Blog

Daily life in the automotive industry brings consistently fresh challenges. From new models rolling out, to changing customer expectations, to learning new technology—it’s always refreshing to hear what’s actually working for real dealerships. 

A timeless challenge in dealership operations is maintaining a consistent customer experience throughout the entire process. Sales and service teams are both essential to a dealership’s success, yet they often operate as parallel entities rather than working in sync.

The divide can especially create tension in areas like accessory sales, where both teams have a role to play in delivering a five-star customer experience.

Digital retailing is transforming the automotive industry, signaling a significant technological evolution in how vehicles are bought and sold. Today’s car buyers have grown accustomed to seamless digital experiences in nearly every aspect of their lives—from booking flights and hotels to ordering groceries and managing finances—all through their smartphones. As a natural result, car buyers expect that same level of convenience, speed, and accessibility when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.

When it comes to selling accessories, many dealerships struggle to get off the ground. Yet Subaru dealers consistently prove that, with the right approach, accessories can be a continual revenue driver without slowing down the sales process or overloading the F&I menu.

So, what’s Subaru doing differently? It comes down to three things: brand-loyal customers, a robust catalog, and top-down buy-in. Let’s break down why their dealers are succeeding and how these strategies can be applied to your showroom floor.

Dealership management does a lot of gymnastics to keep things running smoothly. 

And managing personalities while meshing departments is a big part of daily life in a car dealership. 

The “every man for himself” culture in car dealerships can be a pervasive problem. It’s there below more pressing issues like inventory shortages or shrinking profit margins.

When will it all bubble up over the brim?

Winter is the season for new potholes. As we approach months of snow, freezing temperatures, and harsher overall conditions, roads are prone to crack under the pressure. The result is blown tires and bent wheels on your customer’s vehicles. 

Now is the opportune time to be proactive about better serving your customers. Seasonal tire and wheel programs will benefit your customer base while adding profit to fixed ops and striving towards those year-end goals.

One of the first steps in creating an accessories powerhouse in your dealership showroom is selecting the right person to champion the project. 

While we recommend a dedicated accessory manager as a best practice, dealerships of varying brands have succeeded in three different ways. Your store can be successful by finding the right fit for your store size, brand, and unique customer base. Examine your dynamics and see who you can lean on as your expert in all things Vehicle Personalization. 

A well-laid process that works for your store is the key to your success. There’s room for variation in the details.