These painful but profitable pandemic times could lead to more happy days again.
Increasing capacity and managing inventories will help address the current shortages. However, neither remedy solves the longer-term challenges for automakers and suppliers.
The profitability equation is a challenge facing not only VW, but other automakers as they transition to volume EVs.
While a pivot to remote sales and home vehicle deliveries has provided greater convenience to consumers, the approach could expose dealers to a nearly 50-year-old federal law that regulates their ability to conduct a sale at a setting other than their permanent place of business.
F&I strategies need to focus on building long term customer relationships, not just profit per vehicle retail.
