How NAMAD is creating opportunity for women and minorities across the industry – Erikka Tiffani Wells, VW of Marion

Earlier this week, CBT News was on-site at the 2021 (NAMAD) National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers Convention in Miami Beach, Florida. In this interview, Jim sits down with Erikka Tiffani Wells, Sales and Training Manager of Volkswagen of Marion. The pair discusses how black women and minorities are driving the change in the automotive industry.

Wells says they are selling through their pipeline, with only having 9 cars on the lot. They have presales on about 30% of their orders. She says consumers are adapting and changing. The pandemic forced everyone to change how they shop, whether it’s online or getting a delivery straight to the door.

This convention is so important says Wells. Less than 7% of dealerships are owned by black women. Wells says having an organization like NAMAD that supports minorities, black women and understands the challenges with buy-outs or money, is needed. To be able to meet people that look like me has been absolutely phenomenal says Wells.

Wells says in order to get more minorities and black women into the industry, you must have two things: flexibility and empathy. Flexibility allows women to come in a flexible work schedule and salary. Wells believes a lot of women wouldn’t be scared to leave their ‘safe’ job to get into the business. Dealers need to see the potential in women and minorities and create a career path that sets them up for success.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the 2021 NAMAD Convention!

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