Tag Archive for 'dealerships'

Dealership Closures Strain Communities

Dealership sign image

The demise of car dealerships in recent months have already wreaked havoc on communities around the country. Combining dealerships closures with the closures of numerous automotive plants and manufacturing facilities, some communities are beginning to see the devastating effects of vacant real estate.

Many communities are trying to come to terms with the void that car dealerships could leave behind when they’ve closed says Boise Subaru. Vast lots soon become eyesores along main thoroughfares, not only making for an unattractive property, but also hurting the commercial success of a community.

When car dealerships close, the properties have a tendency to be left undeveloped, unless other dealerships quickly move in. With undeveloped properties degrading the landscape, many communities are finding that they could potentially scare away other businesses. Although cities try to invest in improving sideways, street signs, and other enhancements, a used car dealer Washington DC points out that some communities have also appealed to lawmakers and the Big Three in order to prevent further closures.

Some dealerships that have managed to keep their doors open have helped alleviate this possible strain on neighborhoods. Some dealers have focused more on selling used cars as in the case of one dealer of used trucks Bosie, while others such as Marlboro Nissan have focused more on vehicle repair and maintenance. This helps to stem job losses, and prevent the prevalence of vacant buildings and lots. Unfortunately, dealers that stay open without new cars on the lot typically don’t see the profits that they previously had and therefore aren’t able to reinvest in their communities.

Many communities and dealerships are still reeling from the effects of the slumping economy says a certified Volvo dealer New Hampshire. As automakers still deal with a crippled industry, dealers and cities may still see difficulties ahead. Continue reading ‘Dealership Closures Strain Communities’

Acura Builds its Brand One Dealer at a Time

Acura at the LA Auto Show

Acura competes against some of the toughest competition in the business, going against the likes of Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Infiniti. Although Acura offers a strong product lineup, there are plenty of drivers that think the Acura brand is not quite on par with the premium brands it competes against.

With Acura facing issues concerning brand perception, Honda and Acura dealers alike, including Acura Trenton, are hoping that they will be able to alter perceptions and turn Acura into a major league luxury player. That is precisely what has caused dealers such as Dave Conant in Los Angeles to pour $20 million into his dealership, helping to give customers top notch service and amenities along with top notch luxury cars.

Acura corporate is also working hard to satisfy customers and dealers alike. According to one Pittsburgh Acura dealer, Acura dealers nationwide are raising expectations and as a result the automaker is rushing to build its reputation via its products, marketing, and dealer network. However, these improvements will not happen overnight, and will likely bear fruit in the long-term. Meanwhile, a BMW dealer Los Angeles believes that any brand in the luxury segment should exude quality, from the products to vehicle service. This is why the dealership experience is just as important as the cars themselves.

Unlike other automotive segments, the premium segment requires much more to excite customers. One dealership that specializes in Toyota parts and accessories says that technology is now so advanced and affordable that many features once reserved for high-buck autos are now widely available, even among affordable compacts. This has placed more emphasis on service and dealer amenities, which many Acura dealerships are ready to deliver. Continue reading ‘Acura Builds its Brand One Dealer at a Time’