In this episode of In the Passenger Seat, host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with automotive data and AI expert, Yuriy Demidko, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing dealerships today: building the right data foundation for effective AI adoption.

Yuriy breaks down why clean, structured data is essential for modern dealership operations—and why AI tools can only deliver value when the underlying data infrastructure is strong. From inventory management and pricing to customer experience and decision-making, the quality of your data directly impacts the quality of your outcomes.

You’ll learn:

• Why “garbage in, garbage out” matters more than ever in automotive retail

• How poor data structure can hold back AI, automation, and analytics

• What dealers should evaluate before implementing new AI solutions

• Practical steps to improve data accuracy, organization, and consistency

If you’re a dealership leader, operator, or anyone exploring AI and digital transformation in automotive, this episode offers actionable insights to help you make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Host, Matt Mitteldorfer, sits down with Brian & Jamie Johnson of Crescent Automotive (Aiken, SC) to explore how a family-run store uses smart tech and human-first values to rewrite the playbook. The Johnsons share how they’ve embraced practical technology to simplify operations and put customers first.

When introduced to ACV's ClearCar solution, it immediately clicked—simple, transparent, and easy—a natural fit for their customer-centric, customer-first way of doing business.

They share how a predominantly female team helps create a gentler, low-pressure experience for women and families, and how word of mouth and long-term relationships still drive the business. Plus, they unpack how ACV's Guaranteed Sale has helped steady inventory and speed up turns with multiple bidders on every car launched.

It’s a conversation about modernizing without losing the human touch—and building trust one interaction at a time.

Host Matt Mitteldorfer chats with Doug Hadden, ACV’s VP of Field Initiatives, about key takeaways from NIADA 2025—from emerging trends and real-world dealership insights to how people and technology are redefining the way dealers operate today.

Tune in for practical, forward-looking insights on the evolving world of automotive retail.

Ever wonder how dealers win the deal before the customer even asks? In this episode of In the Passenger’s Seat, Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Andrew Sweet, VP of Software Solutions and Randy Barone, VP of Business Development from ACV to unpack ClearCar and ACV MAX—two tools transforming how dealers price, appraise, and acquire inventory. From sharper pricing signals to faster service-lane decisions, this convo is all about turning cars quicker, protecting gross, and powering the future of retail.

Recorded live on the NIADA 2025 show floor, "In the Passenger's Seat" host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Chris Taylor, owner of Certified AutoBrokers, to unpack why associations like NIADA are indispensable for independent dealers—credible advocacy, real-time compliance guidance, practical training, problem-solving peer networks, and a vendor marketplace that actually improves margins. They also dig into AI’s expanding role in retail and fixed ops, and why conferences like NIADA are the best place to shop solutions in the wild.

Bonus highlight: Chris explains how his team uses ACV Live Appraisal and how it’s become an entertaining, community-facing moment that pulls people in—and a highly engaging, rewarding experience for his team—while keeping valuations transparent and fast.

At NIADA 2025, "In the Passenger’s Seat" host, Matt Mitteldorfer, sits down with Lawrence Breaud, owner of Autos of Forney, to explore how he’s using the full range of ACV tools to elevate his independent dealership.

From ClearCar and Guaranteed Sale to ACV MAX and our digital auction, Lawrence takes an a la carte approach to ACV's platform — and it's paying off. Tune in to hear how he strategically leverages each product to drive efficiency, boost profitability, and stay ahead in a competitive market.

Whether you're a seasoned dealer or just starting out, this episode offers practical insights from someone putting ACV to work, every day.

In this episode of In the Passenger’s Seat, host Matt Mitteldorfer sits down with Charlie Cluss, a key leader in ACV’s Research & Development team. Charlie shares his unique journey from working in the field as a Vehicle Condition Inspector (VCI) at ACV to now building the very technology our VCIs use to inspect and assess vehicles.

Matt and Charlie explore how innovation is reshaping wholesale automotive — from smarter inspections and more accurate condition reports to using data to confidently price a car. They also look ahead at what’s coming next in automotive tech and how ACV is staying ahead of the curve.

Whether you're a gearhead, a tech lover, or just curious about the future of the industry, this one’s for you.

In this episode of In the Passenger’s Seat, host Matt Mitteldorfer is joined by John Coles, ACV’s VP of Data Science & Analytics, for a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the used vehicle market. From pricing pressure to inventory shortages, John unpacks how ACV is helping dealers adapt through powerful machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI-driven tools.

Learn how to price with confidence, make smarter sourcing decisions, and use data to overcome today’s biggest operational roadblocks. Whether you're navigating tighter margins or rethinking your buying strategy, this episode offers real-world insights that can help you stay in the driver’s seat.