Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics

Rick has spent his entire career, including 25 years in the automotive industry, leading teams to develop analytics capabilities that address key strategic business challenges. He has a passion for finding narratives in the numbers that make analytics come to life in an accessible, understandable, and most importantly actionable way. Outside of work, Rick spends most of his time running or golfing.

Line of new cars on dealer lot

3 min read

Why Aren’t Cars Moving Like They Used To?

Picture of Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics: March 13, 2026

If you’re looking at your lot and thinking, “This used to be easier,” you’re not alone.

Inventory Pricing Market Trends
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Large map of the world with interconnected, digital-inspired lines

3 min read

Why Country of Origin Now Shapes Auto Retail Price Pressure

Picture of Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics: February 25, 2026

Pricing trends are widening by country of origin. At retail, those gaps are starting to matter. For decades, German and Japanese automakers have...

Data & Intelligence Market Trends
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Two cars sitting on car dealership lot

3 min read

The Key Trends Shaping Automotive Retail in 2026

Picture of Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics: January 22, 2026

New vehicle prices reached an all-time high in the second quarter of 2026, passing $52,000 for the first time. Yet demand held steady anyway. After...

State of the Dealer Inventory Efficiency Index Market Trends
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A group of 3 automotive salesmen standing in a parking lot filled with cars for sale.

3 min read

The Right Used Inventory Mix for Dealers

Picture of Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics Rick Wainschel, VP Data Science & Analytics: January 14, 2026

As the automotive market closed out 2025, one thing became clear: demand didn’t disappear; it sharpened. Buyers grew more selective, more...

Used Cars MarketAI Market Trends
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Dealers are Seeing Real Results With Catalyst IQ

Discover how dealerships using Catalyst IQ are increasing sales, improving efficiency, and outperforming their markets. Our automotive digital marketing case studies highlight the strategies, data, and outcomes driving measurable success for our clients.

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2 min read

How Ford Dealer Rebalanced F-150 Mix and Increased STX Movement 150%

Catalyst IQ: Sep 3, 2026

A South Carolina Ford dealer had plenty of F-150 inventory, but local shoppers weren't buying every trim equally. While...
4 min read

How One Ford Dealer Increased F-150 STX Turn Rate by 11X

Catalyst IQ: Sep 1, 2026

A Ford dealership in North Carolina was overstocked on higher-trim F-150s that weren't selling. Real-time market data...

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