Auto Origination Growth in Q2: Why It Matters for Car Dealerships

The Growing Trend of Multi-Brand Used Car Inventories at Franchise Dealerships

Did you know that over 60% of car buyers now consider multi-brand used car inventory when shopping at franchise dealerships? This shift is reshaping car sales and dealership strategies nationwide. As the automotive marketplace evolves, franchise dealerships are embracing this trend to expand their offerings and better meet customer expectations. The multi-brand used car inventory concept not only broadens vehicle selection but also enhances customer loyalty and profitability for dealerships. Overview of Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory in Car Sales The multi-brand used car inventory refers to the practice of franchise dealerships stocking used vehicles from several different manufacturers rather than limiting their stock to their own new car brand. This approach has gained significant importance as dealerships adapt to changing consumer preferences and supply chain realities. Traditionally, franchise dealerships focused mainly on their own brand’s vehicles; however, expanded multi-brand used inventories allow them to provide a wider variety of options, increasing appeal to a broader customer base. Franchise dealerships are rapidly adapting to this trend by actively sourcing, certifying, and offering multi-brand used cars within their lots. This adaptation enriches the car buying experience by giving customers diversified choices under one roof, which simplifies the shopping process and allows for more tailored deals and financing options. Customers benefit from increased convenience and flexibility, while dealers gain new revenue streams through service contracts and repeat business. Definition and significance of multi-brand used car inventory How franchise dealerships are adapting to this trend Impact on car buying experiences and customer choice Mark May, of Advantage Warranty Group, explains, "Your best used inventory always comes from your current client database. Creating loyalty through multi-brand offerings is key to long-term success." Why Franchise Dealerships Embrace Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory Franchise dealerships are increasingly embracing multi-brand used car inventory for several strategic reasons that enhance their business resilience and customer relations. Firstly, by offering diverse vehicle options across various manufacturers, dealerships significantly expand their potential customer base. Buyers are not restricted to one brand, which is particularly valuable given the current challenges manufacturers face in allotting new car inventory. Secondly, the ongoing constraints in manufacturer allocations make it necessary for dealerships to rely more on used car sales to meet demand. Multi-brand used inventories allow them to offer competitive and attractive inventory that aligns with customer preferences, even when new cars are scarce. Finally, these inventories increase profitability by allowing dealerships to promote extended service contracts applicable across multiple brands. Such products increase after-sale revenue and foster stronger customer loyalty as vehicle owners choose to return to the dealership for maintenance and repairs. Expanding customer base by offering diverse vehicle options Responding to manufacturer allocation constraints Increasing profitability through extended service contracts Benefits of Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory for Car Dealers and Customers The multi-brand used car inventory trend yields multiple benefits for both dealerships and their customers. For dealers, it means greater flexibility in meeting consumer demands and an opportunity to cultivate customer loyalty via a broader array of services and products. Customers enjoy an enhanced buying experience, as the availability of various brands under one dealership roof allows tailored choices for preferences, budgets, and financing options. Moreover, extended warranties and service contracts offered across these multiple brands provide buyers with peace of mind. These protection plans cover vehicles regardless of brand, including aftermarket modifications – a feature highlighted by industry experts as transformative for customer confidence. This reassurance encourages repeat business and strengthens the ongoing relationship between customers and dealerships. Enhanced customer loyalty and repeat business Greater flexibility in car shopping and deals Peace of mind with extended warranties across brands Gary Silman, a veteran car dealer, notes, "With multi-brand inventories, dealerships can meet customer needs better and build loyalty by offering protection plans that cover various makes and models." How Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory Enhances Car Buying and Car Shopping Car buyers today value flexibility and convenience more than ever, and multi-brand used car inventory directly supports these priorities. Customers can customize their vehicle choice and payment terms more freely when multiple brands are available in a single dealership’s inventory. Access to a wide range of car deals and financing options enables customers to find vehicles that best match their lifestyle and financial situations without visiting multiple dealerships. Franchise dealers with comprehensive multi-brand inventories simplify the buying process, offering streamlined services from browsing to financing to extended warranties, all under one roof. Customers can customize their payment and vehicle choice Access to a wider range of car deals and financing options Simplified buying process at national used car dealerships Technology and Integration Driving Success in Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory The success of franchise dealerships expanding into multi-brand used car inventory increasingly depends on advanced technology and systems integration. Integration with dealer management systems such as Dealer Center allows seamless access to customer data, vehicle inventory, and warranty products, significantly improving sales efficiency. Artificial intelligence and data mining technologies are now being applied to identify valuable trade-in leads and targeted service customers within dealer databases. This targeted approach boosts customer retention and sales by proactively offering extended service contracts and trade-in deals based on real-time analytics, thereby increasing close ratios in the sales process. Integration with dealer management systems like Dealer Center Use of AI and data mining to target service drive customers Streamlined sales process increasing close ratios Mark May shares, "Our integration with Dealer Center has boosted our close ratio to 78%, making it easier for dealers to offer multi-brand service contracts seamlessly." Customizing Payment and Protection Plans Across Multiple Brands Extending the benefits of a multi-brand used car inventory beyond vehicle selection, dealerships offer tailored payment and protection plans that cover every brand on the lot. These extended service contracts include coverage for aftermarket modifications such as lift kits and custom wheels, which traditionally posed challenges in warranty coverage. By providing comprehensive warranty coverage adapted to customer needs, dealers help buyers secure peace of mind for their investment regardless of which vehicle they purchase. This flexibility gives customers confidence to explore various brands while maintaining protection, which fosters long-term loyalty and repeat business. Offering extended service contracts tailored to customer needs Covering aftermarket modifications like lift kits and wheels Providing peace of mind with comprehensive warranty coverage Common Misconceptions and Challenges in Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory Despite the clear benefits, some misconceptions and challenges surround the implementation of multi-brand used car inventory strategies at franchise dealerships. One common concern is the capability of servicing non-franchise brand vehicles within a franchise dealership's service department. However, with expanded training and cross-brand service contracts, this is becoming less of a barrier. Another misunderstanding involves warranty coverage for aftermarket parts like custom wheels or lift kits. The latest extended service contracts now explicitly cover these commonly modified elements, addressing previous dealer and customer concerns. Finally, overcoming traditional brand loyalty barriers requires dealerships to educate customers about benefits of multi-brand offerings and protection plans, emphasizing convenience and comprehensive care. Concerns about servicing non-franchise brand vehicles Misunderstandings about warranty coverage on aftermarket parts Overcoming traditional dealership brand loyalty barriers Actionable Tips for Dealers to Maximize Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory Sales For dealerships looking to capitalize on the multi-brand used car inventory trend, several strategic best practices can drive success. Leveraging the service drive is critical, where engagement with service customers can reveal trade-in opportunities and allow timely promotion of extended service contracts. Sales teams must be trained diligently to communicate the benefits of multi-brand protection plans effectively. Using role-play and targeted coaching helps salespeople become confident advocates for these products. Finally, investing in technology integrations with dealer management systems streamlines inventory management, warranty sales, and customer communication, simplifying processes and improving sales close rates. Strategies to Maximize Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory Sales Strategy Benefit Implementation Tip Service Drive Engagement Increased trade-ins and loyalty Data mine service records for warranty expirations Sales Training Higher conversion rates Role-play multi-brand sales scenarios Technology Integration Simplified process Adopt Dealer Center or similar dealer management systems People Also Ask What is multi-brand used car inventory? Multi-brand used car inventory refers to the practice of franchise dealerships stocking and selling pre-owned vehicles from multiple manufacturers rather than just their own brand. How does multi-brand inventory benefit car buyers? It offers customers more vehicle choices under one roof, which simplifies shopping and provides greater flexibility with deals and financing. Can franchise dealerships service all brands in their used inventory? Yes, with the right training and extended service contracts, franchise dealerships can service and warranty vehicles from multiple brands effectively. What role do extended service contracts play in multi-brand sales? Extended service contracts provide peace of mind by covering repairs across multiple brands and aftermarket modifications, encouraging customer loyalty and repeat business. Key Takeaways Multi-brand used car inventory is a growing trend that enhances customer choice and dealership profitability. Technology integration and extended service contracts are critical success factors for dealerships expanding multi-brand used inventories. Building loyalty through comprehensive service and protection plans drives repeat business and strengthens customer relationships. Dealers should embrace multi-brand strategies to adapt to changing market conditions and new challenges post-COVID. Conclusion: Embracing Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory for Future Growth The automotive retail landscape is clearly shifting, and franchise dealerships that adopt a multi-brand used car inventory approach position themselves for sustainable growth. As Mark May from Advantage Warranty Group puts it, "The future of car sales lies in flexibility and loyalty. Multi-brand used car inventory combined with innovative service contracts is the key to thriving in today’s market." By broadening inventory with multiple brands and coupling it with technology-enabled extended service offerings, dealerships can better meet customer needs, increase profitability, and build lasting loyalty in an evolving marketplace. Get Started with Multi-Brand Used Car Inventory Today Contact Advantage Warranty Group to learn about integrated service contracts that work across multiple brands. Explore dealer management system integrations for seamless sales and inventory management. Train your sales and service teams to leverage multi-brand inventory and protection plans for maximum customer satisfaction. For more info call now: (860) 707-9125