Q&A

What is the future of the automotive industry?

What is the future of the automotive industry?

A new study predicts that over the next 15 years, the global automotive industry will undergo the greatest transformation in its history. In particular, the Automotive Landscape 2025 study, conducted by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, forecasts six …

When do you have problems with your car dealer?

If your car has lots of problems, your dealer or mechanic might be screwing it up when trying to find other problems. If you have problems immediately after having your car serviced, it may have been the mechanic’s fault. Examples: transmission problems after transmission servicing or fluid change.

How often do car dealers try to service your car?

Many dealers and independent mechanics try to service the car more often than needed. We’ve seen $800 tune-ups, done years ahead of schedule, using $50 worth of parts and less than an hour of labor, at a “recommended interval” that wasn’t even on the “severe service schedule”.

What are the ground rules for dealing with a car dealer?

Before we go on, though, let us set out two ground rules: Always be calm and courteous, even when you are not treated well. The service guy might just be right — we at least need to be open to that possibility. Most car dealers are independently owned and are protected by a thick wall of franchise laws, so automakers have limited leverage.

How many hours does an automobile dealer work?

Hours. Employees with automobile dealers work longer hours than do those in most other industries. Eighty-three percent of automobile dealer employees worked full time in 2008, and 35 percent worked more than 40 hours a week. To satisfy customer service needs, many dealers provide evening and weekend service.

If your car has lots of problems, your dealer or mechanic might be screwing it up when trying to find other problems. If you have problems immediately after having your car serviced, it may have been the mechanic’s fault. Examples: transmission problems after transmission servicing or fluid change.

What’s the work environment like for an auto dealer?

Work environment. Most automobile salespersons and administrative workers spend their time at shared desks or nearby offices in dealer showrooms. The competitive nature of selling is stressful to automotive salespersons, as they try to meet company sales quotas and personal earnings goals.

How does a car dealership make a profit?

Car dealership franchises buy cars from manufacturers and make a profit by selling them for higher prices. Once the vehicles arrive, they’re the dealer’s property until they sell to consumers. So what happens to them then? Dealers can’t return the vehicles to the manufacturers.