CBT Now
The frontlines of retail automotive: what dealers are seeing — Katie Bowman Coleman | Bowman Auto Group
From mom-and-pop dealerships to larger auto groups, the changing retail automotive landscape has impacted businesses big and small. But how are dealers on the frontlines adapting to the transforming landscape? On this episode of CBT Now, host Shyann Malone is joined by Katie Bowman Coleman, president and owner of the Bowman Auto Group, to discuss her experiences in the industry and how her dealership has fared throughout the year. Watch full segment here.
Top Stories
Service department performance was mixed in July as both work volume and revenue declined from the previous month. According to data from Cox Automotive’s Xtime Metrics platform, dealerships saw the number of repair and maintenance orders fall 7.8% from June and 3% from July 2022. As a result, service department volume hit a five-year low for the month. Read More
A new automotive study indicates that car owners are more satisfied with their purchases than they were a year ago as manufacturers look for ways to improve the experiences their vehicles provide. As reported by WardsAuto, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Automobile Study 2022-2023 found that car owners rated their happiness with vehicles two points higher in 2023 than in 2022, for an average score of 79. Read More
Anderson Automotive Group expanded its presence in South Carolina with its purchase of several dealerships from MCE Automotive Group. In its second acquisition for the year, the family-owned dealership group bought seven new storefronts in total across Greer, Greenville and Easley. The purchase includes Toyota, Hyundai, Genesis, Nissan, Kia and Chevrolet franchises. Anderson Automotive now has 20 sites across North and South Carolina. Read More
Texas will begin charging electric vehicle owners in the state $200 annually in September, just over a week away. In addition to the charge, electric vehicle owners will be required to pay an additional $200 when they purchase or renew their registration. The controversial fees come at a time of increased EV usage across the country. Although battery-powered cars remain a niche product, legacy automakers have seen demand rise steadily as they launch new models for the U.S. market. Read More
For Dealers
Google vs Bing search: mapping out the differences
Google and Bing are the kings of search in the United States, regardless of what you are searching for. In the world of automotive dealerships, both Google and Bing offer some specific competitive advantages and unique tools which can help car buyers find both the right vehicle and your dealership. We’ll give an unbiased look at what Google and Bing are doing as of August 2023 in regards to driving more vehicle interest to your website and your dealership doors. Read More
Rethinking dealership design for electric vehicles
The automobile industry is attempting a seismic shift. OEMs, at the direction of the government, are not only wanting to change the way we drive but also how we purchase and maintain our vehicles. For dealerships. with the help of OEMs, this means more than just updating inventory—it’s about reimagining the entire showroom experience. Let’s dive into how dealerships can redesign their spaces to cater to the new era of EVs and meet consumer expectations. Read More
