6 Ways to promote your Top Rated Dealer Award and bring in new customers
Congratulations to our Top Rated Dealers who are part of an exclusive group of CarGurus dealers with an average dealer rating of 4.5 stars or higher. Your award is the result of your commitment to customer satisfaction and the consistently great reviews you’ve received from the people who matter most: your customers.
You’ve put in the hard work to earn the award, now it’s time to put the award to work for your dealership. Here are our top tips for showcasing your achievement using the assets available to all winners on a paid listings package:
CarGurus exec shares with AM-Online tips for positioning your dealership for success
In a recent AM-Online opinion piece, Wendy Harris, SVP of Sales and Managing Director at CarGurus, shared key learnings from the past year and explained how dealers can adjust their business practices accordingly to set themselves up for future success. In her article, she talks about:
New CarGurus research shows increasing buyer openness towards EVs
Electric vehicles pose a big opportunity for the automotive industry, particularly in the United Kingdom where we’re seeing more rapid adoption compared to the US and Canadian markets. In February, CarGurus surveyed 1,005 car owners in the UK on their sentiments towards electric vehicles. Overall, two-thirds of consumers plan to own an electric vehicle in the next decade. While Tesla is the trusted leader in tech development, other brands have won higher purchase consideration among buyers.
In this emerging space, buyers are excited by the possibilities and less brand loyal so there are opportunities for more competitors to disrupt the market and for dealers to get ahead of the demand curve. Below we’ve highlighted four key takeaways as well as recommendations for dealerships on how to act on these evolving EV trends and preferences. To view the full results, download the CarGurus 2021 Electric Vehicle Report.
Announcing the CarGurus 2021 Top Rated Dealer Awards
It’s that time of year again! Congratulations to all the dealers recognised as winners of the 5th annual CarGurus Top Rated Dealer Awards. This prestigious award celebrates an exclusive group of dealerships with the highest average ratings from CarGurus buyers. Each dealer in this group had an average dealer rating of 4.5 stars or higher and a minimum of five verified customer reviews in the last year, signifying their commitment to exceptional customer service.
Dealer Spotlight with Perrys
At CarGurus, we believe our dealers have valuable stories and insights worth sharing. Today, we’re featuring Perrys.
The History
In 1908, Harold Perry founded a business selling motor accessories and was soon appointed as Ford’s main dealer for London. Perrys expanded into other areas over the years and in 1982 Perrys branched out from Ford into other franchises. This expansion laid the foundations for the 51 dealerships and 30 locations you’ll find Perrys at today.
Dealer Spotlight with RRG Group
At CarGurus, we believe our dealers have valuable stories and insights worth sharing. Today, we’re featuring the RRG Group.
The History
From humble beginnings in 1967, the RRG Group has grown to become one of the biggest and most successful dealer groups in the North, with new and used car dealerships across the North West and West Yorkshire regions. Over the last 50 years the RRG Group has seen many developments, acquisitions, sales, expansions, building developments; all of which have helped to position the Group as a successful diverse business.
New CarGurus Buyer Insight Report shows significant consumer trends
What goes into the path to purchase for the average car buyer? What happens when a global pandemic disrupts the auto industry?
At a time when dealers must adapt and evolve their marketing and selling processes in order to succeed, these questions are crucial. The inaugural CarGurus 2021 Buyer Insight Report for the United Kingdom, released today, aims to provide the answers. The report analyses the digital purchase paths of more than 1,500 buyers in the UK to give an in-depth look at today’s complex buying journey. Key findings include:
Contactless Services Feature Availability Update
During the pandemic, many of our dealer partners have participated in CarGurus’ Contactless Services offering, which gives dealerships the flexibility to opt in or opt out to advertising a range of contactless services that they make available to prospective buyers.
Given the current national lockdown restrictions and after talking with many of our dealers, we have decided to temporarily suspend the availability of “free test drive at home” and “private dealer appointments” from the menu of advertisable services. These services will not appear on listings at this time. Once the lockdown restrictions ease, dealers will be able to opt back into these services.
We know that the nature and timing of government restrictions differ from country to country, and we believe this approach helps to reduce confusion for consumers and best serves our dealers.
CarGurus is committed to supporting both our dealers and consumers in the UK, and to supporting the community at large as we all work together to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Tips for identifying and reaching your larger market in 2021
Digital innovation is constantly changing the car business. A dealership can no longer simply post stock to its website and expect that to be enough to bring in buyers. The internet opens up a world of possibilities, and it takes a well-executed, coordinated effort to truly capitalise on its potential and draw attention to everything your dealership has to offer.
The cars on your lot could be matched with potential buyers from much further afield than you might think. With some planning and analysis and using a variety of platforms, your staff can cultivate a strategy for finding and reaching a customer base that extends far beyond your local market.
Leadership changes at CarGurus: welcoming Jason Trevisan as CEO
We’re happy to share that Jason Trevisan has been appointed CarGurus’ Chief Executive Officer. Trevisan, formerly our Chief Financial Officer and President of International, has been with CarGurus since 2015. Langley Steinert, our founder, will become Executive Chairman and remain involved in our long-term product innovation and corporate strategy. He will also continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Sam Zales will continue as President and COO, doing what he loves best: leading our commercial operations including sales, account management, customer service, and marketing, He’ll also resume oversight of CarGurus’ international business and lead the company’s new digital wholesale operations, including newly-acquired CarOffer.
Read more in the press release.