Dealership Profitability & Disruption: What’s Ahead in 2026

Special Guest - Steve Greenfield

Steve Greenfield, GP at Automotive Ventures, shares his perspective on affordability challenges, dealership profitability, emerging retail tech, and how AI may shape the future of customer experience and operational efficiency.

In this episode you'll hear:

Why affordability pressures are reshaping the market
How dealers should evaluate new retail and DMS technology
How AI can improve the dealership experience

Episode Breakdown

0:00 - Meet Steve of Automotive Ventures!
0:53 - The state of vehicle affordability and consumer credit
4:00 - Supply chain fragility and new chip constraints
6:19 - What dealers can control to protect profitability
8:05 - DMS disruption and evaluating tech investments
11:10 - The surge of AI and where it will actually help
13:20 - How AI can unlock sales productivity & loyalty
18:33 - Autonomous ride-hailing and its real implications
22:20 - The durability of the franchise dealer model
24:08 - Best Bets: Profit margins, valuations, direct sales & BYD

"I like to tell Dealers, worry about the things that you can control. The things that are beyond your control you can’t really help.” - Steve Greenfield

For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn.