The Real Cost of Car Theft at Dealerships – Security, Recovery, and Retention | Industry Spotlight
About this episode
Exploring the rising threat of car theft at dealerships, this episode features Dorian Jimenez, owner of a Chevy dealership in Oklahoma City, and Chuck Stillwell from Icon Technologies. They discuss how a sting operation was launched to recover stolen vehicles taken by the Mexican drug cartel, highlighting the importance of advanced security measures. The conversation delves into the impact of theft on dealership operations, customer retention strategies, and the innovative use of connected technology to enhance service and protect inventory. Insights on the evolving landscape of auto theft and fraud are also shared.
exclusionary policy
"we need an additional endorsement... you have to sign this exclusionary policy..."
An exclusionary policy is an insurance rule that says some things won't be covered if something goes wrong. It's important for special cars that might get stolen.
An exclusionary policy is a type of insurance policy that specifies certain conditions or items that are not covered. In this context, it refers to additional coverage required for high-risk vehicles.
Chevrolet Camaros
"...rsement and it says for any Chevy Silverados, any Camaros, Corvettes, Dodge Challengers, Mustangs, any kind..."
Chevrolet Corvettes
"...nd it says for any Chevy Silverados, any Camaros, Corvettes, Dodge Challengers, Mustangs, any kind of superca..."
Ford Mustangs
"they're like, hey, take special note... for any Chevy Silverados, any Camaros, Corvettes, Dodge Challengers, Mustangs..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that many people love. It's known for being fast and having a cool design.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It has a long history and remains a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Dodge Challengers
"...y Chevy Silverados, any Camaros, Corvettes, Dodge Challengers, Mustangs, any kind of supercar trucks, you've go..."
Chevrolet Silverados
"...king at the endorsement and it says for any Chevy Silverados, any Camaros, Corvettes, Dodge Challengers, Musta..."
Ford Shelby
"...you see a lot of the high end, the Hellcats, the Camaros, the Shelby, some of those things that are very, very targeted at dealerships..."
The Ford Shelby is a special version of the Ford Mustang that is designed for high performance. It's very fast and popular, which makes it a target for theft.
The Ford Shelby refers to high-performance versions of Ford vehicles, particularly the Mustang. These cars are known for their speed and power, making them attractive to car enthusiasts and thieves alike.
Icon
"Companies like icon and companies like yours, Dorian innovate and find ways to deliver value to the customer and tore bottom line."
Icon is a company that helps car businesses keep track of their vehicles and improve their services.
Icon is a company known for its innovative solutions in the automotive industry, particularly in areas like vehicle tracking and inventory management.
GPS device
"So you are actually able to take this GPS device and offer it as a sell product to customers as added value, but also kind of keep track of your inventory in the process."
A GPS device helps you know where something is located and can track where it moves, which is helpful for keeping track of cars.
A GPS device is a technology used for navigation and tracking, allowing users to determine their location and monitor movements, which is particularly useful in managing vehicle inventory.
inventory management
"Yeah, you know, keeping track of the inventory is that that's a big thing on it."
Inventory management is about keeping track of what you have in stock, like cars at a dealership, to make sure you have enough available for customers.
Inventory management refers to the process of overseeing and controlling the ordering, storage, and use of products, including vehicles in a dealership, to ensure that the right amount is available at the right time.
loaner car
"if a car leaves my lot, that's an inventory car, a loaner car."
A loaner car is a car that you can use for free when your own car is being fixed, so you can still get around.
A loaner car is a vehicle provided by a dealership or service center to customers while their own car is being serviced or repaired, ensuring they have transportation during that time.
connected device
"Okay. It is connected. It is a connected device and let me show you and we'll show them the features and we'll show them the benefits."
A connected device is something that can connect to the internet or other devices. In cars, it helps you monitor things like location or performance from your phone or computer.
A connected device refers to any device that can connect to the internet or other devices, allowing for data exchange and remote monitoring. In automotive contexts, this often includes features like GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and remote access to vehicle functions.
upsell
"So you offer it as an upsell and finance. What how is it impacted your bottom line?"
Upselling is when a salesperson tries to get you to buy something more expensive or additional features when you're already buying something. For example, they might suggest extra services for your car.
Upselling is a sales technique where a seller encourages a customer to purchase more expensive items, upgrades, or add-ons to increase the overall sale value. In the automotive industry, this often involves offering additional features or services alongside the main product.
Classic Connect
"I have icon. We call it classic connect. And I have it on every single vehicle."
Classic Connect is a service that helps you keep track of your vehicle. It can show you where your car is and help if it's stolen.
Classic Connect is likely a service or product offered by a company that provides vehicle tracking or monitoring solutions. Such services are designed to help vehicle owners keep track of their vehicles' locations and statuses, especially in cases of theft.
addendum
"I have an addendum with that. I do window tech. I do class connected."
An addendum is something extra added to a document or agreement. In car sales, it can mean additional features or services that come with the car.
An addendum is an additional document or section added to a contract or agreement that provides further details or modifications. In automotive sales, it can refer to extra features or services that are included with the vehicle purchase.
telematics
"You know, one of the goals with the telematics is keep that customer connected with Dorian, keep them connected with classic and all of our customers frankly by using that telematic data, which is Dorian's data, right?"
Telematics is a technology that helps cars communicate information about their performance and needs. It allows car owners and service providers to stay connected about things like maintenance and repairs.
Telematics refers to the integration of telecommunications and monitoring systems in vehicles, allowing for data collection and communication between the vehicle and service providers. This technology can help track vehicle performance, maintenance needs, and customer interactions.
oil change
"You know, we had an setting up appointment for a dealer last week. We had a first time car buyer on the phone. We're scheduling an appointment for her. And she was shocked she needed to get an oil change..."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car with new oil. This is important for keeping the engine running smoothly and can help prevent damage over time.
An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure that involves replacing the old engine oil in a vehicle with new oil to ensure proper engine lubrication and performance. Regular oil changes help extend the life of the engine and improve efficiency.
DTC codes
"...we do have the ability to read some of the DTC codes, you know, if a vehicle throws a code and the dealer wants to be communicated of that code..."
DTC codes are like warning signals from your car's computer that tell you something might be wrong. They help mechanics figure out what needs to be fixed.
DTC stands for Diagnostic Trouble Codes, which are codes generated by a vehicle's onboard computer when it detects an issue. These codes help technicians diagnose problems with the vehicle's systems.
OBD-II
"...the OB-D2 obviously collects even more data for the consumer basically for them to know stats on their vehicle and how it's performing."
OBD-II is a system in cars that helps you check how well your car is running. It can tell you if there are any problems by connecting to a special device.
OBD-II stands for On-Board Diagnostics II, a standardized system that allows external devices to communicate with a vehicle's computer. It provides access to data about the vehicle's performance and any diagnostic trouble codes.
fixed ops revenue
"...the biggest opportunity in most dealerships today is fixed ops revenue. The biggest need in every dealership today is staying connected to that consumer..."
Fixed ops revenue is money that car dealerships make from services like repairs and maintenance, instead of just selling cars. It's an important part of how dealerships earn money.
Fixed ops revenue refers to the income generated from a dealership's service and parts departments, as opposed to vehicle sales. This includes maintenance, repairs, and parts sales, which are crucial for a dealership's profitability.
connected car
"...the lead is connected car because like the biggest opportunity in most dealerships today is fixed ops revenue. The biggest need in every dealership today is staying connected to that consumer..."
A connected car is a car that can connect to the internet and communicate with other devices. This helps drivers access information and services while driving, like navigation and vehicle health updates.
A connected car is a vehicle equipped with internet access and a wireless local area network, allowing it to communicate with other devices and systems. This technology enhances the driving experience by providing features like navigation, entertainment, and vehicle diagnostics.
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