JASON NUTTLE
“YOU’LL SEE CARS WITH SO MUCH ELECTRONICS ... PRETTY SOON, THESE CARS ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO SEND E-MAILS FOR YOU.”
SCOTT ZANKL
G
AUTOMOBILE EXPERT
rowing up in Michigan’s robust auto industry, Scott Zankl would follow his father around his dealership, soaking up the sights, sounds and horsepower inherent to the fourwheeled world. After moving to Boca Raton, Zankl knew he wanted to stay in the business—but he also wanted to create an experience that would set his dealership apart. Enter Excell Auto Group, which Zankl and his wife, Kristen, founded 15 years ago. Their goal: to give clients a personalized experience amid a boutique setting. Beyond their fleet of luxury vehicles and continuing auto-care program, the Zankls also create special events for their clients, such as renting out Palm Beach International Raceway for catered extravaganzas. Here’s what Scott sees coming around the corner in the auto industry. NOT NECESSARILY NEW: “I’m noticing that more people are buying
used vehicles. Even the people who can afford any car they want aren’t interested in buying new. They’ve seen how new cars can depreciate between 20 to 25 percent within a year of buying them.”
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INTERNET INFLUENCE: “Consumers are doing their research, which means that car dealerships are feeling the competitive heat. ... As a result, dealers are finding new ways to keep buyers, including doing away with that aggressive approach that they were once known for.” CROSSOVER APPEAL: “More than ever before, we’re seeing a surge
in sales for the crossover vehicle. These crossover vehicles give you the room of an SUV, but the drive-ability of a car. Even Bentley, which has never had a crossover vehicle, is creating one.” SAFETY FIRST: “All the way around, manufacturers are focused on making your drive a safe one—from airbags getting better to cars that are built with quality, stronger materials [to the inclusion of] savvy computers that can help drivers avoid accidents.” WIRED IN: “You’re going to see a lot more cars with fancy electron-
ics. Tesla has a big jump on that with its automatic steering and its other gadgets. But what’s going to be different is that soon these cars are going to become another personal office. You’ll see cars with so much electronics going in them; pretty soon these cars are going to be able to send e-mails for you.”
BOCAMAG.COM march 2016
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