The Conservative Cave
Current Events => Economics => Topic started by: Alpha Mare on October 07, 2009, 06:04:42 PM
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DETROIT — Chuck Fortinberry's Chrysler-Jeep dealership stopped selling new cars on June 9. Two days later, he signed a contract to turn his dealership into a NAPA AutoCare Center. Then he contacted 23,000 of his customers to tell them about the new business.
For Fortinberry, 53, the NAPA affiliation is a big first step to replace the revenue he lost when Chrysler yanked his dealer agreement. Now he's doing business as Clarkston Motors.
NAPA, an Atlanta-based nonprofit auto parts association, is thinking big about the opportunity to convert hundreds of dealerships. NAPA also has contacted some GM stores scheduled to lose their franchises.
"When we were a dealer, the customer came in the door he did not want to pay for anything," says Russo, who has also signed up to be a NAPA center.
"They thought Chrysler should pay for everything. Lately I have not had one person come in and say, 'I don't think I should pay for this.' "We've got to not think like a dealer. It's OK to sell wiper blades for $5."
http://www.autonews.com/article/20090727/ANA06/307279926
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I like the idea, as long as they don't charge $90/hr for "labor" like dealerships do.
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Some used car dealers are shifting their affiliation to NAPA since they lost their connections to GM or Chrysler. It gives them the benefit of of offering nation-wide warranty service. http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20091007/BIZ/310079943/1031/BIZ
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Some used car dealers are shifting their affiliation to NAPA since they lost their connections to GM or Chrysler. It gives them the benefit of of offering nation-wide warranty service. http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20091007/BIZ/310079943/1031/BIZ
From a business model, that has some serious potential, unlike the "warranty" scams I keep seeing advertised.
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I see this working well for the ex-dealers. NAPA's support for indy shops in amazing, especially in these times.
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NAPA offers good quality parts, alot better then Auto Zone, Checker, etc
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I think this is an excellent Idea, its like recycling, help save some jobs and since these dealers already have the contacts they can use those contacts to solicit their customers.