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Buying a 2015 model is a much different ballgame than it was in 1995. Or even in 2005.

Strides in commerce in general push retail sales to a quicker, simpler, user-friendly experience. That stands in contrast to the customary model for the auto industry, which relied on a sales force jockeyed for customers in an experience that moved at the dealership’s pace.

When your Q1 earnings rise, people listen. That’s the case with four publicly traded auto dealership groups. Asbury, AutoNation, Lithia, and Sonic all have initiatives in play. All four keys to ease of sale and a streamlined buying experience. Some have encountered setbacks. They all remain on track to transform the way consumers shop for cars, though

Convenience and entertainment are fine in a new vehicle. Consumers want safety technology most, though, according to a J.D. Power study. J.D. Power is a marketing information services firm. Its inaugural U.S. Tech Choice Study identified five car technologies customers want most. Three relate to safety features, especially collision protection. Auto makers must focus on safety as driving autonomy becomes mainstream.

What’s your go-to offering for vehicle personalization? We’re talking lead-in products. As dealerships develop a plan for vehicle customization, a lead-in product ought to emerge. With an emphasis on accessory sales, a dealership can play to its strengths at a crucial juncture.

Gym memberships. On-site cafés. Sleeping pods, even. Workplace incentives are nothing new. FCA US, maker of Chrysler vehicles, includes free college degrees among its employee perks. The Degrees@Work incentive links employees with Strayer University for the on-campus or online pursuit of a degree. Eligible employees could earn their associate's, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees.

Dolby surround sound isn’t the only must-have accessory in your new car. New autos often feature onboard Wi-Fi. It’s like your home Internet network. It can connect devices inside and outside your vehicle. This connectivity can do more than check baseball scores or give you social-media access.

Fiat Chrysler will raise vehicle invoice prices, but not retail prices, it announced. It's a move that could crimp profits for U.S. dealerships.

In the past few years, dealers have found that leasing has become a more popular choice for car buyers. When a customer leases, there are many advantages to both the buyer and the seller. Consumers enjoy the benefit of low payments, the ability to get a new car every few years, and latest technology and safety systems.

Is the We-Owe what it’s really all about? Sometimes buying a car can feel like the Hokey Pokey, but the We-Owe is what it’s all about. This one document is an invaluable part of the car-buying process.

History of the We-Owe

The “due bill” (We-Owe) originated from a need to protect both dealerships and customers from making false claims on a car sale. We-Owes date back to the beginning of the dealership world, when the industry had a less savory reputation for swindling people out of their hard-earned money. The ‘We-Owe’ process is fluid; there is no one-way to satisfy the laws.

How is Elon Musk impacting your business and life? This innovative genius behind pioneer companies such as PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla Motors, and SolarCity, is making big strides in the automotive world. Musk, who is not only Tesla’s CEO, but also their Chief Product Architect, took on consumer concerns of the vehicles range, head on. Tesla Motors rose to the challenge, and brought us over 100 Supercharger charging stations to North America alone. Tesla’s Supercharger allows owners to travel for free between cities along well-traveled highways. That’s right--for free!