"Dealers that will be successful will partner or lead" in determining what the "future of retail looks like," he said.
Read MoreDealerships' service departments are leaving money on the table→
/
I acquired two cars recently, one new and one used. The dealership left money on the table after each transaction.
Read MoreFrom Cars To Buildings: Mazda Infuses Dealerships With Upscale Design→
/
Mazda has been trying to move up-market in recent years and the sophisticated design of its current vehicles have given the company a good boost in that regard.
Now the Japanese automaker hopes to translate some of the upscale design principles from its vehicles to U.S. dealer showrooms as part of a larger effort it calls Retail Evolution.
Read MoreFacilities projects: Who's asking for what
/
Facilities projects are among the most contentious issues between automakers and their dealers.
Automakers say stores need to be renovated to improve the customer's experience at the dealership and to project a more modern look. Dealers agree that their stores should be clean and inviting but question whether every design mandate helps sell cars.
It comes down to money. Setting aside the real-estate expenses, the cost of constructing or renovating buildings can vary enormously, depending on the size of the dealership, the local rate for construction labor and so on. But it's not cheap. That's why few automakers like to talk about how much the renovations will cost and what financial incentives they offer dealers to do the work.
Here are rundowns of some facilities programs under way.
Read MoreDealers cheer Ford facilities plan The big draw: Offer to match store spending is all carrot, no stick→
/
By offering to match dealers' spending on facility renovations dollar-for-dollar up to $750,000 per store, Ford has taken an already good program and made it even better, dealers say.
Read MoreAuto dealers voice frustration over manufacturers' costly 'image' programs→
/
Scott Holloway says his Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac dealership in Portsmouth is a "friggin' mess," since it's in the middle of two facility upgrades whose cost will probably top $1 million. And he has General Motors to thank for it. Gratitude, however, is not exactly dripping from the car dealer's lips.
Read MoreFactory Image Programs: An NADA Research Project→
/
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 4, 2012) – While new-car dealers see value in having clean and modern facilities, many have questions and, in a significant number of cases, are not convinced that the factory upgrades they are being asked to do will result in an increased return on investment, according to a new study by Glenn Mercer issued today at a press briefing during the 2012 NADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas.
Read More2013 auto sales will be strong, firm predicts→
/
DETROIT (AP) — A healthier economy and more model introductions should push U.S. auto sales above the 15 million mark this year, predicts an auto industry research firm.
Read MoreHow GM lost an Oklahoma dealer→
/
Marc Heitz, a major Chevrolet dealer in Oklahoma, last week sold his hunting lodge-style store in Norman rather than change the facade and interior to comply with General Motors' facilities standards.
Read More