Dealers

Busy service bays have proved to be an effective shield against the impact of the chip shortage. The threat of higher prices for both new and used cars has given people plenty of motivation to keep up on maintenance of the cars they already have.

Better computing, Internet of Things (IoT), next-generation cellular connectivity and cloud computing will increase the dependence on data in the automobile industry. Data will become as crucial to vehicles as oil is today.

In a new Kelley Blue Book consumer-behavior survey, 35% of in-market shoppers say they are willing to pay above MSRP – up to a 13% premium, or roughly $5,600 more on average.

In the proposed deal with Larry H. Miller Dealerships, Asbury gets 54 new-vehicle dealerships, seven used-vehicle dealerships and 11 collision centers.

“Dismissing a customer because you don’t have what they want in stock is the last thing you want to do,” says Hyundai sales executive Randy Parker.

Car dealers have always used “runners,” but perhaps the accelerated growth in digital retailing and “door to door” vehicle service requires a more scalable program and process.

Ford says it is setting up a pilot program in Texas, one of the largest markets for the company’s iconic pickup trucks, to train technicians to service battery-electric vehicles such the new F-150 Lightning.

Customers who check themselves in at a kiosk and leave their keys are issued a QR code that’s unique to them. After service is completed, the customer scans the QR code off their mobile phone, and the corresponding keys are dispensed.