F & I

A survey doesn’t delve into the “whys” of young people paying disproportionately more to fix their vehicles, but I have a theory.

An Equifax poll aimed to better understand current trends in auto-retail transactions, credit applications, vehicle financing and fraud.

“Of all the things that are going to be disrupted (by technology), it is other parts of the dealership, not F&I,” says Cox Automotive's Kelly Mulroney.

“It’s a business office,” says finance director Justin Gasman. “People come in to conduct business.”

“We were worried about no one showing up,” says conference director Tony Dupaquier.

“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for three (mentors) including a dealer who gave me a shot selling cars as a young man,” says auto-retailing veteran George Benzing.

“We’re on the cusp of what could be a pretty dramatic shift in the market, simply because a big chunk of buyers is getting priced out,” says auto analyst Jessica Caldwell of Edmunds.