Talking Business with Mark and John

Welcome to episode 39: How to maximize your marketing dollars spend with John Sinclair and Mark Palavestra.

John and Mark explore how to improve the effectiveness of your marketing dollars spend. By understanding your PMA and spending marketing money where you will have greatest impact. If you liked what you heard, subscribe to the show to receive notifications of future shows. If you would like to get more information on any of the topics reach out to Mark Palavestra or John Sinclair on LinkedIn.

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Sponsor: PrixCar Fleet Services

Production and editing by Ky Sinclair.

This information on this site is intended as a general reference for Internet users. It is made available on the understanding that Talking Automotive with Mark & John, as a result of providing this information, is not engaged in providing professional advice. Viewers & Listeners should seek their own advice re undertaking any commercial actions. All information in this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of accuracy, timeliness of the predictions discussed & is without warranty of any kind, express or implied.

Talking Automotive with Mark and John Ep 8. In this week's podcast, we talk to two of the owners of Modera, digital experts from Estonia. Siim Vips, a digital entrepreneur involved in a number of digital startups, and Janek Prummel whose extensive career has spanned decades in the digital space. We discuss why Estonia is one of the countries at the forefront of the digital marketing and advertising in the online space and we explore the history of digital marketing in automotive. Siim and Janek share perspectives and insight into the trends of digital marketing in automotive and the further accelerated digital marketing and advertising change caused by COVID-19. We look to the future industry and talk about Virtual Reality past and present. We also look into the challenges of digital marketing implementation and dealing with legacy systems in automotive. Why the need for transparency and integrated systems which provide a range of other opportunities and efficiencies. They discuss marketing, advertising, social media and how this is changing as customers move online. They talk about crm and the need to respond to the customer as quickly as possible. They discuss various business ideas and how to improve business with online tools in automotive.

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In the latest episode of Talking Automotive with Mark and John, Mark Palavestra and John Sinclair delve into a comprehensive review of the first quarter of the auto industry. With their expert analysis, they shed light on the factors that have shaped the market thus far and provide insights into future trends for 2021 and beyond. Mark takes the time to meticulously explain how the figures in the automotive industry are calculated, giving viewers a clear understanding of how the market has been impacted. With his deep knowledge of the industry, he provides invaluable insights into the factors that have influenced the market year to date. Looking ahead, Mark and John discuss the outlook for the automotive industry, highlighting the potential factors that could impact vehicle sales volume. Their astute observations and forward-thinking analysis paint a comprehensive picture of what lies ahead for the industry. But it's not all about numbers and market analysis. Mark and John also take the opportunity to demystify the workings of the new car and used car market. They explore the intricacies of the supply chain, the role of dealers, and the impact of fleets on the overall market dynamics. Additionally, they delve into the exciting world of electric vehicles, offering an engaging and easy-to-understand explanation of their significance in the industry.
Sponsor: PrixCar Fleet Services
https://prixcar.com.au/services/fleet…​
Production and editing by Ky Sinclair.
This information on this site is intended as a general reference for Internet users. It is made available on the understanding that Talking Automotive with Mark & John, as a result of providing this information, is not engaged in providing professional advice. Viewers & Listeners should seek their own advice re undertaking any commercial actions. All information in this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of accuracy, timeliness of the predictions discussed & is without warranty of any kind, express or implied.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talking-business-with-mark-and-john--5696935/support.

The future of car sales distribution is rapidly changing. In this video, we sit down with Peter Viljoen, CEO of Sydsen, to discuss the emerging direct-to-consumer model pioneered by Mercedes and BMW in South Africa. Viljoen provides insightful commentary on this bold experiment where automakers have opted to sell directly to buyers rather than solely through traditional dealerships. He explains how this model provides manufacturers greater control over the customer experience while leveraging dealers for delivery logistics. According to Viljoen, early results demonstrate success. By owning the sales process, Mercedes and BMW can better convey their brands' values and more closely align sales interactions with corporate messaging and standards. This leads to increased customer satisfaction. Additionally, Viljoen explores the larger implications of this distribution shift. He predicts direct sales will expand as technology provides new ways for buyers to educate themselves and purchase vehicles. However, he cautions that dealers will remain vital for servicing cars and providing local inventory. Viljoen stresses that the future of car sales will require automakers, dealers, and customers to adopt new mindsets. Companies must balance direct-to-consumer priorities with dealership relationships. Meanwhile, dealers must embrace new roles. Customers must get comfortable purchasing big-ticket items online. Overall, this is a thought-provoking conversation about the evolving auto sales landscape. Viljoen provides knowledgeable perspectives on the innovative direct-to-consumer model and its disruption of the entrenched dealer distribution system. His insights help make sense of this retail transformation that promises to empower buyers in new ways.
Sponsor: PrixCar Fleet Services https://prixcar.com.au/services/fleet…​ Production and editing by Ky Sinclair.
This information on this site is intended as a general reference for Internet users. It is made available on the understanding that Talking Automotive with Mark & John, as a result of providing this information, is not engaged in providing professional advice. Viewers & Listeners should seek their own advice re undertaking any commercial actions. All information in this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of accuracy, timeliness of the predictions discussed & is without warranty of any kind, express or implied.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talking-business-with-mark-and-john--5696935/support.

In this video, we talk with Steve Blunt, a potential electric vehicle customer, about what you need to know before buying an electric vehicle. Steve asks several questions about EVs and how they might impact his lifestyle and purchasing decisions. We compare buying an EV versus a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle and how the process has changed. We also look to the future of EVs in Australia. We discuss a range of topics to help Steve make an informed choice: Comparing the overall cost of an EV versus an ICE vehicle, including upfront costs versus potential long-term savings on fuel and maintenance. Understanding charging stations, charging times, and charging coverage to ensure an EV will meet your needs. The differences between zero direct emissions, tailpipe emissions, and overall emissions including the environmental impact of manufacturing EVs. The use of rare earth metals in EV batteries and options for recycling used batteries. Adapting your lifestyle to an EV including how you refuel and potential changes to your daily driving habits. How residual values for EVs may differ from ICE vehicles. In summary, while EVs are more environmentally friendly and cheaper to fuel and maintain, there are several factors to consider to make sure an electric vehicle suits your specific needs and daily driving requirements. With Steve’s questions answered and a better understanding of both the advantages and challenges of switching to an EV, he’s now equipped to make the best choice for his situation.

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The traditional car franchise distribution model for auto dealers has been in place for decades. Car manufacturers, known as original equipment manufacturers or OEMs, distribute vehicles to independent car dealerships that then sell the vehicles to customers. This model has led to a sometimes strained relationship between OEMs and dealers as they negotiate vehicle pricing, sales targets, and other key terms. However, the car distribution model is evolving. Some OEMs are moving to an agency model, where the OEM maintains ownership of vehicle inventory and dealers act more like agents facilitating sales. This shift is impacting both dealers and distributors. For dealers, they may have less control and profit potential but also less financial risk. For OEMs, the agency model provides more control and direct access to customer data. The future of car distribution is unclear but likely to open the market to new competitors. Electric vehicle brands, in particular, are not tied to the traditional franchise model and can implement new distribution strategies. The agency model may give EV brands more flexibility and control as they work to gain market share. Dealers and distributors will need to adapt to any changes to the long-standing franchise model to remain competitive. The car distribution model is poised for disruption. While the franchise model has been successful for decades, the agency model and new competitors will significantly impact both dealers and OEMs. The future is uncertain but likely to enable new opportunities for innovative sales and marketing within the automotive industry.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talking-business-with-mark-and-john--5696935/support.

​In this video, we had the opportunity to sit down with Stuart Charity, the CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). With a 35-billion-dollar industry at stake, Stuart provides us with valuable insights into the Australian Aftermarket, shedding light on both the lucrative opportunities and the challenges that come with it. One of the major hurdles faced by the industry is the shortage of skilled car technicians. Stuart highlights the difficulty in finding qualified professionals who can keep up with the ever-changing car technology. He emphasizes the need for upskilling to stay relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape. The AAAA plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Stuart explains the various services and support provided by the association to its members. From training programs to industry resources, the AAAA strives to assist automotive businesses in overcoming obstacles and thriving in the aftermarket sector. One of the highlights of our conversation is the AAAA Auto Innovation Centre. Stuart shares valuable insights into this state-of-the-art facility, which serves as a hub for research, development, and testing within the automotive industry. The centre plays a vital role in fostering innovation and driving advancements in car parts and services. Throughout the interview, Stuart maintains a professional tone, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise. His passion for the industry shines through as he discusses the future of the Australian aftermarket and the ongoing efforts to support its growth. Join us as we delve into the world of automotive aftermarket with Stuart Charity, CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by the industry, the importance of upskilling, and the support provided by the AAAA. Discover the innovative Auto Innovation Centre and its role in driving advancements within the automotive sector. This interview is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Australian aftermarket industry and its potential for success.



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We talk to Ben Sullivan Head of Automotive Services at Potentiate and CEO Ad Clarity. Ben shares insight into how to understand and interpret automotive customer data. He delves into the need to better understand the customer data and the impact this can have on key decision making. He makes suggestions on managing the OMNI channel and the need to ensure online marketing and advertising is effectively integrated with bricks and mortar and the car showroom. He delves into some of the key metrics in terms of new car buyer profile, and types of buyers and what percentage of the market they make up. He makes suggestions on some of the impacts this may have on the way dealers and OEM's should approach marketing and advertising. He also shares some of the challenges that need to be overcome by automotive companies in dealing with an older buyers and different customer categories. He addresses the topic of vehicle service levels and vehicle quality has improved substantially, but how perception "feeling", is resulting in dealers losing customers during the customer life cycle. He delves into customer retention and how the length customers are keeping cars and the impact of this. Lastly he looks at dealer satisfaction and what impact unhappy dealers has on customer satisfaction. He emphasises the importance of dealer profitability, the need for a partnership and clear communication between dealer and OEM.

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In this video, we talk to Andrew Tyson, General Manager at CarZapp Operations Pty Ltd. CarZapp is a used car wholesale platform that connects car dealerships to facilitate the buying and selling of used vehicles.According to Andrew, the used car market is vast but fragmented. CarZapp aims to address this by providing a platform where car buyers and sellers can easily find each other. By fostering connections between dealerships, CarZapp improves the efficiency of used car processes. This benefits car buyers through increased choice and lower prices, car sellers through access to more potential buyers, and new car customers through higher trade-in values.Andrew explains how CarZapp works to list used car inventory from dealerships across Australia. Using the platform, dealers can then connect to buy, sell, and trade-in used vehicles. With many dealerships listing and viewing used cars on the platform, it helps create a transparent wholesale used car market.CarZapp is focused on supporting car dealerships to improve used car operations. By providing data-driven insights and seamlessly connecting car buyers and sellers, CarZapp aims to take the friction out of used car wholesaling. The platform is helping to shape the future of the used car industry to benefit both dealerships and their customers.According to Andrew, “CarZapp exists to help car dealers run efficient used car operations through connected wholesale trading and data-driven decisions. Our goal is to make used car wholesaling simple so dealers can focus on what matters most – their customers.”Overall, CarZapp provides an innovative approach to used vehicle wholesaling through technology and building connections between car dealerships across Australia. The platform is transforming the used car market to create a better experience for dealerships, car buyers, and car sellers.

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In this episode, we speak with Mike Sinclair, Director of Content and Editor in Chief at Carsales.com.au, about the world of automotive journalism. Mike discusses how the car industry has changed dramatically with the rise of social media, digital marketing, and influencers. He talks about the importance of traditional media providing honest and reliable information to car buyers. Mike goes into depth about how automotive journalism itself has evolved. The relationship between journalists and car manufacturers is changing. Mike discusses the issue of "fake news" in the motoring press and why trusted sources of information are so critical to educate consumers. He also delves into the role of influencers in driving car sales today and the need to generate tailored content for different channels to maximize outcomes. Mike provides valuable insights into the car business and tips for how brands can work more effectively with journalists. Some key takeaways: •The car industry has transformed with social media and digital marketing. Journalism must adapt. •Honest, fact-based journalism is key to building trust and educating car buyers. •The dynamics between journalists and car companies are evolving. More transparency and less "advertorials." •Influencers and tailored content for each channel are important for sales, but authenticity matters most. •Strong relationships and transparent communication with journalists can benefit car brands. But editorial independence must be respected. Overall, Mike offers a fascinating look into the world of automotive journalism and how this critical industry is changing to keep up with the times while maintaining high standards of integrity. His insights provide valuable guidance for both journalists and those in the automotive industry.

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