As soon as it all gets ‘back to normal’ is a phrase that we have heard time and time again throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, on the latest edition of Straight to the Point, host Frank J. Lopes asks, will it ever go back? What is even considered normal today?
When looking back at 2021, we can all agree on one thing, it was nothing close to normal. Between the pandemic, inventory challenges, and record-breaking gross and net profit, the year in automotive retail can definitely be considered outside of the status quo.
Frank asks us to look back. Was it normal to have a 60, 90, or even 120 day supply on the ground? Was it normal to have added storage for vehicles, increased insurance, and staff? Was it normal to lose money selling new cars only hoping to make it up in the finance department?
Lopes says to throw out the idea of normal. What we know today is the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to subside over a period of a few years, but they aren’t going away anytime soon. So what are you waiting for? Things to get back to normal? Lopes says that is just an excuse to procrastinate.
Anything that you want to do at the dealership as soon as things get ‘back to normal’, should be done today. This excuse is going to hold you back. You’re not doing yourself any favors by putting things off. All we have is today.
Did you enjoy this episode of Straight to the Point? Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this topic by submitting a letter to the editor here, or connect with us at newsroom@cbtnews.com.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date or catch-up on all of our podcasts on demand.
While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for all the latest auto industry news from CBT News.
