Dealership Success Stories

How They Sold Accessories with Low Inventory

In Burnsville, Minnesota there’s a CDJR store called Dodge of Burnsville and they’ve been with Insignia Group since November 2013; they have really upped their accessory sales process over the past few years, starting with signing up for the Everything Program (called Guided Program then) in January 2019.

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

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.

There is always room for improvement.

That is the attitude of the management of Sellers Subaru in Macomb, Michigan; especially knowing that customers are going to buy accessories from somewhere.

The Sellers team recognized personalization as a way to get their customers exactly what they want, while simultaneously adding value to the vehicle. Leading their zone, the dealership was content with their vehicle personalization process. That’s when the dealership was chosen to be part of Subaru’s Mid-West Regional pilot program with Insignia.