This week on Automotive Advantage, we're back from Las Vegas and breaking down the biggest trends, surprises, and takeaways shaping the automotive aftermarket right now. From industry optimism to wild builds, from burnout culture to AI-generated launch videos… we cover it all.

In this episode:

• Why the vibe in Las Vegas felt shockingly positive this year
• What booth quality, brand presence, and attendance say about the industry
• The rise of content creators at major events and why brands are doubling down
• Why face-to-face events are back in a massive way (and how brands should adapt)
• The hot segments by hall and what that tells us about 2026
• Trucks dominating the industry and the F-150 becoming the new “muscle car”
• Why extreme builds and million-dollar cars are overshadowing relatable, bolt-on projects
• The burnout/takeover trend and the controversial idea that it’s replacing motorsports
• What’s missing at today’s events: karting, dragsters, dynos, and grassroots racing
• Insights into OEM activity, stealth recon work, and what new trends they’re tracking
• Big wins for brands including a top-12 Battle of the Builders finish for a black Gen 1 Bronco
• Why brighter car colors still dominate photography and social media performance
• The return of audio builds and the competitiveness of the North Hall landscape
• How one builder’s Las Vegas success is transforming his business overnight
• A look at new product drops, extreme horsepower trends, blowers-through-hoods, and more
• The growing influence of AI in automotive marketing… including a launch video that used it
• How AI is (and isn’t) reliable for social metrics and brand performance
• What brands should rethink for 2026 and why the industry feels strong heading into the new year

Whether you're a builder, brand, marketer, shop owner, or gearhead, this Vegas recap delivers real insights you can actually use.

Watch, subscribe, and drop a comment:
What trend surprised you the most?