Auto Dealers
Showing 353–368 of 578 results
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Are you ready for the green revolution? How to evolve as fuel efficiencies improve
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 276
Abstract: Automakers are working toward ever-higher fuel-efficiency goals, and this “green revolution” will likely continue. This brief article offers ways for dealers to evolve as fuel efficiencies improve: training service department personnel on the latest fuel-efficient technologies; integrating fuel-efficient parts into inventory; and helping customers further enhance fuel efficiency.
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Plan your estate now, save taxes later
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 652
Abstract: The estate tax provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), combined with dealership values that continue to be relatively low, provide significant tax-saving opportunities for dealers in 2013. This article looks at the higher lifetime gift and estate tax exemption and rate and notes that it’s important to start estate planning early to maximize tax-free transfers of dealership assets before they appreciate. It also discusses dealership valuation, family limited partnerships and grantor retained annuity trusts.
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Keeping an eye on dealer review sites
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 681
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.
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Extended depreciation-related deductions are good news
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 856
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) has extended both expanded Section 179 expensing and 50% bonus depreciation through 2013. This article details the benefits of each tax reduction tool and explains how they can benefit dealers both as buyers and as retailers. But it also notes that ATRA might result in higher taxes for some dealership owners.
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Dealer Digest – Dealership websites need improvements, survey says
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 391
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses a study conducted by the consulting firm Accenture revealing that dealer websites leave much to be desired: Specifically, they don’t provide the online information and digital tools that would make online car buying seamless. In other developments, the regulatory affairs office of the National Automobile Dealers Association recently distributed an e-mail reminder about the prohibited use of “drip pricing.”
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Chart your course in the right direction
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 686
Abstract: As the environment for selling cars and trucks continues to improve, it’s time for dealers to pay more attention to their future. They can do this by revisiting their business plan — or creating one — and determining the best road to greater profitability and future growth. This article discusses the components of a business plan and its uses.
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Is your dealership ready for the next big disaster?
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 727
Abstract: Hurricane Sandy’s huge losses, and the picking-up-the-pieces scenarios that followed it, should motivate all dealers to evaluate the plans they have in place to deal with a disaster. This article lists some of the actions required to prepare for a catastrophe, including forming a disaster planning team and prioritizing data recovery. A sidebar emphasizes that communicating with employees is the cornerstone of any disaster plan.
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The health care act – Getting ready to comply
March / April 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 696
Abstract: With a large number of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provisions taking effect in 2014, dealers shouldn’t waste any time preparing for the changes. The new requirements may have little effect on dealerships already offering health insurance, but “large” employers may have some substantial new costs for initiating or improving health coverage — or face tough penalties for not doing so. This article describes what constitutes a large employer and discusses new Medicare tax withholding requirements.
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Dealer Digest
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 474
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” notes that auto shoppers are quickly moving to their smartphones and tablets as useful tools for selecting new vehicles. If dealers don’t make sure that their website “reads well” on smaller screens, their store may be left in the digital dust. Also noted is the role that a Certified Fraud Examiner can play in detecting fraud.
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Running your warranty program effectively
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 722
Abstract: If a dealership is assessing its warranty program regularly — and fixing whatever is broken — it shouldn’t be concerned about the warranty audit that is scheduled with the manufacturer and what it might uncover. This article offers a few pointers about overseeing a warranty program and withstanding a warranty audit should one take place. These tips include training a warranty administrator to effectively process claims and training service technicians in warranty protocol.
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Strategies for keeping the lid on unemployment taxes
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 757
Abstract: State-imposed unemployment taxes have skyrocketed since the onset of the recession. While there may be little that dealers can do to reverse this nationwide trend, they can be more thoughtful in the hiring decisions they make, so as to avoid future unemployment claims against them. This article shows how a dealership might be able to influence its unemployment tax payments if certain situations apply and if they take certain actions. A sidebar discusses the value of conducting prehiring assessments.
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Who will succeed you? — 9 tips for selecting the right person and making it work
January / February 2013
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: Not everyone looks forward to retirement. But most owners will hand over the keys one day, and it’s important that they have a plan in place long before it’s time to walk out the door. Developing a succession plan encompasses a host of strategic and financial decisions, such as determining the dealership’s value, establishing a buy-sell agreement with a business partner or gifting to a family member. But the cornerstone of the plan will be choosing the right successor. This article offers nine tips for doing so and preparing him or her for the road ahead.
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Readiness is the best defense against used vehicle fraud
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 560
Abstract: Many dealers mistakenly think used vehicle scams happen only to other dealerships — until it happens to them. Readiness is the first and best line of defense against fraud. And it starts with knowing what scams are currently in vogue. This article describes some of today’s hottest used vehicle swindles: misrepresented vehicle history and condition, falsified loan requirements and documentation, and excessive administrative fees.
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Family-owned dealerships – Make the pros outweigh the cons
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 693
Abstract: In a time of industry consolidation, is operating a family dealership all it’s cracked up to be? Such businesses offer certain advantages — but face distinct challenges that require ongoing attention. This article looks at some of the advantages that family dealerships enjoy, but also notes the challenges — and remedies — regarding compensation, organizational processes, resentful nonfamily employees, and succession planning.
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How’s your dealership really doing?
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 582
Abstract: Dealers who need a better way to determine how their dealership is performing may find that benchmarking with key performance indicators (KPIs) provides the answers. This article explains the concept behind KPIs and shows how to pick the best ones.
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Counting inventory – Ask the right questions to get the right results
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 875
Abstract: When a dealer counts inventory, a small difference between what’s on the shelves and in its perpetual inventory system or the general ledger shouldn’t give rise to panic. But a variance that exceeds 3% to 5% is a cause for concern. This article offers some ideas for minimizing discrepancies. It looks at whether to outsource physical counting, how often to count and precautionary steps to take. A sidebar lists several ways to fraud-proof a parts department.