Using the Deming Wheel to Drive CPI and Used Car Profits
When I helped develop workflow models for Hewlett-Packard systems years ago, we applied the Deming Wheel to our efforts. I submit that you should consider applying it to your dealership operations as well. What this device describes and encourages is fundamental to any continuous process improvement (CPI) effort to make your dealership more profitable. Precisely
Why You Need Rapid Reconditioning
At its core, the process of reconditioning trade-in and auction vehicles is a ‘time-equals-profit’ business. Intuitively, used car managers understand this.
Easing Recon Woes for Fixed Ops Directors
“We sometimes lose sight that used cars should be the most profitable department in the entire dealership. The reconditioning department can play a lesser or greater role in that outcome.”
How to Move More Cars With Walkaround Videos
For many who have worked in the auto industry for a long time, cars have become commodities. Selling and servicing cars is how you make your living. As you view the rows of vehicles sitting on your lot, you may no longer feel a sense of pride or excitement, and your primary concern becomes “How
Why Workflow Accountability Drives Lower Days in Recon
The term “workflow,” as used in the headline of this article, describes a continuum of processes from start to finish. The more organized, assignable and trackable these processes are, the smoother and faster workflow gets done. Regarding workflow in vehicle reconditioning, the faster the recon team can move vehicles to the sales line, the more
Bust to Blue Sky
“The right messaging, including the right mail piece and electronic messaging, done right is a game changer for any dealership.”
So, What Makes You Different?
Every automotive dealer believes that they run the best operation and do everything a little better than their competition. But, is this true? I have the pleasure of going to all regions of the country every week and walking into automotive stores that are new to me. I can assure you that, for most of
Do Your Homework Before Choosing a Business Partner
I know this will come out after the big show but, as I’m writing this article, I’m sitting on the plane traveling to NADA right now. As I do, I’m overhearing a couple of dealers in the row behind me talk about the vendors they have appointments to see during the convention and what solutions
WANT TO REACH YOUR GOAL? DO THIS…
Years ago, I worked for a guy who beat a couple of sayings into my brain. The first was, “A goal without a deadline is a dream.” We’ve all heard that one before — everybody dreams of success; that’s why we’re in this business. And yet, the most important word in that phrase is not
RING OF FIRE MANAGEMENT: Supply Chain Nightmares and How They Can Affect Your Dealership
So why should a new car dealer in Duluth or Toledo care about earthquakes in Japan? Supply chain disruptions, that’s why. April’s twin earthquakes that struck Japan’s Kyusho island — killing dozens, destroying buildings and displacing thousands of local residents from their homes — also disrupted parts supplies to a Toyota/Lexus plant and caused a