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The original. The 60’s coined the phrase “Do your own thing”, and the 1964 debut of the Ford Mustang made personalization an American legend. If Mustang hype lives on 52 years later (and Mustang hype does live on), imagine the ripple effect that personalization has had on the competition. We know Mustang and Camaro have been competing for years, but aren’t all OE’s in competition to produce the top selling vehicle?

It’s shaping up as another big year for the auto industry. If projections hold true, it’d make six consecutive years of growth for car makers. Experts forecast 17 million sales for 2015. This bright outlook extends across the board for auto makers. Yet, one stands above with an incredible boost in first-quarter operating profit.

American dealerships report a rise in new-car sales, and also a drop in profit margin. It’s a perplexing contrast for sure. The direction for both numbers remains consistent for all five publicly traded dealership groups. It’s worth an examination and a handful of theories. Interpretation of the numbers will influence how the groups proceed.

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.

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

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.

Realizing that most car shopping begins online, well before contacting a sales professional the dealerships do everything possible to generate showroom traffic.  Once in the store the sales team does everything to make sure the prospect leaves as a new customer!

In order to promote products and services in the dealership, many dealers invest heavily in elaborate displays like a kiosk.  In theory, it's cool. It probably even looks good sitting in your showroom--but as a stand-alone display, it lacks the valuable influence of a trained salesperson.

A couple of years ago, Chicago was riddled with potholes through a long winter.  After seeing customer after customer come in with blown tires and bent wheels we saw an opportunity-- and not just for the parts and service department. We saw an opportunity to better serve our customers.