Why Pricing Transparency and Affordability Are The Top Issues of 2026 | NY Auto Forum

At the NY Auto Forum, Tom Castriota, former NADA Chairman and Owner of Castriota Chevrolet, breaks down the growing pressure dealers are facing from regulation, affordability challenges, and shifting market dynamics. With increased scrutiny from the FTC around pricing practices, the industry is being pushed toward greater transparency—creating both clarity and new competitive realities.

This conversation goes beyond compliance to explore what’s happening at ground level. From inconsistent pricing practices to the need for a level playing field, the discussion highlights why most dealers actually welcome clearer rules. At the same time, broader challenges—like limited inventory and rising vehicle costs—continue to make affordability the biggest issue facing the market.

Castriota makes a clear case: the future of the industry depends on trust and accessibility. With fewer affordable vehicles, aging trade-ins, and monthly payments out of reach for many consumers, dealers must navigate a complex environment where transparency, value, and inventory strategy all intersect.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 Intro & Tom Castriota Background

0:36 FTC Crackdown on Dealer Pricing

0:58 What “Clear Pricing” Actually Means

1:24 Why Dealers Want Industry Cleanup

1:42 FTC Enforcement & Consistency Across Industries

2:06 Fee Transparency & Legal Ambiguity

2:26 Level Playing Field for Dealers

2:47 Competing Against Misleading Pricing Tactics

3:25 Why Transparency Builds Trust

3:50 Right to Repair Debate Introduced

4:08 What “Right to Repair” Really Means

4:31 Risks Around Data Access & Privacy

5:04 Why This Raises Consumer Data Concerns

5:22 Global/Data Risks (Including China Concerns)

5:58 Status Update: Legislation Slowing Down

6:19 Affordability Still the Core Issue

6:38 Inventory Shortages Across Key Models

7:06 Why Consumers Can’t Afford Current Prices

7:32 Aging Vehicles & Trade-In Challenges

7:47 Impact on Used Car Supply

8:10 Why Industry Growth Is Capped Near-Term

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