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Today’s educated consumer empowered by knowledge they acquired on the internet has little patience for a self-serving dealer message.  A click of their mouse will answer their questions and find a vehicle that fits their needs leaving little reason to visit a dealership. Truth be told, the brick and mortar auto dealership is not necessarily the most efficient business model for cost conscious consumers or profit driven auto dealers to achieve their respective goals.

Future solutions for the auto industry must improve the customer experience while increasing profit margins for dealers; in that order. Most auto dealers and technology vendors will legitimately jump to their own defense and cite the many value added services they provide their customers at their facilities beyond offering the best price and product.  At first glance, I agree.

Auto dealers who take a second look at their facility from their customer’s perspective will discover a different future for their auto dealership to more efficiently serve their customer’s needs:

• They must compete with online showrooms – including their own – along with third party consumer centric resources to provide relevant transparent information in a timely manner

• They must reduce fixed and semi-variable expenses associated with operations, cost of sales and marketing while passing along the savings to their customers in the form of reduced prices

• They must provide additional products and services to better serve their customers’ needs and develop residual profit centers

• They must collect and manage a data base of past, present and pending customers to deliver personalized targeted messages to maintain relationships throughout the ownership cycle

• Their facilities must be “Experience Centers” providing services not offered online; such as comprehensive test drives, repairs, maintenance and custom after-market products

• Their in-facility sales and service processes must be efficient, designed to match their customers’ online experience and exceed their expectations 

Relationship based selling will always factor into the shopping process for a new or pre-owned vehicle.  Next generation social media and online reputation management tools provide a perfect platform to accomplish this goal.  However, the next logical step in the evolution of the retail auto industry to maintain this consumer focused path demands re-purposing the role of today’s auto dealership.

• They must compete with online showrooms and provide relevant transparent information

The internet has leveled the playing field for small and large dealers by providing a cost effective marketing platform that is not limited by geography, facility size or inventory.  Bigger facilities, inventories and advertising budgets represent more of a financial burden than a benefit for dealers.  Consumers can now search inventory nationwide across all makes and models with the confidence that they can do their shopping online vs. making a trip to car row.  It has also allowed consumers access to information previously controlled by dealers which opens the door for them to question the role of their local auto dealer in their shopping process.

Yesterday’s radio, TV and newspaper generation were not willing to invest tens of thousands of dollars sight unseen on what was an emotional decision for a vehicle that often defined their personality.  However, a growing reliance and confidence on the internet by today’s text and internet driven youth who see a vehicle as a necessary evil to commute to work might not be as demanding.  More relevantly, the next generation of car buyers is at a real risk of not enjoying the financial independence of their parents and their buying decisions will likely be governed by their reduced financial resources.

Combine consumer confidence in their self-researched product and price information with transaction tools that allow them to purchase their vehicle online subject to a final test drive at the dealership, their home or office and the line between the real and the virtual dealership continues to blur.  Further supplement customers online experience with a video conference that adds a personality and friendly face to the facts and then allow shoppers to share their thoughts with their online friends before, during and after their decision to buy and you start to wonder why a customer would invest their time and gas money to travel to car row to purchase their next vehicle.

Forward thinking auto dealers are shifting their focus to their virtual showrooms and digital marketing plans through the use of best in class online applications that replicate real world shopping experiences. Consumer preference to watch an informative video vs. reading a brochure or even flipping through online pictures has been satisfied with video production platforms like SiSTeR Technologies.  SiSTeR Technologies produces and distributes vin-specific vehicle videos with integrated links to credit applications, trade-in appraisal tools and competitive comparisons sourced from credible third party providers across multiple makes and models.  These resources allow consumers to make buying decisions that previously required a trip to the dealership.

• They must reduce fixed and semi-variable expenses and pass along the savings to customers

Growing economic concerns and expectations that credit and incomes will be negatively impacted suggests that the luxury of individual vehicle ownership may necessarily change.  Increasing unemployment and gas prices have the potential to drive populations into urban communities where public transportation is more widely accepted.

The experienced decline in growth of rural communities and the introduction of fractional ownership of vehicles on a pay as you drive basis represent a cost effective transportation solution that could trump individual vehicle ownership.  Selecting your vehicle for the day parked conveniently next to your home or office billed through your mobile phone could replace monthly payments and service needs previously supported by auto dealerships operating under what could become a dated business model.

The OEMs are also adjusting their manufacturing and distribution processes to produce universal vehicle platforms that will accommodate international markets with minor adjustments to fit regional demand.  Just in time parts deliveries to computer driven production lines designed to accept real time vehicle orders placed by customers through virtual showrooms vs. local dealer inventories with their related floor plan costs promise to reduce costs to consumers and boost sagging profit margins for dealers.  These efficiencies in manufacturing and distribution once again point to the need to change the role of the dealership in the retail auto industry.

Simply put, a future with limited financial resources for consumers and dealers will dictate a change in the role of the automobile and the auto dealers that sell and service them.  That is not to suggest that auto dealerships, both real and virtual, will not play a role in the future retail auto industry but rather that their products and value added services for consumers must accommodate the needs of their customers.

A shrinking market will likely result in a reduction in the retail dealer network needed to service it.  This is already being realized through government intervention, as experienced by Chrysler and GM Dealers, and natural market demand for dealers to consolidate their franchises into shared facilities closer to where their customers live and work to leverage shared resources and reduce costs to maintain operations.

Commercial real estate investors, including auto dealers who own their facilities, need to consider the highest and best use for land and improvements.  When the math is applied to the debt service and operational expenses required to support a ten plus acre dealerships it becomes obvious that smaller facilities limited to service and support of online vehicle sales and marketing platforms provide less risk and greater reward for dealers.

Specialized commercial real estate services targeting the changing real estate needs of the auto industry, such as a division within Colliers International – the Colliers Automotive Real Estate Services, (CARS), – have positioned themselves to evaluate auto dealerships to determine the land and improvements highest and best use.  OEM requirements for suitable locations of their franchises and local zoning regulations limit dealer options to relocate or share their facilities with multiple franchises.  However, concessions have been made to accommodate dealers with sufficient resources and market share to insure their profitability which suggests that consolidations of facilities will be granted as the market dictates it.

• They must provide additional products and services to better serve their customers’ needs and develop residual profit centers

New vehicles will also necessarily change to accommodate future customer needs and fuel sources. Restrictive CAFE standards and consumer demand for more fuel efficient vehicles due to escalating fuel and maintenance costs are already impacting the marketplace.  A prime example is the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) that are being produced in anticipation of federal regulations and market conditions that will nudge consumers into accepting them in the foreseeable future.

It’s no surprise that the newly empowered, data driven consumer has put dealer margins under pressure. Reduced profit margins on the sale of  new vehicles combined with the reduction in required maintenance means that dealers must develop new profit centers to make up for the anticipated loss of revenue.  In addition, finance and leasing restrictions brought about by federal regulations imposed on the banking industry will further reduce profit centers in F&I reflected in caps placed on dealer reserves on contracts and warranty sales which will further impact the profitability of brick and mortar facilities.

One source of new revenue comes from what many would consider an unlikely source: the electric vehicle or EV. Despite the controversy surrounding its introduction in late 2010, reminiscent of the similar debate when the Prius was launched a decade earlier, most pundits now only debate  “how many” and “when”. This collision between the transportation grid and the electric grid will inevitably generate new products and services for savvy entrepreneurial auto dealers.

Leveraging the ability of the Internet to capture consumers’ interest in EVs and translate that into both vehicle and aftermarket sales opportunities, Electric Vehicle Business Development Strategies (eVBDS) has developed a unique business model that embodies the new  “virtual-to-real” process. George Stellweg, eVBDS CEO, explains “Through our consumer facing dealer centric marketing platform, EV Dealer Exchange allows dealers to reach in-market customers anxious to learn about the different EV’s and associated new technologies.”

Partnering with electric power product behemoth Schneider Electric and home improvement retailer The Home Depot, eVBDS enables auto dealers to sell Schneider’s residential EV chargers directly to their customers at the point of sale, with Home Depot providing distribution and installation services.  Replacement EV batteries  and future product offerings that enhance the EV driving experience represent future sales and customer support services that extend beyond the dealer’s facility and initial vehicle sale.

The introduction of a new generation of home energy management systems will enable home owners to gain more control of their energy usage, and system developers like Schneider view EV owners as the logical “early adopters”. “eVBDS provides Schneider Electric and The Home Depot with an extensive retail channel of auto dealers who have unique relationship with EV owners” says Forest Williams, eVBDS COO.  “HEM systems are just one example of the new opportunities for dealers to extend their brand beyond their existing franchises, enabling them to control customer satisfaction and retention beyond the vehicle sale.”

• Their facilities must be “Experience Centers” providing services not offered online

This new found market for auto dealers to sell home energy management systems will reduce their dependence on their brick and mortar facility as their products and services extend into the home.  Auto dealerships will be re-defined as Experience Centers with test drive courses that allow customers to feel the instant acceleration and high tech features and benefits of EV’s to justify their existence.

These re-designed facilities will also provide state of the art service facilities offering personalized after-market accessories vs. fancy showrooms.  These experiences, products and services can’t be offered online and they will provide a value proposition to visit the dealership to enhance the online experience for consumers while offering dealers profit centers that extend beyond the initial sale of the vehicle.

• They must collect and manage a data base of past, present and pending customers

Technology driven sales processes that allow a dealer to build and manage a customer data base collected from online resources suggest a shift to this more liquid and sustainable asset that is not dependent on their facility and the associated expenses.  Direct marketing to a loyal data base of customers for future sales and service is an extremely cost effective marketing solution for auto dealers. Extending the auto dealers’ online footprint beyond their own website by posting their inventory on third party marketing platforms, being listed on specialized websites like the EV Dealer Exchange portal and contributing to online discussions promoted by various social networking communities will provide new sources for potential customers to add to their data base not limited by their physical location.

This shift to leveraged online exposure represents another reason why dealers must rethink how they are using their facilities which should be concentrating on fixed operations vs. vehicle sales.  Attracting in-market online shoppers may or may not result in a vehicle sale today but adding them to an internal ongoing marketing plan to service their vehicle regardless of where they purchase it stands a better chance of maturing into a mutually rewarding relationship than the old school philosophy of buy or die.

Customer satisfaction and retention is a key element to increasing service absorption which also impacts vehicle sales before, during and after the initial contact.  Automated consumer focused data base marketing platforms, like Driving Loyalty, allow dealers to alert customers of required service, factory recalls, in-equity alerts to trade-up and anything that relates to their investment in their vehicle. In addition to automated emails and letters with personalized information regarding past purchases Driving Loyalty provides a personalized website for each customer that posts their sales and service history in an easy to use interactive website.  Customers can research in-stock vehicles and get their trade-in value as well as exact out the door prices and payments without involving a salesperson or visiting the dealership.  The dealer is notified of any online activity by their customers that suggests the need to contact them with additional information or to provide a gentle nudge to do business from the convenience of their home or office; win-win!

• Their in-facility sales and service processes must be efficient and customer centric

Finally, the future auto dealership will have to match the online customer experience much like the first wave of dealer websites were challenged to replicate the real world shopping experience.  Vendors have already accepted the challenge to accommodate today’s educated consumer by empowering the dealership sales staff with information delivered on an iPad on the showroom floor.  IntellaCar is an example of a best in class mobile sales presentation platform that provides a salesperson with the same tools that the customer used online to educate themselves before they visited the showroom.

The wow factor of a salesperson being able to answer questions with information sourced from credible third party resources presented the same way that the customer researched them online creates a level of trust that helps the customer make a buying decision.  Presenting competitive comparisons across all makes and models also eliminates the need for the customer to visit a competitor and provides a path for the salesperson to close the sale on the first visit.  This kind of efficiency is necessary to build value in the dealership experience and represents yet another fundamental change in the value proposition offered by a real world shopping experience in tomorrow’s newly defined auto dealership.

It should be noted that the role of the salesperson also needs to change to accommodate consumer demand that they provide added value to their shopping process.  IntellaCar addresses that need by operating as a training tool that accelerates the learning curve of the dealers’ sales staff as they absorb information along with their customers during every presentation.  Employee retention is improved as salespeople become productive faster and the dealer has the confidence to know that his sales processes are consistent and professional through the use of built in analytics in the IntellaCar platform that monitors its use.

In summary, the future of the auto industry does not suggest the elimination of the auto dealership of today but it does anticipate the need to re-define the role of the auto dealership of tomorrow.  I have personally invested in or partnered with all of the vendors cited in this article in support of the changing role of tomorrow’s auto dealership.  Of course there are many other equally forward thinking vendors focused on the future of our beloved auto industry with a shared confidence that it will survive all obstacles.  Frankly, I decided to write and post this article to surface vendor partners that I have yet to discover with the hope that I can contribute to our shared visions and success.

If you represent or know of a vendor platform that provides a solution to some of the challenges facing the auto industry that I have referenced please add your comments to this post, contact me directly at pzads@bellsouth.net or call me at 561-962-2738.  I also welcome any contrary opinions or visions for tomorrow as I recognize that I don’t know what I don’t know and my participation in sites like this one is designed to listen and learn so I can presume to continue to teach.

After all, what are friends and partners for!

With all of the focus that automotive advertising agencies are placing on the failings of TrueCar I was surprised that few people discussed the most glaring problem with their business model.  They rely on either buying new customers using price as the key differentiator between dealers or paying for old ones enticed away from your showrooms with automotive advertising funds sourced from your fees.

The market has already conceded that third party leads are a distant second in value from customers that come directly to your facility or website and previous customers are the true low hanging fruit which should be picked by automotive advertising agencies before all others.  Investing in building awareness and value in your dealership has a much more stable and proven ROI than selling vehicles as a commoditity as proposed by TrueCar.  Frankly, the negative energy that surfaced about TrueCar was surrounding issues that can and likely will be resolved as evidenced by their recent accomodations to the Colorado AG office.

I anticipate that TrueCar will adjust their business model away from transaction fees to either lead fees or monthly marketing fees to overcome claims that they are operating as Brokers.  References to invoice pricing on their site can be similarly eliminated where required and clearer language in their agreements concerning their access and use of sensitive DMS information can surely be adjusted to be more like other vendors that require similar data to power their solutions.  Finally, Scott Painter will either temper his anti-dealer position to still the raging waters or prove his initial assertions that auto dealers and automotive advertising agencies no longer provide sufficient added value to customers to justify their existence; NOT LIKELY BASED ON MY RESPECT FOR THE ROLE THAT AUTO DEALERS PLAY IN THE SALES AND SERVICE PROCESS!

My answer to the conversation for and against TrueCar is to focus on customer satisfaction before, during and after the sales/service process for the reasons stated above. Price will always be an issue but people and product will always have a value for customers who want the best deal – which includes more than the lowest price.

The controversy regarding TrueCars Conquest sales strategy vs. other vendors providing Customer Retention based marketing plans has a clear winner; the one that focuses on customer satisfaction.

For example, internal database marketing platform solutions provided by vendors like DrivingLoyalty offer no risk to dealers concerned over protecting sensitive customer information sourced from their DMS.  People like to do business with people that they know and like and solutions like DrivingLoyalty offer virtually automated sales processes to alert past, present and pending customers when they are inequity on their present vehicle, require service or simply want to know the value of their current vehicle or one they are considering.

Transparency is a word that TrueCar uses often as a unique added value that they provide to customers.  However, I know of no more transparent message than one that includes the OTD price and payment for a similar vehicle to the one that you are driving just when you can trade up with little or no money down.  Combine that with the added value of having a customer portal that provides updated information on your vehicle along with required service reminders and I find little reason to search for two strangers who want to do business with no vested interest in eachothers continued satisfaction with the transaction.

THOUSAND OAKS, CA, AUGUST 29, 2011  IntellaCar, LLC announced today the launch of IntellaCar. 3.0, the next generation of the ground-breaking iPad app for Sales Consultants, now optimized for all automotive brands. Building on the initial momentum, the latest version of IntellaCar has enhanced functionality with a striking new interface that is visually stunning and highly intuitive. IntellaCar leverages the latest mobile technology to give Sales Consultants the information they need to close the sale, where and when they need it.

1. Information is prioritized based on customer needs and summarized for a quick readduring the sale.
2. Dealer-specific content, such as inventory and “Why Buy Here” provides a competitive edge.
3. Leveraging the growing importance of social media in the car buying process, customers can now use the app to write and post their own reviews.

IntellaCar (www.intellacar.com) was named as a top pick by Dealer Marketing Magazine in its June 2011 cover story on the explosion of mobile marketing. According to Sean Wolfington of Tier 10 Marketing, “Mobile marketing is here to stay. Dealers are quickly realizing that a mobile solution such as IntellaCar can help them deliver exactly what their customers are looking for.¨

IntellaCar has proven to increase dealership sales effectiveness within weeks. Mike Shum, General Manager at Sunnyvale Toyota, says, “We are delighted with the impact IntellaCar has had at our dealership. It was effortless to incorporate it into our sales process and using it has generated positive feedback from customers as well as our sales team.¨

IntellaCar was created by a passionate team of automotive marketing specialists with decades of experience in developing OEM and dealership solutions, led by Co-Founders Jim Hughes and Bruce Polkes. Their expertise is in simplifying the complex and facilitating the sales flow, critical in today¡¦s world of information overload. IntellaCar is committed to helping dealers improve the customer experience and bringing back the excitement of purchasing a new vehicle. For more information, contact Jim Hughes at (805) 241-5000 or info@IntellaCar.Com; or visit www.IntellaCar.com.

AdAgencyOnline.Net is an automotive advertising resource / networking portal known for their in-depth reviews of cutting edge automotive advertising vendors on their hosted blog talk radio station – WAAOL, All Automotive Advertising News All The Time.  This week’s Automotive Advertising Experts show will feature a review of an iconic vendor, EVOX IMAGES ®, known by automotive advertising agencies as the best source for video imagery for websites and other integrated vendor platforms that rely on them for their proprietary vehicle video content.

Philip Zelinger, the President of Ad Agency Online, L.L.C. and the host of WAAOL, will moderate the review of EVOX IMAGES ® in an interview with two senior managers of the company, Patrick Kajirian and Stephen Miranda.  Philip explained his reasons for choosing EVOX IMAGES ® to review in this week’s Automotive Advertising Experts show. “I typically focus on start-ups and/or cutting edge vendors that are not yet in the main stream.  I decided to drill down to some of the unique video solutions provided by EVOX IMAGES ® because I do business with them for a number of my vendor partners. I am constantly impressed with their ability to stay one step ahead of the competition, and the market, with their evolving product offerings.  Sometimes automotive advertising vendors that we consider to be “old news” are really just so far ahead of the curve that their established solutions remain cutting edge beyond the typical limited shelf life of other less forward thinking technology based applications.  I am anxious to listen and learn from Patrick and Stephen and I anticipate that several new shared opportunities will be discovered during our online discussion.  After all, what are friends and our Automotive Advertising Experts blog talk radio show for!”

About Patrick Kajirian

Patrick Karjirian graduated with honors from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England with a BSC in Multimedia Technology and Design.  He has worked on a broad range of projects from producing video commercials for cable television to managing online content for world-class ecommerce websites.  Patrick co-founded PEK Interactive, Inc., a web-solutions agency that specialized in web design and online marketing.  Patrick also worked as an instructor for reputable institutions such as The Art Institute of California teaching classes in Motion Graphics, Film Production, and 3D Animation.

Today, Patrick is the Web Technology Architect for EVOX IMAGES ® .  Additionally, Patrick spends his time in emerging technologies such as Cloud Computing, Mobile Development, and Social Media.  He dwells on the web, which is the best place to find him.

About Stephen Miranda

Stephen Miranda graduated from the City University of New York, Hunter College in New York with a BA in Studio Art.  A versatile problem-solver, he has directed international, multi-media productions that range from steel engineering, light industrial fabrication, to CGI imagery pipelines.

Presently, Stephen is the Product Development Manager for EVOX IMAGES ® .  A recent New York transplant to Los Angeles, in his spare time Stephen explores the Southland with his wife and dog.

About EVOX IMAGES ®

EVOX IMAGES ® was founded in 1995 and offers a complete package of unbiased, high-quality, consistent still and interactive US vehicle imagery.  The purpose and passion that drives EVOX IMAGES ® is to continuously break new ground and lead our industry forward.  We believe there is no better industry than automotive and no better clients than our own.

For nearly a decade, EVOX IMAGES ® has produced high-quality imagery and projects for our clients; and we continue to grow, which we believe is testimony to the unparalleled completeness of our product offerings, high quality imagery and services we provide.  We strive to make vehicles available as soon as they are released, providing you with the most vehicles and the most content, on an unmatched delivery schedule.  Our ongoing strategy is to develop high-quality, interactive library content; EVOX IMAGES ® was the first to introduce 360 Spins and Interior Panoramas into the automotive industry and we continue to invest in breakthrough products like these to offer the most powerful solutions for your continued business needs.

Highlights and USPs:

• Imagery available starting MY2000
• 650 new cars added to each model year – with absolutely no carry-over
• Featured on 8 of the top 11 automotive portal sites
• Licensed by over 22,000 dealer websites in addition to automobile manufacturers, newspapers and other users of vehicle imagery worldwide

About Philip Zelinger

 Philip Zelinger is the President of Ad Agency Online, L.L.C. and host of a nationally respected automotive advertising social networking portal, AdAgencyOnline.Net.  Philip invested 25 years as a General Manager and Dealer Principal followed by his last ten years in the automotive advertising industry representing auto dealers and technology vendors focused on the auto industry.

His role as a “Dealer Coach” is enhanced by his hosting a nationally recognized blog talk radio station – WAAOL, All Automotive Advertising News All The Time.  As the author of two books on the auto industry, including “How To Sell A Car – a Career Guide to The Automobile Industry,” he is a recognized authority on market trends and developing technologies with the responsibility of selecting key vendors and applications for his dealer clients as well as forming strategic partnerships for his vendor clients to leverage their shared resources to help them bring their products and services to market.

About AdAgencyOnline.Net and Ad Agency Online, L.L.C.

AdAgencyOnline.Net reviews automotive advertising vendors and new technologies on several blog talk radio shows including Lunch With Phil Discussing Automotive Advertising, Auto Industry Insiders and  their most listened to program Automotive Advertising Experts.  The shows attract automotive advertising agencies, auto dealers, auto industry vendors and O.E.M. representatives that listen to the blog talk radio station WAAOL to find vendors, applications and technologies to maximize the R.O.I. for their automotive advertising dollars.

AAOL is a national network of independent affiliated automotive advertising agencies linked by an online communication / distribution system developed by Philip Zelinger.  The proprietary operating system that powers AAOL was designed to reduce fixed and semi-variable expenses for full service automotive advertising agencies.  The developing technologies that enhanced the performance of the independent automotive advertising agencies linked by AAOL has served as the role model for the solutions suggested on AdAgencyOnline.Net and represented by AAOL to their affiliated automotive advertising agencies when serving their auto dealer clients.

Ad Agency Online L.L.C is focused on discovering and representing new automotive advertising vendors and technologies not yet recognized by the mainstream automotive advertising industry. Automotive advertising vendors represented by AAOL include;  GetAutoAppraise,  DealMaker.Com, CityTwist.Com, Bulldog Marketing Technologies, Kihon Media, CarFolks.Com, Ai Dealer, Laser Stream Video, SiSTeR Technologies – Video CarLot, PSCars.Com, AIS Rebates, AdvantaStar and IntellaCar; to name a few.

For more information on Philip Zelinger, Ad Agency Online, L.L.C., EVOX IMAGES ® or any of the vendor clients represented by Ad Agency Online contact Philip at 888-796-2228 or email him at pzads@bellsouth.net.  Automotive advertising vendors, automotive advertising agencies and auto dealers that would like to be considered as a “preferred automotive advertising vendor” on AdAgencyOnline.Net and/or to hire/join Ad Agency Online, L.L.C. to represent them can contact Philip Zelinger at http://adagencyonline.net.  To quote Philip Zelinger, “Help is only a click away!  After all, what are friends for!” ###

Philip Zelinger, the President of Ad Agency Online, L.L.C. and the host of the automotive advertising resource / networking portal http://AdAgencyOnline.Net, has scheduled a follow up interview on his blog talk radio show with three principals from eVBDS, (Electric Vehicle Business Development Strategies), — George Stellweg, Forest Williams and Carlos De La Guardia.  The trio of auto industry, government and technology insiders will be discussing the introduction of their game changing electric vehicle charging solution in advance of the upcoming 10th Digital Dealer Conference & Exposition at The Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando Florida April 19th – 21st., 2011.  The show hosted by Philip — Lunch With Phil Discussing Automotive Advertising —  will air Monday, April 11th., 2011 from 12 Noon EST to 12:30 PM EST on  WAAOL, All Automotive Advertising News All The Time hosted by Ad Agency Online.

Electric vehicles will surface many challenges and opportunities for auto dealers, some are known but many more are yet to be discovered.  Philip recognized the unique opportunities being presented by eVBDS that would benefit his affiliated automotive advertising agencies and auto dealer/vendor clients. “I have always valued people over even product and price.  Before I decided to invest my reputation and valued relationships earned over my 35 year career in the auto industry as both a dealer and now as a consultant by recommending eVBDS, I included their partnered relationships as part of my due diligence.”

eVBDS together with Eaton Corporation – a leader in electric power management for over a century with $13B in total revenues – will introduce a line of electric vehicle chargers that permits consumers to charge their EVs at home safely and significantly faster than conventional “trickle” charging. Eaton’s Pow-R-Station will also serve as the controller for the emerging home energy generation and storage systems of the future. eVBDS is creating a channel to allow dealers to enjoy the profits of selling a charger at the dealer level vs. deferring it to the OEM sponsored channels…and later to participate in their customers’ future in-home energy management  needs.”

The factories have functionally bypassed the auto dealers with direct relationships with vendors such as Aerovironment for the Nissan Leaf and SPX for the Chevy Volt.  They are even encouraging customers to contact these vendors directly to purchase their chargers and arrange for installation. The goal of eVBDS is to provide a world class EV charging product that will be sold exclusively thru dealerships’ F&I department. The initial EV buyer is likely to be affluent and will want to leave the dealership with a complete solution.  They will be equally attracted to the ability to add the charger and installation to the vehicle loan package with much more attractive interest rates.

Over the next several years more consumers will want to add home storage batteries to take advantage of the low energy costs that will be offered at off peak hours. In addition, many will also decide to add their own electricity generation capability via solar, wind or even the Bloom Box that can generate electricity fueled by natural gas or propane. Their line of EV chargers are designed to manage these generation and storage processes for the homeowner. In fact, as dealers see service revenues dip due to the lower maintenance requirements of EVs they will be motivated to take advantage of these natural “add on” sales, perhaps leading to new business opportunities.

Many auto industry analysts believe that the EV is going to have the same impact on the power grid that the personal computer had on computing. It will accelerate the move towards decentralized power generation and storage the same way that the PC ended the dominance of the mainframe computer.” 

Philip Zelinger shares the vision of eVBDS  and their ability to help shape a developing opportunity in the retail auto industry.  “The bottom line is that EV vehicles will impact the dealers bottom line before, during and after the sale.  eVBDS is focused on keeping the auto dealer in the mix!  Anything that makes auto dealers money is part of the newly assigned areas of responsibility for today’s full service automotive advertising agency.  Based on my past dealings with one of the principals at eVBDS and my ongoing due diligence regarding their business model I see them as a valuable potential partner.”

“One of the founding partners, Carlos De La Guardia, brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the politics that both help and hurt any new industry.  Couple his knowledge of the beltway with the retail auto experience of another principal, George Stellweg supported by the tech savvy business development experience of their other partner, Forest William and my decision to promote them and theirs to me and mine became self evident.”

“My updated live review of eVBDS on my show scheduled for April 11th. will also be sent out as a podcast to a targeted audience of automotive advertising agencies and service providers allowing me to listen and learn from literally thousands of auto dealers and auto industry decision makers before I presume to teach.  My plan is to get their feedback and support to help us launch this new revenue stream for auto dealers who are struggling to make more with less in our consolidating industry.  After all, what are friends for!”

About George Stellweg

George Stellweg has over 20 years of experience as a business leader, entrepreneur and senior executive in leadership positions successfully establishing new businesses, managing and implementing executive, sales, and business development teams in enterprises worldwide.

George was born in Mexico City of Dutch heritage and educated in North America and Europe. This background along with his exemplary service and business experiences internationally contributes to his extensive multi-cultural global knowledge in business and life.

He is currently the Founder and Managing Partner of Green Automotive Inc, Latin American Consulting, Inc, KSD & Co, LLC, and Electric Vehicle Business Development Strategies, LLC.

About Forest Williams

Forest Williams has been in technology sales and new business development for almost 30 years. A graduate of West Point, he served as a KC-135 pilot in the Air Force refueling the SR-71 spy plane, still the fastest aircraft in the world.

After leaving the service in the early eighties Forest went to work for National Semiconductor as a Strategic Account Manager in Southern California. He left National in 2001 to found CarLocate, a GPS vehicle tracking company that was the launch partner for Trimble Navigation’s TrimTrac, the industry’s first portable GPS tracking device.

Over the past several years Forest has become increasingly involved in the development of electric vehicles and the charging station infrastructure that is an important component for the success of EVs in the marketplace. He is currently a Founder & Managing Partner and VP of Sales and Marketing for Electric Vehicle Business Development Strategies, LLC, or eVBDS, which is introducing a line of home EV chargers that will also manage the energy generation and storage products many consumers are adding to their homes.

About Carlos R. De La Guardia

Carlos R. De La Guardia is Founder and Managing Partner in Electric Vehicle Development Strategies, LLC (eVBDS), Latin American Consulting, Inc, KSD & Co, LLC and the President of The De La Guardia Group; an international marketing and business consulting firm that advises the government in the development and implementation of new technology strategies in the public sector. He has developed a close relationship based on credibility and positive results with high ranking members of the government administration.

In April 2004 Mr. De La Guardia was appointed Chargé d’ Affaires until the new ambassador arrived after the administrations changed in Panama. In October of the same year he coordinated the transition team at the embassy and went back to his private consulting business; this time creating The De La Guardia Group, an international business and political strategy consulting firm based in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, where he resides with his wife Laura.

He became a diplomat when he was appointed Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Panama in Washington, DC, the United States of America in November 2002. He was also Minister Counselor to the President in US-Panama affairs. Mr. De La Guardia’s role in Washington, DC was instrumental in the initial conversations between the two nations to have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also played a key role in all the arrangements for the official presidential visit of President Mireya Moscoso to the White House in June 2003.

About Philip Zelinger

Philip Zelinger is the President of Ad Agency Online, L.L.C. and host of a nationally respected automotive advertising social networking portal, AdAgencyOnline.Net.  Philip invested 25 years as a General Manager and Dealer Principal followed by his last ten years in the automotive advertising industry representing auto dealers and technology vendors focused on the auto industry.

His role as a “Dealer Coach” is enhanced by his hosting a nationally recognized blog talk radio station – WAAOL, All Automotive Advertising News All The Time.  As the author of two books on the auto industry, including “How To Sell A Car – a Career Guide to The Automobile Industry,” he is a recognized authority on market trends and developing technologies with the responsibility of selecting key vendors and applications for his dealer clients as well as forming strategic partnerships for his vendor clients to leverage their shared resources to help them bring their products and services to market.

About AdAgencyOnline.Net and Ad Agency Online, L.L.C.

AdAgencyOnline.Net reviews automotive advertising vendors and new technologies on several blog talk radio shows including Lunch With Phil Discussing Automotive Advertising, Auto Industry Insiders and  their most listened to program Automotive Advertising Experts.  The shows attract automotive advertising agencies, auto dealers, auto industry vendors and O.E.M. representatives that listen to the blog talk radio station WAAOL to find vendors, applications and technologies to maximize the R.O.I. for their automotive advertising dollars.

AAOL is a national network of independent affiliated automotive advertising agencies linked by an online communication / distribution system developed by Philip Zelinger.  The proprietary operating system that powers AAOL was designed to reduce fixed and semi-variable expenses for full service automotive advertising agencies.  The developing technologies that enhanced the performance of the independent automotive advertising agencies linked by AAOL has served as the role model for the solutions suggested on AdAgencyOnline.Net and represented by AAOL to their affiliated automotive advertising agencies when serving their auto dealer clients.

Ad Agency Online L.L.C is focused on discovering and representing new automotive advertising vendors and technologies not yet recognized by the mainstream automotive advertising industry. Automotive advertising vendors represented by AAOL include; ronsmap.com, DealerMouth, TeleTextSolutions, GetAutoAppraise, Argistics – AutoTransaXion, DealMaker.Com, CityTwist.Com, Bulldog Marketing Technologies, Kihon Media, CarFolks.Com, Ai Dealer, Laser Stream Video, SiSTeR Technologies – Video CarLot and IntellaCar; to name a few.

For more information on Philip Zelinger, Ad Agency Online, L.L.C., eVBDS or any of the vendor clients represented by Ad Agency Online contact Philip at 888-796-2228 or email him at pzads@bellsouth.net.  Automotive advertising vendors, automotive advertising agencies and auto dealers that would like to be considered as a “preferred automotive advertising vendor” on AdAgencyOnline.Net and/or to hire/join Ad Agency Online, L.L.C. to represent them can contact Philip Zelinger at http://adagencyonline.net.  To quote Philip Zelinger, “Help is only a click away!  After all, what are friends for!” ###