Dealership Success Stories

Nashville, Tennessee--the city of expression. The city that gave us Carrie Underwood now gives us better, more beautiful Jags and Land Rovers that put your base model to shame. Imagine that. Shaming a Jaguar. We’ve seen it all, folks.

Country music, famous hot chicken, the Parthenon and the Tomato Art Festival are only a few of Nashville’s unique qualities that beckon you to get to know her. Whether it’s songwriting, street art, or painting a school bus hot pink and starting a tour business, Nashvillians are true individuals. Nashville Jaguar Land Rover cashed in on that fact.

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.

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

Just a few months back, Insignia launched Jaguar Land Rover-branded virtual configurators to take JLR’s vehicle personalization market to the next level. Brenda Fevrier,Vehicle Accessories Sales and Marketing Senior Specialist at Jaguar Land Rover predicted “this innovative system will make average stores great, and excellent stores outstanding at satisfying the needs of their customers first.”

Luxury brand dealers know the art of the customer experience well and recognize perfection as a moving target. That’s why JLR took digital personalization in the showroom and turned it into so much more.

“This is absolutely a team effort,” says General Manager Bill Niemann, surrounded by his showroom staff and accessories team

Mark Miller Toyota of Salt Lake City, Utah, reached a milestone in 2016. For the first time in the duration of their accessory program, the dealership clocked over one million in accessory sales in the showroom. Reaching this level requires diligence, and as per norm, we were interested to find out the driving force in this store. As the entire sales team gathered for the presentation of the Insignia challenge coin, the inspiring support within this store proved itself evident as the foundation for success.

Evolution: (noun) The gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form.

Management at Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru took the desire to add front end gross in their showroom and set it in motion. Starting with will, direction, and thorough training, the desire developed into a more complex form as a process unique to the store was realized. This Minnesota dealer is one to watch, as its success in accessory sales snowballs.

We talked with management about the birth of this process, and the impressive gains enjoyed over the last twelve months. A common theme emerged: the team is playing together. Comprehensive support for Vehicle Personalization laid a healthy foundation and allowed for continual, methodic growth that hasn’t slowed down.

If there were a school for how to master this car dealership thing, you’d read about Denver’s Mountain States Toyota in the history book. Consistent vision. Unrivaled dedication to the success of each team member. Well over two million dollars in accessory sales for two years running.

General Sales Manager Sean Kramer reflects on the incredible accomplishments of Mountain States Toyota.

"We’ve seen tremendous growth in sales volume and accessory sales since implementing our Insignia process about two and a half years ago,” Kramer explains.

Step into the dealership showroom at Luther Brookdale Toyota, and you’ll be swept away with hospitality. Every car buyer will meet one of two personable, professional delivery coordinators. The delivery coordinator will get to know the customer more personally as the buyer enjoys a tour of the facility. The buyer gets familiar with the place to which he or she will return for service for years to come. By the time the customer is familiar with the entire store, he or she will be familiar with the tour guide, too. That comfort and relaxation translates right into the accessory presentation, tucked away in the quiet of the coordinator’s office.

Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs before you settle on the prince. Rudy Luther Toyota, of Golden Valley, MN, can attest to the difference in trying other accessory selling systems in comparison to the Insignia system. After settling in with Insignia, the dealership found this system fit its style and streamlined communication among departments. When they found their rhythm, the store personnel also found themselves in the million dollar club.