Anthony Martin, PMP, SPC, CSM, ITIL, SSGB

Within 36 hours of purchasing a vehicle from an AutoNation dealership, we experienced something that should never happen inside a branded retail environment. After returning the vehicle for a warning issue and being told repairs would take “a few hours,” we waited nearly five hours without meaningful communication. Multiple attempts to obtain status updates went unanswered. The vehicle had not even been serviced by that time. Communication failures are frustrating, but they can be resolved. What is far more concerning is what happened next. When I calmly asked where to submit Uber receipts caused by the delay, the interaction escalated. An employee responded in a hostile tone, misrepresented his position, and stepped aggressively toward me in a physically intimidating manner inside the showroom, in front of customers and staff. Within 36 hours of purchase. This is not about reimbursement. This is about professional conduct and customer safety inside a dealership operating under major national and global brands. Customers choose brands like AutoNation and Volvo because of trust, integrity, and safety — not just product quality, but the experience surrounding it. Physical intimidation and hostility toward a customer asking a reasonable question does not align with those standards. I am respectfully requesting that: AutoNation corporate leadership review this matter. Volvo regional management ensure brand standards are upheld within its authorized dealer network. Clear communication and professional conduct expectations be reinforced. We prefer resolution through direct corporate engagement rather than public escalation. @AutoNation @Volvo Cars

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Early in my career, it was my skills that got me started —but it has been my network that has helped me grow. The conversations you have, the relationships you build, and the people who advocate for you can shape opportunities faster than any job title. Who’s in your corner as you’re building your career? #careergrowth #coxbrandavocate

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3 in 2 Video: 8-8-2025 📚 Auto Care database APIs released in November of 2025. Are you taking advantage of the daily updates? https://lnkd.in/ezEFMshJ 🌎 Are you ready for ACES® 5.0 and PIES® 8.0? Blog Post: https://lnkd.in/ew-r2bSn! Documentation: ACES® 5.0 https://lnkd.in/etDxtTis PIES® https://lnkd.in/eFD5JvmM 🏛 Do you have someone in your organization who could benefit from Introduction to ACES® and PIES®? It is also available in Spanish! Want to learn more about the standards in the industry? Check out the Auto Care Academy for more information: https://lnkd.in/gTdyNhAe 👨‍💻 Interested in learning more about the great technology activities at Auto Care? Book some time with the team here: https://lnkd.in/evsfEQNG Invest in your career and take advantage of these valuable resources today!

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Auto dealership general managers spend hours looking at P&Ls every month. It's exhausting, and you come away knowing you're behind industry standard in 60 places but with nowhere to start. The variables with the most leverage aren't always the ones that look worst on paper. They're the ones where a realistic improvement compounds through the rest of the business. That's the problem I built Compass to solve.

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It feels like decisions being made for launches years from now, are being made using data about what people are demanding TODAY. That's the action of a company that's preparing to shrink, not grow. Getting involved in the community, learning what problems people are having now, the ones that will get worse if nothing changes, and focusing on those problem is the key. If customer advisory groups are collectively demanding a solution, you're already behind. Being in touch with future demand is what launched a lot of the powerhouse businesses of today, and it's what will launch the powerhouses of tomorrow.

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According to Cox Automotive Inc.'s July Auto Market Report, the industry saw strong gains: ⏺️ +6.6% new-vehicle sales YoY ⏺️ +2% used retail sales YoY ⏺️ Credit access improved across most lender types Lower prices, higher incentives, and better credit access are creating opportunities for lenders to serve more borrowers—especially in near- and non-prime segments. These trends underscore the importance of adapting lending strategies to meet shifting demand and credit dynamics. Read the full Cox Automotive report here: https://lnkd.in/gEEZ4SGn #AutoLending #AutoFinance #CreditUnions #Banks #OpenLending #LendingInsights #CoxAutomotive

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The outlook for the certified pre-owned vehicle market is strong, say leaders of automaker CPO programs who talked with Auto Remarketing at NADA Show 2026 and in preceding weeks. Sales in 2025 were robust, despite ongoing supply challenges and general affordability issues within automotive.

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