David Smith

🚗 Dealerships: Is Your Lounge TV Adding Value or Just Noise? 📺❌ With the presidential election winding down, you might be thinking the political TV drama will end soon… but think again. News cycles and commentary aren’t going anywhere, and the last thing you want is a tense atmosphere in your dealership lounge. Here’s why automotive digital signage and Lounge TV are the better choice for creating a positive, distraction-free experience: ✅ Control the Customer Experience: With digital signage, you choose what’s on display—service specials, seasonal tips, or brand stories that showcase your dealership’s value and expertise, without the noise of political or sensational TV content. ✅ Keep Customers Engaged: Digital Lounge TV holds customers’ attention with meaningful content that’s relevant to them, from vehicle care tips to dealership promotions. No more eyes glued to breaking news; instead, it’s all about their experience and connection with your store. ✅ Increase Upsell Opportunities: A well-curated digital screen WILL boost revenue! Studies show that targeted in-store digital content can increase unplanned purchases by up to 20%! Don’t let your lounge get caught in the endless news cycle. Now is the time to elevate the dealership experience with digital signage that enhances customer satisfaction and keeps the focus on you. Message me to learn more- Digital Dealership System Todd Katcher Jeff Coppler

6

🔥 Used Car Managers 🚙 🚗 General Managers 🔥 🔥 Dealer Principals 🚘 🚙 Automotive Professionals 🔥 Don’t let margin compression put the squeeze on you. This Friday, September 27th, starting at 9AM EST/ 6AM PST... Join David Long, Vasilios Lambos, Jasen Rice, Diego Vargas, John Ellis, Brian Kramer, Tommy Gibbs, Brian Miller, and other leading automotive experts as they discuss What It Takes To Be Profitable on David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better immediately. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to RSVP. You'll be texted a reminder once the room opens up. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales

8

5 Comments

🔥 Used Car Managers 🚙 🚗 General Managers 🔥 🔥 Dealer Principals 🚘 🚙 Automotive Professionals 🔥 Don’t let margin compression put the squeeze on you. This Friday, September 27th, starting at 9AM EST/ 6AM PST... Join David Long, Vasilios Lambos, Jasen Rice, Diego Vargas, John Ellis, Brian Kramer, Tommy Gibbs, Brian Miller, and other leading automotive experts as they discuss What It Takes To Be Profitable on David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better immediately. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to RSVP. You'll be texted a reminder once the room opens up. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales

6

9 Comments

For years, many independent dealers have stuck with the buy here, pay here model – where you finance the vehicle in-house and the customer makes payments directly to you. But the market is shifting, and we’re seeing an incredible opportunity emerge for dealers who want to take things up a notch. More and more independent dealers are exploring financing options through banks which has become a go-to for helping dealers offer financing for both good and special credit customers. It’s a smart move that turns your dealership into a one-stop shop – customers can buy, finance, and protect their vehicle all in one place. Think extended service contracts, GAP insurance, tire and wheel protection – the whole deal. The best part? This doesn’t mean walking away from buy here, pay here. It just gives you another way to add value and boost revenue. It’s about meeting your customers where they’re at and giving them more options. If you’re an independent dealer looking to expand and take advantage of these new opportunities, let’s chat. We’re helping independent dealers like you create new revenue streams and provide even more for your customers.

18

2 Comments

🔥Fixed Ops Managers🚙 🚙Used Car Managers🔥 🔥General Managers🚗 🚘Dealer Principals🔥 🔥Automotive Professionals🚖 The Fixed Ops Doc, Michael Barich shares the key metrics the best dealers in the country measure to recondition their vehicles with intesity. David Long’s All Things Used Cars... Every Friday morning at 9AM EST/6AM PST. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to the full episode replay of Recon Intensity. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales #cardealership

10

4 Comments

💥 How do you choose a Coach or Mentor? 💥 Dealership leaders at every level often turn to mentors for direction and guidance, whether they’re facing a challenge at their store or simply looking for professional advice. If you’re a leader, you can receive great benefits from working with a mentor or coach. To learn what YOU can bring to the table to make the most out of that relationship, click below to find out what questions you should ask a potential coach or mentor to uncover his/her most valuable insights. https://lnkd.in/gfMx-qJ

3

2 Comments

"Used Cars: SOLVED" is TODAY, Wednesday 11/6 at 9 AM ET ✅ 22 EXPERT SPEAKERS ✅ 12 POWERFUL SESSIONS ✅ 1 MASSIVE ROI Designed to empower dealers with the tools to overcome the biggest obstacles to mastering the used car department in 2024, you're sure to gain insights on critical topics, including: ACQUISITIONS: Learn innovative strategies for sourcing inventory without relying on auctions. RECONDITIONING: Discover best practices to streamline processes and enhance quality. PRICING, SALES TURN, and PROFITABILITY: Drive revenue. This can't-miss virtual event is happening TODAY. Can't make the live event? Register anytime BEFORE the event ends today for the link to view "Used Cars: SOLVED," a Disruptive Forces in Retail Automotive virtual event ON DEMAND. I'll also share clips from individual sessions and curated content on #LinkedIn and YouTube after the event through NADA 2025. Find the speaker list, agenda, and registration here: https://lnkd.in/gGhQEZ2T See you soon! #automotiveindustry #usedcars #dealers

21

13 Comments

Positive Outlook for Dealerships: Q1 2024 Sales Trends Show Industry Resilience The latest NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) Market Beat report for Q1 2024 offers some encouraging signs for the automotive industry. Despite a slight dip in the March SAAR (Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate) compared to February; the overall sales picture is positive: Increased Sales: The new light-vehicle sales SAAR for March 2024 hit 15.5 million units, a 3.8% increase year-over-year. First-quarter results are even stronger, with the SAAR at 15.4 million units, marking a 7% increase compared to Q1 2023. Improved Inventory: Crucially, shoppers now have significantly more vehicles to choose from. New light-vehicle stock on the ground and in-transit totaled 2.58 million units in March 2024, a substantial 40.2% jump compared to March 2023. Key Takeaways for Dealers These figures point towards a few key implications for dealerships: Affordability and Incentives: The combination of rising inventory and OEM incentives has led to a decrease in average transaction prices. While the average vehicle price in March 2024 came in at $44,186 (down 3.6% compared to last year), average incentive spending per unit reached $2,800, marking a significant 66.6% year-over-year increase. Dealerships should be prepared to leverage these incentives to attract buyers. Hybrids on the Rise: The alternative-fuel vehicle segment continues to grow, reaching an 18% share of total new vehicle sales in Q1 2024. Conventional hybrids are leading the charge with an 8.6% share and an increase of 2.4 percentage points year-over-year. This underscores the importance of adapting our inventory to meet growing demand for fuel-efficient options. Steady Growth Expected: While inventory might fluctuate over the next few quarters, the NADA anticipates that it will reach around 2.7 to 2.8 million units going into 2025. This, combined with rising sales figures, results in a positive outlook for the year, with a forecast of 15.9 million units for all of 2024. Adapting to the Market These NADA figures emphasize the importance of being malleable and nimble. By focusing on a diverse inventory that includes in-demand conventional hybrids, leveraging incentives, and anticipating a continued recovery in overall vehicle sales, dealerships can position themselves for success in the evolving automotive landscape. By: Delano Palmer Director of Training and Development Innovation Financial Services

2

Attention General Managers and dealership owners. Are you tired of delays in getting your inventory online? Premier Dealer Vendors staffing solutions is here to help you streamline and fast track this process for you!

45

3 Comments

Dealerships that don’t offer a flexible customer experience risk losing them. From text messaging to phone calls, meeting customers on THEIR preferred communication platform is key to keeping them engaged and informed. This small shift in fixed ops marketing can make a big difference in retention. Remember, it’s about what works best for the customer. How is your dealership adapting its communication strategies to modern customer needs? https://hubs.li/Q02WbGk20

5

🔥🚙 Leaders, Managers, Dealer Principals, and Automotive Professionals 🔥🚙 Why are our departments out of alignment? Positive Joe Leonard knows—and tells. Mark your calendar for David Long’s All Things Used Cars…Every Friday starting at 9AM EST/6AM PST. Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership today to improve your bottom line. 💰🤑💲💵 👀 in the comments for a link to the full episode replay of Progressive Discipline. #automotive #autodealers #dealership #management #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #leadership #newcarsales #usedcarsales

15

6 Comments

REMINDER FOR AUTOMOTIVE SHOP OWNERS: If the people around you are advising you to slow down or take it easy, you're surrounded by the wrong crowd. Success in this industry—just like any other—demands speed, urgency, and relentless pursuit. If your circle isn’t pushing you to go harder, think bigger, and achieve more, it’s time to reevaluate who you’re listening to. You need to surround yourself with people who challenge you to elevate your game, not hold you back. Seek out those who share your hunger for success and who inspire you to reach new heights.

15

4 Comments

F&I Managers: The Dealership’s Secret Weapon "You’re not just an F&I Manager—you’re the dealership’s secret weapon. From helping customers with finance to offering them the best protection, your work ensures everyone wins. Keep being brilliant—you’re doing an amazing job." #FILeaders #AutomotiveSuccess #DealershipWinning

10

🚙Used Car Managers🔥 🔥General Managers🚗 🚘Dealer Principals🔥 🔥Automotive Professionals🚖 If you’re not looking at customers this way you are losing money hand over fist!✋✊🤯 Larry Feldman of Career Changers USA shares this simple yet brilliant mindset on David Long’s All Things Used Cars. Every Friday morning at 9AM EST/6AM PST… Jump into the conversation or be a 🪰 on the wall like me! Either way, you’ll walk away with amazing insights and actionable tips that you can implement at your dealership TODAY to make you and your bottom line better. 💰🤑💵💲 👀 in the comments for a link to the full episode replay of Non-negotiables For Success.. #automotive #autodealers #automotiveindustry #carbusiness #automotivesales #newcarsales #usedcarsales #usedcardealer #sales #cardealership

9

4 Comments

Asking the wrong question forfeits gross. In this episode of "You've Got To Be Kidding Me!", David recalls a dealership where a manager is telling salespeople to ask a specific question that throws away gross. Train your team: https://lnkd.in/exxHB553 #success #dealership #salestraining #serviceadvisor #DavidLewis

12

2 Comments

Profits DOWN 33%? Time to Get LEAN in Your Dealership: 🔍 Review Your F&I Admin Fees/Expenses Put those savings back in your pocket. 🌟 Focus on Non-OEM VSCs on Claim Retention Ensure claims benefit YOUR service department, not competitors who upsell your agreements. 💼 Explore a Reinsurance/DOWC Model Gain control over Reserves and Surplus Investment Portfolio. 📈 Evaluate Reinsurance Loan Options Expand strategically in a buyer's market with the right loan capabilities. 💵 Consider Holding All Reserves as “Cash” Enhance cash flow by managing reserves outside of a trust. Ensuring these steps can help pivot your dealership towards greater profitability and resilience. 🤝 Work With an F&I Agency, Not Just Direct Writers Maximize profitability with diverse options instead of limited offerings. #DealershipManagement #FinancialStrategy #InsuranceAndFinance #AutoIndustry #ProfitMaximization #fortunefavorstheBOLD #fandi

4