On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, we’re joined by Matt Bowers, Owner of Matt Bowers Auto Group, to discuss the state of retail automotive, the shift in dealer management mindsets, and why he is aggressively expanding his footprint even as consumer demand softens. What’s driving the disconnectWhile public dealership groups hit record stock highs and economic headlines suggest broader strength, Bowers sees a different picture on the ground. For the average “Johnny Lunch Bucket” consumer, high vehicle prices, flat wages, and general cost-of-living increases have flattened retail demand. For example, with Stellantis, Bowers believes the franchise hit its absolute floor in 2024. Notably, his Stellantis dealership in Baton Rouge remains the most profitable store in his entire group.