How Volvo got customers to accept Ferrari-like wait times siro, 05/09/2024 “When I started at Volvo it was written in stone that if you ordered a car in three months you got your car,” Zurhausen, who is head of online business at Volvo Germany, told Automotive News Europe. Today, a customer often has to wait longer than 90 days. For example, because of software issues it will take almost two years for some customers of the EX90 flagship electric large SUV to take delivery. The wait time is up to four months on the new EX30 electric small SUV, according to Volvo Germany’s website. The EX30 was also delayed for a short time at the start of the year. “It is an achievement that the brand has developed to the point where people are willing to wait that long for a Volvo,” Zurhause said. “We’re not a Ferrari.” When asked why Volvo has been able to keep customers from switching to rival automakers, Zurhausen said: “We have the right products at the right time.” The executive, whose Volvo sales career has included providing cars to US military installations around the world and looking after large fleet customers such as Microsoft and IBM, said the automaker’s business in Germany — its fourth-largest … Continue Reading
Study: Dealerships’ responses to online inquiries improving siro, 30/07/2024 Study: Dealerships’ responses to online inquiries improving | Automotive News Skip to main content NEWS OPINION DATA CENTER VIDEOS EVENTS & AWARDS JOBS Resource Center +MORE Advertise Leading Women Network Podcasts Webinars In the Driver’s Seat Publishing Partners APCO HOLDINGS: Strategies for handling new F&I dynamics APCO Holdings: Connected cars create new challenges and opportunities in F&I APCO Holdings: The Wild Ride into the Future of F&I Allstate: Compliance standards are changing. Here’s what you need to know. Allstate: The ABCs of maximum F&I effectiveness Ally All Ears Podcast Episodes | The next evolution in virtual F&I Ally All Ears Podcast | How F&I is driving dealership profits Ally All Ears Podcast | building customer loyalty during challenging times Ally All Ears Podcast | reducing friction in the purchasing process Ally All Ears podcast: Tips for maintaining sales and F&I momentum in a higher-interest rate environment Ally and APCO: Adjusting to the changing F&I landscape Ally: All Ears Podcast : EVs & the service department of The future Ally: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealership and inventory against weather-related events Ally: All Ears Podcast Protecting your dealerships against cyber-attacks Ally: All Ears Podcast | AI and its impact on auto … Continue Reading
Dealer news: 2 M&A moves in North Carolina; NADA assists dealers’ vehicle donations | Auto Remarketing Auto Remarketing siro, 29/07/2024 Holman has closed its acquisition of North Carolina-based Leith Automotive Group, a deal Holman says nearly doubles its automotive retail business. The companies announced an agreement for the transaction in January. The purchase, which Holman says is the largest in the company’s 100-year history, includes 13 new-car franchises and an auction center — the first in Holman’s portfolio — in the Raleigh area and Aberdeen, NC In addition to its other enterprises, Holman now operates 58 dealerships representing 34 brands, with almost 4,500 auto retail employees in nine states. Business North Carolina reported Leith Automotive has annual revenues of more than $1 billion. “In our centennial year, we’re excited about the opportunities to strengthen and grow our automotive retail footprint, which began in 1924 with a single dealership,” Holman CEO Chris Conroy said. “This acquisition represents the culmination of extensive strategy, hard work and vision to put our employee partners and our business in a position to win for the next 100 years.” The newly acquired dealerships will keep the Leith name, and their staff will be retained, Holman said. “Like Holman, Leith has placed the highest priority on delivering excellent customer service by building a strong network of employee … Continue Reading