Is More Traffic Headed Your Way?

Is More Traffic Headed Your Way?

There has been a lot written in the last couple of years in business-to-business OEM and aftermarket magazines about how the car companies and car dealers are looking to increase service business at the dealerships. This focus on increasing activity in the bays is the result of improvements in the quality of vehicles that has resulted in less warranty work for the dealerships.

What got me thinking a little more on this subject was all the recent news about some pretty significant recalls. The Sept. 12, 2005 issue of Automotive News has a headline that reads “Big week for re-calls: almost 5 million.”

The brief article goes on to say, “The U.S. auto industry recalled more cars than it sold last week.”

Recalls are obviously an expensive proposition for the automakers. Nobody wants to admit that there is a potential problem with the product the customer just spent tens of thousands of dollars on. But some dealers, on the other hand, see it as a great opportunity to drive customers into their dealerships.

That raises a few questions.

  • Will these recalls fill the dealership bays?

  • Will it interrupt the dealerships’ scheduling of non-warranty work?

  • Will the recalls help or hurt the customers’ relationship with the dealership?

  • Will it allow the dealership to show off its great customer service?

  • Or will it strain the relationship, thus driving more business to your shop?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the ball is back in your court to make sure that your shop is prepared to service these customers.

Do you have enough technicians? Are they well trained? Have you been de-laying equipment purchases? Does the shop need a thorough cleaning or a fresh coat of paint? You know the drill.

I bring up the issue of recalls as an excuse to provide you with a wake-up call that there is a massive population of vehicles on the road that need service. It is well documented how the car dealers have been investing in their facilities. They are working very hard to make any visits to their location a true “experience.”

Vehicle owners have a choice, your shop or the dealership. Let’s make it an easy decision for them.

You May Also Like

Import Vehicle Community Honors Influencers

The awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the import automotive aftermarket.

The Import Vehicle Community announced the winners of its 2023 Import Vehicle Community People Awards. The awards were presented to the winners at the Import Vehicle Community Luncheon and Awards Program, sponsored by Worldpac, during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) currently taking place in Las Vegas.

The Auto Care Association’s Import Vehicle Community focuses on serving the needs of all businesses engaged in import vehicle and advanced technology products and services. The Import Vehicle Community People Awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the import automotive aftermarket.

Import Vehicle Community Names 2023 AAPEX Winners

The Awards recognize innovative products and marketing programs designed to serve the import aftermarket.

House Subcommittee Votes to Approve REPAIR Act

The REPAIR Act will now go before the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.

10 Years of ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program

ALI Certified Lift inspectors have inspected more than 1.3 million car lifts.

CRP Automotive Marks 40 Years of Pentosin Technical Fluids

Brand of high-tech fluids has been sold in North America since 1983.

Other Posts

Do OEM Service Bays Offer Opposition or opportunity?

With great power, of course, comes great responsibility.

It Ain’t Bragging If You Can Back It Up

It can be difficult to sit and read about yourself.

Putting Yourself First For Safety

Policies and procedures are only as good as those following them.

Schaeffler Features Automotive Repair Solutions at AAPEX

Technologies on display feature repair solutions for today and tomorrow’s automotive aftermarket needs.