Kia is in the midst of a major transformation when it comes to its product portfolio and brand identity. In this episode of To the Point, we explore how marketing is helping to drive the transformation to redefine Kia, from both a consumer and retail perspective. Guest [Russell Wager, Vice President, Kia America]…

In this episode of To the Point, we wrap up our biggest takeaways from the 2023 NADA Show, where we interviewed top industry leaders in auto retail. This episode – the final installment of our two-part NADA series − features Phil Langley, head of dealer network development for Stellantis; Natalia Giner, CEO of A2Z Sync; Mike Overfelt, a GM with Car…

In this episode of To the Point, we delve into the rising cost of insurance rates, which is the focal point of a study, entitled The State of Auto Insurance in 2023 by ValuePenguin by LendingTree. Guest [Divya Sangameshwar, Insurance Expert & Spokesperson, ValuePenguin by LendingTree]Par Marcus Amick

Make no mistake about it – when it comes to understanding car buyers, going directly to the source is the best approach. In this episode of To the Point, we delve into the Deloitte 2023 Global Automotive Consumer Study, which surveyed a wide scope of consumers from around the world about their preferences when it comes to purchasing and servicing v…

Automotive retail is in the midst of sweeping change, which has become a major point of discussion throughout the auto industry. In this episode of To the Point, we delve into some of the factors driving that transformation and how it could all impact the business, with Steve Greenfield, author of the book The Future of Automotive Retail. Guest: [S…

Holoride – a company that offers a highly unique VR passenger experience – is one of the most buzzed about tech startups in the world of in-vehicle entertainment. From its groundbreaking platform to its Hollywood partnerships, the company has totally revolutionized the experience associated with riding in a car. In this episode of To the Point, we …

This past year included several defining moments for the automotive industry. But what were the most interesting and monumental things that impacted the business in 2022 and what effect will it all have on the auto industry in 2023? To assess those questions, To the Point elicited the insight of some leading auto insiders in the business in areas, …

The world of in-car infotainment is undergoing a major evolution, and Harman is playing a pivotal role in that transformation. But what will drive the next era of vehicle cockpit innovations? And how will it all play a role in the future of vehicle sales? We tackle those questions and more in this episode of To the Point, with Huibert Verhoeven, SV…

Among all the concept vehicles unveiled in 2022, the Buick Wildcat EV is arguably one of the most intriguing. The sleek, all-electric concept has quickly come to represent the future of the brand as it transitions into full electrification amid some notable market challenges. To get a clear understanding of exactly what the Wildcat EV Concept says …

Tekion has become one of the most buzzed about companies in automotive digital retail. But why? What is it about the tech company’s approach to the business that has driven so many to adopt its digital solutions? In this episode of To The Point, RockED talks one-on-one with Jay Vijayan, the CEO and founder of Tekion, exploring those questions and m…

The luxury vehicle market has quickly become one of the most competitive in the business – and is on pace to grow even faster down the road. In this episode of To the Point, we delve into how Alfa Romeo managed to top the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index Study in the luxury segment and what it says about the Italian brand moving forwar…

The national auto show circuit might not quite be what it used to be in the automotive industry, but the shows still provide a lot of insight on the future of the business. In this episode of To the Point, we unpack a few things spotlighted at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto show ̶- from new vehicle debuts to product marketing trends ̶ with esteemed auto…

From enhanced safety features to more infotainment options, automakers are making huge investments in connected car technology and services, with even more innovations in the works. But based on a recent study by the research group, LexisNexis, dealerships are missing the mark, when it comes to informing car buyers about connected services. Guest: …

This week on To the Point we explore whether automotive brand loyalty still wields the power it once did with car buyers, as the industry goes through a major transformation. Tyson Jominy, Vice President of Data & Analytics, with J.D. Power, lends his insight on the topic, following the company’s recent study identifying the automakers that rank th…

In Part 3, the final installment of Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & I, To the Point explores the business case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with two people who speak to the benefits of the Buick GMC Inclusive Dealer Program on a personal level as well as other measures aimed at diversifying auto retail as it undergoes on…

In Part 2 of Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & I To the Point explores the benefits and business case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with Sherry Schultz, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources for the Walser Automotive Group, based in Minnesota and Wanda Howell, the owner of Cronic Buick GMC in Georgia - ̶ winners o…

Part 1 In a three-part series, To the Point delves into Buick GMC’s focus on enhancing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, zeroing in on the automaker’s first-ever inclusive dealer recognition program – amid some contention over such measures. Part 1 of Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & I features an interview with Duncan…

Jeep is arguably one the most recognized brands in the world, due in large part to its off-road appeal. However, the brand is now looking to position itself in the luxury market, with the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. This week on To the Point we delve into how Jeep has worked to position itself in the luxury segment, with a focus on the design of t…

As more consumers turn to the digital world for experiences, more companies are starting to embrace new technology to engage consumers in that digital space. But how is the shift to more high-tech engagement experiences impacting automotive and more specifically, auto retail? This week on To the Point we tackle that question with a company helping …

On this episode of To the Point, we set out to discuss the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program to assess the actual feasibility of the plan to help enhance the EV charging infrastructure in the U.S. But in the end, we unearth some deeper sight on the future of electric vehicles. Our Guest: Javad Mohammadi [Associate Prof…

Cadillac certainly seems clear about its future product strategy, which shines through in the all-electric Cadillac Celestiq. But how is the American luxury brand working to position itself, from a marketing perspective, in the shifting world of luxury? This episode of To the Point tackles that question, as Cadillac looks to attract more consumers …

To kick off Season 2 of To the Point, RockED dives into a topic that is top-of-mind for many in the U.S. - the economy. More specifically, we wanted to dig deeper into a recent study by Deloitte, entitled “Mobility in the Eye of the Storm,” which provides some interesting insight on how the economy is affecting new and used vehicle purchases. Our G…

For this episode of To the Point, RockED traveled to Las Vegas to experience what arguably might be one of the most highly-anticipated new vehicle launches this year – the 2023 Nissan Z. The trip included some coveted seat time behind the wheel of the new Z sports coupe. It also gave us an opportunity to sit down, one-on-one, with Rob Warren, Marke…

In this episode of To the Point, we explore the impact that culture and diversity have in the world of automotive marketing and sales – and the challenges businesses face to effectively connect the dots in the space. About Our Guests Fran Westbrooks Fran is the founder and president of Boulevard, a Detroit-based advertising agency. Prior to foundin…

This episode of To the Point zeroes in on research done by the consumer insight source, Insurance.com, on rising car insurance rates in the U.S., which has a major impact on the cost associated with owning a vehicle. About Our Guest Our guest is John McCormick, the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com, all owned and…

This week on To the Point, RockED wraps its three-part series on the Hummer EV, by delving into GMC’s marketing strategy for the all-electric vehicle, with Rich Latek, marketing director for GMC. About Our Guest Rich not only provides greater insight on what the Hummer EV means for the GMC brand; he also sheds more light on how the new electric veh…

This week on To the Point we delve a bit deeper into the GMC Hummer EV and what makes it unique, in the second installment of RockED’s three-part series exploring the broader impact of the new electric vehicle. About Our Guests Featured guests on this week’s episode include Paul Arnone, lead interior designer of the GMC Hummer EV, and Brian Malczew…

This week’s episode of To the Point is the first of a three-part series exploring the new GMC Hummer EV, which is arguably one of the most pivotal vehicles General Motors has launched in decades. The first episode of the series features a one-on-one interview with film director, Sean King O’Grady, who directed Revolution: GMC Hummer EV, a documenta…

This week’s episode of To the Point features Thad Clabaugh, senior account executive with the digital ad agency, Adtaxi, providing insight on the power of digital marketing in auto retail. About Our Guest Thad has more than a decade of digital marketing experience, including advanced expertise in crafting lead generation campaigns for the automotiv…

Jenell R. Ross is the President of the Bob Ross Auto Group in Centerville, Ohio. The Bob Ross Dealerships include three franchises: Buick, GMC, and Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz of Centerville is the first African American-owned Mercedes-Benz dealership in the world. Currently, the Bob Ross Auto Group is the only Mercedes-Benz and Buick-GMC dealersh…

Erikka Tiffani Wells has 18 years of experience in the automotive industry. About Our Guest Her sales experience started on the floor of a Buy Here Pay Here where she led training, managed a single-point Business Development Center (BDC), and handled advertising and marketing. Erikka is also credited with developing the first pilot BDC for Audi of …

This episode of To the Point features Kim Adams House – as part of RockED’s continuing celebration of Women’s History Month. About Our Guest Kim, one of the most accomplished senior executives in the automotive industry, serves as Head of All Brands – Licensing and Merchandising, for Stellantis. Her responsibilities include building brand aspiratio…

This week’s episode of To the Point – in celebration of Women’s History Month -- features Emily Miller, founder of Rebelle Rally, the first women’s off-road navigation event of its kind in the U.S. About Our Guest As a competitive off-road racer, Emily has earned several podium finishes and major wins during her career, including the Baja 1000; win…

This week’s featured guest on To the Point is RockED’s Head of Partner Engagement, Katie Loyas, who kicks off our Women’s History Month celebration. About Our Guest Katie has worked in the industry for more than 20 years and started her auto retail career as a receptionist for Ray Catena Mercedes-Benz in Edison. The seasoned exec has held several l…

Episode 12 of To the Point spotlights the award-winning marketing and communication executive, Juanita Slappy, as part of RockED’s Black History Month celebration. About Our Guest Juanita serves as Head of Multicultural Marketing for Cadillac and leads the luxury brand's efforts to connect and resonate with a growing, diverse consumer base. She was…

Episode 11 of To the Point seeks to take a deeper look into the legacy of Blacks in auto retail and the continuing impact of those legacies, as part of RockED’s ongoing Black History Month celebration. About Our Guest This week’s guest on To the Point is longtime automotive insider, Randi Payton, who helped pave the way for Blacks in automotive med…

Episode 11 of To the Point is focused on honoring someone whose achievements have been instrumental in paving the way for other African Americans in auto retail, in honor of Black History Month. The featured guest is William Adkins, also known as Bill Adkins, a longtime industry executive who has more than 50-plus years of experience in the automot…

Episode 10 of To the Point delves into some of the challenges that automotive dealerships still face, when it comes to servicing women, who account for more than 60% of all new vehicles sold in the U.S., according to a report by Cars.com. About Our Guest Cathy Droz is an accomplished automotive journalist, consult and speaker. Droz is also the foun…

Episode 9 of To the Point features Matt Moore. Matt serves as senior vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and is heavily involved in research and data analysis in the sector, including a new auto report released by Progressive ̶ Does tech make driving safer? ̶ which is the focal point of this week’s To the Point. About Our Guest…

Episode 8 of To the Point features guest Brian Armstead. Brian is editor-in-chief of Treads Magazine; segment host of YouAutoKnow on KCBQ Radio, AM/FM -- and a contributor to ForbesWheels.com, TheDetroitBureau.com, and TravelingDad.com, to name a few. The veteran automotive journalist, who has more than 45 years of media experience, was also a juro…

Episode 6 of To the Point features guest Miss GoElectric, an EV advocate who has been entrenched in the emerging technology -- from a sales perspective -- for more than a decade.Par Marcus Amick

Episode 5 of To the Point features guest Rashid Floyd, an automotive retail specialist in the luxury sector and consultant with the RockED team. Rashid provides some insight on the importance of lifestyle-centered sales initiatives and why some automotive dealerships and salespeople still struggle with the idea of lifestyle.…

Episode 4 of To the Point with Marcus Amick features guest tech and media entrepreneur, Taro Koki, who is launching a new digital world where auto enthusiasts can sell and trade NFTs centered around their passion for cars. Taro also provides a great degree of insight on how NFTs work, as the technology continues to expand into other business sector…

Episode 2 of To the Point delves into the challenges dealerships face to fully embrace digital retail strategies – with guest Durran Cage, a RockED consultant and CEO of Cage Automotive, a company that specializes in online sales and CRM strategies. About Our Guest Durran Cage has spent more than 15 years in the Auto Industry. His unique qualificat…

The second episode of To the Point with Marcus Amick delves into some of the biggest takeaways from the recent 2021 LA Auto Show, with special guest Paul A. Eisenstein, a longtime auto industry insider. Episode 2 also zeroes in on the presence of some lesser-known car brands on the finalists list for the North American International Car, Truck and …

Patrick York introduces a new podcast and its new host: "To the Point with Marcus Amick." This show cuts through the noise to discuss what matters most driving automotive sales.Par Marcus Amick

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY Sports Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt reflect on the Finals and what the latest Warriors title means, discuss the draft and all the fireworks that might come with it and dissect LeBron James' free agency options from every angle.

On this week's NBA A to Z pod, we unpack the wild Game 1 of the Finals and what it means for the Warriors and Cavs going forward with USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick, Michael Singer and A.J. Neuharth-Keusch. Will LeBron James ever forgive JR. Smith for his late-game blunder? Was this the Cavs' last, best at challenging the Warriors? So many questions, …

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick discuss the Western finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets and Eastern Conference final between the Cleveland Celtics and Boston Celtics. Both series are going at least six games. Also, USA TODAY Sports’ NBA editor Mike Singer joins the pod to discuss the …

This video explains how to use lab tools.