In the latest episode of Inside Automotive, John Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Force Marketing, previews his keynotes at the upcoming NY Automotive Forum hosted by NADA, J.D. Power, and the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), scheduled for April 15th. Joined by Senator Bernie Moreno, Fitzpatrick explores critical issues impacting the automotive industry, from tariffs and trade to the future of electric vehicles (EVs) and retail dynamics. Here’s a look at their key conversation points and insights that will shape the future of the auto sector.
During the interview, Fitzpatrick shared his excitement about participating in the NY Automotive Forum alongside Senator Bernie Moreno, Fitzpatrick stressed the importance of Moreno, the first car dealer to serve in the Senate, and his efforts to reshape policies affecting the auto industry, particularly in Ohio. Fitzpatrick also describes how Moreno’s background as a car dealer has shaped his policy approach, including his advocacy for bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
The conversation then turned to the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on the automotive market. Fitzpatrick noted an unexpected uptick in dealership traffic, with consumers rushing to make purchases before tariffs potentially increased vehicle prices by 25%. While Fitzpatrick acknowledged the short-term boost, he raised concerns about the long-term effects, wondering whether continued tariffs would create lasting instability. He expressed hope that Senator Moreno could shed light on how these tariffs might play out in the future.
Fitzpatrick also weighed in on the current EV landscape. He discussed the role of tax incentives, which were originally intended as a stimulus to kickstart EV adoption but are now seen as less necessary given the growing consumer interest and availability of EV options. He mentioned Toyota’s approach of treating EVs as one option in a broader mix, cautioning against government mandates but acknowledging the growing demand for these vehicles.
Ultimately, as the NY Automotive Forum draws near, Fitzpatrick encourages all auto industry professionals to attend, as it will be a crucial opportunity to hear from thought leaders like Senator Moreno and gain insights into the changing landscape of automotive retail.
"Look, I think America voted for change, right? And they put a guy in that had never run for any office before, right all the way to the U.S. Senate as his first entry into politics. And he ran against the guy that was really a career politician." – John Fitzpatrick.
