America's Car and Truck Dealerships

6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1 AMER I CA ’ S CAR AND TRUCK DEALERSHI PS local new car and truck dealer is a pillar in the community’s philanthropic or charity spectrum. From supporting the local little league team, to sponsoring the nearby high school homecoming parades, dealers have long been ardent supporters of local community efforts. However, as economies of scale make it more difficult to operate single, stand-alone dealerships, dealers are increasingly turning over their dealerships to larger, multi-franchise, multi-location dealership groups. The newly purchased dealership in the small community may not have the same affinity or connection with the community as the prior owner and, thus, may be less likely to continue to support community events. And, while the consumer will continue to receive cutting-edge automotive time, reduce the purchase price, and allow the consumer to explore all features of their new vehicles or explore other vehicles within the dealership. Likewise, while the advent of EVs may reduce the number of moving parts in tomorrow’s vehicles, there will still be a demand for vehicle services that will more closely resemble computer services than the age-old turning of wrenches. EVs will still require regular maintenance – more high-tech than in the past – that consumers will obtain from their local car or truck dealer. DEALERSHIP CONSOLIDATION MAY IMPACT SMALLER COMMUNITIES In many communities across North Carolina, the