At this year’s New York Auto Forum, media partner CBT News’ anchor, Jim Fitzpatrick, met with Jack Hollis, executive vice president of Toyota Motor North America, to discuss the future of the automotive landscape.
Key Takeaways
1. Hollis emphasizes Toyota’s strong dealer-centric approach, highlighting the importance of treating dealers as primary customers and partners. This approach has fostered a strong relationship between Toyota and its dealers, leading to mutual success and growth.
2. Hollis asserts that digital retailing is no longer a separate entity but an integral part of retailing itself. Dealers must be digitally competent to meet customer expectations and allow them to navigate the buying process online efficiently. This shift is crucial for engaging younger generations who prefer to conduct most of their shopping and transaction processes online.
3. Hollis discusses the automotive industry’s challenges, particularly regarding government regulations and the gap between the push for electric vehicle sales and current consumer purchasing trends. He also acknowledges the challenge of managing low inventory levels while meeting consumer demand, highlighting the importance of listening to customers to understand and effectively address their needs.
"I love our dealers. They're friends. These are part of my family. These are people I've done life with. And so I just think it's a passion that we have for one another." — Jack Hollis
