25% Tariff Official Thread

You beat me to this thread by minutes, Brian!

Here's the dilly on the March 12th tariffs:
  • Steel and aluminum imports: 25% tariff.
  • All Chinese imports: 20% tariff.
Hearing this will increase vehicle pricing $300 to $500 per car.

The next round hits April 2nd:
  • Mexican and Candian imports: 25% tariff.
  • Reciprocal tariffs back at us: 25% tariff.
Could be another increase of $3,000 per car.

-----------------------------

Aside from cost increases, this may lead to layoffs at manufacturing facilities. Don't be surprised by fewer new car incentives and less vehicle availability. It could be a short-term blessing for dealers who get to charge MSRP+.

Some companies may go out of business if adoptions are not made quickly. When new cars were hard to get, advertising companies struggled. It is possible that an OEM or two declares bankruptcy.

Do Customers Really Want Electric Vehicles?

They want electric vehicles. However, a lot of customers don't know that they want an electric vehicle. For example, the Mercedes GLB-Class is a popular model because it's reasonably priced and looks the part. A lot of GLB shoppers don't even know an electric EQB exists! When they find out that they could get an electric version and possibly some free charging credits, then it's an easy switch to that model. It's the same vehicle so there's a good chance they'll go with the one that's slightly easier to maintain.

Why are so many aging on Mercedes dealers' lots? @Jeff Kershner - how are the EVs moving at your store? How do the older buyers feel about them?

Uncle Joe's Makeover Diary 2.0

Better response by salesperson (responds in a tone with excitement and positivity), "Perfect, let's look at times that work for you and we'll make sure everyone is ready to appraise your trade, the car is pulled up and ready to drive, and we get you out of here in a reasonable time for you to enjoy that drive back.

Great work Danno.
I'm working on 'Long Distance as a Merchandising theme'. Merchandising done right, sets up the rep's discussions.

My fav so far needs some wordsmithing: "Coming from Afar? Schedule Your VIP Appointment"

Here's the themes for the 1st pass:

Reassurance-Focused CTAs:​

  • "Worth the Drive: We Make Long-Distance Shopping Easy"
  • "2-Hour Drive? We'll Save You 2 Hours In-Store"
  • "Distance Doesn't Matter, Your Experience Does"
  • "We Respect Your Travel Time - Everything Ready When You Arrive"

Convenience-Focused CTAs:​

  • "Long Drive? Short Visit: Ready-to-Go Process for Distant Shoppers"
  • "Remote Shoppers Welcome: Pre-Arranged Test Drives"
  • "One Trip, All Done: Streamlined Process for Distance Buyers"
  • "Your Time is Valuable: We'll Handle the Paperwork Before You Arrive"

Excitement/Value-Focused CTAs:​

  • "Make Your Journey Count: Exclusive Benefits for Distance Shoppers"
  • "The Perfect Drive Home: In Your New Car"
  • "Turn Your Trip into a Celebration: Drive Home in Style"
  • "Travel Once, Enjoy for Years: Worth Every Mile"

Action-Oriented CTAs:​

  • "Coming from Afar? Schedule Your VIP Appointment"
  • "Reserve Your Ready-to-Test Vehicle Now"
  • "Traveling to Us? Let's Prepare Everything in Advance"
  • "Click to Schedule Your Distance-Buyer Priority Service"

What Cool Sh*t Can I Do with AI Right Now? (share your AI jobs!)

Well, running a dealership isn’t easy anymore. It's not like the old days ...

100% Made with AI. AI written content has a structure, a 'signature narrative' that triggers my spidey sense. Its like the AI gen images, they were badd ass when they 1st came out, but, they all have a similar look or style.

What Cool Sh*t Can I Do with AI Right Now? (share your AI jobs!)

Example of a GSM needing help, his notes in the prompt look like this:
" I am preparing for our monday am sales meeting. The sales team struggling with technical features of new Jeep hybrid models, need something that explains benefits in customer terms, should include common objections and responses, prefer interactive format that sales team can use during downtime."

This is what the Prompt Builder output looks like:​

Output:
Act as an Automotive Sales Training Specialist with deep knowledge of the latest Jeep hybrid models.

I need an interactive training resource for our sales team that:

1. Translates the technical features of new Jeep hybrid models into clear customer benefits and value statements
2. Organizes information into practical talking points for different customer types
3. Addresses the most common customer objections with effective responses
4. Is formatted as an interactive Q&A guide that sales team members can easily reference during downtime

Our team struggles with the technical aspects, so please focus on simple, compelling language that connects features to customer priorities like cost savings, environmental impact, performance, and convenience.

Make the content interactive by creating scenarios or customer personas the team can role-play with.
This is to be copy/pasted into AI.

The Output looks like this: (its quite comprehensive)

JEEP HYBRID MODELS: SALES TRAINING GUIDE

• PART 1: TRANSLATING TECHNICAL FEATURES INTO CUSTOMER BENEFITS

KEY TECHNICAL FEATURES & THEIR CUSTOMER BENEFITS​

1. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Technology
  • Technical Feature: Combines electric motor with conventional engine
  • Customer Benefit: "You get the best of both worlds - electric power for daily commuting without range anxiety. Many customers drive for weeks without visiting a gas station for their regular commutes."
2. Electric-Only Range (20-30 miles depending on model)
  • Technical Feature: Can drive on electric power only for limited range
  • Customer Benefit: "Your daily commute can be completely gas-free. The average American drives less than 30 miles daily, so you could potentially use zero gas for your weekday driving."
3. Regenerative Braking System
  • Technical Feature: Recaptures energy during braking to recharge battery
  • Customer Benefit: "Every time you slow down, you're actually generating electricity to extend your range. It's like getting free miles with each stop."

4. 4xe Powertrain with Combined 375 horsepower
  • Technical Feature: Combined gas/electric power output
  • Customer Benefit: "This hybrid actually delivers MORE power than the standard gas model. You'll feel that instant electric torque when climbing hills or merging onto highways."

5. 470 lb-ft of Torque
  • Technical Feature: Measurement of rotational force
  • Customer Benefit: "That exceptional torque gives you incredible off-road capability and towing power. Electric motors deliver their maximum torque instantly, giving you better response than traditional engines."

6. Selectable E-Save Mode
  • Technical Feature: Preserves battery charge for later use
  • Customer Benefit: "You control when to use your electric power. Heading to a national park or off-road trail? Save your battery power for silent, emissions-free nature experiences."

7. Electric Mode for Off-Roading
  • Technical Feature: Can use electric-only power in off-road situations
  • Customer Benefit: "Imagine exploring nature in near silence, hearing the birds and streams instead of an engine. Electric power also delivers precise torque control for technical off-road challenges."

8. Federal Tax Credits (up to $7,500 depending on model)
  • Technical Feature: Government incentives for PHEV vehicles
  • Customer Benefit: "Your actual cost of ownership is significantly lower than the sticker price, making this premium technology more affordable than it appears."

PART 2: CUSTOMER PERSONAS AND TALKING POINTS​


THE ECO-CONSCIOUS ADVENTURER​


Profile: Environmentally aware but still wants off-road capability

Key Talking Points:
  • "The 4xe lets you reduce your carbon footprint without compromising on adventure capability"
  • "Silent, emissions-free trail riding preserves the natural environments you love to explore"
  • "Regenerative braking means that challenging off-road descents actually recharge your battery"

THE TECH ENTHUSIAST​


Profile: Values innovation and cutting-edge features

Key Talking Points:
  • "The smartphone app lets you monitor charging, pre-condition the cabin, and track your efficiency"
  • "The power management system automatically optimizes between electric and gas power for maximum efficiency"
  • "The touchscreen displays real-time energy flow so you can see exactly how the hybrid system is working"

THE PRACTICAL COMMUTER​


Profile: Focused on cost savings and everyday practicality

Key Talking Points:
  • "Your daily commute could be completely gas-free, saving you hundreds annually at the pump"
  • "Home charging costs approximately $1-2 for a full charge, compared to $10-15 for the equivalent gas"
  • "Maintenance costs are lower since the gas engine runs less, with extended oil change intervals"
  • "The battery warranty provides 10 years/100,000 miles of peace of mind"

THE PERFORMANCE SEEKER​


Profile: Prioritizes driving experience and capability

Key Talking Points:
  • "The electric motor delivers instant torque for quicker acceleration than the standard gas model"
  • "You'll feel that immediate response when merging onto highways or passing"
  • "The electric power actually enhances off-road capability with precise torque control"
  • "The hybrid system adds weight low in the chassis, improving stability on challenging terrain"

PART 3: ADDRESSING COMMON OBJECTIONS​


OBJECTION: "Hybrid vehicles aren't really built for off-roading"​


Response: "Actually, the 4xe models maintain the same Trail Rated capability as their gas counterparts. The battery is fully sealed and protected, and the electric motor gives you even more precise torque control for technical off-road situations. Plus, imagine exploring nature in near silence—it's a completely new way to experience the outdoors."


OBJECTION: "I'm concerned about battery life and replacement costs"​


Response: "Jeep provides a comprehensive warranty specifically for the hybrid components—10 years or 100,000 miles. The battery is designed to maintain performance throughout the vehicle's life with normal use. And remember, with less strain on the gas engine, you'll likely see extended life for traditional components too."


OBJECTION: "I don't have anywhere to charge it"​


Response: "The beauty of a plug-in hybrid is its flexibility. While charging gives you the maximum benefit, the vehicle drives perfectly fine without ever plugging in—just like a conventional hybrid. That said, charging is easier than many people think. You can use a standard household outlet for overnight charging, and public charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Many workplaces, shopping centers, and parking garages now offer charging stations."


OBJECTION: "Hybrids cost too much compared to regular models"​


Response: "It's important to look at total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. When you factor in the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, potential state incentives, fuel savings over time, and potentially higher resale value, many customers find the hybrid becomes the more economical choice over a 3-5 year period. Would you like to see a cost comparison specific to your driving habits?"


OBJECTION: "I'm worried about its reliability since it's new technology"​


Response: "Hybrid technology has actually been proven in millions of vehicles over more than two decades. Jeep specifically engineered the 4xe system for durability in extreme conditions—it's been tested in Death Valley heat, Arctic cold, and challenging off-road conditions. The electrical components are sealed against water and debris, allowing for the same 30-inch water fording capability as gas models. That's why Jeep backs it with such a comprehensive warranty."


PART 4: INTERACTIVE Q&A SCENARIOS​


SCENARIO 1: THE CURIOUS FIRST-TIMER​


Customer: "I've never driven a hybrid before. How different does it feel?"


Response: "Many customers are surprised by how familiar it feels, just with some notable improvements. The acceleration is actually more responsive thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor. The transition between electric and gas power is so smooth most people don't notice it. The biggest difference you'll notice is how quiet it is in electric mode, and how infrequently you'll stop for gas. Would you like to take a test drive to experience it yourself?"


Follow-up Question: "Do I have to do anything special when driving it?"


Response: "Not at all! You drive it just like any other Jeep. The vehicle automatically manages the power sources for optimal efficiency. There are some simple selectable modes if you want more control—E-Save to preserve battery charge, Electric for zero-emissions driving, and Hybrid for the best combination of performance and efficiency. But even without touching those, the vehicle will run perfectly."


SCENARIO 2: THE BUDGET-CONSCIOUS SHOPPER​


Customer: "I like the idea of saving on gas, but can you show me the actual numbers?"


Response: "Absolutely. Let's personalize this to your situation. About how many miles do you drive daily, and what's your current vehicle's MPG?"


[After customer responds with 25 miles daily and 20 MPG]


Response: "Perfect. With a fully charged 4xe, you could potentially drive those 25 miles entirely on electric power, which costs about $1-2 in electricity at home. With your current vehicle at 20 MPG, you're using about 1.25 gallons daily, which at today's prices is around $4-5. That's a savings of roughly $3-4 per day, or about $750-1,000 annually just on your daily commute. Add in the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, and your break-even point comes much faster than you might expect. Would you like me to show you our payment options with these savings factored in?"


SCENARIO 3: THE OFF-ROAD ENTHUSIAST​


Customer: "I do a lot of trail riding. How does the hybrid system hold up off-road?"


Response: "The 4xe models are fully Trail Rated with the same capabilities as their gas counterparts. In fact, the hybrid system offers some unique advantages off-road. The electric motor delivers 100% of its torque instantly, giving you precise control for technical obstacles. The battery is fully sealed and protected, maintaining the same ground clearance and water fording ability. And one of my favorite features—you can run in electric mode on the trail, experiencing nature in near silence without disturbing wildlife. Many off-road parks are even installing charging stations at trailheads now. Would you like to see some of the specific off-road specs?"


PART 5: ROLE-PLAY EXERCISE​


Instructions: Practice these scenarios with a colleague. Take turns playing the customer and sales consultant. After each role-play, discuss:
  • Which benefits resonated most with this customer type?
  • Were technical features explained in simple, relatable terms?
  • How could the presentation be even more compelling?



This training resource provides your sales team with clear, benefit-focused language for explaining Jeep hybrid technology without getting lost in technical jargon. The structure allows for quick reference during downtime, and the scenarios provide practical conversation models. The focus throughout is on connecting features to the customer priorities you mentioned: cost savings, environmental impact, performance, and convenience.

What Cool Sh*t Can I Do with AI Right Now? (share your AI jobs!)

Uncle Joe's Prompt Builder :unclejoe:

Important: think of AI as your personal assistant. You create a communication doc for your AI Assistant to do a task, this doc is called a 'Prompt" Your assistant needs good instructions, you need a good prompt.

The text box below is a prompt you are to paste into any AI, then, replace the text below MY NOTES: with your notes and PB will create a prompt for you (yup, Uncle Joe is creating a prompt to help you build a prompt).

Copy/Paste into AI:
You are a Prompt Wizard who transforms messy thoughts into powerful AI prompts.

Below are my rough notes or ideas. Please:

1. Identify the core goal or question I'm trying to address
2. Extract the essential information while filtering out the noise
3. Determine the best AI role/expertise needed to help me
4. Create a clear, focused prompt that will get me excellent AI responses

MY NOTES:
[Your thoughts here - just write freely, don't worry about organization]

The refined prompt should be concise, well-structured, and ready to copy and paste into an AI chat. If my notes are missing any critical details, please let me know

What Cool Sh*t Can I Do with AI Right Now? (share your AI jobs!)

I do almost all of my search through ChatGPT now. I also always ask it to give me the news of the day without any bias.

To the lurkers, most AI's knowledge is not current:.
Prompt: what is the last date of your knowledge?

Answer:
My knowledge goes up to June 2024, but I can also pull in live information using web browsing if you need something more current. Just let me know!

Be sure to click 'search the web' for fresh info.
  • :light:
Reactions: Will G.

My New Adventure - Al West Nissan

Our inventory manager that oversees the techs that inspect them sign off on our WIS Buyer Guides. (Well, a tech does, then records inspector (inventory manger) along with the date and then the customer signs it.

We also stick them all in the exact same spot on the exact window (rear passenger window just behind the head rest so it affects your blind spot minimally, because the head rest already blocks that area.)

Why You Should NOT Link To Social Media Sites

I get trim but what about all the other filters on dealership websites, are people really searching using all those filters?

Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Automatic Climate Control
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Bluetooth
Fog Lights
Forward Collision Warning
Hands-Free Liftgate
Heated Seats
Keyless Entry
Lane Departure Warning
Parking Sensors / Assist
Power Liftgate
Power Seats
Premium Audio
Premium Package
Push Start
Rain Sensing Wipers
Satellite Radio Ready
Tow Package
WiFi Hotspot
Wireless Phone Charging

you even put them in alphabetical order.. impressive
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My New Adventure - Al West Nissan

Realized that that:

1. The sales manager did not fully understand how to properly fill out a Buyer's Guide

2. They have the salespeople fill them out. Too big of a fine to leave it up to salespeople IMO. Who does it at your store?

Had to go update them in all of our inventory. Do you guys make sure they are all in the same window or am I just crazy? I also hate them getting taped in the windows. I bought the sleeve that hang on the window. Didn't know those were a thing until one I bought at ACV had one.
Have a standard, and make sure your whole team knows the standard (anything with factory warranty gets that one, anything under X miles and X years get your dealership warranty, and everything else is 'As-Is'. Obviously, have them in the car first off - our office prints them off and they get placed in the vehicle once the vehicle is stocked in to our key system. The lot porters put them in the car for us. From a deal perspective, we have 3 buyers guide options as forms in our DMS and CRM. Our sales team is responsible for printing and having it signed. Our finance team has it as well as a backup in case they forget (which rarely happens).

How Much Does SEO Cost Per Month in the USA?

In my humble opinion some of the OEM's would love nothing more than to be able to get rid of the dealerships!

And during dealership hours and as long as a person can do it better a real person would be better however, AI will only get better and the time it takes to hire and train a person will only get more expensive.

As new players emerge across the globe, that largely operate without maintaining their inventory. In this era of platform competition, victory goes to those armed with superior platforms, more effective marketing, and enhanced performance.

And AI stands out as something that can help the online players transform the landscape of how dealerships handle both parts and car sales.

Things they could do...

1. Dynamic Inventory Management:

AI-driven systems excel at automating inventory management, offering dealerships a dynamic and real-time solution. These systems can seamlessly integrate with existing databases and continuously update inventory listings. This ensures that customers browsing the website are presented with accurate and up-to-date information on available cars and parts, leading to increased customer satisfaction and trust.

2. Predictive Analytics for Demand Forecasting:

AI algorithms can analyze historical data, market trends, and customer behavior to predict future demand for specific cars or parts. By leveraging predictive analytics, dealerships can optimize their inventory, ensuring that popular items are well-stocked while minimizing overstock situations. This not only improves sales but also streamlines the ordering process, saving both time and resources.

3. Automated Customer Interactions:

Implementing AI-powered chatbots on dealership websites enables automated customer interactions. These chatbots can answer common inquiries, provide information about available cars and parts, and even assist with scheduling test drives or service appointments. This not only enhances the customer experience by providing instant responses but also frees up dealership staff to focus on more complex tasks.

4. Personalized Recommendations:

AI algorithms analyze customer preferences, purchase history, and browsing behavior to deliver personalized product recommendations. Whether a customer is searching for a specific car model or looking for compatible parts, the website can showcase relevant suggestions. Personalization not only improves the likelihood of making a sale but also enhances the overall user experience.

5. Dynamic Pricing Optimization:

AI's ability to process vast amounts of data in real-time enables dynamic pricing optimization. Dealerships can set pricing strategies that consider factors such as market demand, competitor pricing, and historical sales data. This ensures that prices are competitive and reflective of current market conditions, maximizing revenue and maintaining a competitive edge.

6. Visual Recognition for Parts Identification:

AI-powered visual recognition technology can simplify the identification of auto parts. Customers can upload images or use their device's camera to identify specific parts they need. This not only expedites the search process but also reduces the chances of ordering incorrect or incompatible parts.

7. Automated Marketing Campaigns:

AI-driven tools can analyze customer data to create targeted and personalized marketing campaigns. Whether it's promoting special offers on cars or highlighting discounts on parts, automated marketing campaigns can reach the right audience at the right time, driving engagement and sales.

8. Streamlined Documentation Processes:

AI can assist in automating the documentation processes associated with car sales. From generating contracts to processing paperwork, AI-powered systems can reduce the administrative burden on dealership staff, ensuring smoother and faster transactions.

9. Fraud Detection and Prevention:

AI algorithms can enhance website security by detecting and preventing fraudulent activities, such as fake listings or attempted identity theft. This not only protects the dealership and its customers but also contributes to a trustworthy online environment.

10. Continuous Improvement with Machine Learning:

Machine learning, a subset of AI, enables systems to learn and improve over time. By analyzing user interactions, sales data, and market trends, machine learning algorithms can continually refine their recommendations and predictions, ensuring that the dealership website remains adaptive and responsive to changing conditions.
Not a criticism. Are you using AI to create, or even just fine tune your responses?

New app for marketers

**Price includes a $1000 trade assistance discount and $1,000 Financing discount.**

Ugh.
Dear Devs that hang out here on DR. Plz invent some tool to help shoppers steer away from dealers with evil small print games.

Hell, a good old fashioned social media public shaming with this info could go viral.
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What Cool Sh*t Can I Do with AI Right Now? (share your AI jobs!)

Ok Josh. Place this at the end of any prompt
Before proceeding, restate the crucial insights I’ve provided to ensure full comprehension. Additionally, highlight any mission-critical ambiguities or areas that need clarification to complete the task.
(you are asking AI to check the quality of your request)

Why You Should NOT Link To Social Media Sites

Social media can distract your customer by dragging them off the site.
Social Media is supposed to drive customers to your site, not your site sending people off to watch cat videos.

Sure, if they want that particular vin that you have then it's not an issue but otherwise ... it is.


social media icons make a site design look good because they are a filler.
Cat Videos are extremely underappreciated.

My New Adventure - Al West Nissan

I agree with you that automated requests can be slippery with unhappy customers. I considered that before I started to go automated, and came up with a template that I hoped would mitigate bad reviews and offer the customer an alternative to vent to me about a bad experience prior to giving the review. I can't say that this will work, but here is my template:

Thank you for choosing (insert dealership name) for the purchase of your ((Vehicle Type)).
I hope we provided you with great experience. If so, please visit this link and leave a Google review for us (insert google review link)
If we did not provide you with great experience, please let me know what we could have done differently to make your visit more pleasant.
If there is anything else that I can help you with, please let me know.
Thank you again. We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you again in the future.
(added my direct contact information)


I plan to give this automated message a run for a few months to see what happens, then go from there. If I am present at time of purchase, I do make an effort to personally ask for reviews before the customer leaves. This would be my preferred way, but I am not always nearby when the customer makes their purchase so I can't be consistent.
Pay your salespeople $25/review (or whatever), and they will darn sure get them!

Or, leave a review and get registered for a drawing where you can win a prepaid Visa Card for $250 (or whatever).

Please keep us posted on your automated review testing. I am interested in how you do!

Thanks Richie.

My New Adventure - Al West Nissan

I agree!
I have our CRM set up to send review requests via emails/texts to customers after their purchase. I haven't had it set up very long, but so far I'm not seeing the response I prefer. Hmm, now I need to see if I can create a report to track those. I also personally ask for reviews whenever I can.
I have given this a lot of thought Richie. Through my overthinking process, I decided that I do not want to automate reviews. There are a couple different reasons, but the most obvious is that if the process is automated then we will be asking for reviews from customers that potentially didn't have the best experience. Say they had a problem with an airbag light that came on 2 days after they purchased. Of course we are going to pay for that repair...but the airbag part is on backorder. In an effort to put this fire out as fast as we can, we decide to start calling around looking for this part at a salvage yard. Now the customer gets a review request.

If we REALLY want to boost our reviews, there is only one way that I know that actually works. When the customer is waiting with the salesperson before they go into the finance office, ask the customer to leave a review. That is the point in the journey that the customer actually wants to leave the review. They are excited about their new vehicle purchase, they are happy with everyone at the dealership, and they sitting there with nothing to do anyway.
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My New Adventure - Al West Nissan

That 5 star review is a good idea!

Too much off topic ... but are reviews part of check out? "Hey! could you scan this qr code and leave us a review?"
Some stores do actually integrate the review into the process somewhere. There always seems to be a "disconnect" as to where it should be done.

In most dealerships, the automatic answer for any of this type of thing is "Can't we have a form that we use in the Finance Office". That is absolutely the worst place to ask for a review.
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