Used Car Dealer Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach talks with Sanjay Varnwal, co-founder and CEO of Spyne AI, to unpack how AI-powered merchandising is helping dealers move inventory faster by getting vehicles live online sooner and with more premium visuals.

Sanjay explains why “time-to-live” is one of the most overlooked profit levers in used cars, how holding cost compounds every day a vehicle sits without strong photos, and how Spyne helps dealers publish listings earlier without waiting on traditional studio workflows.

The conversation also covers Spyne’s expansion beyond photos into conversational AI (Vini) for voice, chat, and email, plus what AI is genuinely improving inside dealerships versus where the hype still outpaces reality.

 Key Questions & Timestamps

00:22 – Intro: Sanjay’s background + what Spyne does for dealers

01:16 – How did your past roles shape the way you approached building an automotive tech startup?

05:07 – What was the early moment you realized AI-powered imaging could fundamentally change vehicle merchandising?

09:26 – What does Spyne actually do in the day-to-day workflow of a dealership?

11:48 – Why was it important to expand beyond merchandising into a fuller automotive retail suite?

16:33 – What differences have you noticed between U.S. dealers and other global markets?

19:29 – Where is AI genuinely delivering value today—and where is it still mostly hype?

23:22 – What does Spyne’s longer-term vision look like in practice?

24:33 – If you were advising a dealer today, where should they invest in technology first?

26:24 – What’s one dealership process AI will completely automate in the next five years?

26:45 – What’s one mistake dealers make when it comes to digital merchandising?

27:28 – In one piece of advice: how can dealers sell more cars online starting now?

📺 Read the Transcribe: https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/defaultblog/ai-inventory-merchandising-for-dealers-with-sanjay-varnwal-of-spyne-ai
🎧 Listen to more Used Car Dealer Podcast episodes: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach talks with Amit Chandarana, CEO of Curbee, to unpack how mobile service is reshaping dealership retention—and why fixed ops is increasingly becoming a front-and-center growth engine. 

Amit shares lessons from his career at Toyota, Edmunds, and Roadster, and how those experiences influence the way Curbee helps dealers operationalize mobile service (not just “buy software”). The conversation dives into the real adoption hurdles inside dealerships, why change management matters as much as technology, and how mobile service can protect shop capacity while capturing customers who would otherwise go to quick lube or independent shops. 

They also break down Curbee’s newest platform release, M.A.R.S. 2 (Mobile and Remote Service)—including recall intelligence designed for mobile, fleet/multi-vehicle flexibility, and expanded DMS integrations—plus Curbee’s rebrand and what it signals about the company’s next chapter. 

⏱️ Key Questions & Timestamps 

00:12 – Intro & Amit’s background  

01:34 – Career path + how OEM/dealer dynamics shaped his leadership 

04:45 – Any other kind of learnings from Roadster or that time in DR that have bled into Curbee?  

06:36 – Biggest shifts in dealership service culture over the last decade  

08:07 – Curbee’s mission + the “16 choices” service-retention problem + ROI basics 

11:30 –  How do you balance building technology versus consulting dealers operationally on running a mobile service program? 

13:07 – What is M.A.R.S. 2 and why it matters for dealers 

16:17 – What’s the biggest obstacle dealers face in launching mobile service today — mindset, tech, staffing, or something else? 

18:55 – 3–5 year outlook: how mobile service evolves with OEMs + expectations 

20:28 – Are there emerging technologies that you believe will fundamentally change how fixed ops teams operates in the future? 

21:29 – Do you see OEM and dealer partnerships evolving as mobile service becomes a  core part of the service mix? 

22:24 – Why Curbee rebranded + what’s next 
 

🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast
📄 Read the full transcription: https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/mobile-service-fixed-ops-growth-with-amit-chandarana-of-curbee 

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach talks with Mike Hanna, CEO of TrueSpot, an innovative company transforming fixed ops with real-time vehicle and key tracking technology. They discuss how TrueSpot’s solutions minimize wasted time, cut costs, and ultimately enhance the customer experience. From initial challenges and triumphs to upcoming features and the future of location intelligence, Mike offers valuable insights for dealers looking to modernize their service operations.

Below are the main questions Zach asks Mike, along with approximate timestamps:

Q) How did TrueSpot get started, and what was the main “aha” moment behind its creation?

Q) What were the biggest early challenges of bringing real-time location tech into dealerships?

Q) You also work outside automotive—how do other industries compare or differ from dealerships?

Q) What is Fixed Ops 360, and how does it improve day-to-day service operations?

Q) Can you share a real-world example of how TrueSpot impacts a dealership’s productivity or CSI?

Q) Aside from efficiency, how do you see customer experience evolving in fixed ops?

Q) Which upcoming features or innovations are you excited to bring to market in 2025?

Q) Does AI currently play a role in your software or operations?

Q) What’s the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while scaling a tech solution in auto retail?

Q) What advice would you give dealers looking to modernize their service departments with new technology?

Listen to more episodes here: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast

Read the full transcription: https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/truespot-mike-hanna

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach talks with John Traver, the founder of Traver Technologies and TraverConnect, to explore the evolution of the BDC concept. John shares insights on launching TraverConnect, transforming service-lane interactions into revenue opportunities, and balancing people with technology to deliver an exceptional customer experience. This conversation dives into leadership lessons, changing customer expectations, and the future impact of AI and automation on automotive BDC.

Automotive BDC & Fixed Operations

Q) Take us back to how you got in the auto industry and your origin story?
Q) So talk about the early days of BDC adoption and how that went—were dealers skeptical?
Q) So what were some of the biggest operational challenges as you scaled out your business?
Q) And how did the different services evolve that you offer at your company as technology and dealership operations got more complex?
Q) So what separates a top-performing dealership using your BDC service versus one that’s not as organized?
Q) How do you strike that balance between people, process, and technology?
Q) How have customer expectations in the service department changed over the last 10 years, and how should dealers adapt?
Q) What do you see as the biggest technology gaps today in fixed ops or BDCs?
Q) Any thoughts on AI and some of the automation coming to market right now?
Q) As we look to 2025 and dealers becoming more cost-conscious, where should they focus to drive the highest ROI?
Q) What are you most excited about in the next year for Traver Connect and the automotive space generally?

Listen to more episodes here: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast
Read the full transcription: https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/john-traver-2025

In this episode of the podcast, Zach sits down with Randy Kobat, President and CEO of Repair On Demand, a provider of innovative reconditioning solutions for dealerships. They discuss how reconditioning has become a critical factor in dealership success, the common inefficiencies that slow down the recon process, and how technology can help dealers cut turnaround time and maximize profitability. Randy shares lessons from his extensive background—leading brands like vAuto, Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer, and HomeNet—along with key insights from his decade at Cox Automotive. They also touch on how EVs bring new challenges, such as battery diagnostics, and how a streamlined recon workflow can give dealers a competitive edge.

Below are the main questions Zach asks Randy, along with approximate timestamps:

Q) How did you get started in automotive tech, and what led you to your current role?
Q) From scaling vAuto and Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer, what lessons stand out for dealers today?
Q) Why should dealers rethink how they manage their reconditioning process?
Q) Where do you see the biggest inefficiencies in dealership recon right now?
Q) How can dealers fix the communication breakdowns between sales, service, and third-party vendors?
Q) What are the main financial and operational benefits of a streamlined recon process?
Q) How does Repair On Demand help dealers eliminate recon inefficiencies?
Q) Which innovations in recon technology are most exciting to you?
Q) Any key takeaways from your time at Cox Automotive that you’ve brought to Repair On Demand?
Q) With EVs on the rise, what new recon challenges do dealerships face (like battery diagnostics)?
Q) What’s next for Repair On Demand in the coming 12 to 24 months?
Q) How can listeners reach out if they want to connect with you?

Listen to more episodes here: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast
Read the full transcription: https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/randy-kobat

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach talks with Mark Allen, President of AutoAp, a leading provider of recall management services for dealerships, fleets, and various automotive partners. They discuss how AutoAp’s technology resolves the frequent discrepancies in safety recall data, the complexities behind VIN checks, and why automated, timely recall information is crucial for protecting customers and avoiding costly liability. Mark shares how his extensive experience in the auto industry led him to join and eventually lead AutoAp, and he offers insights into how all players—dealers, OEMs, service providers, and government agencies—must work together to improve overall road safety.

Below are the main questions Zach asks Mark:

Q) Mark, how did you get started in the auto industry?
Q) Tell us about AutoAp and how you became its president.
Q) How many vehicle recalls occurred in the U.S. during 2024?
Q) Are current VIN-check sources enough, or what else should we know?
Q) What’s the solution to these recall challenges?
Q) How does AutoAp partner with different companies across the automotive ecosystem?
Q) Which services does AutoAp offer, and can you share a key client example?
Q) Anything else you’d like to add to wrap up the discussion?
Q) How can companies contact you and learn about your upcoming events?

📌 Listen to more episodes here:  https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast
📜 Read the full transcription: https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/recall-accuracy-mark-allen

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach engages in an insightful conversation with Ryan Maher, CEO of BizzyCar. They discuss the broken recall management system, how BizzyCar’s AI-powered platform is transforming the process for OEMs, dealers, and consumers, and what this means for safety and compliance. 

Some of the questions asked were:

Q) Ryan, can you share your journey in the auto industry and what inspired you to focus on recall management with BizzyCar?
Q) With 21 million recalls already this year, what are the biggest challenges in addressing recalls efficiently?
Q) BizzyCar recently raised $15 million. What changes can we expect in the next 6 months?
Q) What do you think of the trend toward mobile service, and how does it affect customer relations?
Q) How does BizzyCar’s AI streamline the recall process for OEMs, dealers, and consumers?
Q) What common mistakes do dealerships make with recalls, and how does BizzyCar help avoid them?
Q) How does BizzyCar support compliance and transparency for OEMs?
Q) How easily can dealerships integrate BizzyCar into their current operations?
Q) Can you share a success story where BizzyCar improved recall rates or boosted service opportunities?
Q) What role will AI play in recall management, and what’s next for BizzyCar in 2025?
Q) What advice would you give dealers to stay proactive and effective in recall management?

📌 Listen to more episodes here: Selly Automotive Podcast
📜 Read the full transcription: https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/ryan-bizzycar-2024

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach dives into an engaging conversation with Brian Kramer, GM of AccuTrade. They discuss the current shifts in the used car market, the innovative appraisal tools offered by Accu-Trade, and how these tools help dealers make smarter decisions while enhancing the customer experience. Brian shares insights on navigating misconceptions in vehicle appraisals, success stories from dealerships, and AccuTrade's plans for 2025. Dealers of all sizes will find valuable advice on staying competitive in a digital-first market.

Some of the questions asked were:

Q) Brian, can you tell us about your background and what brought you to AccuTrade?
Q) What do you think are the biggest changes in the used car market today?
Q) How does AccuTrade’s appraisal tech help dealers assess vehicle values more accurately?
Q) What makes AccuTrade stand out from other digital appraisal tools?
Q) What are common misconceptions about vehicle appraisals and valuations?
Q) How do Accu-Trade’s tools improve the buying and appraisal experience for dealers and customers?
Q) Can you share a success story from a dealership using AccuTrade?
Q) What advancements is AccuTrade planning for 2025?
Q) What advice would you give to single-store dealers adapting to the digital and appraisal changes?

Listen to our other podcast episodes: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast
Transcribe of this podcast - https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/brian-kramer-accutrade-2024

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach interviews Mike Goodwin, Founder and President of EverLogic, a leading Dealer Management System (DMS) company in the RV and trailer space. Mike began his journey in the industry helping an RV dealership with accounting integrations and has been running EverLogic for over 20 years. He shares his expertise on a range of topics relevant to RV, trailer, and golf cart dealers, including industry challenges, technological advancements, and future opportunities.

Some of the questions asked were:

Q) What inspired you to found EverLogic after your extensive experience in the RV industry?
Q) What unique challenges do RV and trailer dealers face, and how does EverLogic help?
Q) What prompted your expansion into the golf cart market, and how do you see its future?
Q) What major technological changes are happening in the industry, and how are dealers adapting?
Q) What sets EverLogic's DMS apart for RV, trailer, and golf cart dealers?
Q) What are the biggest challenges dealers face today, and how can technology help overcome them?
Q) How have customer expectations changed over 20 years, and how does EverLogic help dealers meet them?
Q) Can you share a success story where EverLogic improved a dealership's operations?
Q) What future opportunities and challenges do you foresee for dealers in the next few years?
Q) Do you have any announcements or company updates for 2025?

Listen to our other podcast episodes: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast
Transcribe of this podcast - https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/mike-goodwin-2024

In this episode of the Used Car Dealer Podcast, Zach interviews two special guests from Cox Automotive: Jade Terreberry (Sr. Director, Strategic Planning & Business Development) and Micah Tindor (Sr. Dir. Strategic Planning Kelley Blue Book ICO). They cover a range of topics relevant to today’s used car market, from digital advertising strategies to inventory management and customer retention.

Some of the questions asked were:

Q) How did you both get started in the automotive business?
Q) How has digital advertising changed for used car dealers, and how do platforms like Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader help?
Q) What are the best practices for dealers to make their used vehicles stand out online?
Q) How do price fluctuations in the used car market affect dealers’ advertising strategies?
Q) With inventory shortages, how can dealers meet demand without overextending?
Q) How are dealers using data to predict which vehicles will sell quickly?
Q) What strategies are dealers using to source inventory, especially through trade-ins or service lanes? (Jade)
Q) How can tools like Kelley Blue Book’s Instant Cash Offer help dealers stay competitive in acquiring vehicles?
Q) What can dealerships do to improve customer retention, especially with used car buyers?
Q) How important is post-sale experience, and how can dealerships keep used car customers engaged?
Q) As electric vehicles grow, how should used car dealers manage inventory and educate consumers?
Q) What new and exciting developments are coming from your teams?

Listen to our other podcast episodes: https://www.sellyautomotive.com/podcast
Transcribe of this podcast - https://blog.sellyautomotive.com/blog/cox-automotive-2024