In these tough times, it’s essential to maximize each customer’s visit by providing products and services with real value. Among all the glitz and glamour at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas in November, there was a real trend toward selling peace of mind.

    

This can mean anything from adding countertop displays of small items for impulse buys to offering services or products during routine visits or on new-vehicle...

A dealer principal once told us that when we first walked into his service department it scared some of his staff, so we were curious as to what it was that caused such a negative reaction. His reply was: “Well, you asked a lot of questions.”

We read somewhere that young children ask over 100 questions a day and university students ask about three, so maybe we have two problems. We never went to university and have yet to grow up!

Canadian Tire has announced that it is combining the strengths and resources in all aspects of its automotive business “to approach it with a single strategic clarity and drive growth.” The company has appointed Michael Medline as president, Canadian Tire automotive and dealer relations to oversee this new company-wide focus.

Medline, who has nine years experience in progressively senior roles at Canadian Tire, including the company's dealer network, is  responsible for...

There has been a lot of talk recently – almost hysteria, in fact – on the proposed ‘Right to Repair’ Bill, C-273. For sure, it has areas that leave much to be desired. But when was the last time you read an automotive bill written by politicians that you actually liked?

 

There was a similar bill, called ‘Block Exemption’, brought into law by the European Commission in 2002. It technically could allow independent garages even to carry out warranty...

At a time when vehicle sales are less than robust, dealers with vision are looking beyond just their core operations to optimize opportunities in the wider area of fixed operations. Some elements, like the quick lube facility add directly to the bottom line. Others generate a payback by contributing to CSI as well as creating a better workplace for dealership staff.

 

The ultimate in expanded fixed operations may well be a Toyota dealership in Chesapeake, Virginia, where the dealer...

With winter not far over the horizon, it’s time to ramp up your winter tire sales campaign. If you haven’t already done so, how about leveraging its effectiveness by offering to store the tires removed from your customers’ vehicles as well?

 

The option of tire storage adds a whole new dimension to traditional seasonal tire sales. First, it gives you a competitive advantage – a reason to do business with you rather than a competitor. And it is attractive not...

You may have read an article we wrote in the March issue of Canadian auto deealer about the automotive service industry in India. Whenever we asked the question, “where is the money?” the answer always came back loud and clear: “The Service Department.” Those dealers knew that even in an expanding market with increasing sales volumes the margins were low and the competition was high. It is the service department that holds the key to a healthy bottom line for a...

Average annual expenditures on vehicle maintenance and repair services have declined by approximately sevev percent from 2008. In addition, new-car dealers continue to lose market share to aftermarket service providers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Canadian Customer Commitment Index Study.

Compatible with more than 35 different brands of shelving, Rousseau’s modular drawer systems are a fast and easy way to reclaim valuable floor space and combine high density with bulk storage. The drawers can be customized for specific needs with partitions, dividers, plastic bins and more.

When it comes to auto repairs, Canadian women don’t believe they are treated as well as men, according to a survey conducted for Speedy Corporation, an aftermarket automotive service provider. Fully 43 percent of women feel they receive worse service than men and 42 percent think they pay more, too, the survey reveals.