Inside Automotive
How quality F&I vendors boost performance at all levels — Bob DiGiacomo | United Dealers Alliance
Partnering with the right F&I vendor is critical to driving sales and increased profits in your dealership. On this episode of Inside Automotive, host Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Bob DiGiacomo, vice president of operations at United Dealers Alliance, a finance product and income development company serving automotive, RV and power-sport dealerships, to discuss the power of his company’s lifetime warranty policies and the tools needed to drive results in the F&I department. Watch the full segment here.
Top stories
In a plan to increase sales, Tesla is rolling out a new program allowing buyers to earn extra referral incentives. The “Refer and Earn” program is the equivalent of $500 in cashback for new buyers purchasing its Model 3 and Y vehicles and three months of its Full self-driving feature. The incentive also includes a free Tesla Wall Connector, 500 miles of its Supercharger, and a few entries into the Cybertruck raffle when utilizing a referral link. Read More
General Motors saw an 18.8% increase in year-over-year sales throughout the second quarter but struggled to capitalize on the increasing demand for electric vehicles. For the April-through-June period, General Motors sold a combined total of 691,978 new vehicles, 113,471 units more than the 578,507 it sold the previous year. Read More
Legacy automakers remain committed to pushing massive growth in EV sales and production. However, their efforts to change the market have had a minimal impact. Even though EV sales have increased noticeably over the past few years, market leader Tesla continues to outsell other traditional automakers. Read More
An Indiana automotive group is giving Jeep-lovers the opportunity to support four local humane societies with what it calls the “Woofs and Wheels” party. Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Columbus will hold the event at its Jeep section on Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will be treated to an automotive show from nearby Jeep clubs, in addition to a performance by the band “Three Beards Strummin.” Read More
For Dealers
Opinion | Toyota’s fake vroom: gimmick or game-changer?
Well, there was quite the buzz when Toyota announced they were considering simulating manual gearboxes and motor noises in their upcoming EVs. Did anyone ask for this?Reactions varied from incredulous “Are you kidding me?” to intrigued “Well, that might be cool?” It’s important to note that Toyota isn’t breaking entirely new ground here; the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT have actual multi-speed transmissions and artificial engine sounds, even though they sound like a kid’s toy. Read More
Tell, don’t sell: The old way of doing business is the wrong way, but it’s still practiced today
Robert “Bob” DiGiacomo has been immersed in the retail side of the automotive industry for nearly 30 years. He has enjoyed a very successful career optimizing several finance departments in a very tough market in the Northeast. Read More
