Relying solely on state franchise laws to protect your territory is no longer a viable long-term business strategy. During his interview at the 2026 Auto Forum New York, John Bozzella deliverED a harsh truth to the industry: the franchise model will only survive if it continuously proves it is the best way to serve the consumer. Therefore, customer experience must outpace legislative protection. If direct-to-consumer brands offer a more seamless, frictionless buying experience, the modern consumer will take their money there, regardless of legacy models. To protect your bottom line, dealers must aggressively optimize their operations, reduce transaction times, and work collaboratively with OEMs to guarantee that the dealership remains the most competitive and appealing place to buy a car. Watch more Auto Forum coverage at the link in our bio.