#RefreshFriday Strikes, AI, War, Sincro, Elections- What does it mean for the car biz?

[Jeff Kershner]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkysLt4jJqM


Put three guys (@DrewAment) who deeply research politics and current events on a live show for 1 hour and what will you get? We have no idea, but we are betting it will be controversial! Here are a few places we may go:

• Are these port strikes going to be rough for dealers?
• Will an Israeli reaction to Iran cause all-out war in the middle east with economic impacts on the US?
• Is the media just hyping EV sales?
• Sincro being sold to DealerOn - can we get excited?
• How easy is to manipulate our politicians?
• Has CDK's outage been memory-holed?
• How long until A.I. replaces BDC agents and Internet Managers?

Join us LIVE on Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube Friday at 1PM
https://www.facebook.com/dealerrefresh
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dealerrefresh
https://www.youtube.com/dealerrefresh

 

[joe.pistell]

Theme 1: Car Dealer's Competition​

1. Carvana's Rollercoaster Ride: Can It Sustain Its Position in Auto Retail?​

Timestamp: 0:00 – 2:30

Explore the financial struggles of Carvana, including its debt load and profitability challenges. This article delves into whether Carvana can pivot its business model to include service centers and other profit centers to ensure long-term viability in the competitive auto retail landscape.

2. The Call Center Conundrum: Is the Online-Only Model Failing Automotive Retailers?​

Timestamp: 6:53 – 9:33

Analyze the effectiveness of Carvana's online-only sales approach versus traditional dealership models. Discuss the reliance on call centers, customer engagement challenges, and the low percentage of online sales conversions, providing insights into what automotive retailers can learn from Carvana's experience.

 

[joe.pistell]

Theme 2: Macro News​

3. Navigating Strikes and Supply Chain Disruptions: Strategies for Automotive Dealerships​

Timestamp: 12:00 – 18:00

Examine the recent strike impacts on automotive dealerships, including supply chain bottlenecks and inventory management. Offer practical advice for retailers on stocking essential parts and preparing for potential future disruptions to maintain operations and customer satisfaction.

4. Global Supply Chain Woes: How Port Strikes and Geopolitical Tensions Are Shaping Auto Retail​

Timestamp: 18:00 – 20:00

Assess the impact of international port strikes and geopolitical issues, such as those in the Suez Canal region, on the automotive supply chain. Offer strategies for dealerships to mitigate delays and maintain inventory levels amid global uncertainties.

 

[joe.pistell]

Theme 3: Disruptive Technology​

5. AI in Automotive Sales: Revolutionizing Dealership Operations or Just a Passing Trend?​

Timestamp: 57:09 – 1:17:00

Investigate the role of artificial intelligence in automotive sales, highlighting its potential to streamline lead management and customer interactions. Discuss the current limitations, cost-benefit analysis, and future prospects of AI integration in dealerships.

6. Workforce Automation in Dealerships: Balancing Efficiency and Employment​

Timestamp: 57:09 – 1:17:00

Discuss the trend of automating roles within automotive dealerships using AI and other technologies. Evaluate the benefits of increased efficiency and cost savings against the challenges of workforce reduction and the importance of maintaining high-quality customer interactions.

 

[joe.pistell]

Theme 4: Electric Vehicles (EVs)​

7. Rising Insurance Costs for EVs: A Barrier to Electric Vehicle Adoption?​

Timestamp: 29:00 – 33:00

Explore how higher insurance premiums for hybrid and electric vehicles are affecting consumer decisions. Discuss the underlying reasons for increased costs, such as repair expenses and battery-related risks, and what this means for the future of EV sales.

8. The Future of Electric Vehicles: Incentives, Challenges, and Market Shifts​

Timestamp: 25:00 – 35:00

Provide an in-depth look at the evolving EV market, including government incentives, consumer demand, and manufacturer strategies. Analyze why some OEMs are revising their electric vehicle goals and what this means for automotive retailers and consumers alike.

 

[joe.pistell]

Theme 5: Consumer Behavior and Dealer-Vendor Relationships​

9. Consumer Behavior Amid Rising Gas Prices: Opportunities for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles​

Timestamp: 17:00 – 25:00

Analyze how increasing gas prices are influencing consumer purchasing decisions, leading to a shift towards fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles. Highlight the opportunities this presents for automotive retailers to adjust their inventory and marketing strategies to meet changing demands.

10. Building Strong Dealer-Vendor Relationships: The Key to Sustained Success​

Timestamp: 50:00 – 1:18:00

Highlight the importance of robust relationships between automotive dealers and SAAS vendors. Share best practices for maintaining long-term partnerships, ensuring excellent support and service, and leveraging these relationships to enhance dealership operations and customer satisfaction.