Dealers: Page 40
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
Dealers Threatened by Both Low-Tech, High-Tech Crime
A common problem is that dealerships may not be vigilant enough. To put it more positively, Federated Insurance investigator Andris Berzins says dealerships understandably may be “too” welcoming because, after all, they’re trying to sell cars.
By Jim Henry • May 17, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Car Dealers Are ‘Amazing Entrepreneurs,’ Not ‘Bad Creatures’
In a WardsAuto Q&A, Cars.com CEO Alex Vetter talks about the importance of and need for the franchised auto dealership network.
By Steve Finlay • May 14, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
One-Pay Lease Valuable But Little-Used Sales Tool
The one-pay lease is a way to purchase a vehicle by writing the dealership a check for the total of payments on a 36-month, single-payment lease. At the end of the 36 months, the customer can choose to renew the lease, turn in the vehicle or buy it outright.
By Justin B. Gasman • May 13, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
KAR Global All-in for Online Used-Vehicle Auctions
KAR Global plans to stick with 100% online auctions, with the company not planning to return to running cars down a physical auction lane once the pandemic is over, CEO Peter Kelly says.
By Jim Henry • May 11, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Countering Misconceptions About Car Subscription Services
A well-executed subscription offering means opportunities to create new revenue streams, market used and electric vehicles, win new customers and strengthen a company’s digital muscles.
By Eric Zayer and Tom Wendt • May 10, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chip, Inventory Shortages Impact Dealer Advertising
The shortage of semiconductor chips is impacting the amount of new car and truck inventory coming onto dealer lots. However, retailers and their digital advertising partners can ensure they are constantly delivering offers on the latest new and used inventory.
By Matt Newsome • May 5, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
‘People Still Want to Go to the Car Dealership’
“The big challenge is they want us to guide them through the process,” Hyundai marketer Laura Rathai says at a Reuters online event.
By Steve Finlay • May 4, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Tips for Car Dealers on Best Ways to Get Pre-Owned Inventory
“Without question, inventory supply is the No.1 issue these days,” Bob Grill of Carfax says of auto retailing.
By Steve Finlay • May 3, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Major Retailers Say Fixed Ops Mostly Flat in First Quarter
Lithia Motors in March “saw double-digit increases in service, body and parts, driven by a 32% increase in our highest-margin, customer-pay work,” chief operating officer Chris Holzshu says.
By Jim Henry • April 28, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Agero Expanding to Add Scheduled Vehicle Transfers
The coronavirus pandemic and increased demand for “contactless” dealership pickup and delivery helped inspire the move, says Cathy Orrico, chief client officer for Agero.
By Jim Henry • April 27, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Auto-Recall Attention Turns to Integrated Electronics
“New technologies lead to new challenges,” says NHTSA’s Stephen Ridella during a Society of Automotive Analysts conference.
By Steve Finlay • April 27, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
How Pandemic Has Impacted Automotive Aftermarket
According to a survey by The Martec Group, the do-it-yourself market segment is expected to experience growth post-pandemic as consumers feel more confident working on their vehicles.
By Chuck Bean • April 27, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
The Power of Distinguishing Between Buyers and Browsers
Identifying and prioritizing customers who are ready to buy is the first crucial step toward achieving higher close rates and profits. Today’s most effective digital sales tools offer dealerships the ability to do this accurately and efficiently.
By Chase Abbott • April 26, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Auto Dealership Service Staffers Should Act Like Lt. Columbo
With a malfunctioning vehicle, “there is a big difference – as much as $1,000 on a repair bill – between tink-tink-tink and thunk-thunk-thunk,” says Wallis Miller of Alldata.
By Steve Finlay • April 26, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
From FaceTime to Analytics: Virtual Acquisition Best Practices
From utilizing Apple’s FaceTime technology to leveraging online condition reports with consumers, there are some best practices dealers should follow when looking to conduct remote appraisals and virtual acquisitions.
By Randy Kobat • April 23, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Will Digital Auto Retailing’s Current Popularity Wane?
“Each customer is unique, and chooses their own path to buy a car,” says Steve Wittman of car dealership chain Sonic Automotive.
By Steve Finlay • April 22, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Think Twice Before Renting Your Vehicle to ‘Gig’ Drivers
What do Uber eXchange Leasing, Fair.com and Maven all have in common? They thought they could make money renting to “gig” rideshare or delivery drivers, and they are all out of that business, or out of business.
By John F. Possumato • April 21, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
What Women Car Buyers Want
As vehicle consumers, “women are starting to have their own voice in what they want and deserve,” says Stellantis advertising executive Marissa Hunter.
By Steve Finlay • April 20, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Car Insurance Innovations: Telematics, EVs and More
How much you pay depends on how much of a risk the insurance company perceives you represent. In making that risk assessment they take several factors into account, including what you drive, who you are and even how well you manage your money.
By Michael Giusti • April 15, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
CarMax Sees Customers Returning to Dealerships
“It’s easy to make changes,” says CarMax President and CEO Bill Nash. “It’s harder to sustain them.” About 35% of CarMax customers “want to do everything in the store.”
By Steve Finlay • April 15, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Customers Like Click-and-Brick Car Dealerships
“People want to come in and spend meaningful time at the dealership,” says Todd Skelton, head of Prime Automotive Group.
By Steve Finlay • April 14, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
‘Service Is Where the Money Is’ at Car Dealerships
“I was indoctrinated into service work,” says Darrel Ferguson, who now works for software provider Xtime. “I was forced into it.” In retrospect, “I got lucky.”
By Steve Finlay • April 8, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Connecting With the Customer
“Understanding” is what your customers crave most and what your team must learn to deliver.
By David O'Brien • April 6, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Inventory Shortages Keep Used-Vehicle Prices High
Despite low inventory, microchip shortages and economic stress, the end of 2021 is expected to be on par with 2020 – which was a record year for used-vehicle prices.
By David Paris • April 6, 2021 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Supplies Tight for Costly Vehicles; Econoboxes Linger on Lots
“It’s going to be a great year for auto dealers,” says Jonathan Smoke, Cox Automotive’s chief economist.
By Steve Finlay • April 1, 2021
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