Industry Predictions for 2021 - Pro Consulting LLC
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THE INDUSTRY’S LEADING SOURCE FOR AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL AGENTS M A R /A P R 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 8 N O. 2 Industry Predictions for 2021 An insider’s guide to the year ahead from twenty executives in the retail automotive and F&I arena. > ECONOMIC AND GOVERNMENT IMPACTS > F&I AND DIGITAL TRENDS > THE EFFECTS OF 2020
COVER STORY 2021 Industry Trends: F&I IN THE HOTSEAT Agents, dealers, and product providers need to stay ahead of their competition when it comes to F&I products. Whether it be which product is at the top of consumers’ shopping lists, how digital retailing is currently affecting the buying process, or trends in the way products are sold, our executives left no stone unturned. BY KATE SPATAFORA Crisorio, vice president at UDS/Brown information that can be put in the con- Trends in & Brown Dealer Services. “This involves developing a process from start to fin- sumer’s hand, the better. Consumers have also come to expect all the information the Auto Zone ish to provide the tools and information necessary for a consumer to comfortably be made available and can be resistant to instances where the information simply make a purchase decision.” isn’t available, which is the case with F&I Crisorio considers implementation products. “I foresee the industry as a whole, and commitment to the process chosen as Spectrum Automotive Holdings’ inclusive of F&I, continuing to develop one of the most important factors when it James Polley will be closely watching F&I and hone its digital strategy,” said Brian comes to selling F&I products. The more product penetrations. 30 | AGENT ENTREPRENEUR MARCH/APRIL 2021 ©gettyimages.com/FluxFactory
COVER STORY “As inventory continues to remain low making a strong move toward all electric and will be accelerated beyond what he for dealers, there will be more emphasis cars, and that may have some ripple ef- would have expected even last year. placed on F&I, service, and parts depart- fects on lending and insurance compa- John Lutman will continue to watch ments to maximize sales,” the CEO said. nies, as they regroup to assess long-term how technology will play a larger role “The product mix, pricing to the consum- values and pricing without the benefit of within F&I and the F&I experience at the er, and new product trends will be key.” any historical data.” dealership. “Many in the industry imple- Tony Catania, Safe-Guard Products With that being said, Almon thinks we mented new technologies last year at the International’s Chief Revenue Officer are looking at business to continue in the onset of the pandemic, and I think we will outlined four trends that the company manner as it did throughout 2020 with see some of that technology maturing in sees affecting F&I in 2021. “Where and retail sales, financing, and market pricing. 2021,” said IAS’s SVP of enterprise sales. how F&I protection is sold will continue With the drastic effect the disruptive “We need to continue looking for to shift, and the industry will need to con- nature of the last 12 months has had on ways to shorten the amount of time that tinue to support omnichannel retail.” our economy, Reahard & Associate’s Rick customers spend transacting — whether COVID-19 has forced the adoption of McCormick expects consumers will come that’s online, at home, or at the dealer- digital retailing, which has now grown to out of this economic chaos with a deter- ship,” Lutman added. “And we need to include omnichannel retailing, according mination to be better prepared for the help agents and dealerships do that with- to Catania. “They are no longer talking unexpected, looking for creative ways to out sacrificing attachment rates of our about only the showroom, F&I office, ser- cover the risk that it creates for them on products.” vice lane, and aftermarket as points to sell both a personal and financial level. Another trend that IAS is noticing is added protection.” “This is a perfect environment for the increased cost time to get forms ap- With an emphasis on retail training finance managers to increase their con- proved. “This has an impact on choice for continuing to pivot to support the shift in sultative skills and be prepared to pro- both dealerships and their customers, and how dealers sell and who is selling, Cata- vide true insight on how F&I products we’ll be interested to see how this evolves nia noted that the second trend they are can provide a much better ownership in 2021,” said Lutman. watching is the evolution of retail sales experience,” said the company’s nation- “Transparency will be required for the channels to include remote and digital al account development manager. “Op- customer experience moving forward,” retail, as well as increased movement to portunities have never been greater for said Cliff Childers, national business de- sales processes, such as a single point of a well-prepared and professionally re- velopment manager at National Automo- contact. Creation of F&I product solu- searched F&I manager.” tive Experts/NWAN. “More and more cus- tions that address the evolving market’s “Digital tools and processes are here tomers have access to information, and needs, such as EV-ready products, is the to stay,” stated Tony Wanderon, president the ability to make educated decisions third trend on Safe-Guard’s radar. and CEO of National Auto Care. “Dealers before they get to the dealership.” “Current EVs in market are starting to need to embrace them, customize the That said, Childers doesn’t think the come into the preowned space, and OEMs shopping experience for their customers, dealership world as we know it will go have aggressive plans to launch new EVs,” and continue to improve this part of their away. Buying a vehicle is still the second said Cantina. “We know traditional VSCs operations.” biggest purchase the consumer makes, do not work for EVs.” Wanderon believes offering more in- and 2020 taught us that even with social Lastly, Catania pointed to a continued formation about F&I products to con- distancing, people still want physical in- focus on customer care and satisfaction. sumers prior to any visit to a dealership teraction in their car buying process. “While COVID-19 may have some last- is in line with the accelerated pace of “What I do see changing is that the ing impacts on the way vehicles and F&I dealers’ adoption of digital retailing tools, buying journey will be done through mo- products are sold, what did not change as well as surveys that demonstrate con- bile devices, including the scheduling of was the importance of people who can ad- sumer desire for this information at an maintenance and repairs,” Childers said. vise and service through the process and earlier phase of their vehicle shopping “If a dealership does not have a process the importance of measuring ourselves on experience. and/or the right technology to interact good service and then working to do bet- “The sheer number of manufacturers with the customer before, and especially ter,” he added. that are committing to all-electric line- after the purchase, they will be left be- “It is always fun to do some ‘crystal ups is staggering,” said Portfolio’s Presi- hind.” ball’ work and try to imagine what is com- dent and CEO Brent Griggs. While he still Why is it we can purchase anything ing down the road,” said Craig Almon, expects internal combustion engines to online and get full disclosure of our buy- one of PRO Consulting’s founding mem- dominate for many years to come, he add- ing options, yet the majority of dealer- bers. “Clearly, the industry as a whole is ed that the move to EVs is unavoidable ships can’t provide this to their custom- 32 | AGENT ENTREPRENEUR MARCH/APRIL 2021
COVER STORY ers during the sales process, Childers with great adoption rates of heretofore significant shift in how F&I products are questioned. underused technologies, McCarthy pre- made available to the consumer as pro- “We are seeing more of a digital pres- dicts 2021 will see a refinement of these viders and dealers seek new ways to meet ence and tools to assist in online and dig- tools based on their success or lack there- customer demand for transparency and ital retailing,” said ECP Director Brian of in 2020. flexibility. Feldman. “F&I has historically adapted to Classic Product’s Jennifer Holcomb “Another trend we’ll be watching is the market changes and we expect that this will also be watching the electric vehicle increased importance of training on F&I will continue into 2021.” segment. to increase sales, build wealth, and ensure Adam Ouart at EFG Companies has “Most of the current auto manufac- growth for dealers in the face of ongo- begun to see an increase in consolidation, turers have announced multiple electric ing economic challenges,” he said. “Con- both on the dealership side and the agent vehicles to be released to compete for the tinued inventory challenges may push side as well. electric market share that Toyota initially consumers towards used vehicles, and “In this situation, it’s important for created, and Tesla dominated for years,” dealers will need to really show custom- the agent to have a strong relationship said the company’s vice president of op- ers the benefit of F&I products up front, with their administrator, understand how erations. “There are new electric vehicle not only at the end of the sales process, all of their products are performing and manufacturers appearing in the market for new, used, and lease transactions.” possess a clear view of the business chal- looking to grab a piece of the action and lenges” said the company’s vice president dilute the pool.” Popular of agency services. As a company, Classic will also be “Online-retailing will continue to watching the shift to more digital retail- Products for 2021 grow or pull back because of less strin- ing as many retail dealers had already gent COVID precautions and protocols,” embraced that market, but few of the predicts Cory Schroeder, vice president of non-franchise or specialty markets had fully delved into that arena pre-pandemic. product development at Wise F&I. “Many dealers saw 2020 as their most APCO Holdings’ senior vice president “Products that drive customer retention profitable year with high per vehicle prof- of strategy and planning, Scot Eisenfelder, for the dealership will be highly desirable, its, and if inventory is tight, this will con- expects a continued increase in product and COVID-19 has been a great lesson in tinue to bring strong margins,” predicts penetration, particularly insurance prod- how important it is for a dealership to Lindsey Bird, president of Sonsio. He also ucts that make operating expenses more have a strong customer base and good re- believes dealers will continue to run lean predictable. lationships to sustain it through difficult on staffing as they did in 2020. Adding that, “The pandemic depleted savings for times,” said Spectrum Automotive Hold- with potentially fewer unit sales, dealers many Americans, increasing the number ings’ James Polley. will continue to focus on F&I product sales who cannot afford a major repair,” Eis- Polley predicts dealers will be more as key to increasing profitability. enfelder added. “Greater protections will focused on ensuring the product mix they Michael LaMotta, founder and CEO give consumers greater peace of mind as are offering enhances the customer expe- of DOWC, knows online auto retailing is they recover their financial stability.” rience. It will be imperative to drive the here to stay and it must include the F&I “I think that the EV segment will be an portion of the sale — a rapid and stream- need to return to the selling dealer in an area that will be of particular interest and lined adoption of full-scale digital retail effort to continue to build a strong brand there will likely be some federal stimulus sites for dealers is a necessity in 2021. relationship. to encourage customers to purchase EVs,” “Leveraging opportunities like email NAE/NWAN’s Cliff Childers expects said Paul McCarthy, senior vice president marketing and remote outreach are crit- tech-focused products, ancillary bundles, of agency and dealer sales at AUL Corp. ical additions to transition the standard and lifetime programs that drive custom- “Gas prices will always play a significant brick-and-mortar business model into er retention will continue to be popular. role in determining the balance between a resilient modern retail operation,” he “I also think we will begin to develop car, truck, and SUV sales.” said. “Reputable marketing partners can more subscription-based products that Another area McCarthy will be focus- help dealers unlock post-sale opportuni- are focused on mechanical, maintenance ing on is the ongoing development of the ties and tighten the loop on positive cus- and appearance,” he added. “digital experience” in the F&I space, with tomer relationships in an environment Service contracts continue to be pop- dealerships continuing to develop their where local can lose its meaning with so ular, particularly as more people are un- skillsets and technologies in response to much nationwide access.” able to afford an unexpected mechanical consumer demand. While he credits 2020 LaMotta expects we will start to see a breakdown repair, according to Tony 34 | AGENT ENTREPRENEUR MARCH/APRIL 2021
COVER STORY Wanderon of National Auto Care. there will be continued stress on items will be in high demand as consum- “And with vacation plans for 2021 COVID-related products, such as anti- ers seek financial stability,” said APCO looking largely based around road trips, microbial sanitizers and payment protec- Holdings’ Scot Eisenfelder. “I also think coverage that will keep a holiday on track tion, in case of future waves of job loss or we’ll see an emergence of products that — and on the road — also offer strong val- layoffs. cover new risk.” ue propositions,” he added. “As the economy continues to be a To this, Eisenfelder offered an exam- Jennifer Holcomb with Classic Prod- concern for consumers and dealers alike, ple: “There has been an explosion of new ucts recognizes that the disinfectant the focus will be on overall value and electronics in vehicles, and I think it be- products that offer interior protection more substantive coverage,” LaMotta comes important to provide coverage for coupled with the ability to eradicate added. “Customer education and trans- electronics, either in addition to or sepa- germs on surfaces have made a huge de- parency will drive positive results in this rate from, other coverages.” but because of COVID-19 and will likely area, and the ability to share clear, concise Another new risk Eisenfelder is watch- stick around for a while. communications digitally will be key.” ing is EVs, as covering these vehicles is “We know RVs, powersports, and Sonsio’s Lindsey Bird is keeping an different, with all their technology. boats were big sellers last year,” Holcomb eye on a trend where dealers are moving “Batteries are expensive, so getting added. “And we think this will continue away from bundled products to stand- the coverage right is important because with products geared towards them, spe- alone product offerings. “This will lead to the loss could be significant,” he said. “As cifically, being a big win.” a more streamlined number of products we get more experience, we can better an- “We can expect dealers and manufac- being offered in F&I and, as a result, we swer these questions.” turers to utilize products that help cus- expect an increase in front-end appear- “I believe products that have an ‘un- tomers alleviate significant financial loss, ance add-ons.” limited’ time aspect will be essential in such as vehicle return protection,” said Bird noted that in addition to this, 2021,” said AUL’s Paul McCarthy. “2020 EFG Companies’ Adam Ouart. “Products as consumers have greater confidence saw a significant change in driving habits like this can help motivate purchasing be- in all-electric vehicles, there will be an for most of the population, and for some, havior by allowing customers to return impact on mechanical service contracts this change will be permanent.” their vehicle with no impact to their cred- which provides increased opportunities McCarthy attributes unlimited time it, should they experience a financial loss for tire and wheel, theft protection, and products as allowing for change while re- such as involuntary unemployment.” appearance products. maining solely focused on the actual us- Michael LaMotta of DOWC thinks “I believe coverage on major repair age by the customer of their automobile. 36 | AGENT ENTREPRENEUR MARCH/APRIL 2021 ©gettyimages.com/andresr
ECP’s Brian Feldman has found that GAP, and tire and wheel protection are itability standpoint in the dealership and non-cancelable products, such as paint four that are doing well,” he added. value to the consumer in claims paid. Fast and interior programs, are very popular IAS’s John Lutman predicts products forward from 1998 to about 2008, and and believes that this trend will continue specifically designed for EVs will contin- credit insurance had gone the way of the into 2021. “Dealers are looking for ways ue to grow in popularity in 2021 as OEMs dinosaur,” said Almon. to generate more front end non-charge- release more electric and hybrid models. As it relates to current product mixes backable gross and these programs offer “Products designed to add value to sold at dealerships, Almon thinks vehicle high penetrations,” he added. consumers that are increasingly choosing service contracts will continue to be the “2020 was such an unprecedented to lease vehicles instead of buying them primary offering accepted by a majority of year for all of us, and now 2021 really al- will become more and more popular,” consumers, with appearance protection lows us the opportunity to focus, which is said Brent Griggs of Portfolio. “The con- packages coming in a strong second. especially necessary given inventory chal- tinued low interest rate environment will “Will there be new products this lenges, the large volume of used vehicles, make leasing a very attractive alternative year?” Almon questioned. “Could be de- and the uncertainty that remains,” said to buying for many years.” pending on how prevalent the shift to Tony Catania with Safe-Guard Products Craig Almon with PRO Consulting electric vehicles is in major markets as a International. recalls on several occasions looking back percentage of total retail units sold.” “While no two brands are the same, on his career and noticing how F&I prod- He ended his thought with what he in general, we see retailers focusing on ucts have changed during that time. believes to be good news — we are likely a core set of products that meet current “When I first started in the industry to have a phase-in of market changes ver- consumer needs and drive value — vehi- with Pat Ryan & Associates, Credit Insur- sus a sudden change like we had in 2009, cle service contract or term protection, ance was king from a premium and prof- and we will figure out how to make the MARCH/APRIL 2021 AGENT ENTREPRENEUR | 37
COVER STORY necessary changes to keep products cur-rent and valuable to the consumers. Digital Retail as cyber-security because remote selling means more internet time and the in- “The need for the core products such as the service contract and GAP protec- on the Rise creased knowledge of automotive retail- ers to safeguard data along with the terms tion will see an increase and expectations that make remote contracting legal via the of higher acceptance levels of consumers e-sign act,” predicts Michael Tuno, presi- should be realized,” predicts Reahard & Eisenfelder with APCO Holdings sees dent of ARMD Resource Group. Associates’ Rick McCormick. “Customers adapting the in-person F&I process to on- Tuno believes the remote selling en- are walking into dealership F&I offices line to be very challenging, given product vironment will also require automotive with a higher risk of economic interrup- complexity and limited consumer under- retailers to manage their Red Flags Rule tion and are more concerned than ever standing about the products. program, much more closely, because of about the future.” “The ability to simplify products and the increase for fraud from identity theft McCormick views F&I products as create a more modern presentation will be as dealers will have less “face-to-face” invaluable, as they can provide consum- critical to supporting the online consum- time with the consumer and making iden- ers with “one less thing to worry about” er,” said Eisenfelder. “Paving the current tity validation harder. in our environment, and something that F&I cow path will not work, meaning that “I think that we will see the continued consumers will pay for when illustrated automating the current F&I process as is, development of digital retailing, with a sig- effectively. without re-thinking process efficiency, will nificant focus on creating a seamless pro- Wise F&I’s Cory Schroeder predicts, not result in the best customer experience.” cess for the customer,” stated AUL’s McCa- the demand for products that address It’s important to invest in technology rthy. “Many solutions exist today that deal computer software on vehicles and prod- that helps consumers self-serve, Eisen- with only part of the buying process, and the ucts specifically geared toward EVs and felder added, by engaging them in a dis- next big developments will revolve around AVs will be popular. covery process that identifies their needs, the linking of these individual solutions into “We also see diminished value protec- then matches products to those needs. one simplified process for the consumer.” tion and other vehicle service contracts “The growing use of remote selling Automotive Development Group’s that cover high-tech components gaining will force automotive retailers to be much Joel Kansanback views the digital retail traction with sellers,” he added. more in tune with the e-sign act as well environment as a very fluid situation. 38 | AGENT ENTREPRENEUR MARCH/APRIL 2021 ©gettyimages.com/South_agency
“We know for sure that digital retail tinued growth of the digital selling experi- ing that provide the level of independence isn’t a COVID-times only phenomenon and ence as well as other technology upgrades the F&I customer is craving. it’s here to stay,” said the company’s exec- throughout the dealerships.” “Until recently, the F&I product has utive vice president. “To this point most As such, Bird will continue to look for been tied to the point-of-sale for any de- dealers have simply put their toe in the wa- new ways to communicate their products cent coverage,” he said. “The customer is ter and haven’t fully committed resources and services digitally, with more electron- dictating they want on-demand services toward being great at digital retail.” ic selling tools and interactive media both without extended-term contracts.” Kansanback expects that we will con- for dealers and end consumers. We’re living in a subscription- tinue to evolve from this just being the Digital F&I “done right” has been a based world, and he recommends deal- 5-10% of cutting-edge dealers to more of constant topic for many years, but deal- ers need to adapt or watch the next a mainstream topic. erships have to push it as far as they can. guy succeed. “Additionally, most dealers are not “They need to explain and sell F&I prod- “There have been many improvements tracking F&I results from remote deliv- ucts through video chatting and quick, easily to dealership technology, and it will con- eries broken out from the traditional in digestible digital resources,” said LaMotta tinue to evolve as the landscape changes,” store deliveries,” he added. of DOWC. “Also, customers want control. said ECP’s Feldman. “We have seen an in- “Digital retailing is evolving at a rapid Send them their options, let them navigate crease in the use of digital sales tools, due pace and, in many cases, the process has the process themselves, determine the price to the pandemic, such as digital marketing become an entirely virtual experience,” point that works, and allow them to pur- pieces and videos. We have worked with said Sonsio’s Bird. “Online purchasing chase — all on their terms and their time- many of our customers to create custom capabilities have been enhanced over the frame without having to speak to anyone.” marketing pieces to integrate into their past 12 months, and we expect to see con- LaMotta sees companies emerg- digital selling process.” MARCH/APRIL 2021 AGENT ENTREPRENEUR | 39
COVER STORY Feldman added that while each custom- line, particularly in the used car area.” retailing solutions with the content and er has been different, and he expects that PRO Consulting’s Almon views tech- connections to power those platforms.” over time a more standardized process will nology as a great tool for process efficien- “Customers still want to see, touch, be used by dealers, much of what has been cy, compliance, and sales effectiveness — and drive the vehicle they ultimately buy done today has been forced upon dealers shortening the time it takes to start and or lease,” said Polley with Spectrum. He due to restrictions caused by the pandemic. finish a deal, making it easier to share in- doesn’t anticipate any major develop- “While online sales have continued to formation, and confirm that correct infor- ments impacting dealership or F&I tech- climb during the pandemic, we are still mation is being shared are all huge wins nology in today’s market. seeing a lag in the supporting digital re- for both the industry and the consumer. “There will always be a small percent- tailing technology needed to provide scal- “From what I see, technology is the age of consumers who, for various rea- ability,” said EFG’s Ouart. As dealers scale next step in making the car business bet- sons, will prefer a fully digital purchase,” up their online operations, he expects to ter,” Almon added. Polley added. “However, the majority will see digital retailing technology develop- One of McCormick of Reahard & As- continue to want to physically be part of ment accelerate. sociates’ concerns is that dealerships as a the transaction.” “Additionally, as online sales rise, so whole have been very slow to pivot, adapt Brian Crisorio with UDS/Brown & does the risk of fraud and cybersecurity and change to the demands of the con- Brown Dealer Services is keeping an eye challenges,” Ouart added. “We have spent sumer, to complete more of the transac- on the numerous technology companies significant man hours and dollars investing tion online when buying a vehicle. racing to develop the perfect solution. “I in our IT infrastructure and cybersecurity “However, we must protect against don’t believe any have achieved that just capabilities and encourage agents to work the other extreme as well,” McCormick yet, but they are adapting quickly based with dealer clients in a consultative man- cautioned. “While customers have clear- on experiences and feedback daily.” ner, impressing upon them the critical task ly stated they want to complete more of From an F&I perspective, Crisorio rec- of securing their own IT systems.” the transaction online, a high percentage ommends available protection options The biggest trend Lutman with IAS is of those consumers say they would like to must be presented early, specifically on a watching, is how dealerships are using so finalize the transaction in person at the dealer’s website. This could range from gen- many different technologies to perform dealership. Dealerships must forge solu- eral information about the benefits of each different functions within their stores. tions for this blended approach.” program to a more robust solution tapping “We see dealers wanting to consoli- Safe-Guard’s Catania predicts we will into VIN rating and purchasing solutions. date those services into fewer providers likely see further integration, perhaps “Beyond that, I think menu providers when possible, so they can make one some consolidation across the technolo- have done a good job making remote de- phone call to solve any number of poten- gies that retailers use. Dealer site, on lot, livery solutions available where options tial problems.” in-store, service lane and everything be- can be presented and sold via a tablet or “We will see a continued push towards hind those. other device,” Crisorio added. virtual F&I transactions, and this trend “For F&I specifically, we will hopefully Wise F&I’s Schroeder predicts we will will bring with it, a whole new type of sell- see continued inclusion and integration see greater adoption because the custom- ing, objection handling, and product pre- of these products into those solutions, in er is going to demand digital retailing sentations,” said NAE/NWAN’s Childers. order for retailers to have more opportu- based on other industries proving that “It’s easy for us to focus on the buying nities to make consumers aware of and ease of doing business. “As we have all ex- process verses focusing on when the cus- sell the products,” he said. perienced with COVID-19, virtual options tomer needs us the most, which is at the Catania also believes we will likely see are going to be the key to success,” he time of vehicle breakdown.” some continued pivots of B2B technolo- said. “I do see smaller/mid-tier size lend- Childers added that brands are built or gy over to B2C, and technologies adding ers becoming bigger forces in automotive destroyed in these few minutes or hours af- functionality in the increasingly consum- lending with dealers. This is because of ter the time of breakdown. “What can we do er-driven F&I purchasing experience. As integration through technology.” to help the customer while creating trans- well as increased efforts to connect the Schroeder sees smaller/mid-tier lend- parency and empowering them to have the entire consumer research, shopping, and ers having more opportunities with a mul- control to do what they need to do?” buying experience. titude of initiatives to help capture this “Massive amounts of capital have been “For dealers, this will mean a tighter market. “The bigger players are already pouring into the digital retailing space,” connection between the tier 1/brand site there, but the smaller fish have more op- said Griggs with Portfolio. “I expect that and their tier 3/dealer site and supporting portunities with a multitude of initiatives to accelerate the growth of consumers processes,” Catania added. “F&I provid- from folks like DealerTrack and others to purchasing vehicles and F&I products on- ers will need to support all these various capture this market,” he added. 40 | AGENT ENTREPRENEUR MARCH/APRIL 2021
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