Yesterday I conducted an interview with Scott Painter, CEO of TrueCar.  I asked him some tough questions and he candidly provided the answers. Answers that I didn't always agree with, but he did answer my questions.  I commend Scott Painter for reaching out to people like myself and Jim Ziegler. 

There is no doubt that Mr. Painter is very passionate about his business.  He believes in what he is doing and he's defending his vision, and I can't fault the man for attempting to defend his company.  I would do the same if it were Phone Ninjas being attacked in the court of public opinion.

Since I took on the role of interviewer, I feel it's only fair that I allow you all to digest and analyze the conversation between Scot and I.  You'll see that Scott and I often agree that we disagree with one another on many of the issues at hand.  The interview lasted over an hour and it could have continued on for another hour. Unfortunately we did not take a deep dive on the data issue, but it was briefly discussed. 

Here is the first 58 minutes: http://www.callmeasurement.com/review_x.cfm?cid=349325072&lid=3...

The call got cutoff and I called back: http://www.callmeasurement.com/review_x.cfm?cid=349326841&lid=3...

At the end of the day I can tell you that I do not like what TrueCar represents or what it could potentially do to the automotive industry.  As far as Scott Painter, I respect him as an adversary.  The man has a plan and he's executed on that plan.  You can't fault the man for following his dream.  The question is, "will the manufacturers and dealers follow that dream as well?" 

Myself, I see one of two things happening.  The TrueCar revenue stream evaporates and they disappear (less unlikely), or Truecar gains momentum and they become a dominant player in our industry.  At that point, manufactures and dealers might as well adopt once price shopping and eliminate the middleman.  So either way, I do believe TrueCar will have a lifespan that much resembles their own bell curve.

With a busy travel schedule between now and the end of the year, I may not be as active on the forums as I would like, but know that I still support our cause.  "Kill the Beast!"

Now a quick advertisement from your sponsor:

I will be in Colorado next week teaching the ways of the Phone Ninja!  Hope to see you there:  Phone Ninja Training

I'll also be joining the Alpha Dawg for Internet Battle Plan VIII in January.  This is going to be a must attend event.  See details here: Internet Battle Plan VIII