In this return appearance on Full Throttle, host Jason Stein sits down with Kevin Tynan, Director of Research at The Presidio Group, for a no-nonsense breakdown of what 2026 really looks like for the U.S. auto industry.
This is not a hype cycle conversation.
Kevin explains why the market is hitting a structural tipping point — where chasing volume starts to destroy pricing, margins, and long-term profitability. With inventories creeping higher, incentives looming, EV strategies under pressure, and fixed ops emerging as the real profit engine, this episode is essential listening for dealer principals, OEM executives, and industry operators planning for the next phase.
Key topics include:
Why 15.5–16 million units is the profit ceiling — and why going higher hurts
Inventory discipline vs. volume-at-all-costs thinking
What 2019 taught dealers about oversupply — and why 2026 rhymes
The return of used-vehicle supply and what it means for margins
EV profitability realities and the growing “now what?” problem for OEMs
Why six-figure EVs don’t work — and what might
Fixed ops, F&I, and where AI and automation actually deliver ROI
The biggest strategic mistake dealers must avoid heading into 2026
Kevin also delivers a clear warning: the era of easy gross is over. The winners in 2026 won’t be the dealers who chase volume — they’ll be the ones who tighten operations, control inventory, and find margin in efficiency.
If you’re responsible for profit, planning, or performance in the auto business, this episode is required viewing.