Tech-Savvy Dealership Enjoying Social Media Lead Success
Third-generation car dealers and brothers Doug and Andrew MacIver own and operate Ride Time, an independent auto dealership in Winnipeg, Canada. Their grandfather, uncles, father and now they have operated dealerships in the area and they have a track record of success. Ride Time specializes in custom trucks, but retails vehicles in every category. They
Freebie Love
I read an article recently in USA TODAY with the headline, “Expect Some Freebie Love when Buying a New Car.” The article mentioned the things dealers give away to reward customers, such as a free tank of gas, a second set of keys, floor mats and so on. The article also pointed out special perks,
From Website to Showroom, Engagement is Key!
The Internet has certainly revolutionized our industry and, for the most part, that revolution has been a positive one. But with so much information available to consumers, who now spend an average of 17 hours online visiting dozens of Websites to research their next vehicle purchase (known as the “Merry-Go-Round” effect), the Information Age has
The Vehicle Return Tsunami — A Perfect Storm or Shower of Opportunity?
As we move toward the end of the first quarter of 2017, we continue to see a SAAR pressing more than 17 million units. The OEMs are geared to produce the volumes, the incentives continue to maintain sales momentum and leasing makes up about 30 percent of all retail transactions across the U.S. While the
Dealerships Have Some of the Best Leaders — and Some of the Worst
In today’s market, to be a successful dealership, you have to have every single person in every single department willing and able to be a leader.
Fixing Your Fixed Ops: Three Marketing Strategies to Rise to the Top
“Hey Siri, where can I get an oil change?” This type of search takes place more than a million times per month. In fact, according to Google Automotive Insights, service- and parts-related searches have increased by more than 400 percent over the past five years and now account for 28 percent of the total automotive
Three Simple Ways to Resell to Current Customers
With dealership margins shrinking as quickly as sales are slowing, you’ll have to get creative if you want to stay profitable this year. Fortunately, the best way to grow revenue during a sales slump doesn’t require nearly as much effort or expense as new customer acquisition. Plus, it uses tools that you’ve already got at
Why You Should Hire a “Chaser” to Improve Used Car Profitability
Sometimes, activities seem to move along better where a nudge (noodge) is at work. A nudge pushes you to do your work, cut the grass (now) and get to the gym. Dealership performance motivator Tommy Gibbs says dealerships need a nudge, too, especially if improving used car profits is the end game. The Free Dictionary
Don’t Fear the Future
When AutoSuccess published its first issue back in 2001, it was a different world than the one dealers face today. Thanks to the Internet and other technology, dealers and GMs have more opportunities than ever before to reach current and potential customers. While they’re commonplace terms now, concepts such as “texting,” “social media,” “online reputation
How to Master the Art of Online Conversation
Much like the printing press during the European Renaissance, the Internet has transformed the way we interact forever. “Googling” is now a verb synonymous with getting answers, we can communicate with people across the world in a matter of seconds and we can buy things without leaving the house. It’s a fast-moving, interactive digital world,
Pulling Together: Leadership and Employee Performance, Part 3
The potential for a new employee is practically limitless. Each new hire could be your dealership’s next superstar. Reality, however, soon kicks in and reveals the truth. Some new hires do indeed rock the lot and exceed expectations. Some, however, might not immediately live up to their potential or the hopes we had for them.
Success Story: First Team Chevy Becomes No. 1 in 2016
Leading the Hampton Roads Area with a New Strategy Located in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton Chevrolet is one of 12 stores in the First Team Auto Group.[…]
