If were a Pontiac or Saturn dealer?
#3
04-29-2009, 05:51 PM
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Are there any stand alone Pontiac dealers left? I thought the deal was that Buick-GMC-Pontiac are one now and Pontiac will just be dropped. When Chrysler-Plymouth became just Chrysler, dealers did not sue or get a payoff. Saturn is a different problem.
Scott Robinson Pontiac in Torrance became a Honda dealer as a sideline back in the 1970's. They later dropped GM and became Honda only, not because GM dropped them.
Jim
Scott Robinson Pontiac in Torrance became a Honda dealer as a sideline back in the 1970's. They later dropped GM and became Honda only, not because GM dropped them.
Jim
#4
04-29-2009, 09:37 PM
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04-29-2009, 10:01 PM
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Are there any stand alone Pontiac dealers left? I thought the deal was that Buick-GMC-Pontiac are one now and Pontiac will just be dropped. When Chrysler-Plymouth became just Chrysler, dealers did not sue or get a payoff. Saturn is a different problem.
Scott Robinson Pontiac in Torrance became a Honda dealer as a sideline back in the 1970's. They later dropped GM and became Honda only, not because GM dropped them.
Jim
Scott Robinson Pontiac in Torrance became a Honda dealer as a sideline back in the 1970's. They later dropped GM and became Honda only, not because GM dropped them.
Jim
#6
05-01-2009, 03:19 PM
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well, here in New Jersey we had Laffin Chevy.
they were in business for 98 years.
the great grandson of the original Mr Laffin closed up shop 4 months ago, because as he said, "the service dept and body shop could not offset the fact that people are not buying GM vehicles anymore, because they are not made the way they used to be".
they were in business for 98 years.
the great grandson of the original Mr Laffin closed up shop 4 months ago, because as he said, "the service dept and body shop could not offset the fact that people are not buying GM vehicles anymore, because they are not made the way they used to be".
#7
05-05-2009, 06:05 PM
"If were a car dealer whose future with GM was bleak, what would you do to offset your losses? Would you court another car brand to simply stay in business?"
I'd jump into the USED car market instead. There is plenty of money to be made at multi-brand used car dealers with in-house financing. (The down payment clears the vehicle, after that and minimal overhead it's profit.) Used dealers can buy cars outright at dealer auctions, and not rely on outside credit to finance their business. Treat people right and they come back for second, third, or even more cars over time.
I'd jump into the USED car market instead. There is plenty of money to be made at multi-brand used car dealers with in-house financing. (The down payment clears the vehicle, after that and minimal overhead it's profit.) Used dealers can buy cars outright at dealer auctions, and not rely on outside credit to finance their business. Treat people right and they come back for second, third, or even more cars over time.
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#8
05-06-2009, 05:42 AM
"If were a car dealer whose future with GM was bleak, what would you do to offset your losses? Would you court another car brand to simply stay in business?"
I'd jump into the USED car market instead. There is plenty of money to be made at multi-brand used car dealers with in-house financing. (The down payment clears the vehicle, after that and minimal overhead it's profit.) Used dealers can buy cars outright at dealer auctions, and not rely on outside credit to finance their business. Treat people right and they come back for second, third, or even more cars over time.
I'd jump into the USED car market instead. There is plenty of money to be made at multi-brand used car dealers with in-house financing. (The down payment clears the vehicle, after that and minimal overhead it's profit.) Used dealers can buy cars outright at dealer auctions, and not rely on outside credit to finance their business. Treat people right and they come back for second, third, or even more cars over time.
Tim
#9
05-06-2009, 06:01 AM
I don't like the setup that Carmax has anyway. The boy and I went to one and they make it so you can only come in through the showroom to get to the cars. There the salesperson can latch on to you and start their sales pitch. We looked around for a little bit and then left and decided we wouldn't go back.
#10
05-06-2009, 06:38 AM
well, here in New Jersey we had Laffin Chevy. They were in business for 98 years. The great grandson of the original Mr Laffin closed up shop 4 months ago, because as he said, "the service dept and body shop could not offset the fact that people are not buying GM vehicles anymore, because they are not made the way they used to be".
After Durant lost control of GM in 1910, he used Chevrolet to get GM back by swapping stock.
In 1915, Chevrolet actually acquired GM, and Durant walked into a GM board meeting saying... "I CONTROL!"
Durant was now "back in the saddle again" but only till 1920, when he was forced out of GM for the second...and last time.
Several of the local Saturn dealers here in LA LA Land are also Buick-Pontiac-GMC Dealers.
Y'all know...of course that Buick was the brainchild of David Dunbar Buick, who made his fortune by inventing the process to attach porcelain to cast iron.
Buick's long time ad slogan was: When better cars are built, Buick will build them.
Jokesters back then said: "When better bathtubs are built, Buick will build them."
#11
05-06-2009, 04:05 PM
I wouldn't be a franchised used car dealer. I'd go independent. They can flex as needed and an independent doesn't need to conform to anyone else's idea of corporate behavior.
"I'm thinking that part of thier problem is that they don't negotiate, they are a one price dealer."
That's retarded. The whole negotiation process, done right, helps bring in repeat customers. Treat people with some regard for their situation (especially in hard times) and they remember when they need another vehicle. I watched this process at the used car dealer where I help out. It works, it makes money, it builds a customer base.
Those who want customers need to make their customers happy or they will shop elsewhere.
"I'm thinking that part of thier problem is that they don't negotiate, they are a one price dealer."
That's retarded. The whole negotiation process, done right, helps bring in repeat customers. Treat people with some regard for their situation (especially in hard times) and they remember when they need another vehicle. I watched this process at the used car dealer where I help out. It works, it makes money, it builds a customer base.
Those who want customers need to make their customers happy or they will shop elsewhere.
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