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F&I and Showroom editors go beyond the headlines to uncover new stories and emerging trends in the world of automotive retail and finance.
The trend toward hybrid sales and finance managers shows no signs of slowing. Dealers who want to close the business office must be sure they don’t shut the door on their customers as well.
Mergers and alliances among factories are proliferating as the demand for mass-market electric vehicles increases and the cost to build them makes profitability impossible.
Noncompliant and outright illegal behavior by dealers, managers, and staff have generated headlines throughout the year. Less heralded are the instances in which dealership personnel took action that led to arrests.
The long list of offenses committed by dealers and other highly successful people proves desperation is not the only cause of criminal behavior.
Opponents of franchise laws claim they hang on flawed logic, discourage competition, and benefit dealers to the detriment of consumers.
A new-to-market, data-driven solution has reignited the discussion over intentional vehicle overvaluation, a form of bank fraud that remains prevalent despite a string of dealer lawsuits and regulatory actions.
Mounting losses have compelled many underwriters to jump ship on guaranteed asset protection, but it remains a cornerstone product that continues to perform for customers, dealers, and F&I managers.
Fears that F&I would fall victim to advancing technology and bad press appear unfounded as the segment continues to perform for dealers and car buyers.
For all its missteps, Tesla Inc. finally found its footing in 2018, eking out a 1.2% market share and renewing concerns shared by established manufacturers and brick-and-mortar dealers.
Rehashing deals at the desk is a losing proposition for the business office, the dealership, and its customers. One expert says dealers and managers must act now or be forced to watch the art of F&I dwindle into obscurity.