Reputation, the global leader in reputation performance management, has released its annual North American automotive industry report, revealing that all 152 top-performing dealerships achieved Reputation Scores of 900 or higher.
The report, which analyzed 5.5 million car buyers, shows the transformative impact of reputation management on the automotive industry. Dealerships with strong reputations are seeing significant growth, with improved customer satisfaction directly leading to revenue increases. Notable findings include:
- Automotive brands that improve their Reputation Score by 150 points can increase sales by up to 10%.
- High-scoring dealerships generate seven times more actions on Google Business Profiles.
- Dealerships and automakers continue investing in tools to enhance customer experiences and reputation management.
Joe Burton, CEO of Reputation, emphasized the importance of reputation in today’s competitive landscape, stating: “Our data shows that dealerships who manage their Reputation Scores and act on customer feedback can unlock substantial business growth and engagement.”
The Reputation Score, a proprietary AI-driven metric, ranks dealerships and brands on a scale of 100 to 1,000. This score is based on a location’s sentiment, visibility, and engagement and serves as a leading performance indicator in the automotive industry. The report also includes an annual ranking of the top brands and dealerships based on Reputation Scores.
Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America, shared his thoughts on the company’s #1 ranking, stating: “Our reputation is not solely measured by sales volume but by the trust we cultivate through every customer interaction,” he said. “Being ranked #1 reflects our commitment to excellence and the Subaru Love Promise.”
Further, the report also emphasizes how automotive businesses can improve their market position through a comprehensive reputation management strategy. This includes soliciting customer feedback, responding proactively to reviews, and ensuring accurate and up-to-date business listings. Successful dealerships tailor customer experiences through personalized communication and data-driven insights, which in turn improves their Reputation Score and strengthens their competitive edge.
2024/2025 North American Automotive Rankings:
United States
- Non-Luxury Brands: Subaru, Honda, Nissan
- Luxury Brands: Lexus, INFINITI, Audi
- Private Dealer Groups: Hendrick Automotive, Ken Ganley Automotive Group, Holman Automotive
- Public Dealer Groups: Penske, AutoNation, Group 1 Automotive
- Top US Dealers: Stevenson – Hendrick Honda Wilmington, Porsche Southpoint, Hendrick Lexus Northlake
Canada
- Non-Luxury Brands: Subaru, Honda, Nissan
- Luxury Brands: Lexus, INFINITI, Audi