Ed Garsten on Why Hybrids Continue to Outpace EV Adoption

Ed Garsten on Why Hybrids Continue to Outpace EV Adoption

Author: Jim Fitzpatrick June 2, 2026 Duration: 25:41
Ed Garsten, Senior Contributor at Forbes, joins Inside Automotive to discuss the future of EV adoption, affordability challenges, and the evolving competitive landscape facing the automotive industry. While rising fuel prices have renewed interest in electric vehicles, Garsten explains why many consumers continue to favor hybrids over fully electric models. He explores the lifestyle changes associated with EV ownership, the growing opportunity in the used EV market, and the affordability pres...

Tune in to Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick, powered by CBT News for a direct line to the heart of the car business. Host Jim Fitzpatrick cuts through the noise, delivering conversations that feel more like a strategic huddle than a formal interview. Each episode pulls back the curtain on what’s actually working in automotive retail right now, moving beyond theory to the tangible strategies and operational shifts that are defining success. You’ll hear from the dealers, executives, and analysts who are navigating this complex landscape in real time, discussing everything from evolving customer expectations and digital marketing shifts to inventory management and the future of the dealership model. This podcast serves as an essential resource for anyone invested in the automotive retail sector, offering clarity and actionable insight amidst constant change. The discussions are grounded, detailed, and focused on the practical realities of running a business in this industry. For a deep, unvarnished look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping automotive retail, join Jim Fitzpatrick and his guests.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Inside Automotive with Jim Fitzpatrick, powered by CBT News
Podcast Episodes
Why Dealership Buy-Sell Activity Surged 21% in Q1 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:49
Dealership mergers and acquisitions continue to accelerate despite economic uncertainty. In this episode, Ryan Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, examines the forces driving a surge in dealership buy-sell…
Why Connected Systems Matter More Than Ever for Dealers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
As AI adoption accelerates and pricing transparency remains under regulatory scrutiny, dealerships face growing pressure to modernize their operations. In this episode, Michael Affronti, Chief Product & Business Officer…
Mike Gilson on Making AI Accessible to Every Dealership Employee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
Mike Gilson, CEO of Conversica, joins us to discuss how AI is helping dealerships uncover hidden revenue opportunities buried within their existing data systems. As dealerships generate massive amounts of information thr…
Breaking Down the Sales-Service Divide in Automotive Retail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:21
As economic uncertainty pushes consumers to keep their vehicles longer, dealerships are searching for more efficient ways to drive sales and retention. In this episode, Sharon Kitzman, CEO of Affinitiv, explains why the…
Why Dealers Are Pulling Back on Advertising Amid FTC Scrutiny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:43
This episode explores the growing impact of FTC advertising compliance rules on automotive retail with David Spisak, CEO of Disruptive Growth Solutions. Spisak breaks down why the FTC’s expanded enforcement efforts are c…
How Consumer AI Is Reshaping the Car-Buying Experience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:18
Devin Daly, co-founder and CEO of Impel, joins Inside Automotive to discuss the evolving landscape of FTC compliance, pricing transparency, and the growing role of AI in automotive retail. As regulators continue scrutini…
Fair Pricing, FTC Scrutiny, and the Future of Dealer Marketing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:23
John Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Force Marketing, joins Inside Automotive to discuss the growing compliance challenges facing dealerships and the industry's response to increased FTC scrutiny. As dealers navigate e…
The Next Generation of Automotive Retail Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:52
Jane Vaden Thacher, President of Vaden Automotive, and Jack Thacher, the group's Director of F&I, join Inside Automotive to discuss dealership growth, digital retailing, affordability challenges, workforce retention, and…