An economic warning to the US dealer It is now spring of 2011 and we are experiencing a thaw from one of the harshest winters on record. The temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. We are also beginning to see green sprouts after a l

The state motor vehicle franchise laws may have something to say about that It was reported last week that Mercedes Benz USA is taking over the distribution of smart vehicles from Penske Automotive. The problem, of course, is that Mercedes Benz USA h

Unless you’re viewing an archived version of this magazine or you just picked this up in the service waiting area at the dealership, you are likely reading this article within a week or two either way of the 10th Digital Dealer Conference and Expos

Twenty years ago, branding and marketing decisions were easy. Think about it: Who bought your radio and television advertising? Who approved and often appeared in your commercials and print ads? Who approved your outdoor signage? If you were a single

Negative and intentionally false online comments In 2010 dealers spent more on online advertisements than print media. The explanation is simple: Greater than three-fourths of new-vehicle buyers (79%) use the Internet during the shopping process.  H

Which is harder: knowing or doing? Almost everyone understands that “doing” is harder than “knowing.” I agree, but the first step in the knowing/doing process must be, by necessity, “knowing.” It is the height of absurdity to demand that

The only tattoo I have is the scar from a smallpox vaccination I received when I was ten. Everyone in school received the vaccination. Everyone has the scar tattoo to prove it. These vaccinations were apparently mandated by a governmental agency whic

“Sourcing mode” is a term that applies to those that are always shopping for a great price, and are always adding new suppliers that have the latest and greatest pricing for the supply or service they are responsible for buying. Sometimes your te

While managing salespeople I would occasionally hear a complaint from team members that sounded like this: We’re going to train on the steps to the sale again? This is getting redundant! While helping to run a six-dealership group, I would occasion