January 2013 Newsletter

Posted:
Jan 2, 2013

So much for the Mayan calendar! Now it is time to look at 2013. One question that merits immediate attention is “What is your plan for conquest marketing?” I touched on this in a December blog, but as a new year begins, conquest is a challenging priority.

The Strong 500: A Relentless Resolution

Posted:
Jan 1, 2013

This is usually the time when I say, “Hit the ground running!” My New Year’s resolution for 2013 is all... Read More »

You Can't Fight Santa Claus

Posted:
Dec 17, 2012

Well here it is – the week that people talk about all year long. The week before Christmas is one where a lot of sales people and even their managers quit fighting and working as hard as normal. There’s a perception that you cannot fight Santa Claus this week, and people are more interested in buying things other than cars. I think this line of thinking falls in the category of "Stinking Thinking." Anyone who says these words or takes their foot off the gas this week is going to lose share and business. Whether or not you are advertising this week is irrelevant. Everything you’ve done, all the momentum that has been built throughout the year will carry you even if you are holding your budget to run between Christmas and New Year’s. The people who think this week will be lousy will probably be right because as we know most things in life are a function of attitude and this will most likely be a self-fulfilling prophecy for them.

Happy Holidays From The Strong Family

Posted:
Dec 14, 2012

The 45-member Strong family gathered for a Fiesta-themed luncheon today – complete with some very elaborately decorated holiday sombreros! It is the... Read More »

What is Your Conquest Marketing Plan?

Posted:
Dec 14, 2012

One of the biggest buzz words in our industry today is “conquest.”  Everyone, from a factory rep to a vendor,... Read More »

Surprising tips for car shopping in Internet age

Posted:
Dec 11, 2012

  [brightcove vid=2008252964001&exp3=1937895305001&surl=http://c.brightcove.com/services&pubid=29906170001&pk=AQ~~,AAAABvaL8JE~,ufBHq_I6FnxTRcWieAjE_KEjFsXOdzyG&w=640&h=390] Read the full story at USA Today  

November 2012 Record Certified Month

Posted:
Dec 11, 2012

This was the strongest November in history for certified used car sales. Plus, Manufacturers’ certified volume is rising. Fleets are older than they... Read More »

More Problems for Ford?

Posted:
Dec 10, 2012

I talked about Ford’s recall trouble a couple of days ago. Now it seems like Ford may be in hot water... Read More »

AutoTrader Rate Increase

Posted:
Dec 10, 2012

This may seem like a strange headline for a blog, but after talking to multiple dealers over the last two... Read More »

Ford Racks Up the Most Recalls

Posted:
Dec 7, 2012

Even though Ford has had incredible brand resurgence and the F-Series has been the number one selling truck for the... Read More »