Introducing The Paramount Podcast! Join us for our very first episode. Dom Bickus and Dave Dini discuss the evolving landscape of dealership success, focusing on new car sales trends, lead response strategies, the impact of AI in marketing, the importance of fixed operations, and the necessity of continuous training for dealership staff. They explore how dealerships can adapt to current market demands, leverage technology for better customer engagement, and improve their overall sales processes.

Takeaways

• New car sales are rebounding, reaching 15.9 million units in 2024.
• Dealership consolidation is at an all-time high, with companies like Carvana expanding.
• Speed in lead response can triple conversion rates for dealerships.
• AI is revolutionizing marketing and customer engagement in the automotive industry.
• Fixed operations account for 50% of dealership revenue, yet are often underutilized.
• Continuous training is crucial for dealership staff to adapt and perform effectively.
• Salesmanship and customer service are often lacking in dealerships.
• Dealerships need to focus on proactive customer engagement rather than reactive service.
• AI can help fill gaps in customer communication and follow-up.
• Success in sales requires understanding customer needs and effective communication.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Dealership Success
02:09 Current Trends in New Car Sales
13:28 Lead Response Strategies and BDC Effectiveness
18:23 The Role of AI in Automotive Marketing
23:02 AI's Role in Dealership Efficiency
28:24 Maximizing Fixed Operations Revenue
38:26 The Importance of Training in Dealerships