• Hires, trains, supervises and monitors the performance of the new- and used-vehicle department managers.
• Participates in the preparation of the annual dealership forecast by projecting unit sales, gross profits, expenses, and operating profits for the new- and used-sales departments.
• Meets with sales managers (new and used) to establish annual and monthly objectives for unit sales, gross profits, expenses and operating profit.
• Ensures that sales managers (new and used) understand dealership policies, procedures and sales systems.
• Provides feedback annually to new- and used-vehicle department personnel during career development sessions.
• Works with dealer and general manager to determine appropriate days supply for new and used vehicles and orders/acquires vehicle inventory accordingly.
• Establishes standards for displaying, merchandising and maintaining new and used vehicles.
• Establishes procedures for quick disposal of over-aged vehicles.
• Issues all demonstrators and ensures that appropriate dealership records are maintained.
• Checks the condition of all demonstrators monthly.
• Audits repair orders for used vehicles as needed to ensure prompt reconditioning.
• Meets with the general manager to review monthly forecasts, commission sheets, productivity reports, and the profit performance of each department as a whole and each salesperson individually.
• Studies local market conditions, demographics, and past sales history. Makes recommendations to the general manager regarding short- and long-range advertising plans, sales promotions, staffing needs, lease promotions, and compensation plans.
• Conducts major sales promotions and advertising as needed (., used-car classifieds, large new display ads, radio, Internet etc.).
• Approves all sales incentives in writing before submitting to the office