Pres on Insurance, Perrotta on Scout Threat | Daily Dealer Live
About this episode
A deep dive into the challenges facing automotive dealers, featuring insights from Laura Perota of the New Jersey Auto Dealers Association on direct-to-consumer threats from manufacturers like Volkswagen's Scout. The episode also covers the rising costs of auto insurance and how it impacts dealership sales, with Chris Prez from Poly discussing strategies to integrate insurance solutions into the car buying process. The conversation highlights the importance of protecting the franchise model and enhancing customer experience through transparency and education.
Chevrolet
"The acquisition marks the group's third Chevy store and helps kick off its 70th anniversary year, expanding the family-owned group into a new local market."
Chevrolet, or Chevy, is a popular car brand in the United States, known for making many different types of vehicles like trucks and cars.
Chevrolet, often referred to as Chevy, is a well-known American automobile brand that produces a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.
BMW
"They've acquired Santa Monica BMW from long-time owner Del Montel, who's retiring after building the store into a standout luxury operation."
BMW is a luxury car brand from Germany, famous for making high-performance cars and SUVs that many people admire.
BMW, short for Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its performance-oriented cars and SUVs.
new vehicle retail sales
"Last up in line with seasonal norms, new vehicle retail sales are forecasted to soften."
New vehicle retail sales are when people buy brand-new cars from dealerships instead of used ones or buying in bulk for businesses.
New vehicle retail sales refer to the sales of brand-new cars and trucks directly to consumers, as opposed to fleet sales or used vehicles.
JD Power
"This according to JD Powers and Global Data, dealers are expected to sell about 909,000 new vehicles at retail."
JD Power is a company that collects information about how people feel about cars and helps businesses understand what customers want.
JD Power is a global marketing information services company known for its consumer insights, data, and analytics, particularly in the automotive industry.
catalytic converter
"Last week we talked with NADA about this act where they're wanting to put marks on catalytic converters to decrease catalytic converter theft."
A catalytic converter is a part of a car that helps clean the exhaust gases before they leave the vehicle. It's important for reducing pollution, but it's also a target for theft because it contains precious metals.
A catalytic converter is an essential component of a vehicle's exhaust system that helps reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances before they exit the vehicle. They are often targeted by thieves due to the valuable metals contained within them.
Volkswagen
"...one topic that we talked a little bit about last week, and Charlie deferred because he's like, hey, there's others that know more about this, is Volkswagen's fight with the different states to go direct to consumer."
Volkswagen is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes many popular models. They have been in the news for trying to sell cars directly to customers instead of through dealerships, which is a big change in how cars are usually sold.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and the Golf. The company has been involved in various legal and regulatory discussions regarding its sales practices, particularly in relation to direct-to-consumer sales.
Tesla
"...So Tesla obviously is direct to consumer. They didn't exist."
Tesla is a car company that makes electric cars and sells them directly to customers instead of through car dealerships. This is different from how most car companies operate.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative approach to automotive technology and direct sales model. Unlike traditional car manufacturers, Tesla sells its vehicles directly to consumers, bypassing the dealership model.
direct sales
"...we're going to go direct."
Direct sales mean that car companies sell their cars straight to customers instead of going through local dealerships. This can sometimes make cars cheaper for buyers.
Direct sales in the automotive industry refers to manufacturers selling vehicles directly to consumers, bypassing traditional dealerships. This approach can lead to lower prices for consumers but challenges the established dealership franchise model.
franchise model
"...help auto dealers and protect their interests in the franchise model, Laura?"
The franchise model is a way car companies work with local dealers to sell their cars. It helps ensure that the dealers follow the company's rules and provide good service.
The franchise model in automotive retail refers to the relationship between manufacturers and dealers, where dealers are granted the right to sell a manufacturer's vehicles under specific terms. This model helps maintain brand standards and customer service quality.
OEMs
"...most people that aren't in this industry don't appreciate is OEMs have tried the direct to consumer model in the past..."
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. It's the company that makes the car or its parts, like Ford or Toyota.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. In the automotive context, OEMs are the car manufacturers themselves, like Ford or Toyota.
Ford
"...they tried it in the 90s with the Ford experiment and it just didn't work."
Ford is a major car company in the United States that makes many types of vehicles, including trucks and cars. They have been around for over a century.
Ford is a well-known American automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to sedans. The company has a long history in the automotive industry, dating back to 1903.
recall notification
"...it enhances recall notification of the consumers that you can go and get your vehicle fixed free of charge at your local dealership."
Recall notification is when car companies tell you that there is a problem with your vehicle that needs fixing. They will fix it for free to keep you safe.
Recall notification refers to the process by which manufacturers inform vehicle owners about safety defects or non-compliance with safety standards. This is crucial for ensuring that consumers can get necessary repairs done at no cost to them, enhancing vehicle safety.
motor vehicle open recall notice
"...you talked a little bit about New Jersey's motor vehicle open recall notice and fair comp act is a big win for dealers."
An open recall notice is a warning that your car has a safety problem that hasn't been fixed yet. It's important to pay attention to this so you can get it repaired for free.
A motor vehicle open recall notice is an official alert that a vehicle has an unresolved safety issue that needs to be addressed. This notice is important for consumers to ensure their vehicles are safe and compliant with regulations.
fair compensation act
"...and fair comp act is a big win for dealers."
The fair compensation act is a law that helps make sure people are treated fairly when they buy or fix their cars. It helps protect consumers' rights.
The fair compensation act typically refers to legislation aimed at ensuring that consumers receive fair treatment and compensation in various transactions, including automotive sales and services. This can include provisions for recalls and repairs.
auto technician training
"...we also are working on training more auto technicians. And what we do here is we bring to a dealership who's raised their hand in 18 week training program..."
Auto technician training helps people learn how to fix cars. It usually includes classes and practical work on vehicles so that students can gain experience before they start working professionally.
Auto technician training programs are designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to work in automotive repair and maintenance. These programs often include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, allowing students to learn theory and apply it in real-world settings.
TAP program
"...if you raise your hand and volunteer to host a TAP program, you'd get your pick of the litter. You get the first two texts, go to your dealership..."
The TAP program helps train new car mechanics and connects them with jobs at car dealerships. It often offers students money and tools to help them get started in their careers.
The TAP program, or Technician Apprenticeship Program, is an initiative that helps train and place aspiring auto technicians in dealerships. It connects students with employers looking for skilled technicians, often providing financial incentives for participation.
Nissan
"...Right now, we're hearing a lot from our Nissan and Volvo dealers..."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars. You might have heard of their popular models like the Altima or the Leaf.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from sedans to trucks and electric cars. They are recognized for models like the Altima, Sentra, and the popular Nissan Leaf electric vehicle.
Volvo
"...Right now, we're hearing a lot from our Nissan and Volvo dealers..."
Volvo is a car brand from Sweden that is famous for making safe and reliable cars. They offer different types of vehicles, including SUVs and sedans.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive brand known for its focus on safety and quality. They produce a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and wagons, with a reputation for innovative safety features.
F&I products
"So they walk away in the car they want you allow the customer to purchase additional F&I products. What we found is that when customers just quote with Paulie not even necessarily buy insurance, they ended up the dealership ends up making 20% more gross profit in the F&I."
F&I products are extra services and protections that car dealerships offer when you buy a car. They can include things like insurance and warranties to help keep your car safe and running well.
F&I products refer to finance and insurance products offered by dealerships, which can include various types of insurance, extended warranties, and service contracts. These products are designed to protect the buyer's investment and provide additional revenue for the dealership.
gap insurance
"many F&I products are risk based products, whether it's gap insurance or making sure that you've got maintenance plans going forward."
Gap insurance helps you if your car is stolen or totaled. It covers the difference between what you owe on your car loan and how much your car is worth at that time, which can be less than what you owe.
Gap insurance is a type of coverage that pays the difference between what you owe on your car loan and the car's actual cash value in the event of a total loss. This is particularly useful for new cars that depreciate quickly.
insurance rates
"...they had multiple customers come into the dealership that could not afford the car that they wanted because of the insurance rates."
Insurance rates are the amounts you pay for car insurance. They can change based on things like how safe you drive and what kind of car you have.
Insurance rates refer to the cost of premiums that drivers must pay for their auto insurance coverage. These rates can vary based on factors such as driving history, vehicle type, and location.
DMS
"...how does Polly integrate with existing tools in finance and sales across the dealership?"
A DMS, or Dealer Management System, is a tool that car dealerships use to keep track of their sales, inventory, and customer information. It helps them run their business more smoothly.
DMS stands for Dealer Management System, which is software used by automotive dealerships to manage their operations, including sales, inventory, and customer relationships. It helps streamline processes and improve efficiency.
CRM
"...the customer that they just entered into their CRM system, their DMS and they can find the customer..."
CRM means Customer Relationship Management. It's a way for businesses to keep track of their customers and how they interact with them, helping to improve sales and service.
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It's a system that helps businesses manage interactions with current and potential customers, often used to improve relationships and sales processes.
post sale marketing campaign
"...implementing a post sale marketing campaign, where we can market to customers after they leave the dealership..."
A post sale marketing campaign is when a business tries to reach out to customers after they buy something. They might offer them special deals or services to keep them happy and encourage them to come back.
A post sale marketing campaign refers to marketing efforts aimed at customers after they have made a purchase. This can include follow-up communications, offers, and services to enhance customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
insurance policy
"...some states or most states don't force the customer to add the new car to their policy until up to 30 days after they drive off the lot."
An insurance policy is an agreement you make with an insurance company to protect you financially if something bad happens, like a car accident. It explains what is covered and how much help you can get.
An insurance policy is a contract between an individual and an insurance company that provides financial protection against specific risks, such as accidents or damages. It outlines the coverage, terms, and conditions under which the insurer will compensate the insured.
Ram 1500
"...this was on a 26 RAM 1500. Anyone else experienced this, right? So maybe a dealer was using a technology to quote insurance..."
The RAM 1500 is a large truck that can be used for work or personal use. It's known for being strong and comfortable, making it a good choice for many drivers.
The RAM 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It's popular among both work and leisure users due to its versatility and capability.
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