F&I managers have a difficult job. Not only are they expected to make sales that customers don’t always understand, but their jobs are constantly scrutinized by their employers and consumers alike. In fact, many…
The Importance of Developing a Dealership Staffing Strategy
Change is the only constant in auto sales. In the last several years, the industry has experienced dramatic changes due to increased focus on digital retailing, shifting consumer behaviors, and the pinch of margin…
Drive to Success: Challenge Margin Compression
Margin compression in auto sales is a problem that’s been building for years. And, unfortunately, it’s not going away anytime soon. But there are several things dealerships can do to mitigate the negative effects…
Get Your Customers Off the Emotional Rollercoaster
The Cox Automotive 2018 Emotional Connections Study examined the emotions and pain points that customers experience when purchasing a car. There are some positive highlights related to interactions with a well-informed salesperson, taking a…
Why Dealers Get Stuck Using Outdated Technology
The auto retail industry is made up of thousands of forward-thinking business people who have found success by adapting to changing environments. These industry leaders have endured downturns, adapted to imposing regulations, and evolved…
Drive to Success: Enhance Customer Loyalty
Customer loyalty that leads to repeat visits to sales and service departments is the goal of every dealership. But loyalty doesn’t come easy. It’s earned by developing a reputation for exceptional service and finding…
Dealertrack DMS Helps Heritage Ford Navigate Uncertain Waters of Auto Sales
After 20 years of service in the United States Navy, Bert Hodge, general manager at Heritage Ford in Southern Indiana, understands what it takes to manage complexity and risk. As a staff analyst commanding…
Drive to Success: Keeping an Efficient Service Lane
In an age of slimming profits and increased competition, having an efficient service lane is more important than ever. Whether competing with quick service shops or finding ways to synergize sales and service efforts,…
Make Every Out-Of-State Customer Count
Many dealers aren’t prepared to handle out-of-state registration and title transactions, and many dealers believe that the process is too complex and time-consuming to make it worth their while. And it’s understandable. Dealertrack Registration…
A Dealership’s Digital Ecosystem: Insight into Technology of the Modern Franchise Dealer
Did you know that the average car dealer needs 7 different technology solutions to run their dealership? The once simple and straightforward business of selling cars has transformed into a complex ecosystem of interconnected…
Drive to Success: Search Engine Optimization
Millions of people search the internet every day for car dealerships, hoping to find more information about a specific product or service. Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process by which search engines filter…
The Consultative Approach to Selling
by Mo Zahabi While digital retailing in automotive is on the rise, dealership staff still play an important role in customers’ car-buying experiences. Six in 10 consumers would still want help from dealership staff…
