Ten months ago dealers braced themselves for a financial hit as the coronavirus pandemic started to wash across the U.S. It never materialized. An Automotive News survey of dealership executives illustrates the boon.
Retail sales at new brand-exclusive dealerships rose about 25 percent despite the pandemic in 2020, and 51 more standalone stores are scheduled to open by the end of next year.
The expansion of the automaker’s digital suite allows customers, for the first time, to complete a new-vehicle purchase without ever having to set foot in a showroom.
The German rivals have been battling each other in nearly every vehicle segment for decades. Now they are about to square off for a new fight — even as many consumers remain wary of electric vehicles.
The purchase would give the nation’s third-largest dealership group a big Midwest foothold as it continues an aggressive growth strategy.