Short of projection, but ahead of 2014 numbers, light-vehicle sales continue to rise. Carmakers Fiat Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and Toyota lead the way. According to a report from AutoNews.com, sales climbed 3.9% in June 2014. This trend continues a banner year for light vehicles. June numbers registered below May’s, but above the same month in 2014.
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Light trucks carry load of potential for accessories
Topics: Accessory News, Increase Profits
Dealerships lease new vehicles at a greater pace than ever. It's a trend no one from finance to insurance to accessories can afford to ignore. Global information services company Experian revealed a record 31.46% new-car transactions come as leases. The Q2 mark eclipses the 30.22% reported in Q1. Average lease payments dropped in Q2 to $405, $7 less than the same quarter in 2014. Other data from the report gave shape to a movement of larger scope.
Topics: Sales Best Practices, Accessory News
So how different are Millenial consumers' spending habits when compared to the Boomer or Silent generation? Research says Millennials aren’t spending as much as their grandparents. It’s getting close, though.
Topics: Customer Retention, Presentation Tools, Accessory News
2 Giant dealer groups influence car buying process
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.
Topics: Accessory News
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.
Topics: Customer Retention, Accessory News
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.
Topics: Sales Best Practices, Accessory News
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.
Topics: Accessory News, Increase Profits
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!
Topics: Accessory News
Microsoft and West Coast Customs know what people fantasize about--how about your dealership? Today’s car enthusiast get excited about three things; cars, technology, and customization via accessories. A few years back, Project Detroit was created to appeal to consumer's love of personalization. Project Detroit is a fantasy 2012 Ford Mustang retro fitted with a 67’ Mustang Fastback body. (One of the most popular Mustangs manufactured) The car is loaded with Microsoft technology like the Xbox 360, Windows Phone and a Viper SmartStart app that can start the car using the phone. It’s not just a Gen yers dream but the body style appeals to an older generation as well!
Topics: Accessory News
GSMs and SMs: Are you providing good ROI to your dealership?
So, you think you are a good General Sales Manager? Numbers are up, you have an excellent sales record and your sales team is great. What else can you do? You may be thinking " what more could your dealership ask for?" Consider what it takes to go from good to greatness in the way of profitable car sales. As a GSM or SM that wants to achieve greatness, you have to embrace new technology and tools that help you do your job better. Here are two examples of a GSM and SM who have done just that and, as a result, increased their ROI to the dealership. Want to do the same? Read further.
Topics: Accessories System, Improve CSI, Accessory News, Increase Profits