Car and truck sales continue to climb upward from the lows of 2008 and 2009, but the ripple effects of that rebound aren’t necessarily all welcome.
While no dealer wants to wind the clock back to the recession, the combination of an improving market and dealer networks culled of competition by the downturn has manufacturers pushing dealers to improve the look and layout of their stores.
It’s an investment that some are reluctant to make so soon after the crash of the auto market.
“There’s a mixed reaction to dealer upgrades,” said Bill Heifner, president of Renier Construction Corp. “Some say it’s time, others just want some breathing room after a few tough years.” Renier specializes in dealership construction and remodels and since 1989 has worked on projects for nearly every brand on the market today. One client is the Byers Automotive Group. (See PDF for full article)
