How the Car Business is Changing

Change: “to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone…”

This is the first in a series of short posts on change in the car business. Some changes are obvious. Some changes are hidden. As a third generation car dealer, I believe that our business is entering a period of the most profound and rapid change we have ever experienced — and that is saying something.  Of course, we’re not alone in this. The entire world is experiencing the same thing. My hope is to help you as a consumer to understand the changes going on in the car business, so that you will be empowered to make the best decisions for your own particular situation.

Transparency

Transparency is explained by Wikipedia as follows. Transparency, as used in the humanities, implies openness, communication, and accountability. It is a metaphorical extension of the meaning used in the physical sciences: a “transparent” object is one that can be seen through.

In the car business, access to information and an increasingly efficient market is driving increased transparency.  As a consumer you have access to more information than ever before. Just “Google” whatever you drive now. A search just a moment ago for “2008 Toyota Camry” resulted in 5,580,000 results (that’s way more than the number of Camry’s sold that year!). As you know the quality of the information you have can make a big difference. Automotive consumers have more choices and increased access to information, which leads to a more efficient market. You wouldn’t pay more than the going rate for a publicly traded stock.  Until relatively recently, consumers and dealers alike didn’t have access to this kind of information that they could count on to be accurate.

I have to say all this is a good thing for our business. The car business needs to change and quickly. We have to develop new ways to do business that meet our customers’ needs.

At Doenges Toyota Ford Lincoln Mercury we talk about this all the time. We strive to be leaders in increased transparency of a car deal and upfront dealings with our customers. For an example of how this might work check out our “shopping cart” for automotive e-commerce at http://www.aidealer.com/AiDealerProduction/DealershipInventorySearch.aspx?DealershipId=28

The nuts and bolts of a car deal is just math. The real magic in our business comes from helping people.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Ford Mulally Performance: The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

$20,000 Emblem
Is it a Audi 6,  Infinti M45X, Lexus LS 460 or the Mercedes E Class?  Most people’s first impression of the new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO is  “this is an European  performance vehicle”.  If I covered the Ford emblem you could guess any one of these high dollar competitors. Take any one of the above mentioned emblems and put it on the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and now you can add twenty grand to the MSRP. This is how far the Taurus SHO has advanced.

There are a lot of reasons I say this:
1.) Styling : Let’s face it, no matter what the product is, if you don’t like the styling you ain’t buying it. Graceful lines with curve appeal, low, sultry and sexy puts the SHO in class all by itself. This alone is a great reason to own the new 2010 Taurus SHO, curb appeal deluxe.
2.) Creature Comforts: Number one on my list for the ultimate ride are the seats that give you a relaxing massage. These seats make you look forward to that long road trip. Not only do you arrive in style, you will arrive relaxed. Smart and strategically located ambient lighting in the front and rear foot-wells, door handles and cup holders  prevents fumbling or distraction at night and any time you are driving. The overall panel and scope of gauges, knobs, and dials are all available in five easy on the eyes color combination’s of Ice Blue, Orange, Green, Soft Blue, Red and Purple.

3.) Raw Power: Simply put the raw power screams WOW! The Eco-Boost provides an exhilarating thrust as soon as you push the accelerator to the floor.  The power comes as a natural complement to the electric power assist steering, the heavy duty springs, the tuned shocks, plus the stiffer stabilizer bars and new rear suspension provide a more connected feel between the driver and the  road.

4.) Engineering: Quite. This dynamo is real quite. The SHO is a real feat in fast forward and future engineering. Even if you never experience the thrill of purchasing a new a new Ford Taurus SHO at least make it a mission to drive one.

True BLIS: The Blind Spot Information System with the appropriate acronym “BLIS” , takes the fear out of changing lanes, plus adds a layer of safety in transportation that will save lives.

4A) Superman Paint Have you ever been a bit apprehensive about taking your performance machine on one of the gravel back roads?; Or had your heart sink as you get stuck behind a truck hauling some type of debris flying out of the cargo bed? If so another kudo to the engineering team was the treatment of the paint. They have produced a paint worthy of the “Superman Kryptonite” title. Throw away your touch up paint, the Taurus paint finish is chip resistant. How much value will this add to your SHO at trade in time? Check out this two minute video I’ll call “War Paint” http://www.fordvehicles.com/2010taurus/?id=/demos/video01                    

5.)Technology: BLIS, as mentioned above is Fords unique blind spot detection guidance system. Today we have smart cars and part of that system is the Navigation System SIRIUS Travel Link™ . Ford’s Navigation intelligence provides useful travel information such as approaching weather, recommended travel stops  for fuel, food and beverages. The  new crystal clear HD Radio™ reception is loud and clear even in the middle of the Mojave desert.

Like The Expensive German Model

Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control senses the time and distance needed to decelerate and slow down your vehicle to a safe driving speed to avoid any potential driving hazards  The Collision Warning with Brake Support puts into motion exatly what the name implies, an alarm to help you stay clear of a potential collision.

Where and the heck are my Keys? Ford’s Intelligent Access and Push Button Start prevent that mad dash looking for your keys when you are already running five minutes late. How about that for peace of mind and or surprising your boss because now you are always on time! For all the details our in-house expert is  Bill Hight .

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