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dealerELITE is the fastest growing and most relevant automotive social network in the world! It is an automotive dealer, vendor, trainer, manufacturer, car enthusiast, and customer social network. It is a place to share ideas, discuss industry best practices, and connect with other automotive professionals.

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Ralph Paglia posted photos
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James A. Ziegler commented on James A. Ziegler's blog post Jim Ziegler wants to know: Double Cross or NOT a Double-Cross?
"THE GIANT SCREW JOB CONTINUES... Some Rogue Vendors have even more stealth ways to stick it to the dealers"
1 hour ago
Keith Shetterly commented on Keith Shetterly's blog post The Truth About Your Data
"David, thank you!  And "lol" to them having the "sharing" verbiage ready and already removed if you ask."
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David Blassingame commented on Keith Shetterly's blog post The Truth About Your Data
"Keith, Great article and wise advice.  It is prudent to read every vendor contract word for word.  (I suggest you start with your DMS agreements)  If the meaning isn't clear, ask for it to be written in different language…"
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Bobby Compton commented on Jim Leman's group Christian Auto Industry Professionals
"They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23"
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Rob Gehring posted a blog post

May's Fixed Performance Newsletter

MAXIMIZING SHOP PRODUCTION    May 2013                               In this issue The Cost of ReportingMeasuring EfficiencyMeasuring ProficiencyStructuring IncentivesTaking Advantage of the OpportunityGreetings, Dealerelite:Before we get in to the meat and potatoes of maximizing shop production, let’s take a look at things in a simple applicable way.  For this example let’s consider a shop that employs 10 technicians. If the technicians don’t have work to start on immediately when they arrive…See More
3 hours ago
Joe Webb posted a blog post

If Your Friends Jumped Off a Bridge...

If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you as well? Is that what your mother always asked you growing up? When caught making a mistake or doing wrong, children will always look to point the finger elsewhere. They’ll blame it on a friend, a neighbor, a bully, or an instigator. They were just following someone else’s lead… even if they knew it was wrong. That’s their excuse.…See More
3 hours ago
Marsh Buice commented on Marsh Buice's video
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Don't Ask, Don't Tell

"Sorry for the delay @ Bill you set the course right brother. We do have to act the part- when we don't "feel" like it, when we don't "feel" we have a deal. Your feelings are unreliable, your actions are not. If you…"
3 hours ago
JD Rucker posted blog posts
3 hours ago
Mark Tewart posted a blog post

Automotive Sales Training -Complete Sales Freedom in Two Years or Less

Many sales people tend to always be chasing the next customer and worrying about the next paycheck. The good news is that this is unnecessary and can be fixed forever in two years or less. Sales people can eliminate future sales and income anxiety once and for all. What’s the key to creating freedom? It’s marketing. If you are a sales person who is waiting for your business to provide an endless funnel of prospects and buyers, you are living in a fantasy land. Even with a ton of leads and…See More
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Automotive Dealers Remarketing

The Automotive Dealers Remarketing Group on DealerElite aims to connect professionals engaged in the used-vehicle wholesale channels, with independent and franchised car dealers professionals who buy and sale wholesale vehicles.See More
3 hours ago
Mathew Koenig commented on James A. Ziegler's blog post Jim Ziegler wants to know: Double Cross or NOT a Double-Cross?
"wow that is terrible. This seems to be what happens when the dealer is not the only income source for these places. They have so much other revenue coming in that they're willing to take a risk and pissed off a few of their dealers because in…"
4 hours ago
James A. Ziegler commented on James A. Ziegler's blog post Jim Ziegler wants to know: Double Cross or NOT a Double-Cross?
"THE GIANT SCREW JOB CONTINUES... An internet manager sent me an email. She was upset because when Cars.com delivered the lead to her there was a note attached to it referring her to these other venors, including "RoadLoans" who we know…"
4 hours ago
Nelirene Dablio posted an event

Complimentary Webinar: European Retailer Satisfaction with Manufacturer Contracts, Standards and Incentive Schemes at Online

May 29, 2013 all day
SGS invites you to register for the complimentary webinar "European Retailer Satisfaction with Manufacturer Contracts, Standards and Incentive Schemes" on May 29, 2013.This complimentary webinar will share the results of the SGS new Survey on Automotive Dealers Satisfaction with the new Contracts, Standards and Bonus Schemes in the 4 main markets of Western Europe. Attendees will receive an overview by manufacturer segment on dealer satisfaction with the key elements of the contractual relation…See More
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Dave Anderson posted a status
"You can’t teach mental toughness, you must hire it in. Look at an applicant’s life; what they’ve been through, stuck with & overcome."
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Dave Anderson posted a status
"Having a great time with my class in Chicago. Yesterday we covered personal leadership & creating culture; today it’s building the team"
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Dave Anderson posted a status
"Adversity may stall your vision, passion & momentum, but don’t let it steal them. When you hit a wall bounce, don’t splatter."
5 hours ago
Richard Holland posted a blog post

Creating Customer Loyalty through Consistency

Hotel chains across the country have long had problems with customer loyalty due to an  inconsistent customer experience. In researching the problem it was found that the prime reason for the disparity in customer experience was due to the growth of each major brand. Hotel chains were acquiring new…See More
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TOP Featured Blogs

Strategy for Success: First, Hire the Right People (+ Tips on How to Hire Them)

A common perception of what makes a business successful is as follows: the leader is a genius who has a vision, defines the strategy, and all the employees work to make that vision into a reality.

 

The reality, however, is far different. In the best-selling business book, “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t,” by Jim Collins, a team of researchers discovered that the most successful leaders focus on getting the right people on board before they set…

NCM Institute wants to know: Do Record Profits Threaten Shaky Fundamentals ?

 

A quick look at the current state of auto retailing would suggest that things are good. Tough times (and a couple of notable bankruptcies) have thinned dealer ranks. Although pressures are mounting, the manufacturers are still demonstrating discipline around production volumes. Most importantly, customers are returning to showrooms.

Add all factors together and the result is that volumes and margins on both new and pre-owned vehicles are strong. So strong, in fact, that many…

There Are Only 86,400 Seconds In A Day-Don't Waste Them.

The importance of time is something that we must never take for granted.  As we know the time that we have here on Earth is limited and it's imperative that we don't look back over our life when we get older and say "I wish I had of."  I remember…

Automotive Sales Training -Five Tips for Beginning Sales People

1. Educate Yourself

Don’t wait for managers or anyone else to give you the sales education you need. Unfortunately, the automobile industry has been stuck for years in a, “Throw them in and see if they can swim mentality.” Some dealerships take new recruits to a meeting room and have them watch training tapes for a day and expect them to be trained. Neither of these options will increase your odds for success.

 

Begin a massive self-education program that will…

Yahoo confirms $1.1B purchase of Tumblr, “promises not to screw it up”

Yahoo is investing big-time in the social media. The company announced today that it has purchased Tumblr, the popular blogging and social media network, for $1.1 billion.

"I'm delighted to announce that we've reached an agreement to acquire Tumblr!," Marissa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo, announced on her own…

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Blog Posts

May's Fixed Performance Newsletter

Posted by Rob Gehring on May 23, 2013 at 9:37am 0 Comments

MAXIMIZING SHOP PRODUCTION    May 2013                       

 

       In this issue

 

  • The Cost of Reporting
  • Measuring Efficiency
  • Measuring Proficiency
  • Structuring Incentives
  • Taking Advantage of the…
Continue

The Truth About Your Data

Posted by Keith Shetterly on May 23, 2013 at 9:30am 2 Comments

The Truth About Your Data almost always begins with contracts.  

I know that dealers are often unaware of the full content and ramifications of vendor and services contracts, and that's why the vendor's sales people…

Continue

If Your Friends Jumped Off a Bridge...

Posted by Joe Webb on May 23, 2013 at 9:10am 0 Comments

If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you as well? Is that what your mother always asked you growing up? When caught making a mistake or doing wrong, children will always look to point the finger elsewhere. They’ll blame it on a friend, a neighbor, a bully, or an instigator. They were just following someone else’s lead… even if they knew it was wrong. That’s their excuse.…

Continue

The Most Important Social Media Webinar I’ve Ever Presented is Coming Soon

Posted by JD Rucker on May 23, 2013 at 9:00am 0 Comments

Important

On June 5th, I will be presenting a webinar called “Beyond the Basics: 5 Myths and 10 Rules for Advanced Social Media Mastery“. It might as well be called, “Stop the madness because the social media world is going down a dark path.”…

Continue

Automotive Sales Training -Complete Sales Freedom in Two Years or Less

Posted by Mark Tewart on May 23, 2013 at 8:54am 0 Comments

Many sales people tend to always be chasing the next customer and worrying about the next paycheck. The good news is that this is unnecessary and can be fixed forever in two years or less. Sales people can eliminate future sales and income anxiety once and for all.

 

What’s the key to creating freedom? It’s marketing. If you are a sales person who is waiting for your business to provide an endless funnel of prospects and buyers, you are living in a fantasy land. Even with a ton…

Continue

The First Public Dealer Data Guarantee

Posted by Keith Shetterly on May 23, 2013 at 7:33am 0 Comments

Over a year ago, in January 2012, CAR Research XRM made a public commitment to protecting both the dealer’s data and the dealer’s business interest around that data in their “Data Safety Guarantee” announcement:  http://www.carxrm.com/news.php?id=1.  Additionally, both I as an eCommerce Director and consultant (then) and Pat Kelly as COO of CAR Research had these things to say on video that February of 2012 at the NADA…

Continue

Creating Customer Loyalty through Consistency

Posted by Richard Holland on May 23, 2013 at 7:20am 0 Comments

Hotel chains across the country have long had problems with customer loyalty due to an  inconsistent customer experience. In researching the problem it was found that the prime reason for the disparity in customer experience was due to the growth of each major brand. Hotel chains were…

Continue

Reduce Sales Department Turnover and Hire More Winners

TOP Featured Discussions

Which is More Important: Social Media Marketing or Reputation Management?

I can already hear one of the arguments.

"They're one in the same. A good strategy applies both simultaneously."

While I agree with the statement, one that I've heard many times, I still would like an answer and discussion about one or the other.

For this discussion (so we don't get into the topic of definitions), social media would be the art and science of promoting the dealership and…

Breaking News: Changes at AutoTrader

 

Chip Perry, who has been with AutoTrader.com since its inception has been admired by Dealers and the AutoTrader team has announced he was leaving the Autotrader Group effective May 1. Chip served as president and CEO of AutoTrader.com, was the company’s first employee in 1997 when asked by Manheim to launch the company. Since then, AutoTrader.com has grown to become the world’s largest automotive marketplace and Chip Perry has become widely recognized as a pioneer of the…

Who moved my cheese?

I took a break today and read the book again called " Who moved my Cheese? " It is a timeless classic to say the least. You know maybe it is time for dealers to make this book required reading again. When I first started in management it was required reading for me.

There is way too much time spent in the past and blaming other people, other applications and not enough time spent getting back to the basics of being a hunter and a farmer in the sales profession and looking for…

Cars.com and Auto Trader, Get Rid of One?

Currently our dealership advertises on both Cars.com and Auto Trader.  My GSM is convinced we do not need to be on both, and that we will sell the same amount of cars if we drop one.  I have a lot of hesitations about this.  Over the past 6 months we have sold 11 cars from Auto Trader and 15 cars from Cars.com; not to mention the cars we have sold from our website due to the traffic from Auto Trader and Cars.com.

Since we are locked in with lower rates with Auto Trader he…

A BDC that only does OUTBOUND calls?

I'm starting with a small sales BDC (only two people) and I'm hoping to expand over time but my GM will only let my BDC do out bound calls. So, that means no incoming calls and no internet pops!I'm hoping to 'wow' them enough with my talented reps that he will at least give us the incoming calls. I trying to figure out how to compensate them enough so that they'll stick around and be motivated to make outbound calls all day. Has anybody ever worked an only outbound BDC and what incentives did…

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Forum

Which is More Important: Social Media Marketing or Reputation Management?

Started by JD Rucker in Social Media and Reputation Management. Last reply by JD Rucker on Saturday. 3 Replies

I can already hear one of the arguments."They're one in the same. A good strategy applies both simultaneously."While I agree with the statement, one that I've heard many times, I still would like an answer and discussion about one or the other.For this discussion (so we don't get into the topic of definitions), social media would be the art and science of promoting the dealership and communication with customers through sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest amongst others, while reputation…Continue

Tags: Reputation Management, Social Media

Cars sold from your Internet Department

Started by Jackie Cahill in Ask an AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONAL. Last reply by Richard Robbins on Monday. 7 Replies

Hi Everyone,I am trying to compare the production of my BDC with other dealerships.  We are a one rooftop dealership in the north east with about 200 new &100 used.  I have 2 BD Agents.  We average about 80 appointments a month with 27 sold units.How many appointments and sold units are you guys doing?  How big are your departments/BDCs?I want to compare our production.  Are we low performing, average, etc?Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!As always, thank you!Jackie Continue

Tags: BDC

AutoMax & Red Cross Oklahoma Tornado Relief Effort – Matching Contributions

Started by Craig Lockerd in OTHER - Does Not Fit Any Predefined Category 23 hours ago. 0 Replies

In response to the devastation brought on by the tornado that swept through the city of Moore, Oklahoma, AutoMax Recruiting and Training, LLC announces a commitment to help those most in need.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to all who have been affected by the tornado.  Our commitment as an organization is to support one another in good times and in bad.AutoMax Recruiting and Training, LLC has donated $1000.00 to the American Red Cross.  We are contacting all our clients, vendors and…Continue

Do You Consider SEO and/or PPC Part of Your Marketing or Advertising Budget?

Started by JD Rucker in Advertising/Marketing Forum on Friday. 0 Replies

For some dealers, there's no distinction. For others, they have two (or more) distinct buckets for their budgets. TV, radio, media buys, etc. might go in to advertising while websites, online listing, etc. go under marketing.Where does search fit in? Is it advertising because you're buying better paid or organic listings to increase your exposure, or is it marketing because it's normally associated with websites and landing pages?I've heard compelling arguments for both and I know which way I…Continue

Tags: PPC, SEO

dealerElite: Developed to be an Automotive educational site

Started by DealerELITE in Ask an AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONAL. Last reply by Jim Mahoney Aug 9, 2012. 13 Replies

We would like to thank all our members for maintaining focus on motivational, educational, & inspirational discussions, blogs, and videos! dealerElite is a No self promoting Zone! (Yes: Video Testimonials are considered Self Promoting)  dealerELITE has a couple simple rules to follow:- Be polite and courteous to each other- "Do not "self-advertise" too much, otherwise dE may remove you as a memberIf either of these two rules are broken, dealerELITE has the right to make changes to your…Continue

Overpaid?

Started by James Bunting in Dear Abby (dealerELITE) - Advice Needed yesterday. 0 Replies

Here's the backstory:Our internet team has grown over the last several years, both in terms of personnel and responsibilities  As manufacturer and customer expectations have become more exacting, our appointment setters have necessarily stepped up to the plate. We had no choice: if the customer knows about Edmunds' TMV, you'd better know how TMV works. If a customer is also considering an off-brand unit, you'd better be ready to explain why your vehicle makes for a better investment. If a…Continue

Would you be willing to dump your Facebook page altogether and start fresh?

Started by JD Rucker in Social Media and Reputation Management yesterday. 0 Replies

Facebook has a big problem. Unfortunately, talking to them about it revealed that they don't consider it a big problem. This can be for two reasons - either they really don't consider it to be a big problem or the effort it would take to fix it is more than they're willing to invest right now.The problem is this - you can…Continue

Tags: Social Media, Social, Facebook

Traditional Advertising, is it truly over as many might say?

Started by Bobby Compton in Ask an AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONAL. Last reply by Tom LaPointe Dec 4, 2012. 85 Replies

Traditional Advertising, is it truly over as many might say?I've found that there are different environments, climates and demographics that call for traditional advertising! Although Social Media is on the move and in my opinion will be sooner than later, the #1 source to reach a customer, traditional advertising must not be counted out!In some towns the paper is still King, while in others a local T.V. station is King and believe it or not in some towns Radio is King.While the hot topic of…Continue

Tags: BOBBY, COMPTON, LIVE, AUTOS, dealerELITE

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First Drive: 2014 Kia Cadenza

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Kia's Second Effort At Luxury Finds More Love Than The Amanti

2014 Kia Cadenza

The same recent global economic crises that have led luxury automakers to invade the small car market are also somewhat responsible for the influx of near-luxury sedans from mainstream automakers. As the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Audi are reaching down for new customers, automakers like Hyundai, Chevrolet and Toyota are reaching up to bridge the gap and fill in the white space between the industry's typical high-volume large sedans and established luxury sedans. Joining this emerging market, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is the latest sedan to blur the line between value and luxury. One of Kia's core focuses has been offering value to customers, and even with a starting price of $35,100, the Cadenza still represents plenty of that kind of thinking.

Despite what might first come to mind, the Cadenza is not named after a piece of furniture. Instead, Kia notes the name for its new front-wheel-drive flagship comes from the Italian musical term that translates as 'cadence'. The name thus fits in nicely with the brand's other musically inspired model name, Forte. Much like the Hyundai Genesis, the Cadenza will serve as a test of sorts to see how much customers are willing to pay for a Kia, and despite recent reports indicating that Kia has confirmed the Quoris for next year, the reality is that the availability of the bigger rear-wheel-drive flagship will be determined in part by how well the Cadenza strikes a chord with buyers.

This isn't Kia's first crack at mid-level luxury. That distinction goes to the bug-eyed, Amanti, which was killed off in 2009. The same basic recipe is still in place - V6 power, roomy interior and a lengthy list of standard features, yet this car seems altogether better outfitted to appeal to modern consumers than the baroque Amanti. We headed out to the great weather and even better roads near San Diego to test the 2014 Kia Cadenza to see for ourselves if it has the inner harmony and cadence to keep step with full-size luxury sedans or if it's just here to make a bunch of noise.

Continue reading 2014 Kia Cadenza

2014 Kia Cadenza originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive News - Dealers

U.S. auto sales will bounce back this month, forecasters say

May auto sales in the United States are expected to rebound from an April slowdown, easing concerns of another spring swoon, forecasters said. The light-vehicle seasonally adjusted annual selling rate for this month will be 15.

European carmakers shares decline on weakening China manufacturing

Volkswagen, PSA and Renault shares all dropped 5 percent or more after preliminary data showed Chinese manufacturing is unexpectedly contracting.

GM prices Chevy Spark EV below $20,000 after tax credits

GM will price its new Chevrolet Spark electric vehicle at $27,495, including destination charges and before federal tax credits, placing it among the cheapest EVs on the market.

Daimler may sell company-owned German dealerships to cut costs

Daimler may sell four company-owned Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Germany to cut costs and help close a profitability gap with rivals BMW and Audi.

Recent National Job Listings

1. Mark Tewart

Lebanon, OH, United States

2. JD Rucker

Ladera Ranch, CA, United States

3. Bill Cosgrove

Harrisburg, PA, United States

4. MANNY LUNA

Spring, TX, United States

5. Marsh Buice

Lake Charles, LA, United States

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Wards Auto Dealer News Feed

Supplier Roundup

A roundup of this week’s news involving automotive suppliers.

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Vivante GPU Core Maximizes Graphics Efficiency of Samsung GALAXY Tab 3

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnc/20091008/VIVANTELOGO SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivante Corporation marked another major milestone in the rapid adoption of its industry leading GPU technology.   The GC1000 graphics core, integrated into the Marvell PXA986 SoC, is powering the highl

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Watch Where You're Going: myscenicdrives.com Shows Travelers the Road Ahead

SEATTLE, Wash., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- myscenicdrives.com has just launched a new feature that makes trip planning a multi-dimensional experience. RoadPreview allows users to watch their road trip plan unfold on their desktop as they anticipate every twist and turn. "It's kind of...

How Legal Reforms Will Affect Motorcyclists Injured on the Road

LONDON, May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent article published in Essex Local Biker, Deborah Johnson, partner and head of the Serious and Fatal Incidents team at Fentons, discussed the fatal accident claims procedure following a road crash and highlights some of the implications of...

Automotive News - Breaking News

U.S. auto sales will bounce back this month, forecasters say

May auto sales in the United States are expected to rebound from an April slowdown, easing concerns of another spring swoon, forecasters said. The light-vehicle seasonally adjusted annual selling rate for this month will be 15.

Nissan will recall 841,000 vehicles globally due to steering wheel glitch

Nissan will recall about 841,000 vehicles worldwide as a result of a steering wheel glitch that could result in a loss of steering. The automaker said no accidents have been reported.

Former Saab Chairman Muller to be summoned in tax inquiry, report says

A Swedish prosecutor wants to question former Saab Automobile Chairman Victor Muller as part of an inquiry into suspected tax offenses at the automaker, a Swedish newspaper reported.

GM recalls more than 27,000 Cadillac SRXs with possible wheel issue

General Motors is recalling worldwide more than 27,000 Cadillac crossover vehicles whose wheels could fall off due to potentially loose wheel nuts.

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