logo
episode-header-image
Yesterday
1h 17m

Is the Car Business Headed for a Meltdow...

David Spisak
About this episode

In this episode, my guest is Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive, someone I’ve wanted to have on the show for a long time. If you’re in the car business, you’ve probably read his reports, quoted his data, or heard his insights passed around. But in this conversation, we go deeper than the numbers.

We talk about how he actually ended up here—from a philosophy-loving econ major to building one of the most respected forecasting teams in automotive. You’ll hear how housing economics, the Great Recession, and a surprising DJ side hustle all played a role.

But then we roll up our sleeves and dig into what’s happening right now in the market:

  • What the data says about consumer behavior and why demand isn't as simple as “pent up” or “pulled ahead”
  • The impact of tariffs and whether EV sales could drop off a cliff in 2025
  • Why affordability is still the elephant in the showroom—and what nobody’s really saying about it
  • The case for used cars and fixed ops as the real growth engines for dealerships
  • And yes, we even talk about whether Tesla’s already won the long game

Jonathan also shares some surprising perspectives on why curiosity matters more than credentials, why most economists never actually become economists, and how music plays into his forecasting work.

If you're trying to make smart decisions in a constantly shifting market, this episode will give you insight into what’s really driving the shifts—and how to stay ahead of them.

Connect with David Spisak to Achieve Exponential Growth:

Like this show? Please leave us a rating and review where you're listening right now!

Up next
Jul 3
The Brutal Truth About AI, Advertising, and the Future of Dealerships with Diana Lee
In this episode, I’m sitting down once again with Diana Lee, CEO and Co-founder of Constellation, and honestly, it probably won’t be the last time. Every time we talk, the conversation evolves. The insights deepen. The game changes.We talk about why dealers must innovate now—not ... Show More
55m 57s
Jun 26
The Hidden Forces Shaping the Future of Car Buying with Glenn Mercer
In this episode, my guest is Glenn Mercer, one of the most respected automotive researchers in the business. Glenn’s ability to break down complex industry trends into practical, real-world insights is second to none.We talk about the surprising connection between SUVs, pickup tr ... Show More
57m 56s
Jun 19
How to Compete With CarMax and Carvana on Your Own Turf with Rob Ruth
In this episode, my guest is Rob Ruth, Dealer Principal at Bob Ruth Ford in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania — a town of just under 3,000 people — and yet he’s moving over 350 used cars a month.We talk about how that’s even possible. Not in theory. In practice. Rob breaks down how his tea ... Show More
50m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 20
Beyond ‘Good’: Creating Client Experiences That Stick in an AI World with Steven Van Belleghem - 319
The business world is changing fast. AI is reshaping how customers search, buy, and connect — but most companies are still stuck in old habits, missing the human magic that actually builds loyalty. At the same time, too many businesses are confusing efficiency with excellence. Th ... Show More
1h 4m
Nov 2024
MI376: Why Do Great Companies Fail? The Innovator’s Dilemma w/ Shawn O’Malley
In today’s episode, Shawn O’Malley (@shawn_OMalley_) discusses why great companies fail, as outlined by Clayton Christensen in his timeless book, The Innovator’s Dilemma, which was first published in 1997. The Economist actually named it one of the six most important business boo ... Show More
53m 4s
Jul 2024
TIP646: How To Understand A Business Like A Pro w/ Kyle Grieve
On today’s episode, Kyle Grieve discusses a book that is near and dear to Warren Buffett’s heart, Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits by Philip Fisher. He’ll discuss why the book was so influential on Warren’s transition towards quality businesses, why going deep into a business i ... Show More
1h 9m
Apr 20
RWH056: Calm Amid The Storm w/ Christopher Begg
In this episode, William Green chats with Christopher Begg, an exceptional hedge fund manager who is the CEO & CIO of East Coast Asset Management. Chris has also taught for many years at Columbia Business School, where he teaches the prestigious Security Analysis course that Warr ... Show More
2h 8m
Apr 30
From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Iteration Revealed My True Business Purpose
In Episode 233 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy takes us on a powerful behind-the-scenes journey through the evolution of Capital Business Development. What began as a fractional business development service has, through years of iteration, transformed into a pu ... Show More
30m 45s
Feb 2025
The Microsoft Mindset - How Innovation Fuels Success & Growth
Innovation Secrets from Inside Microsoft If you're not innovating, your competition is. That’s the world we live in. Microsoft didn’t become one of the most dominant companies on the planet by accident—it built a culture of constant reinvention, adaptation, and innovation. And to ... Show More
1h 2m
May 2024
169: The 4 Keys to Selling Your Ideas to Upper Management
Have you ever felt frustrated when your brilliant ideas at work weren't taken seriously?   Listen now and discover the secrets to making your ideas impossible to ignore!   > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More   ============================   When you’re ready, here are three ways ... Show More
27m 29s
Jun 18
Jim Kwik on Rewiring Your Brain for Focus, Speed, and Success | #Success - Ep. 45
This one’s all about unlocking your brain so you can learn faster, remember more, and become unstoppable in business and life. In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I sit down with Jim Kwik, the world’s leading expert on memory, brain performance, and accelerated learning. ... Show More
43m 47s
Nov 2024
SPI 837: The Best Tips for Success Without Burnout with Chris Ducker
#837 Is slowing down the key to unlocking the next level of your business and life? Tune in for today's episode, because my longtime friend Chris Ducker is back on the show. A lot has happened since our last chat, so join us to discover how Chris is building a powerful legacy wit ... Show More
44m 54s
Aug 2024
TIP655: Hustle, Trust, and Cash Flow: Nike’s Genesis w/ Kyle Grieve
On today’s episode, Kyle Grieve discusses a wonderfully well-written autobiography, “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. He discusses the importance of identifying and pursuing true happiness while ensuring a stable income as a fallback, the value of hustle, the import ... Show More
1h 3m