THE GRIND WE KNOW As we sit in Q1 of 2025, it’s become very clear that the landscape in our industry has drastically changed — and quickly! In 2023 and 2024, we witnessed inflation, interest rates topping a 20-year high and global conflicts, which added to economic uncertainty for the consumer. We watched as our front gross eroded, expenses increased, the used-car market dropped, and inventory arrived swiftly. All this on the heels of the best, and may I say, easiest three years in the history of the automotive business. Everyone made a lot of money with little effort. During a recent conversation with a dealer, he shared words that are indicative of where we stand: “Our guys got sloppy. We forgot how to sell. It was too easy, and now we are in a pinch.” We are back to the grind that we know as the car business! So, what should we do? BRINGING BACK THE FUNDAMENTALS Dealers are looking to return to tight processes and consistency in their showrooms. Early management intervention, qualifying conversations, quality walkarounds/demos, proper turns to the F&I as the Car Business By Jason Rasti, Executive Vice-President The Versant Group As we sit in Q1 of 2025, it’s become very clear that the landscape in our industry has drastically changed — and quickly! 16 Arkansas Auto Dealer
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