Carl leason

Auto Retail Industry Changing Faster Than Most Can Keep Up With

Just my opinion, but dumping the older , family owned delerships is a huge marketing mistake !
Carlysle Lincoln Mercury, Clearwater, FL almost folded when taken over by one of those "Autoway" or similar organizations. They salvaged it by hiring back the same old salesmen that had been doing a good job for years, were real profesionals and knew every customer by first name !
For most people, like it or not, buying a car is a very personal thing. A buyer likes to know that they remember him and will treat him right when it comes to service and the next trade. I went personally to an AutoNation or Autoway or whatever,..and found it so impersonal that I walked out ! In fact I even went to a third place that operated the same way,.."their way or no way".. attitude.
I walked all over the huge lot for a half an hour and not one person came out to meet me or to see if they had what I was looking for ! So again, I walked ! I finally went to a Family owned dealership and did buy a new car. !But, what do I know,..I am just a retired automobile / truck factory Rep . and finally a salesman for over 30 years.
Ford and GM must realize that it IS a very personal thing,...buying a car,..and when they dump the AutoNations, etc......... sales will pick up !! LC