Main Street Motors

Main Street Motors interview with Jeff Glucker

MainSales@MainStreetAutos.com

Ask the Experts > Main Street Motors interview with Jeff Glucker

How long do you think it's going to take the US economy to recover from it's current slump and when it does recover when will sales of new and used vehicles start to increase?

I believe the US economy is still “mentally” dwelling in a bottom-state. We constantly hear negative stuff in the news, depending on who you listen to. However, I speak to people who are out buying stuff. They feel secure in their job and they have a few bucks to spend. People are out playing golf or taking trips. Not everyone is doing this yet, but NO ONE was doing it 6 months ago. I think we are at the end of the bottom and moving back in a positive direction. I think sales of new vehicles will start to increase because they are so heavily incentivized right not it is almost crazy not to buy a new car. The value on used cars has risen recently because the demand for  new cars slowed so greatly. Simple economics shows  that since the supply of new cars is so high, and demand so low, that price will follow. It will hit a level where the general consumer will become very interested. With Cash For Clunkers right now (regardless of how you feel about the program), you can buy a brand-new Jeep Patriot and get about $9,000 of the price. That is crazy!

The internet is playing a much larger role in how we live our everyday lives including how we research new and used vehicles. Do you imagine one day where people will purchase cars directly from the internet via the new car manufacturer and then just simply pick the vehicle up at the local car dealership?

It is something that could be a reality in the near future, absolutely. The dealer would still be a vital link in the process, in terms of vehicle delivery and maintenance. This is important because many people do not realize the large and positive impact local dealerships have on their communities. From little league sponsorships to charity work, dealers work hard to make their surrounding areas a better place.

As our younger generation grows, the reliance on the virtual world increases. Personally, I have my iPhone and netbook always at the ready – and I rarely get my news from the paper or TV anymore. I try to do more and more shopping online, and there is no reason this can’t translate into someone buying the exact car they want.

In the years to come do you believe more used car dealers are going to branch into the service end of the car business?

I think it would benefit them to do so because of the potential for increased revenue. If you become a trusted source for auto repairs, you don’t worry about keeping existing business because word of mouth goes a long way when it comes to finding a trusted mechanic.

If you can turn one car sale, into continuous repeat business (by means of good service, not a lousy car) – then how can you ignore that revenue stream?

What's the next big market for new car sales?

Personally, I hope it is diesel engines. Power AND fuel economy. In June, 25% of all VWs sold were TDI vehicles. Audi/VW are making a BIG push for this market right now and I hope it sticks.

What's the next big market for used car sales?

Anything Certified Pre-Owned is huge. The consumer gets a practically new car for less, and it is all still covered by a warranty. It is hard to go wrong with a CPO deal.

Where's more future growth, the new or used car dealer market?

I think if you are talking about which market will have more dealers, the used market will because I believe any potential folks sitting on the sideline saw what happened to Chrysler and GM dealers recently, and they want no part of something like that. It was wrong the way it happened. 

What will be the best selling sedan vehicle in the United States market this year? What's going to be it's toughest competition?

I think the best selling sedan in the US market could very well be the Ford Fusion, if it can creep past the Accords and Camrys out there. The Fusion is a great vehicle for Ford – well built, solid performance, and good style.

Do you believe states should do more to stop the illegal practice of curbstoning?

Yes, but at the same time the consumer should do more to educate themselves. Get a Vehicle History Report from Experian (it is more comprehensive and also more affordable than one from Carfax). Do your homework. If the deal seems too good to be true… it is.

As the years pass, do you believe women are going to play a larger role in the new and used car business?

The past chairperson (2008) of NADA was an impressive woman named Annette Sykora. The first female to hold that position. Women run and own dealerships, sell cars, and can even be found working on your car in the service bay. Women already play a great role in this industry and I see it growing as we move forward.

What's the coolest car you drove to impress a girl?

Well… I am married now and my wife doesn’t get impressed by cars at all. I recently had the 2009 Audi R8 for a week however, and I have never driven a vehicle that caused a greater reaction (female AND male) than that car. People were literally either slack-jawed staring or yelling. The car was amazing.

If you could own any car from a hit tv series what would it be?

For a TV car… don’t make fun of me, but I LOVE the four-door Impala from Supernatural.

For a movie car, it is no contest – the last of the V8 Interceptors… I still want to own one someday, there is a company here in the US that will import a Falcon body and build you a recreation of one.

Do you think Tata Motors "Nano" will sell well in India?

I hope so – so it leads to more Jaguars and Land Rovers ;) 

When Fiat first entered the United States market they were laughed at and ridiculed for having inferior vehicles. They were even nicked named "Fix it again Tony". How do you feel about Fiats acquisition of Chrysler?

I think it is a great chance for Fiat to gain a foothold in the US. The dealer network is already established and we have proven that we can enjoy a small car (The Honda Fit, MINI Cooper, etc). For Chrysler, it allows them to round on their dealerships more effectively and focus on building better Jeeps, Dodge cars and trucks, and hopefully turning Chrysler vehicles into a more upmarket and better built mode of transportation.

Do you think Fiat technology will help Chrysler sell more cars or will it be a complete failure?

I think it will get people in the doors… once they get there, they will either love the Fiat, or realize they need a bigger car – then the salesman can show them a Dodge Journey or Chrysler Sebring (hopefully the Sebring improves though).

When Toyota and Hyundai first entered the United States market many years ago, many people laughed at their products but to only find out in the years to come they sold quality vehicles. My question is, what new car manufacturer do you believe will be the next Toyota or Hyundai?

100% Kia… the Soul is a fantastic vehicle and the Forte is getting tremendous reviews. I spent a week in a Soul. It was fully loaded for $18K and it felt solidly built. Their warranty is among the best in the business, their cars are fuel-efficient and affordable, and their build quality is in a good place and getting better with each new model.

If you could go back in time and be either Henry Ford or Kiichiro Toyoda who would you be?

Henry Ford – The man revolutionized the way we build cars.

What's your favorite car of all time?

1961 Ferrari 250 GT California… no question.

If you have the means… I highly suggest it. (I don’t have the means… )

Shane @ Main Street Motors:
Thanks Jeff.

If anyone has any questions or comments please email me. I will post them on site. E-Mail @ MainSales@MainStreetAutos.com

Jeff Glucker
www.nadaguides.com/Garage-Blog