Auto Focus

Showing 49–64 of 231 results

  • Why you should retain old insurance policies

    Winter 2019
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 286

    Abstract: After insurance policies expire, many dealerships just throw away the paper copies and delete the digital files. In certain situations, though, they may need to produce these policies even after the coverage period has expired. This article examines the types of situations where this might occur, such as with cases of employee embezzlement or sexual harassment claims.

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  • Sales strategies – Could “no-haggle” selling be right for your dealership?

    Winter 2019
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 735

    Abstract: In recent years, some dealerships have adopted a “no-haggle” or one-price model for selling vehicles. This article explores how the “no-haggle” approach can improve customer satisfaction and boost a store’s bottom line. It also touches on the process of changing from a traditional dealership to one using the one-price model.

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  • Executive compensation requires careful decision-making

    Winter 2019
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 659

    Abstract: Dealership owners, understandably, want themselves and top executives to be compensated fairly for their work, results and interest. So how does a dealer-owner achieve that goal without attracting undue IRS scrutiny and claims of inappropriate compensation? This article discusses the “balancing act” of setting an executive’s compensation and examines the challenges faced by C corporations, S corporations and similar corporation types. It also looks at the role of regulators and the interest by other parties in compensation amounts.

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  • See the big picture – Improve dealership performance with benchmarking

    Winter 2019
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 844

    Abstract: Successful dealerships tend to keep close tabs on their finances and operations by measuring and monitoring certain performance metrics. But these metrics have little meaning when viewed in isolation. A basis of comparison is needed to provide context and relevance to the numbers. This article offers a variety of useful metrics, including sales metrics for each department, F&I metrics, and parts and service metrics. A sidebar suggests some important metrics for the dealership overall.

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  • Are you investing in leadership training?

    Fall 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 434

    Abstract: Leadership training and development is a success factor that many dealerships often overlook. This article spotlights two main approaches to leadership training and development in the auto dealership industry: internal, which involves mentoring young leaders in-house, and external, which centers on an investment in formal leadership training.

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  • “Blue skies smiling at me” – How goodwill factors into a sale or acquisition

    Fall 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 680

    Abstract: Like the sentiment in the 1926 Irving Berlin song “Blue Skies,” the accounting term “blue sky” — or “goodwill” — is a thing to be welcomed. And with mergers and acquisitions on the rise this year, it’s a good time for auto dealers to familiarize themselves with the terms. This article explains what goodwill and goodwill impairment mean, what GAAP requires and an alternative goodwill measurement method.

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  • Business options – Separate property ownership for possible advantage

    Fall 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 572

    Abstract: Many car dealers choose to separate ownership of the building and real estate from the dealership itself. Doing so has many advantages related to liability protection, tax savings and succession planning, which this article explains.

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  • How data analytics can help improve used car operations

    Fall 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 809

    Abstract: The term “artificial intelligence” or “AI” may conjure up sci-fi images of robots and futuristic machines. But many businesses today, including auto dealerships, are using AI to obtain more accurate data and help owners and managers make better decisions. This article discusses the advantages of using data analytics to help improve used car operations through far-better-informed pricing. A sidebar highlights data analytics and VIN numbers.

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  • Lease accounting standard – Get ready! Deadlines are fast approaching

    Summer 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 453

    Abstract: Deadlines for adopting the new lease accounting standard (ASU No. 2016-02) that was issued two years ago are quickly approaching. If a dealership is publicly held, it must adopt the new standard by December 15, 2018, if its fiscal year begins after this date. If a dealership is nonpublic, it has an extra year to adopt the new standard — until December 15, 2019, if its fiscal year begins after this date. This article spotlights the requirements and its possible impact.

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  • Hiring a CFO or controller

    Summer 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 593

    Abstract: When, and if, it seems time to add a financial executive — a CFO or controller — to a dealership’s staff, management will need to determine if the dealership can afford one and what that person might bring to the game. This article provides financial thresholds to consider when making the decision, and discusses CFO and controller responsibilities.

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  • Tax credit could prompt more paid family and medical leave

    Summer 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 627

    Abstract: The TCJA introduces a new tax credit for businesses that voluntarily offer paid family and medical leave to their employees ― a tax break that could make it more affordable for dealerships to provide this employee benefit to their workers. This article explains how to qualify for the credit and its potential financial value to a dealership.

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  • Insurance: Do you have adequate coverage?

    Summer 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 843

    Abstract: Auto dealerships are legally required to carry certain types of insurance to operate in most states. This article can help a dealership sort through the three main types of insurance for them: garage liability, physical damage and workers’ compensation. A sidebar on the co-insurance penalty provides some insight into that punitive measure.

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  • Take time to plan your dealership’s future

    Spring 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 654

    Abstract: Strategic planning is key to a business’s long-term viability. But amidst the grind of daily operations, many dealership owners can’t or don’t take the time to do it. This article spotlights some specific ways to engage in strategic planning that can help drive ongoing success, including targeting the competition, surveying vehicle stock and performing a business analysis.

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  • Could this be your exit strategy? Employee stock ownership plans have their pros and cons

    Spring 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 643

    Abstract: ESOPs can be an effective succession planning vehicle for dealership owners who want to pass their business on to employees, instead of selling on the open market. This article explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of these arrangements.

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  • Technology – Using tablets to gain a competitive edge

    Spring 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 448

    Abstract: In today’s environment, auto dealerships should use technology to maximize their competitive advantage. The increasing use of tablets is a good example of how some dealerships are reducing paperwork and enhancing customer satisfaction through available electronic tools. This article includes a discussion of the possible uses of tablets on the sales floor and in the F&I and service departments.

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  • How will the new tax law affect fringe benefits?

    Spring 2018
    Newsletter: Auto Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 760

    Abstract: Less-publicized elements of the TCJA that could have a consequential impact on dealerships include the tax treatment of employee fringe benefits. This article explains provisions that limit meal and entertainment deductions, repeal the transportation benefits deduction and curb achievement award deductions. A new family and medical leave credit also is discussed. A sidebar highlights changes that affect moving expenses and onsite gyms.

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