Bold Predictions For Automotive in 2026
In this episode of the Driving Relationships Studio Podcast, we’re doing a full 2026 automotive predictionsroundtable—without the roundtable.
After last year’s prediction episode proved to be shockingly accurate (around 85%), we asked general managers across our auto group to send in their bold 2026 dealership forecasts—and we’re reacting to them for the first time on camera.
You’ll hear real, unfiltered predictions on:
* New car sales growth targets (including massive volume swings tied to inventory and new facilities)
* Used car market momentum (multiple stores calling their shot at 1,000+ used cars)
* Service & parts: record fixed ops years, customer pay growth, and retention strategies like Oil Guard
* The “intangibles” that win: culture, consistency, community, staffing, leadership, and execution
This is part entertainment, part accountability… and part challenge.
✅ If you work at one of these stores (or in the car business at all): Drop a comment with your bold 2026 prediction—for your store, your department, or the entire industry. Agree? Disagree? Call your shot. We’ll circle back and see who nailed it.
Topics covered in this episode include:
* Dealership sales forecasting for 2026
* Used car sales goals and volume strategies
* Service department growth predictions
* Customer pay RRO growth and retention programs
* Fixed operations profitability and operating profit predictions
* The 2026 car market: stability, pricing, and demand outlook
* Dealership leadership, staffing, and culture as performance drivers
🎙️ If you’re in automotive sales, dealership management, fixed ops, service, parts, BDC, F&I, or leadership, this one will hit home.
👇 COMMENT YOUR 2026 PREDICTION: What happens to used car values? New car volume? Service profitability? Dealer marketing spend? Tech vendors? Work-life balance? Let’s hear it.
#Automotive #CarSales #DealershipLife #UsedCars #FixedOps #ServiceDepartment #AutoIndustry #2026Predictions
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