If COVID-19 hasn’t convinced car dealers of the necessity of a vibrant online retail presence, maybe Cyber Monday 2020 will. Even before the pandemic, Cyber Monday was growing as the virtual twin (literally!) of Black Friday. Cyber Monday emerged as shoppers logged online the Monday after Thanksgiving to check store websites for any missed deals from Black Friday. 

Adobe Analytics, a marketing data software company, is predicting—in spite of or due to the pandemic—that Cyber Monday 2020 (Nov. 30) will garner $12.7 billion in online sales, up from the $9.4 billion in e-commerce in 2019.

Margin Compression? Missing gross profit? Want to pocket more cash?

Can you do it without selling any additional cars?

Regardless of the year-to-year ebb and flow of vehicle sales, Vehicle Personalization is a great way to increase revenue and deepen your profits...or pockets!

February 8th, 2018 ROCK HILL, SC -- Insignia Group LC, the industry leader for accessory sales process consulting and configurator software, announced the winners of its annual Million Dollar Challenge Coin. Each year Insignia honors dealerships selling more than one million dollars in Vehicle Personalization (accessory sales) in their dealerships over the previous year (2017).

To qualify for Insignia’s distinction, the dealership must sell more than one million dollars in accessory parts through the dealership's showroom sales process. These sales exclude e-commerce sales made through the dealership's online efforts.

Even the small cars need a touch of pizzazz.

Compacts cut a metropolitan profile these days. In this market, it’s not enough to be fuel-efficient. Popular small cars such as the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus sport sleek body lines. Those lines feature popping colors and racks to support all sorts of outdoor habits.

Which customization and accessories, dealer or aftermarket, will let you ride like a boss? Here’s a guide to a few.

All of Insignia's success stories begin with a challenge to the conventional objections to vehicle personalization. We often talk to stores who claim, "Selling accessories for our store will not work because we sell mostly cars." Smart Motors, in Madison, WI, quickly puts this objection to rest.

Automotive innovation often charges ahead into advanced technology. The car sales game seems stuck in first gear in comparison.

Oh yes they know what they're doing! Strategic. Smooth operator. Toyota, you've done it again. 

Rena hates her new car.

In some respects it’s a shame that the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) annual Show is a “trade only” event each year. There are literally thousands of car geeks and gear heads that would die to attend the largest car/accessory/performance parts/hotrod/truck/off-road /auto racing/motorcycle/ education /media /party event/how the heck did you every build that/happening in the world. It is truly an Automobilia-Techno-Maxima event that every auto lover should be able to experience.

A recent article in Auto Remarketing listed the top 15 vehicles that owners keep for 10 years. It touted the statistical analysis of over 395,000 used vehicles that were sold by their original owner during the first six months of this year. Collectively these vehicles were 2005 model year and were now being sold in favor of newer models.

According to the article buyers can find strong value in older pre-owned vehicles that are sold by the original owner. These cars tend to be “well-kept and in good condition” and have had regular maintenance and repairs. They are in good overall condition and show no sign of wear or neglect.

Easier said than done……..or is it?

Vehicle condition at any mileage is no secret. It‘s all about maintenance. It begins with following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service and maintenance intervals published in the owner’s manual and ends in accessorizing the vehicle with products that will make it easier to maintain based on the usage pattern. Here are some of the most basic accessories readily available that help maintain a vehicle’s good condition.

Paint Protectant: There are literally hundreds of paint protectant finishes on the market that range from one time applications with 6 month reapplication intervals to full on clear and decorative vinyl appliques that keep the nose and hood from rock chips and insects.

Windshield Protectant: Much like the protectants that prevent paint chips and keep finishes like new, these state-of-the-art technology products have been developed to provide clear vision through the windshield and windows of the vehicle in all driving conditions. Protective coatings actually fill-in the microscopic peaks and valleys in the glass making it much smoother and resisting mud, snow, ice, and water from sticking. These nanotechnology products are easily applied and even come with warranties.