THE AUTO INDUSTRY

THINGS HAVE CHANGED

BY RINO ANDRIOLI

As we navigate through this pandemic, many industries feel the effects in different ways. First labour lay-offs and then labor shortage, supply chain issues, transport cost, transport delays, increasing fuel costs and increased costs due to lost revenues. These are a few of the things really happening out there. As we near the pandemics end (if that is even happening?) we thought things would get back to normal. However, as we start moving forward with the pandemic’s control within reach, let’s start thinking that normal may not look the same, as we once knew. I think we should begin to embrace the new normal but will be hard because we don’t quite know what that looks like. In the past 20 plus months I’ve learnt some new buzz words, social-distancing, normal, new normal, moving target, Zoom meetings, herd immunity to name a few. Many in the medical fields knew these terms and since the pandemic many of us came to know and understand them.

The auto industry is no different. Purchasers now face many mandated protocols as they are out looking to make their next vehicle purchase. Appointments with representatives are most encouraged. Close tracking of who our visitors are and why they came are also important for reporting purposes and contact tracing. This has made things different but that’s not all bad.

Some things will be better for the industry and more importantly for the customer (consumer). Appointments, for instance, will assure customers that when they show up their time is valued and that they are given the attention and prompt service they should expect and appreciate. With time being allotted, the representative then plans the amount of time to spend with a particular customer and therefore gives their full attention and best service possible.

Another change that will be around for some time and may be end up being the way of the future is inventory. Prior to the pandemic manufacturers filled dealers’ lots to capacity with dozens, if not hundreds, of vehicles at any given time. With the current shortage of available vehicles and slowdown of production, dealerships have been making do with little inventory. Manufacturers are now building vehicles according to sold orders for the most part and sending out inventory in limited numbers as all dealers are screaming for vehicles. All things considered, the future for consumers looks good even with inventory levels low. Dealers are keen on keeping consumers’ needs a priority. We can’t forget the way things were, but we must embrace and welcome the way things will be.

Rino Andreoli has been serving the auto industry in the Peterborough area since 1985.