Something special is in the air in the Twin Cities, and it’s more than just the snow. Although the hub of winter sports, the home to Winter Carnival, and the famous State of Hockey, to Insignia this snow capped metropolis is known for something else. The Twin Cities offers a concentrated population of dealerships who have embraced the Insignia system, strapped it to their snowmobile, and sped across the frozen tundra.

In sunny North Carolina, nestled amongst ancient oak trees, sits one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Fred Anderson Toyota has its roots in the city of Raleigh, NC and matches the capital's rapid expansion with ease. Raleigh’s famous Toyota dealer is home to Toyota Jeff, a monstrous service department, and a team selling accessories with the same enthusiasm as they sell cars. Sit down on the porch with us and have some sweet tea--this southern dealer’s tale is worth the read.

The Twin Cities Carlson Toyota is kicking accessory sales into high gear with a strategy focusing on best practice tips. Carlson Toyota has been on Insignia’s Guided Development program since 2016. The Guided Development program joins dealer and local Vehicle Personalization Expert in the quest for a sustainable, profitable personalization process that unfolds over a period of months, and is continually nurtured by our skilled consultants.

YouTube offers tremendous opportunities for dealers. By observing a few Internet video best practices, you can promote vehicles, sell accessories, and build a fan base from this one platform. Here are two examples of auto dealers that promote vehicles and sell accessories with video that we can all learn from.

Long ago when the Mayflower landed, weary pilgrims climbed out of the boat and onto Cape Cod. It is rumored that this location is where famous explorer John Smith prophesied that Massachusetts would be the home of a wise ruler who would lead his people to automotive greatness with diligence and commitment.

This prophecy was (obviously) fulfilled in Bryan Scarpellini, General Manager, at Hyannis Toyota in Hyannis, Massachusetts. (Disclaimer: There is potential that a portion of this history lesson was fabricated.)

Working together with Insignia Vehicle Personalization Expert, Jason Ludwig, Hyannis Toyota quickly absorbed the passion for pizzazz and all things personalization were born.

Changes made to image. Courtesy of  Haiden Goggin. license information here

Car buyers like to feel good about their investment - and if you’re running a dealership you wouldn’t have it any other way. Customers in the market for purchasing a vehicle have more buying options than ever before. The convenience of the internet has led to streamlined transactions, rather than a car buying experience.

Subaru of Clear Lake Parts manager Nick Heidaker expresses the importance of an accessories program at his store, “Our customers find value in personalizing their vehicles—it also gives us a chance in parts/service to meet the customer before their first service appointment.”

Could creating a highly profitable accessory program in your store be as simple as following best practice tips?

Well, yes.

Hurlbert Toyota is the epitome of success in the making. This won’t be the last you hear of this store. In fact, this is only the beginning. Maybe you’re the type of person who likes bullet points or a handout; someone who thrives on a plan. This story is for you. Take your copy of Insignia’s best practice tips, and follow along step by step as the magic unfolds.

In the smallish town of Newark, Delaware, there is a seasoned salesmen relaxing on his day off, feet up, smile on his face, surrounded by grandiose feelings of success and stacks of crisp bills fastened with rubber bands.

Though the likelihood of fabrication in that description is high, Newark Toyota World’s Ken Steen is news you don’t want to miss. Ken is leading his dealership in total gross per unit already this year, which is really no surprise at all.

Images from www.newarktoyotaworld.com

At Minnesota’s Rudy Luther family of dealerships you’ll find a family...really an actual family. Peppered across Luther’s two Toyota stores and a Chrysler store are stepfather, mother, and two sisters - all working in different facets with a common allegiance to the Luther brand.

That’s right--Luther Automotive presently employs the entire Cline family; a driven, passionate, [auto] enthusiastic group that any company would be fortunate to have. Toyota salesmen, Mark works alongside his wife and delivery coordinator Jennifer in Brookdale; while daughter Niki sells Chrysler's next door. Sister Amanda is just a skip away in Golden Valley personalizing Toyotas in the showroom.