Dealer Insights
Showing 177–192 of 347 results
-
Dealer Digest – Year end tax planning strategies abound
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: In this issue, “Dealer Digest” looks at three strategic tax moves that dealers might want to make before the end of the year: timing income and expenses, planning inventory carefully, and reviewing repair and maintenance expenses in light of recent IRS regulations. It also lists three main tasks a salesperson should accomplish during the critical first hour they work with a customer.
-
What’s the future of “green” vehicles in the U.S.?
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: It has been nearly two decades since the first vehicle powered by a hybrid gas-electric engine, the Toyota Prius, was introduced. The other major car manufacturers soon followed with their own hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. This led some to predict that sales of vehicles powered by electricity, natural gas, hydrogen and other alternative fuels would soon overtake sales of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. But so far, sales of green vehicles have yet to take off in the United States. This article discusses why this may be so, but looks at a number of factors indicating that green vehicles will become more, not less, common in the years to come.
-
It’s a family affair – How to dodge the pitfalls of family-owned dealerships
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Family-owned businesses, including auto dealerships, have always been an integral part of the American dream. Successful dealer-owners use the pluses of a family-owned business to their advantage while overcoming the hurdles that come with running one. This article discusses those hurdles, such as potentially difficult relationships among family members and between family and nonfamily employees. Compensation and succession are two issues in particular that need to be addressed.
-
Growing sales in small and declining markets
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 850
Abstract: While automobile sales have rebounded nicely in many areas of the country since the depths of the recession, there are still some regions where the market of car buyers is shrinking or small. For dealerships located in these markets, success often comes down to the ability to diversify. This article discusses a few creative ways that some dealerships have diversified in order to increase sales, revenue and profits. A sidebar notes several ways to grow market share.
-
Dealer Digest – GAAP alternative now available
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses new guidance that allows private dealerships following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to elect not to consolidate the financial reporting from variable interest entities that lease property to them. It also notes two new taxes under the Affordable Care Act that affect high earners, and a prediction that worldwide new vehicle sales will stop increasing sometime within the next decade.
-
7 ways to boost service area profits and efficiency
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 586
Abstract: With gross profits on new automobile sales declining for the first time in five years, many dealerships are looking for ways to recapture some of these lost profits. The service department is one of the first places to look. The technological sophistication of today’s new vehicles gives dealerships an added advantage in the service area, since many independent mechanics lack the skills or diagnostic equipment to work on them. But the department must run smoothly. This article offers seven ways to boost service department efficiency and profits.
-
Internal controls – How can you deter fraud effectively?
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Dealers who have a strong internal control system in place might sleep more soundly. A strong system begins with detailed and accurate financial information and a systematic means of frequently monitoring such data. This article offers a number of tips to help dealers achieve this and nip fraud in the bud.
-
Adapting to today’s Internet-savvy car buyers
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 787
Abstract: Thanks to the Internet, today’s car buyers are far more informed when they walk through the door than they once were. More preparatory online research has resulted in fewer dealership visits — while greater knowledge of a given car, including the cost to the dealership, creates reduced negotiating leverage for the dealer, who may find it harder to maintain the same profit levels as in the past. This article notes that adapting to these changes may result in changes to sales tactics, compensation models and marketing strategies. A sidebar offers a few statistics about today’s car buyer.
-
Dealer Digest – Is the future of dealer reserve auto financing at risk?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: In this issue, “Dealer Digest” takes a look at the uncertain future of dealer reserve auto financing. It also discusses why, at least in the near term, driverless driving will not likely be the main benefit of driverless cars, and why, with more young buyers entering the automobile market, it might be time for dealerships to overhaul their showrooms — and the way they sell vehicles.
-
Applying the latest regs on repairs and maintenance
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 623
Abstract: There has long been confusion among dealerships about the tax treatment of tangible property improvements on things such as buildings, machinery, equipment and vehicles. Specifically, should these costs be capitalized and depreciated, or can they be deducted immediately? The IRS recently issued final regulations addressing repairs and maintenance and providing guidance to help dealerships make this determination.
-
A badge of honor – Monitor online sites to defend your dealership’s reputation
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: For dealers who don’t know what’s being said about them on online dealership review sites — or don’t have a strategy in place to quickly combat unfair reviews or appease disgruntled customers who have a legitimate beef — this article should serve as a wake-up call. It explains the threat from negative reviews, whether fair or unfair, and how a dealership should respond.
-
What’s the current state of the dealership M&A market?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 786
Abstract: After several slow years in the aftermath of the financial crisis, auto dealership merger and acquisition (M&A) activity picked up substantially in the United States in 2013 — and one industry source indicates that dealerships are currently priced at all-time highs. This article lists a number of factors driving this trend and discusses the different types of buyers and their motivations. While this is currently an opportune time for sellers, a sidebar points out that, in today’s low-yield investment environment, many automotive dealership buyers see acquisitions as an opportunity for high return on investment.
-
Dealer Digest – IRS to zero in on pass-through entities
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: In this issue, “Dealer Digest” notes that the IRS plans to devote more resources to auditing pass-through entities, which include S corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies (LLCs). It also explains that most dealerships won’t qualify for Affordable Care Act small-business tax credits or be able to reap their maximum benefits, and warns that manufacturers might be unable to ramp up their production capacity to meet the anticipated higher demand.
-
E-contracts could soon hit critical mass
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 541
Abstract: The adoption of electronic vehicle finance contracts — or “e-contracts,” which have been around since the mid-1990s — might reach critical mass in the near future. This article discusses the benefits of e-contracts, including speedier processing and higher customer satisfaction, but also looks at some of the barriers that have impeded their adoption.
-
The art of devising pay plans – What to consider when structuring compensation
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: Dealership employees typically rate compensation as among the most important aspects of job satisfaction. Strong pay plans motivate staff, and employees are more likely to stay on board when they feel well rewarded. This article discusses devising plans according to different employee roles and tying the plans to overall business strategy.
-
How to market and sell vehicles to Millennials
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 858
Abstract: One of the challenges facing auto dealers today is selling vehicles to young car buyers. This includes the Millennial generation, which is loosely defined as those born between 1980 and 2000. This population segment of approximately 75 million people doesn’t generally show a strong interest in buying automobiles. And what they value tends to be different from the preferences of previous generations, as a sidebar explains. This article addresses why it’s important to know what Millennials want to buy, to communicate in their language, and to use effective selling techniques.