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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 Group’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.

Watch Insignia’s David Stringer present Insignia Challenge Coins to Jonathan Murray and Jessica Thompson of Ken Garff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Any dealership can slap together an accessory program, hand out a brochure, and dangle a carrot in front of their sale staff. More than likely, you can sell a few things with this approach. There’s no doubt, after all, that people are buying accessories: simply offering the product will produce a few bucks.

Dealerships that are building million-dollar personalization profit centers in the showroom know that vehicle personalization is an art form and requires careful attention to detail. Success in selling accessories takes a carefully constructed process, which varies by things like brand and store size, to name a few. As more and more dealerships across the nation tap into the multi-billion-dollar industry of automotive accessories, the necessity of shepherding in the process climbs in demand.

What if Vehicle Personalization became the foundation of the sales process, rather than something tacked on to the end of a lengthy negotiation? That’s exactly what Insignia’s upper- Midwest expert, Kurt Daugherty, is suggesting. The dealers Kurt works with know he’s a proponent of starting with the trade, seamlessly weaving Vehicle Personalization into the conversation--and with good reason.

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.

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 gearheads 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 ever 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.