Both retail groups note a familiar pattern in fixed ops results as the industry recovers from the pandemic: higher customer-pay work as customers drive more, and doing more work customers had postponed.
In a Wards Q&A, Jim Roche talks about his new business initiative, plus rising warranty claims and how they affect dealers, automakers and car owners differently.
A lack of estimate and approval coordination originating in the recon department is a recipe for inefficiency. A busy recon shop and time-stretched used-car manager both benefit when more comprehensive and all-in estimates are presented together.
With growing labor shortages and increased demand for vehicle repairs, shops need to consider increasing their use of technology systems to keep up with repair cycles.
While the outlook for parts and service is positive, Roger Penske, chair and CEO of Penske Automotive Group, says parts shortages and a lack of loaner cars are a couple of potential negatives.
More driving means customers wear out their cars faster and have more collisions, and therefore need more body work. Many customers also are coming in for service work they postponed earlier in the pandemic, Lithia Motors executive Chris Holzshu...