Actually What You’re Doing”—The Mindset Shift Most People Miss

0:53 The Photo That Proves This Industry Changes Lives (If You Let It)

2:35 You’re Missing Opportunities Because You’re Only Looking at What’s in Front of You

3:30 The Piano Metaphor That Explains How Real Collaboration Actually Works

4:23 “Own Your Line, Know the Map”

6:14 More Than Cars as a Personal Mantra, Not Just a Business Strategy

8:00 Why Ignoring the Human Side Is Quietly Killing Performance

9:05 The Uncomfortable Truth: Bad Actors Are Still Winning (For Now)

11:12 The Real Test of Leadership: Choosing the Long Game When Shortcuts Work

13:00 “A Funeral Full of People”

15:44 The Industry Is Finally Opening Up, And It’s Happening Faster Than You Think

16:58 From Competition to Collaboration in 5 Years

18:13 Why This Industry Might Be the Only Place Where All of This Coexists

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Behind every dealership is an unseen battle over regulation, competition, and control—and the next few years may decide who really owns the future of the automotive industry.

Ted Smith has spent his career in the engine room of the automotive industry—working inside associations that quietly shape how cars are sold, serviced, and protected across America. As President of the Florida Automobile Dealers Association and incoming Chair of Automotive Trade Association Executives, Ted sits at the intersection of policy, retail, and the future of mobility. His job? Help thousands of dealers navigate an industry that’s evolving faster than ever before.

In this conversation, Ted breaks down the massive forces reshaping automotive retail—from Chinese automakers and direct-to-consumer sales models to Amazon entering the vehicle marketplace. He explains why associations exist in the first place, why the franchise dealer system continues to survive every disruption thrown at it, and why the real battle for the industry might not be what most people think. The message is clear: the future of automotive retail won’t be decided by technology alone—it will be decided by who protects the ecosystem that keeps customers, dealers, and manufacturers working together.

Timestamped Takeaways:

00:00 Why Automotive Leaders “Drive Using the Rear-View Mirror”

02:02 The Responsibility of Trade Associations

05:06 Dealerships Are Complex Empires

10:11 The Scout Controvers

12:21 Why the Franchise Dealer System Still Works

15:32 Why Local Dealers Matter After the Sale

19:57 Amazon Entering the Car Market

22:10 China’s Strategy in the Global Auto Market

23:20 Why Dealers Might Actually Want Chinese Vehicles

24:41 The Hidden Risk of Foreign OEMs

26:47 How Chinese Vehicles Could Enter the U.S. Through Canada

29:35 Why Curiosity Beats Control in a Changing Industry

Connect with Ted Smith at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-smith-9ab26632/

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If service drives sales, why are dealers letting their best customers slip through the cracks?

Shane Wilson, President of Connected Dealer Services, joins Auto Collabs with a bold claim: dealers don’t have a pricing problem in service—they have a trust and communication problem. While most consumers believe dealerships cost more, the data tells a different story. In fact, independent shops are often $10–$15 higher per repair. And here’s the stat that should stop every operator in their tracks: 74% of customers who service at a dealership are more likely to buy their next vehicle there. The issue? Retention is dropping fast.

In this conversation, Shane breaks down why “old playbooks don’t win new games,” how dealers are unknowingly leaking customers after year one, and what it really takes to build a moat around your service drive. From mobile app strategy to real-time odometer data to creating an Amazon-like ownership experience, this episode is a masterclass in customer lifetime value and how service is the flywheel that powers the entire dealership.

Key Takeaways

00:00 – Dealers Aren’t More Expensive… So Why Do Customers Think They Are?

03:55 – 74% of Serviced Customers Are More Likely to Buy Again

04:46 – Retention Is Falling Fast—and Year Two Is the Danger Zone

06:18 – Independent Shops Are Winning the Marketing War

07:13 – Perception Is Reality (Even When the Data Says Otherwise)

11:39 – The Moat Strategy: Own the Relationship Before Someone Else Does

12:03 – From Lot Management Tool to $40M Profit Engine

14:36 – Push Notifications Outperform Email and SMS—Here’s Why

16:31 – Technology Alone Won’t Save You—Humans Still Matter

17:32 – Real-Time Odometer Data: The Hidden Retention Weapon

20:24 – Remove the Friction, Remove the Worry

22:55 – Stop Leaving Retention to Chance

Connect with Shane Wilson at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebwilson/

Learn more about CarRx at https://www.carrx.com/

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