Reporting live from the NADA Show 2026 in Las Vegas, CBT News continues its tradition of delivering timely conversations with leaders across the automotive retail space. In this exclusive interview, AutoTrust Dealer Alliance CEO and Founder David Mondragon joins us to explain how dealer ownership, group purchasing power, and strategic partnerships help dealerships reduce costs, increase profitability, and compete more effectively with large dealer groups.
Key Takeaways:
- Dealer ownership drives collective advantage. AutoTrust Dealer Alliance enables dealers to become equity owners in a consortium model that pools scale, giving smaller and mid-sized groups purchasing power typically reserved for large public dealer groups.
- Cost reduction and revenue growth occur without operational disruption. Dealers can access improved F&I partnerships, lender relationships, and group purchasing savings while maintaining their existing workflows and systems.
- Scale-based purchasing strengthens long-term competitiveness. By consolidating demand across hundreds—and eventually thousands—of rooftops, dealers can lower expenses across insurance, financial services, technology, equipment, and operational supplies, helping offset tightening industry margins and preserving dealer independence.
Catch all of CBT News’ coverage of the 2026 NADA Show here.



