Marcus Amick - Podcast Details

Shows

The Culture Lane Powering Ahead: Kia Builds on Messaging to Drive BrandKia may be an 80-year-old brand, but its story in North America is still actively unfolding. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we sit down with James Bell, head of corporate communications at Kia America, to explore how the company is shaping its message amid major wins and some challenges. James also shares how his team is sharpening Kia’s positioning in the U.S. market as the brand looks to its future.

2025-12-2430 min

The Culture Lane Car Mania: Engaging the Next-Gen CollectorCollecting cars has long been at the heart of automotive culture, from first dream cars to the hard-won keys of a classic finally parked in the driveway. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we sit down with Dan Stoner, creative director at Hemmings—a cornerstone of the collector community for more than 70 years—to explore how car collecting is evolving and connecting with a new generation of enthusiasts.

2025-12-1738 min

The Culture Lane New Zone: The Growing World of MicromobilityShared electric scooters and e-bikes aren’t a fad—they’re reshaping urban transportation. Veo reports that 35% of its trips replace car journeys and 72% of riders drive less, contributing to a 31% rise in shared micromobility trips in North America in 2024. In this episode of The Culture Lane, Alex Keating, Veo’s vice president of policy and partnerships, unpacks the company’s Shifting Gears report and what it reveals about the future of micromobility.

2025-12-1030 min

The Culture Lane Steering a Brand: Marketing VW in a New EraNavigating today’s U.S. auto market is no small feat—especially for a brand as iconic as Volkswagen. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we speak with Rachael Zaluzec, chief marketing officer and senior vice president at Volkswagen of America, about how VW is growing its U.S. customer base while staying true to its roots, from its storied heritage to a modern lineup that includes the all-electric ID. Buzz.

2025-12-0327 min

The Culture Lane Leaning into AI: The Shifting Dynamics of Car ShoppingCar shopping today can mean endless calls, emails, and texts from dealers all promising the perfect deal, adding to the stress of finding the right vehicle at the right price. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we explore how digital car-buying platform CarEdge is using AI to reduce the anxiety of purchasing a vehicle. The guest is Zach Shefska, co-founder and CEO of CarEdge, who shares how the tech is reshaping dealer–customer interactions and empowering consumers in new ways.

2025-11-2624 min

The Culture Lane Listen Up: Unpacking In-Car Audio HabitsAudio has always been at the heart of the driving experience—whether it’s catching the morning show on your commute or streaming playlists on a weekend road trip. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we dive into how in-car listening habits are changing, from emerging audio platforms to what’s coming next. Our guest is Laura Ivey, director of research at audio insights leader Edison Research.

2025-11-1931 min

2025-11-1813 min

The Culture Lane Navigating Heritage: Scout Charges Up for a New EraA year after unveiling the Scout Motors Traveler SUV and Terra pickup concepts, the Scout team is deep into finalizing the production models slated to debut in 2027. In the Season 3 premiere of The Culture Lane, we sit down with Chris Benjamin, chief design officer at Scout Motors, to discuss how the team is approaching reigniting the brand nearly 45 years later.

2025-11-1226 min

Warriors Wrap Up The Futures of Kuminga & Steph with Sam Amick | 'Warriors Plus Minus'From 'Warriors Plus Minus: A show about the Golden State Warriors' (subscribe here): Marcus welcomes on Sam Amick to discuss the latest happenings with Jonathan Kuminga and how the Warriors could potentally make moves this summer. Also, thoughts on the future of Steph Curry. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-07-3027 min

Warriors Plus Minus: A show about the Golden State Warriors The Futures of Kuminga & Steph with Sam AmickMarcus welcomes on Sam Amick to discuss the latest happenings with Jonathan Kuminga and how the Warriors could potentally make moves this summer. Also, thoughts on the future of Steph Curry. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-07-2930 min

Auto Intelligence (AI)Apr 8 Tariff Turbulence: How Trump's 25% Auto Tax Is Reshaping North American ManufacturingSend us a textWhat to Expect: In today's hard-hitting episode, Steve and Claire dissect the immediate fallout from Trump's 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts. You'll hear how Volkswagen has suspended Mexican exports, why Stellantis shut down its Windsor plant, and what Canada's retaliatory measures mean for consumers across North America. We also explore the surprising resurgence of hybrid vehicles amid slowing EV adoption rates, with Toyota and Ford's contrasting strategies taking center stage. Plus, get the inside track on China's commanding lead in autonomous vehicle commercialization and the latest on eco-friendly manufacturing innovations reshaping the...

2025-04-1519 min

The Culture Lane The Outro: Season 2

2024-10-1002 min

The Culture Lane Shifting Dodge: Powering Into ElectrificationThe electrification of Dodge has become one of the most buzzed-about evolutions in the auto industry, namely because of what the brand has represented as an American nameplate. In this episode of The Culture Lane (the final full episode in Season 2), we explore how Dodge plans to navigate its shift into electrification, with Matt McAlear, the newly appointed CEO of Dodge.

2024-10-0225 min

The Culture Lane Deeper Connection: Marketing Cars CulturallyCultural relevance has become a key business strategy for many companies seeking to position their products or services in the market. However, knowing how to navigate culture can be challenging, especially when it comes to selling vehicles in today's market. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we explore some of those challenges with Angela Spencer Ford, executive vice president and managing partner of the Detroit-based marketing agency, BLVD Content.

2024-09-2529 min

The Culture Lane Cultural Icon: Inside the Nissan GT-RThe Nissan R35 GT-R is currently in its last model year. However, as one of the most iconic vehicles in the world, the benchmark the Japanese supercar has set for performance will live on for years to come. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we delve into what has made the GT-R so ionic. The guest is Kazutoshi Mizuno, known as the “Father” of the GTR, who shares some deeper insight on the supercar in his new collector’s book titled, The GT-R: My Philosophy and My Original Technologies.

2024-09-1927 min

The Culture Lane Traction On: Hankook Tire Digs InThe tire industry is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolution of the automotive and mobility business, likely more than many realize. Be it EVs or motorsports, tires will help drive the future of vehicle transportation. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we explore the transformation of the tire business with Rob Williams, who is charged with navigating the future of Hankook Tire, North America, as president.

2024-09-1128 min

The Culture Lane Buying Trends: Personalizing the DataConsumer car purchases are arguably the heartbeat of automotive, given that every facet of the industry is predicated on that continuing pulse of the business. However, understanding what drives those purchases can be challenging, to say the least, especially in today’s market. To get a better understanding of the factors that influence car purchases, The Culture Lane elicited the insight of Rebecca Lindland, senior director of industry data and insights at Cars.com, as the featured guest on this week’s episode.

2024-09-0430 min

The Culture Lane Client Experience: The Infiniti Take on LuxuryThe new 2025 Infiniti QX80 seeks to usher in a new era for the luxury brand by building on several of the Japanese automaker's core tenets. From its new design elements to its new tech features, the 2025 QX80 is being touted by Infiniti as an evolution of the previous model. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we explore how Infiniti is leveraging the new SUV to reposition the luxury brand. The guest is Craig Keeys, group vice president of Infiniti Americas.

2024-08-2825 min

The Culture Lane Digitizing Dealers: Humanizing the ProcessDigital platforms and services have become an integral part of the automotive dealership business. However, as the auto retail market continues to evolve, it begs the question: how does a company ensure that its digital service continues to meet the needs of dealers and consumers? In this episode of The Culture Lane, we delve into this question and more with Randy Modos, co-founder and president of PayJunction, an auto dealer payment processing platform.

2024-08-2125 min

The Culture Lane Turning Forward: Michigan Central AheadThe renovation of the historic Michigan Central train station in Detroit has helped to reposition the city as an epicenter in the evolving world of mobility. The station now anchors a technology hub that will help drive a range of innovations, spanning next-gen delivery robots to the future of autonomous vehicles. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we delve deeper into Michigan Central and what it signifies culturally for Detroit, with Carolina Pluszczynski, chief operating officer and head of innovation services at Michigan Central.

2024-08-1425 min

The Culture Lane Leaning Into VR: Connecting Via GamingDigital gaming now ranks as one of the most popular pastimes in the world, with more than 70 percent of adults in the U.S. indicating they have played a video game on some platform, according to Statista. VRAL Games is looking to solidify its lane in the space, with VRIDER SBK, a new virtual reality (VR) motorcycle racing experience. In this episode of The Culture Lane, VRAL CEO Rodolfo Saccoman discusses how he sees VR-based games helping brands connect to consumers in exciting, new ways.

2024-08-0728 min

The Culture Lane Building on Legacy: Fiat Turns to EVs in USFiat has developed quite a legacy over its 125-year history. In recent years, the Italian brand’s global appeal has been rooted in the all-electric Fiat 500. Now, the Italian automaker is looking to leverage the vehicle's popularity in North America, with the launch of the new all-electric Fiat 500e in the market. In this episode of The Culture Lane, Aamir Ahmed, the newly appointed head of Fiat North America, shares some insight on the brand’s strategy for positioning the new all-electric hatchback beyond Europe.

2024-07-3125 min

The Culture Lane Steering Social: Viral Marketing 101Social media has become a pivotal part of automotive marketing strategies. However, when it comes to influencers and content creators, social is arguably one of the most challenging areas of marketing to navigate. In this episode of The Culture Lane, Joe Gagliese, founder and CEO of Viral Nation, a company rooted in the power of influencers, discusses how automakers can successfully navigate those challenges.

2024-07-2427 min

The Culture Lane Winning Connection: Genesis Take on TechGenesis is arguably one of the most interesting brands in the automotive sector. Launched in 2016 in the U.S., the South Korean automaker has quickly become a major competitor in the luxury segment. And technology has been an intricate part of the company's success. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we explore the key tenets of Genesis’ approach to tech, with Ricky Lao, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the luxury brand’s tech strategy, as director of product planning for Hyundai Motor America.

2024-07-1723 min

The Culture Lane Conversational AI: A New In-Vehicle ExperienceThe transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the automotive and mobility industry is well underway. And one of the companies breaking new ground in the space is SoundHound AI. Leveraging its relationship with Nvidia, the company is redefining the idea of in-vehicle communications, with its conversational intelligence technology. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we delve into the tech, with SoundHound AI COO Michael Zagorsek.

2024-07-1023 min

The Culture Lane Digital Crossroads: Navigating A Cookieless FutureEvery business sector is poised to be impacted by the deprecation or phasing out of third-party cookies. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we delve into the implications of the shift away from cross-site web-tracking on automakers, dealers, and other affiliated businesses – as well as other changes redefining the digital marketing landscape. Our guest is marketing thought-leader, Ken Nelson, who serves as a managing director at the insights company, Deloitte.

2024-07-0327 min

The Culture Lane Electrifying Luxury: Marketing the Escalade IQFor 25 years, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the luxury SUV market. Now, Cadillac is charging up for one of its boldest moves yet in the segment – the launch of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, the brand's first all-electric model of the iconic SUV. To kick off Season 2 of The Culture Lane, we talked to Donnelly Baxter, who will play a key role in positioning the highly anticipated Cadillac SUV, as the global marketing manager for the Escalade IQ.

2024-06-2626 min

The Culture Lane The Outro

2023-11-0103 min

The Culture Lane Different Connection: Smartcar Takes PositionConnected vehicles are poised to completely redefine automobility, from car sharing to the way packages are delivered to customers. This week's episode delves into Smartcar, a tech company that is taking a different lane in the world of connected vehicles, by enabling developers with the tools to more easily create apps to improve the mobility experience. The featured guest is Sahas Katta, founder and CEO of Smartcar.

2023-10-2527 min

The Culture Lane Steering Change: Hyundai VP on MobilityHyundai continues to gain ground in the U.S. car market, all while striving to solidify its position in the new world of mobility. This episode of The Culture Lane delves into how the company is navigating that transition with featured guest Olabisi Boyle − vice president of product and mobility at Hyundai Motor America.

2023-10-1826 min

The Culture Lane Charging Elevated: Rove Breaks GroundThere is no shortage of new charging ideas in the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles. But Rove, a new California-based startup, is taking a different approach to addressing some of the major barriers associated with EV ownership. The company is launching what it touts as “full-service” charging centers with a host of premium amenities. This week’s featured guest is Nathan McDonnell, CEO of Rove.

2023-10-1125 min

The Culture Lane Driving Disruption: The Carvana FormulaThe auto industry has long been a business driven by traditions. Over a decade ago, Carvana launched, with a mission to disrupt the space, by providing consumers with a different approach to buying a used vehicle. This episode delves into how the company is building on that strategy while navigating the challenges that come with being a disruptor. The featured guest is Dan Gill, chief product officer at Carvana.

2023-10-0429 min

The Culture Lane Culture First: Marketing Nissan U.S.The task of positioning an automotive brand in today’s consumer market is challenging, to say the least. There are so many factors to consider – whether it's assessing how a particular vehicle might appeal to millennials or finding a clever way to promote new tech features. This episode of The Culture Lane delves into how Nissan U.S. is meeting the challenge, with featured guest Marisstella Marinkovic, the chief marketing officer at the automaker.

2023-09-2725 min

The Culture Lane Dealership Check: Digital to ConsumersEvery retail business is relying more on digital solutions to better connect with consumers. But ensuring that the tech is effective is more than a notion. Episode 10 of The Culture Lane explores how auto dealers are fairing when it comes to technology aimed at improving their relationship with consumers. The featured guest is Steve Greenfield ̶ founder and CEO of the auto tech investment company, Automotive Ventures, and author of the book, The Future of Automotive Retail.

2023-09-2026 min

The Culture Lane First Preferences: Gauging Key DemographicsBeing able to predict consumer buying behavior in automotive to any degree can be hugely beneficial to those in the business. Episode nine of The Culture Lane delves into two studies by the research company Collage Group, unearthing some interesting findings pertaining to vehicle preferences among some key demographic groups. The featured guest is Jack Mackinnon, who serves as senior director of Cultural Insights at Collage Group.

2023-09-1328 min

The Culture Lane Road to Air: The Reality of eVTOLsThe idea of flying cars used to be something primarily associated with science fiction movies. However, the growing market for eVTOLs could make the vehicles a real mobility option in a few years. This episode dives into the business of electric takeoff and landing vehicles with Guy Kaplinsky, Co-Founder and CEO of ASKA, a company looking to position itself as a unique offering in the sector when it all takes flight.

2023-09-0623 min

The Culture Lane Shifting Into AI: Building on the TechThere is so much buzz around AI, but how is it poised to drive the world of automotive and mobility? Episode seven of The Culture Lane dives into that very topic and some of the pros and cons associated with the wider adoption of AI in the sector. The featured guest is Ashok Divakaran ̶ AI sector lead for automotive and mobility at the consulting company Deloitte.

2023-08-3022 min

The Culture Lane Color Me Bold: Painting a Jeep for the WorldEpisode six of The Culture Lane explores the design processes that drive the color and materials palette for the Jeep Wrangler, with a focus on the 2024 model line-up. The episode also delves into the role that color will play in the future of the Wrangler and the Jeep brand overall. The featured guest is La Shirl Turner – VP of Advanced Color and Materials at Stellantis.

2023-08-2324 min

The Culture Lane Power of Culture: Driving People to MoveEpisode five of The Culture Lane dives into what very well could be the key to business success in the new competitive world of automotive and mobility – culture itself. The featured guest is Marcus Collins – an award-winning marketer, a professor at Ross School of Business, and author of the book For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be.

2023-08-1631 min

The Culture Lane Charging Wireless: EVs On WiTricityEpisode four of The Culture Lane explores the tech company WiTricity, which is focused on completely transforming the EV landscape with wireless charging pads. Featured guest – WiTricity CEO Alex Gruzen – discusses the market positioning strategy for the company’s charging technology for both consumers and fleet businesses.

2023-08-0928 min

The Culture Lane Inside Connection: The Harman ExperienceIn-cabin technology is playing a pivotal role in the evolving world of automotive. Episode three of The Culture Lane takes a deep dive into one of the companies helping to lead that evolution – Harman Automotive. Our guest is Armin Prommersberger, who is charged with leading Harman's efforts in the space as VP of product development, automotive.

2023-08-0230 min

The Culture Lane Powering Forward: Hummer EV and BeyondEpisode two of The Culture Lane takes a deeper dive into how the GMC Hummer EV and its Ultium battery platform are driving GM’s electrification strategy. Featured guest Andy Oury – engineering technical leader for high-voltage battery packs at GM – discusses everything, from strategic partnerships in the EV space to enhancing the Ultium platform.

2023-07-2624 min

The Culture Lane New Era: Karma RechargedEpisode one of The Culture Lane features Marques McCammon – the newly appointed president of Karma Automotive. The seasoned auto exec, who has 25-plus years of experience in the transportation industry, shares his insight on some of the challenges facing the business and how he envisions Karma gaining traction in the new world of mobility.

2023-07-1927 min

The Culture Lane The IntroThe intro to The Culture Lane sets the stage for what promises to be an insightful journey exploring the new world of automotive and mobility. The host is Marcus Amick, a journalist with nearly 20 years of experience covering transportation. The Culture Lane will take a different route than most, providing listeners with a more unique perspective on the automotive and mobility industry.

2023-07-1001 min

Warriors Plus Minus: A show about the Golden State Warriors All 82- Warriors win Game 5 in SacramentoThat’s a 28th consecutive series with a road win for the Warriors. How’d they do it? Marcus Thompson, Sam Amick and Anthony Slater discuss.-You can follow Anthony on Twitter @anthonyVslater-You can follow Marcus on Twitter @ThompsonScribe-You can follow Sam on Twitter @sam_amick To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023-04-2735 min

Warriors Plus Minus: A show about the Golden State Warriors Game 4 roundtableIt was a wild Game 4 in San Francisco. The Warriors survived. They’ve tied the series with the Kings 2-2. What went down? Anthony Slater, Sam Amick, Marcus Thompson and Tim Kawakami discuss.-You can follow Anthony on Twitter @anthonyVslater-You can follow Marcus on Twitter @ThompsonScribe-You can follow Tim on Twitter @timkawakami To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ht...

2023-04-2447 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Kia: Marketing in MotionKia 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]

2023-02-1520 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Shifting Gears: NADA & Driving the Future of Auto Retail [Part 2]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 Carter Myers Automotive; and Marco Schnabl, Executive Chairman of RockED.

2023-02-0814 min

The Lead If The Architect Leaves, Will The Warriors Dynasty Crumble?The Golden State Warriors are the defending NBA champions, and one of the great dynasties in NBA history. But so far this season, the team is hovering around .500, and they're approaching a crossroads when it comes to the contracts of Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the architect of this dynasty, GM Bob Myers. Today, The Athletic's Sam Amick explains the massive impact Myers has had on the Warriors, the tensions now simmering behind the scenes, and what a Myers departure might mean for the team's future.Read the full story about Bob Myers from Sam Amick, Anthony...

2023-02-0130 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Shifting Gears: NADA & Driving the Future of Auto Retail [Part 1]In this episode of To the Point, we recap some of the biggest takeaways from our recent trip to Dallas for the 2023 NADA Show, where we interviewed some of the top industry leaders in auto retail. This episode − part one of a two-part series − features Jennifer Swope, GM, Swope Hyundai and Genesis; David Kain, President, Kain Automotive; Warner Jones, COO, TruVideo; and Brian Benstock, Partner, GM & Vice President, Paragon Honda and Acura.

2023-02-0113 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick On the Rise: Auto Insurance Rates in 2023In 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]

2023-01-2516 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Deloitte on 2023 Consumers Auto TrendsMake 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 vehicles. We also examine the implications of the study as it relates to the future of marketing, selling, and servicing vehicles. Guest [Ryan Robinson, Automotive Research Leader, Deloitte]

2023-01-1825 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Signs of the TimesAutomotive 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: [Steve Greenfield, CEO & Founder, Automotive Ventures]

2023-01-1124 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Holoride Shifts Passengers Into ‘Motorverse’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 explore how Holoride is poised to help drive the Metaverse of car experiences, dubbed the “Motorverse.” Guest: Nils Wollny [CEO & Co-Founder, Holoride]

2023-01-0424 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Looking Back: 2022 in ReviewThis 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, spanning market analysis to new vehicle reviews.Guests: Various

2022-12-2821 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Harman on the New World of InfotainmentThe 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, SVP of Digital Cockpit, Harman Automotive. Guest: Huibert Verhoeven [SVP of Digital Cockpit, Harman Automotive]

2022-12-2118 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Buick Wildcat EV and BeyondAmong 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 about Buick, To the Pont talked to two of the key GM executives who are helping to drive the brand into a new era. Guests: Sharon Gauci [Executive Director, Global Buick-GMC Design] & Therese Pinazzo [Buick Exterior and Interior D...

2022-12-1415 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Talking TekionTekion 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 more.Guest: Jay Vijayan [CEO and Founder, Tekion]

2022-12-0722 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Alfa Romeo on Selling LuxuryThe 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 forward.Guest: Larry Dominique, Senior Vice President, Alfa Romeo, North America

2022-11-3017 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Unpacked: The 2022 LA Auto ShowThe 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 automotive journalist, Nicole Wakelin. Guest: Nicole Wakelin [NACTOY, Juror; Contributor, Kelley Blue Book, CNET, Forbes, TrueCar; Host, Fast Women Podcast, Newsweek; World Car Awards, Juror]

2022-11-2319 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Missed ConnectionFrom 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: Adam Hudson [Vice President & General Manager, U.S. Connected Car, LexisNexis Risk Solutions]

2022-11-1616 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Standing On The BrandThis 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 the highest in brand loyalty. Guest: Tyson Jominy [Vice President, Data & Analytics, J.D Power]

2022-11-0916 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & I Part 3In 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 one of its most transformative periods in history. Guests: Breanna Hubbard [Sales associate, Chronic Buick GMC] & Sham Bryant [Used Vehicle Buyer, Walser Automotive Group]

2022-11-0217 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & IIn 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 of the first-ever Buick GMC Inclusive Dealer Recognition award. Wanda Howell [Chronic Buick GMC, Owner] & Sherry Schultz [EVP, Chief Human Resources, Walser Automotive Group]

2022-10-2620 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Building Forward: Buick GMC on the Value of D, E & IPart 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 Aldred, Global Vice President of Buick GMC, discussing what promoted the dealership initiative and how it fits within the scope of the company’s business strategy moving forward.Our Guest: Duncan Aldred [Global Vice President...

2022-10-1918 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Jeep Takes On LuxuryJeep 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 the Wagoneer’s interior. Our Guest: Chris Benjamin [Vice President, Interior Design, Stellantis North America]

2022-10-1214 min

Warriors Plus Minus: A show about the Golden State Warriors Thoughts on Draymond Green's apologyDraymond Green just had a 40-minute press conference to apologize for his punch of Jordan Poole. We have a roundtable -- Tim Kawakami, Sam Amick, Marcus Thompson and Anthony Slater -- to discuss all the takeaways To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2022-10-0826 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Auto Retail in 3DAs 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 automakers make the connection. Our Guest: Elizabeth Baron [Enterprise Solutions Executive, Unity Technologies]

2022-10-0514 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Charging on New GroundOn 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 Professor, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin]

2022-09-2816 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Cadillac ElectrifiedCadillac 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 the brand.Our Guest: Tony Johnson [Director of Marketing, Cadillac]

2022-09-2114 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick Facing The WoesTo 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 Guest: Ryan Robinson [Lead Consumer Researcher, Deloitte]

2022-09-1416 min

The Athletic NBA Show The Athletic NBA Live Draft ShowAn event, unlike any other, join Zach Harper, Mo Dakhil, Jay King, John Hollinger, Seth Partnow, Fred Katz, Sam Amick, Marcus Thompson, and Will Guillory as they react in real time to all the action from the NBA Draft.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2022-06-242h 17

To The Point with Marcus Amick 25. Rebirthing an ICE Icon in the Hype of EVsFor 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, Marketing and Sales Director for Nissan, to learn how the carmaker has worked to position the latest generation of the iconic sports car, powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine -- amid all the buzz around electric vehicles.

2022-05-1812 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 24. Driving a Cultural ConnectionIn 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 GuestsFran WestbrooksFran is the founder and president of Boulevard, a Detroit-based advertising agency. Prior to founding Boulevard, Fran spent over 20 years leading the largest multicultural agency in the country as an award-winning VP, creative director, and writer in Detroit and New York, building global brands such as Verizon, Sub...

2022-05-1110 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 23. Dissecting the Rising Cost of Car InsuranceThis 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 GuestOur guest is John McCormick, the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com, all owned and operated by the marketing and research company, QuinStreet. Before joining QuinStreet, John served as a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal, where he covered the use of technology in insurance, ba...

2022-05-0411 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 22. Exploring the True Power of the GMC Hummer EV, Part 3This 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 GuestRich 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 vehicle strategically positions General Motors in the growing world of EVs.

2022-04-2714 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 21. New Charge: Exploring the True Power of the GMC Hummer EV, Part 2This 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 GuestsFeatured guests on this week’s episode include Paul Arnone, lead interior designer of the GMC Hummer EV, and Brian Malczewski, the lead exterior designer of the vehicle.

2022-04-2011 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 20. New Charge: Exploring the True Power of the GMC Hummer EV, Part 1This 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 documentary that captures the design, engineering and manufacturing of the new electric vehicle.Sean’s other film credits include his second documentary, Our American Family, which he co-directed with Hallee Adelman, and his critically acclaimed debut n...

2022-04-1314 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 19. Power of Digital Marketing in Today’s Auto Retail MarketThis 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 GuestThad has more than a decade of digital marketing experience, including advanced expertise in crafting lead generation campaigns for the automotive industry on a wide variety of platforms. He is also certified in advanced Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Facebook Blueprint.

2022-04-0611 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 18. Women’s History Month – Jenell R. Ross, President, Bob Ross Auto Group in Centerville OhioJenell 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 dealerships owned by an African American woman. Jenell is also the only second-generation African American woman automobile dealer in the country, according to the company.

2022-03-3013 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 17. Women’s History Month: Erikka Tiffani Wells, Sales & Training Manager, Vice President of WOCANErikka Tiffani Wells has 18 years of experience in the automotive industry.About Our GuestHer 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 America, during her seven years with Audi Marrietta in Georgia; being recognized as one of the top sales managers in the southern region; and cofounding the Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN), a non-profit focused on...

2022-03-2315 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 15. Women’s History Month: Kim Adams House, Head of All Brands – Licensing and Merchandising, StellantisThis episode of To the Point features Kim Adams House – as part of RockED’s continuing celebration of Women’s History Month. About Our GuestKim, 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 aspirations for the company’s diverse portfolio of products and expanding the brands' reach to new consumers. Kim’s tenure with the company has included several other senior-level executive positions.

2022-03-1619 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 15. Women’s History Month: Emily Miller, Founder, Rebelle RallyThis 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 GuestAs a competitive off-road racer, Emily has earned several podium finishes and major wins during her career, including the Baja 1000; winning the 2019 Carta Rallye in Morocco; and being the first woman to solo the longest off-road race in the U.S. and win in the stock class. Over the course of her career...

2022-03-0915 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 14. Women's History Month Celebration: Katie Loyas - Head of Partner Engagement, RockEDThis 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 GuestKatie 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 leadership roles over the course of her two decades in the industry. She also was one of the first 10 employees at the auto dealership solution company, automotiveMastermind, and helped scale the organization to eve...

2022-03-0215 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 13. Black History Month Spotlight: Juanita Slappy - Head of Multicultural Marketing, CadillacEpisode 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 GuestJuanita 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 appointed to the position last year and first joined General Motors in 2017 as a lead in Diversity Brand Communications.

2022-02-2315 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 12. Black History Month Special: Reflecting on the Legacy of Edward DavisEpisode 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 GuestThis week’s guest on To the Point is longtime automotive insider, Randi Payton, who helped pave the way for Blacks in automotive media and is still considered as one of the chief conservators of Black achievements in the automotive industry.

2022-02-1623 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 11. Black History Month Special: Honoring Industry Executive William AdkinsEpisode 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 automotive industry. About Our GuestBill Adkins’ career includes spearheading the technology startup company, Automotive Mastermind, which specializes in predictive analytics, servicing the industry. He also served as an automobile dealer for more than 19-years, which inc...

2022-02-0913 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 10. Auto Retail Still Finds Itself Struggling to Relate to Women Car BuyersEpisode 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 GuestCathy Droz is an accomplished automotive journalist, consult and speaker. Droz is also the founder/CEO of HER Certified® – a dealer program that seeks to help dealerships better serve women car buyers – which was founded on the principals of honesty, excellence and respect. The Phoeni...

2022-02-0224 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 9. Connecting New Vehicle Safety Technologies with ConsumersEpisode 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 GuestMatt Moore is senior vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). He oversees HLDI’s research program, the collection of vehicle information, and the production of loss data. HLDI processes insurance data from...

2022-01-2616 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 8. A Juror’s Take on this Year’s 2022 NACTOY AwardsEpisode 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 juror for the 2022 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards, which is the focus of this edition of To the Point. About Our GuestBrian Armstead is a North American C...

2022-01-1919 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 6. Everyday Living with an EV 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.

2022-01-0514 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 5. Understanding Lifestyle in the World of Automotive Retail 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.

2021-12-2911 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 4. New 'Autoverse' NFT World Could Drive an Entirely Different Kind of Car ExperienceEpisode 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 sectors in the car world. About Our GuestTARO KOKI - Taro Koki is founder of Kuruma NFT Inc., an NFT marketplace for automotive enthusiasts. In 2007, Taro founded the GT Channel, a c...

2021-12-2214 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 1. Introducing Marcus AmickPatrick 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.

2021-12-1712 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 2. Takeaways From the L.A. Auto ShowThe 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 Utility of the Year (NACTOY) 2022 Awards, announced during the show. This Episode's GuestPaul A. Eisenstein is a contributor to NBC, Forbes Wheels and several other media outlets. He is also the publisher of TheDetroitBureau.co...

2021-12-1715 min

To The Point with Marcus Amick 3. Dealership Challenges In the New World of Digital RetailEpisode 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 GuestDurran Cage has spent more than 15 years in the Auto Industry. His unique qualifications include serving as an OEM District Sales Manager for the former FCA (now Stellantis), High-Performance Internet Director and GSM at Alan Vines Automotive Group, and Digital Retail Consulting Specialist for Cox Automotive.

2021-12-1714 min

Tampering: An NBA Podcast Marcus Thompson On The Condition Of Our CountryMarcus Thompson joins Sam Amick and Joe Vardon to discuss the condition of the United States, racism, how the NBA and its players are speaking up, and some personal stories from Sam, Joe and Marcus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-06-0248 min

Serenbe Stories The Story Before Serenbe: Steve Nygren's Early YearsNot many people find their career path at 18, but as soon as Steve Nygren saw how the restaurant business worked he knew he was in the right place.Questions AnsweredHow does a hospitality guy end up placemaking in the woods?Why was Steve Nygren the right person to create a place like Serenbe?How did Steve go from bus boy to maitre 'd in one summer? What brought Steve to Atlanta?What was different about the Stouffer's Hotel in Atlanta?What was Steve's Big Splash marketing campaign f...

2019-11-1146 min

NBA A to Z with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt Rise of the Warriors and perspective on Griffin, Cousins, SagerOn this episode, Sam Amick talks with Golden State Warriors beat reporter Marcus Thompson about how the team rose from being one of worst teams in the league to the current dynasty. They talk about covering the team in those early days. It was a team with humble beginnings, poor play and a fan base that wasn’t enamored with the future. Then they built the base that led to the great team they have today. They discuss how Steph Curry is having a great season, but not an MVP-type season, and how that has changed since Kevin Durant joined th...

2016-12-2000 min