Overview
NADA’s latest Dealer Driven podcast episode (Feb. 11) features Chairman Rob Cochran outlining 2026 priorities recorded live at NADA Show 2026 in Las Vegas. He emphasizes defending the franchised dealer model, reworking the customer experience, and guiding dealers on artificial intelligence.
Priorities for 2026
- Franchised dealer model: Cochran explains why he believes it remains the most efficient path to market and details how NADA plans to protect it.
- Customer experience: A call to rethink engagement before, during, and after the sale to build a more efficient, responsive retail model.
- Artificial intelligence: Scenario planning to help dealers identify use cases, prepare for multiple outcomes, and define guardrails.
Regulatory Focus
Cochran highlights “fighting regulatory overreach” as central to 2026, signaling active engagement with federal and state agencies. While no specific rules are cited, NADA will monitor and respond to policies affecting dealer operations and consumer access to vehicles.
Customer Experience Rework
The discussion urges updating processes and touchpoints across the buyer journey, aligning with broader education and operations themes common at the NADA Show. The aim is a streamlined, more responsive retail framework.
AI Through Scenario Planning
NADA is using scenario planning to guide members on where AI tools fit in operations and customer service and where guardrails may be needed as technologies evolve. No detailed framework is provided in the post.
Long-Term Planning
Dealers are encouraged to think beyond immediate sales cycles and consider technology, regulation, and shifting consumer behavior when structuring and staffing stores.
Event and Context
The episode was recorded live at NADA Show 2026 (Feb. 3–6) in Las Vegas, the association’s “Auto Industry Event of the Year.” Cochran, who leads #1 Cochran in Western Pennsylvania, links his early start in the family business to his leadership approach. The episode is hosted by Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes and sponsored by DMS; the post was written by Robert Treadway for NADA Headlines.
Related Coverage and Data
NADA Highlights around the show included AI strategies for 2026, modernizing state titling, and F&I profitability. A Jan. 31 Market Beat reported a 14.9 million-unit SAAR for January new light-vehicle sales, complementing the show’s demand backdrop. No transcript or detailed bullet points were published with the episode announcement.
What to Watch Next
Next steps include how NADA translates these priorities into specific policy advocacy, dealer education offerings, and practical guidance throughout 2026—balancing near-term regulatory engagement with operational changes in showrooms and service lanes.
