Fixed Ops Friday: David Cerqueira, Danny Negalha | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
Social media's impact on automotive operations takes center stage as hosts C.M. Dark, David Cerqueira, and Danny Nagalha discuss the evolving landscape of fixed operations. Key topics include the discontinuation of Stellantis' plug-in hybrids, CarMax's strategy to regain market share, and the rise of new car buyers facing higher monthly payments. Cerqueira shares insights on the importance of connected car leads and video multi-point inspections, while Nagalha highlights innovative technologies like robots in service departments. The episode emphasizes the need for dealerships to adapt and leverage technology for improved customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Stellantis
"First up today, Stellantis has confirmed that it's discontinuing all of its plug-in hybrids in the US starting with the 26 model year."
Stellantis is a big car company that owns several brands like Jeep and Chrysler. They make decisions about what cars to sell and how to market them.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It oversees a variety of automotive brands, including Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM.
plug-in hybrid
"First up today, Stellantis has confirmed that it's discontinuing all of its plug-in hybrids in the US starting with the 26 model year."
A plug-in hybrid is a type of car that uses both gas and electricity. You can charge it at home, and it can drive short distances using just electricity before switching to gas.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. It can be charged from an external power source and can operate on electric power alone for a certain distance.
Jeep Wrangler
"...irst surfaced after the drive got a tip that the Wrangler and Jeep or Grand Cherokee 4xE were no longer ava..."
Willys Jeep
"...the Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE were no longer available on their respective build-in price tools on Jeep's website."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a larger hybrid SUV that combines gas and electric power. It's designed for people who want a spacious vehicle that can handle tough terrains while being more environmentally friendly.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid variant of the Grand Cherokee, offering a blend of luxury, off-road capability, and electric driving. It caters to consumers looking for a larger SUV with eco-friendly features.
Jeep Cherokee
"...ve got a tip that the Wrangler and Jeep or Grand Cherokee 4xE were no longer available on their respective..."
all-electric
"...shelving the all-electric RAM cooling plans for a Chrysler EV crossover..."
An all-electric vehicle runs only on electricity and doesn't use any gas. It’s better for the environment because it doesn’t produce pollution from a tailpipe.
An all-electric vehicle is powered entirely by electricity, using a battery to drive an electric motor. These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and are considered more environmentally friendly compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Ford Bronco
"...s including the F-150 rangers, super-duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Transit, E..."
Ford Rangers
"...lling trucks, SUVs, and vans including the F-150 rangers, super-duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer, Expe..."
Ford Explorer
"...e F-150 rangers, super-duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Transit, E-Transit, and Ec..."
Ford Escape
"...including the F-150 rangers, super-duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that people love to take off-road and explore nature.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV known for its off-road capabilities and has a strong following among enthusiasts.
Ford F150
"qualify for the new $10,000 auto loan interest deduction including many of its best-selling trucks, SUVs, and vans including the F-150 rangers, super-duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Transit, E-Transit, and Econoline. I get a breathe."
Ford Etransit
"...including the F-150 rangers, super-duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Transit..."
The Ford Transit is a big van that businesses use to transport goods and people because it has a lot of space.
The Ford Transit is a versatile van designed for commercial use, known for its cargo capacity and adaptability.
Ford Mustang
"...duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Transit, E-Transit, and Econoline. I get a breat..."
Ford Expedition
"...including the F-150 rangers, super-duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer, Expedition, Mustang..."
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that can carry many people and is great for towing things like boats.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that offers spacious seating and strong towing capabilities.
Ford Econoline
"...including the F-150 rangers, super-duty trucks, Bronco Escape Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Transit, E-Transit, and Econoline."
The Ford Econoline is a type of van that many businesses used because it is strong and has a lot of room inside.
The Ford Econoline is a series of vans that were popular for commercial use, known for their durability and spacious interiors.
Lincoln Aviator
"But several Lincoln models also qualify including the Aviator, Corsair..."
The Lincoln Aviator is a fancy SUV that has a lot of luxury features and is comfortable to drive.
The Lincoln Aviator is a luxury SUV that combines performance with high-end features and comfort.
Lincoln Corsair
"...including the Aviator, Corsair, and the all-new..."
The Lincoln Corsair is a smaller luxury SUV that looks nice and has lots of technology features.
The Lincoln Corsair is a compact luxury SUV that offers a blend of style, technology, and comfort.
Lincoln Navigator
"... including the Aviator, Corsair, and the all-new Navigator. The deduction applies to personal use vehicles p..."
The Lincoln Navigator is a big, fancy SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's known for being very comfortable and has lots of cool features, making it a great choice for families who want a nice vehicle.
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and powerful performance. It has been a significant player in the luxury SUV market since its introduction in 1998, often praised for its comfort and towing capabilities, making it a popular choice among families and luxury buyers alike.
destination fees
"...On top of that, the average amount financed hit a record $43,759. While destination fees jumped sharply in 25..."
Destination fees are extra costs that buyers pay to have a car delivered from the factory to the dealership. These fees can change based on how far the car has to travel.
Destination fees are charges that cover the cost of transporting a vehicle from the manufacturer to the dealership. These fees can vary significantly and are often added to the final price of the vehicle.
84 months loans
"...buyers are stretching loans to make payments work. Loans of 84 months or longer accounted for 20.8% of new car financing."
84 months loans are car loans that last for seven years. They can make monthly payments smaller, but you might end up paying more in interest over time.
Loans of 84 months refer to financing agreements that last for seven years. These longer loan terms can result in lower monthly payments but may lead to higher overall interest costs.
Benzel Bush Mercedes
"...my name is David Sucram, the service director at Benzel Bush Mercedes in Inglewood, New Jersey,..."
Benzel Bush Mercedes is a car dealership that sells Mercedes cars and helps with their maintenance and repairs.
Benzel Bush Mercedes is a dealership that specializes in selling and servicing Mercedes vehicles. They provide a range of services including maintenance, repairs, and sales of new and used cars.
connected car
"...is that related to the connected car? And do you still do that?"
A connected car is a vehicle that can connect to the internet. This helps the car communicate with other devices and provides features like navigation and maintenance alerts.
A connected car refers to a vehicle that is equipped with internet access and can communicate with other devices and systems. This technology allows for features like real-time diagnostics, navigation, and remote control of certain functions.
maintenance intervals
"...provide us with information regarding if you need breaks of regular maintenance intervals. So yeah, we're working that every single morning at 7am."
Maintenance intervals are the times when you should take your car in for regular check-ups and services to keep it running well. This includes things like oil changes and brake inspections.
Maintenance intervals are scheduled times when a vehicle should undergo routine checks and services to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. This can include oil changes, brake checks, and other essential services.
OEM
"...there's a little bit of a battle between the OEM and the dealer group or the dealership for ownership of that customer..."
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. It's the company that makes parts or products that are sold under another brand. In cars, it refers to the car maker.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which refers to the company that originally manufactures a product or part that is later sold under another brand name. In the automotive context, it usually refers to the car manufacturer.
incentive
"...they were providing a $300 incentive to get back into the store and the pool of customers that we're seeing coming back..."
An incentive is a reward or bonus given to encourage people to do something, like buy a car or visit a store. Here, it's a $300 offer to bring customers back.
An incentive is a financial benefit or reward offered to encourage a specific action, such as purchasing a product or returning to a dealership. In this context, it refers to the $300 offered to customers.
Express Lane business
"...you talked about Express being 22% of ROs. You're Express Lane business. How has that been since you were last on the show? We're now getting close to 24%..."
Express Lane business is a way for car repair shops to quickly handle simple services like oil changes or tire rotations. It helps customers get their cars serviced faster without long waits.
Express Lane business refers to a service model in automotive dealerships that allows for quicker service and repairs, often focusing on routine maintenance tasks that can be completed in a shorter time frame. This model aims to enhance customer satisfaction by minimizing wait times.
Mercedes-Benz So Mercedesbenz
"accurate number. In my case, I filter out internals and also collision repair orders because those are being done somewhere else. Interesting. So Mercedes-Benz obviously is an OEM. They're probably agnostic to what system you use to push that out, I would suppose."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a stylish sports car that you can turn into a convertible by folding down the roof. It's known for being fast and luxurious, making it a popular choice for people who want a fun and fancy car.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury sports car that combines performance with elegance, featuring a retractable hardtop for open-air driving. Known for its powerful engines and advanced technology, the SL has been a symbol of luxury and innovation since its debut in the 1950s, often discussed for its blend of style and driving dynamics.
NADA
"...the NADA for us has been huge. I think of, I have 11 service advisors, they've all gone through their training..."
NADA stands for the National Automobile Dealers Association. It's a group that helps car dealers by providing training and support to improve their businesses.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is a trade organization that represents the interests of automobile dealers in the U.S. It provides training, resources, and advocacy for the automotive retail industry.
Toyota
"I would say they're probably 98% multimedia, almost 100% multi-point inspection. So, they really, and it's a store that does about 7,000 hours a month. So, those small adjustments really made a big impact... I also had a really good outlook with BMW last year."
Toyota is a car company from Japan that makes many popular cars, known for being dependable and good on gas.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. It is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
BMW
"We also had a really good outlook with BMW last year. Our Audi store did really well."
BMW is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars known for being fun to drive and having great performance.
BMW is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its performance-oriented cars and motorcycles. The brand is synonymous with driving pleasure and engineering excellence.
Audi
"Our Audi store did really well. We had several Hyundai stores."
Audi is a luxury car brand from Germany that is known for its stylish cars and advanced technology.
Audi is a German automobile manufacturer that designs, engineers, produces, markets, and distributes luxury vehicles. It is known for its advanced technology and all-wheel-drive systems.
Hyundai
"We had several Hyundai stores."
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes affordable cars with good warranties and has become popular for their quality.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, known for their affordability and warranty coverage. The brand has gained popularity for its quality and value.
multi-point inspection
"...gives you a brake inspection, multi-point inspection. It's pretty wild. The car stays in the lift for the next year."
A multi-point inspection is a thorough check-up for your car. It looks at many parts to make sure everything is working well and to catch any problems early.
A multi-point inspection is a comprehensive check of various components of a vehicle, typically performed during routine maintenance. It helps identify potential issues before they become serious problems, covering areas like brakes, tires, fluids, and lights.
brake inspection
"...gives you a brake inspection and a multi-point inspection. It's pretty wild."
A brake inspection is when a mechanic checks your car's brakes to make sure they are safe and working properly. They look at parts like the brake pads and fluid levels.
A brake inspection involves checking the condition of the brake components, including pads, rotors, and fluid levels. This is crucial for ensuring safe vehicle operation and preventing brake failure.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.