In todays Automotive news, the above article, Embarrassed Nissan lifts Sagging Satisfaction Ranking is almost laughable. The article written from interviews with Nissans Billy Hayes and Nissan dealer Mike D'Amato 2012 dealer council chairman is almost laughable. Changing light bulbs, modern facility's, and 10 thousand small improvements that Nissan has created, that Hayes says got Nissan from dead bottom to 7th from the bottom is a success is a joke. First Nissan has intimadated or forced…

After reading the Jan 26th Auto News article about US buyers shying away from imports,I'd like to add my 2 cents to why it's happening. Back in the 70's there was a book written on business in the furture and the baby boomers. The basics of the book said follow the bulk of the population and you'll make money. Boy how true that has turned out. Thus the reason why the imports of Toyota,Honda and Nissan emerged. The japanese stock market was at 36000 they had a product that was well built and…

Just caught up with an old Automotive News Jan 16th. Group One CEO Earl Esterberg article titled Hesterberg to Carmakers: Be Mindful of Margins. Found that to be amusing since Earl was 2nd in command at Nissan back in the mid to late 80's when Nissan was all screwed up. I remember they took us to Disney World to learn the Disney way. We then had a business meeting about one of the new models coming out. At that time dealers were allowed to ask questions. I remember like it was yeaterday. I…

Many dealership contracts are signed by not only the Dealer but the GM, service manager, sales manager, parts manager and body shop manager. If this is the case and it has been for many many years. This year is when the dealer should review every contract. Thats right pull every contract with every vendor. If you dont have it, get a copy from the vendor. If the vendor doesnt have contract or will not provide it for some reason send them a certified letter clearly stating your now on a day to…

In my featured blog a week or so ago I warned dealers on allowing anyone to have access to your DMS system. In my blog I also added the FACTORY. Most dealers dont know that you can section out what you want to have vendors and the factory can have access to. In my opinion I would only allow the factory to the F and I section. This allows them to see what the dealer rdr'd on new sales. I would not allow them into service if at all possible. Reason: You the dealer collected all thos emails on…

After hearing all the hoopla over true cars Ive seen nothing from a dealer, writer, or a contributor on why they dont warn about the factory as they are about TRUE CARS. First in my opinion would you give anyone or any company access to your DMS system allowing them to have access to your customer data???? Most dealers service departments are gold mines for sales and there best inventory of customers are there best service customers. Thats because in most cases 50-75% of there service…