Demands for passenger vehicles in China have increased substantially in the past decade; forecasts for China’s car market expect a rise to 30 million vehicles a year by the end of the decade from last year’s 18 million. It’s not just the fuel-efficient ones either.

Nissan, Ford, Toyota and Audi all used Auto China 2012 to showcase new sedans and SUV’s. The array of vehicles shown at the car shows are designed to specifically fit the Chinese market, and target Chinese interests.

Automakers are focusing on luxury models for newly rich Chinese and economy models for the low-income but vast rural population. Demand for luxury SUV’s are expected to climb 49% in 2015, according to IHS Automotive. For BMW, larger sedans and sport-utility vehicles accounted for at least 70 percent of premium car sales in China last year. Chrysler Group LLC announced it will sell a dragon-themed Jeep with gold-toned accents.

According to market research report by IBISWorld, the automobile market is concentrating its efforts on first and second tier markets in China. First tier markets refer to directly governed cities such as Beijing; second tier markets include provinces such as Jiangsu and Guangdong.

Dealer Protection Group offers dealers industry-specific customized insurance and surety products, loss-control solutions, Finance & Insurance (F&I) programs and related dealership insurance services, personal lines coverage, and employee benefit plans. DPG’s goal is to help prevent and protect you from unexpected losses and provide you with value-added products to help drive your future growth and give you a competitive edge.

During the recession, many dealerships turned to service and repair aspects of their business to offset dwindling sales during the recession. Automotive sales have continued to rise over the past few months, perking up a long drought that had plagued the auto industry. Yet many dealerships are continuing to focus on fixed operations as a means to boost business.

“Parts and service carried us through the recession,” says Craig Monaghan, CEO of Asbury Automotive Group, a chain with 79 dealerships told Ward’s Auto. “The front end of the store is sexy, but we make our money in the back.”

The benefits of implementing this service-centric view are substantial. According to 2012 WardsAuto Megadealer 100, Asbury revenue last year included $190.6 million in service work and $335.4 million in parts and accessories. The goal is to bring customers back to the dealership repeatedly for service, rather than losing the business to independent shops and service centers.

Consequently, many dealerships are continuing to focus their dealerships on service and repair shops. New dealerships are built to prominently feature service lanes. Service providers are provided with computer tablets to use when interacting with customers and writing repairs orders. CRM software keeps track of when a customer needs an old change or tire rotation, and use focused marketing campaigns to remind them when it’s time to get their vehicle maintained.

As the latest automotive trend indicates, there is so much more to running an auto dealership than simply selling vehicles. From selling, repairs and maintenance, inspections, financing and insurance, and many other operational tasks, you provide your customers with many of the processes involved in getting and maintaining a car, truck, boat, RV, or other type of vehicle. Running so many operations under one roof also means you face a unique set of risks and exposures- this requires insurance protection specifically designed for dealerships. At Dealer Protection Group (DPG), that’s what we do. We are in the business of protecting your business, providing you with a broad array of Dealership Coverages for your business. Contact us today for more information.

Clean up the clutter. Take a walk through your store. Try and visualize it from the perspective of a first-time customer who knows nothing about your business. Are there overwhelming stacks of brochures on the counter? Stacks of papers on the desk? Boxes with last year’s materials in the corner? These little details that are simply a part of your business may make your dealership seem cluttered to the customer.

Replace your lighting. Upgrade your lighting. Switching to LED can produce a modern look while using only 20% of an equivalent incandescent. Be wary of cheap LED technology; it has been known to give inconsistent color tones. Another option is halogen lighting, which can brighten up the room instantly with a white light (compared to a yellow incandescent tone). One of the best lighting manufactures is Ushio. Halogen & LED technology not only lasts longer, but uses less energy, and is easier on your customers eyes. It’s a win for all, and an easy fix to make.

Personalize technician’s workspaces. Include name places with their certifications, expertise, and tenure. It lets technicians know they are valued by the company and helps customers create a more personalized connection with the dealership.

Add hospitality touches. Add flowers to the service area or restrooms. Offer cookies or candy to clients. The little details go a long way to making the client feel appreciated.

Make your lounges welcoming.  Make sure the magazines subscriptions are updated and keep only the current issues in the lounge. Make sure you have a wide range of reading material with options that appeal to men, women and children. Provide Wi-Fi and comfortable seating for your customers in the waiting area. Having a fridge full of free cold refreshments can win over the customer more than a large promotion.

You work hard to make your dealership the best in every service you offer, from customer service to repairs and maintenance. At Dealers Protection Group, we know there are unique risks and exposures in everything you offer- this requires insurance protection specifically for dealerships. This is what we do. Contact us today for more information about our extensive Dealership Coverage Programs.

An original Shelby Cobra, debuted at the show 50 years ago, was the most expensive vehicle at 25 million. Most fuel efficient was the electric Nissan Leaf, with zero emissions and no tailpipe. The Bugatti boasted the fastest car in the world, going from zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds. Here are a few more unusual highlights of the show.

Terrafugia Transition. You don’t have to be James bond to have a flying car. The Terrafugia Transition has retractable wings and can convert from a car to an airplane in 45 seconds. Slightly slower on land, the Transition tops out at 65 mph but reaches a cruising speed of 93 knots (105 mph) in the air. The proportions of the “car” version measure up to about a midsize SUV. The street-legal airplane has several testing phases to complete, but prices estimate it around 280,000.

Tailgating. There were multiple uses for the ever popular tailgate. Smart car found a way to use the wasted space in the bed wall. The wall now opens up, allowing more storage for tools, gear, and any other essentials you don’t want sliding around your car. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Bentley EXP concept vehicle had a fold down tailgate kit that featured a full pull down seat/bench, and storage cases containing picnic accessories and delicate silverware for the more luxurious tailgater.

Dealer Protection Group (DPG) offers dealers industry-specific customized insurance. Our core business includes serving the needs of all types of dealers – from new auto and used car dealerships to boat and RV dealers, high-line and exotic dealers, truck dealers, and motorcycle dealers.Contact us today for more information. 

According to a number of publications including the New York Times, the youngest generation simply does not care about buying cars. The Federal Highway Administration recorded that only 46.3 percent of potential drivers 19 and younger had drivers licenses, compared with 64.4 percent in 1998.

“We have to face the growing reality that today young people don’t seem to be as interested in cars as previous generations,” Lentz said. “Many young people care more about buying the latest smart phone or gaming console than getting their driver’s license,” Toyota USA President Jim Lentz noted at a major conference last year.

G.M. is one of the automakers trying to understand this new generation of buyers. They’ve hired Ross Martin of MTV Scratch to help the company connect with younger clients. Scratch conducted thousands of research interviews with millennials about their impressions of cars, communication across generation gaps, and the type of experience they want at an auto dealership. G.M. plans to use this knowledge to change their image among young buyers, from creating new “younger” hues for models and training dealers on how to adapt to young car buyers.

The automobile used to be at the center of youth culture, a sign of freedom and independence. When millennials were asked by Scratch which brands they prefer, not one car brand made the top ten. The apathetic sentiment towards cars can be attributed to a number of different factors, such as rising gas prices and environmental concerns.

Of course, it isn’t fair to over generalize millennials with a simple lack of interest. Unemployment rate for new graduates is high, and student debt is higher than ever, and many shy away from the huge responsibility of purchasing their first car. It’s not an easy time to achieve traditional financial milestones, whether it’s a house or car.

At Dealer Protection Group, we know the challenges you face every day. From providing dealership workers compensation programs to service to repairs and maintenance, you guide your customers through the processes involved in getting and maintaining a car, truck, boat, RV or other type of vehicle. We know unique risks and exposures you face; that’s why we offer insurance protection specifically designed for dealerships. Contact us today for more information.

A senior analyst at NADA Used Car Guide made the predictions based on several factors. There is a shortage in the used-vehicle inventory for smaller cars that is indicative of rising gasoline prices and increased consumer demand for more fuel efficient vehicles. Clean, late model used vehicles with reasonable mileage are expected to command top prices.

Prices for compact and mid-sized cars rose about $300 on average from March to April, and their value has increased by 4% since the start of the year. According to Automotive News, used vehicle prices usually peak in March and depreciate through the rest of the year. This time however, because of an inventory shortage of popular models, used- car prices are expected to peak in April or May.

There have been other factors besides high demand that have contributed to the used-car shortage. The National Automobile Dealers Association (which publishes the NADA Used Car guides), attributes a portion of the used-car supply decline because of a new-vehicle shortage stemming from natural disasters in Japan. This led to a spike in demand for used vehicles and consequently the expected price increase.

As you deal with the effects of rising gas prices, and the demand for more energy efficient vehicles this summer, don’t forget to get your dealership the protection it deserves. At Dealer Protection Group, we know running a dealership encompasses a variety of operations under one roof, from selling and service to financing and insurance. There are unique risks and exposures in everything you offer, and that requires insurance specifically designed for dealerships. We are in the business of protecting your business, providing you with a broad array of dealership coverages. Contact us today for more information.

Know your product. Redundant, but essential. Technology has changed the automotive industry. With the latest iPhone apps and online resources, customers can walk onto the dealership lot with a lot more knowledge than previously. As cars become more technology advanced, salespeople need to know the ins and outs of every GPS, infotainment, and techie feature of the car.

Listen to the customer. Don’t simply push the most popular model onto the customer without giving it a second thought. Ask a few introductory questions to determine which vehicle will best fit their lifestyle. Do they have kids? A long daily commute to work? Do they need a lot of storage space? Do they have a boat that needs to be towed? All of these questions can help you narrow down the selections and present the best option to the customer.

Be open with your car’s weak points. Don’t lie about a car’s faulty traits. A customer can simply Google a car’s make and model to find out exactly what other consumers dislike about the vehicle. You’ll gain more credibility with the customer if you’re up front and honest about both the positive features and any weak points about the vehicle.

Be accessible and professional. Don’t be too friendly with the customer. If they are particularly demanding or get upset, stay calm and don’t let your temper rise. No matter how the customer behaves, maintain composure and conduct the negotiations in the most productive, professional manner.

Running a dealership encompasses running a variety of options rather than sales. From servicing to repairs and maintenance, inspections, and financing and insurance, you provide your customers with many of the processes involved in getting and maintaining their vehicles. At Dealer Protection (DPG), we specialized in dealership coverage to protect your business. Contact us today for more information.

The data suggests that American drivers have cut back by 622,900 barrels (19,309,900 gallons) a day from a year ago, estimated to be the equivalent of Argentina’s entire daily consumption. The article states that the EIA (Energy Information Administration) had been underestimating export demand from late 2010 to August 2011. Instead of a 7% drop, the decline was probably closer to 4%, according to an estimate by Robert Merriam, who oversees the EIA’s Weekly Petroleum Status Report.

The EIA has switched its methodology, but the organization is struggling with budget cuts, and has been forced to scale back its research efforts. The gasoline-demand date is among several reports with significant market influence that have come under question, including crude-oil inventories and natural-gas outputs. Critics argue that the models used are outdated, and the calculations are slow to catch up with major shifts in the industry.

Much of our economy is dependent on this data. It is used for economic projections and as a gauge for traders of when to buy and sell. Analysts use it to predict U.S. energy use, household’s income, and economic growth, and producers and refiners use it to help guide them on expansion and development.

The data can send the price of gasoline rising or falling, which of course, directly affects the automotive industry, influencing consumers’ demand for vehicles. Types of cars (hybrid, electric), when to buy (demand for new vehicles is slowly resuming after a few years of recession), and use can all be affected by prices at the pump.

As an automotive dealer, you know better than anyone else the interdependent relationship between gasoline, economic projections, and the automotive industry. Running an auto dealership requires coordinating a variety of operations under one roof, from selling and servicing to repairs and maintenance. There are unique risks and exposures in everything you offer, and gas prices aren’t the only influencing factor that can affect your industry. Protect your auto dealership business with Dealer Protection. We’ll provide you with a broad array of coverages that fit your dealership’s needs. Contact us today for more information.

Ranked on a 1,000-point scale, overall satisfaction with the service experience averages 38 points higher than non-dealer facilities. The study also indicated that 79 percent of all service visits among owners of one-to-three year old vehicles were performed at dealer facilities.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates’ press release released March 14, the study examines satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a service department at auto dealerships for maintenance or repair work. The rankings are based on responses from more than 84,000 owners and lessees of 2007-2011 model-year vehicles.

These positive results come at a time when auto dealerships are experiencing low service volume due to the recession. Anticipating higher volume as car sales begin to increase again, the study expands on its findings, identifying specific ways auto dealerships can maintain high volumes of satisfaction regardless of service volume:

Promote online scheduling of service appointments. Customers who scheduled a service appointment online were more satisfied with the service than customers who called or dropped by.

Review the technician inspection report with all service customers. Customers were significantly more likely to say they “definitely will” return to the dealership for services when the technician reviewed the multi-point inspection plan with them. Customers also indicated they were more likely to purchase or lease the same vehicle make in the future.

Consider the benefits of implementing complimentary maintenance programs. Unsurprisingly, owners were more likely to visit dealers for service who offered manufacturer-sponsored maintenance programs. However, customers who were offered complimentary maintenance programs were also more likely to return to the dealership for service after the warranty/maintenance contract expired, resulting in higher service visit retention rates for auto dealerships.

Lexus ranked number one in luxury dealership customer satisfaction, followed by Cadillac, Jaguar, Acura and Porsche. For mass market brands, MINI ranked highest, followed by Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Hyundai.

Customer service and maintenance issues are only a few of the many tasks running a dealership encompasses. From selling and servicing to repairs and maintenance, inspections, financing and insurance and many other operational tasks, the services you offer to your customers come with unique risks and exposures that require insurance protection specifically designed for dealerships.

That’s what we do. At Dealer Protection Group, we work with a number of top-rated insurance companies that specialize in insurance for auto dealerships. Contact us today at 949.208.8550. We look forward to hearing from you.

According to NDRC, In July 2008, gas prices spiked to an average of 4.11 nationwide.  The economy was taking a downhill turn and industry giants like General Motors, Ford Motor Co, and Chrysler group LLC relied heavily on SUV’s and pickup trucks to bolster sales- it was a recipe for disaster for dealerships with consumers looking to save money, not invest more in gas guzzling machines.

Now however, in a twist of irony, high gas prices are actually helping boost sales for dealerships. Auto sales have outpaced estimates, rising 16% in February, the industry’s best showing in years. Gas-heavy cars are no longer the center of the automotive industry, as cars that sip fuel rather than guzzle it are now readily available to consumers.  Instead of staying local and avoiding the gas pump, consumers are cashing in their old cars and larger SUV’s for more gas efficient vehicles, a change that bodes well for the auto industry.

Currently, the average gas price in Maryland is 3.879. And it’s only March. Gas prices are predicted to break records this summer once again. Yet today it’s a vastly different story from that 2008 summer. Models such as the Honda Civic, MINI Cooper, Toyota Corolla & Prius, Ford Focus, Chevy Malibu Hybrid, and Nissan Versa rank among U.S. motorists’ top fuel-efficient choices. The unlikely ally could be a great booster for automotive dealerships – as consumers are looking daily to save more at the pump, trading in old cars for newer more fuel efficient vehicles will quickly become a more cost-efficient way to travel in this summer.

There are unique risks and exposures in everything you offer – all requiring insurance protection specifically designed for dealerships. At Dealer Protection (DPG), that’s what we do. We are in the business of protecting your business, providing you with a broad array of Dealership Coverages.

At DPG, we work with a number of top-rated insurance companies that specialize in insurance for dealerships. Our staff’s experience and knowledge in this sector is unprecedented. Give us a call at 949.208.8550