Key Questions for Dealership Leaders – Walking in Your Shoes – Lessons in Real-World Dealership Leadership

It is easy to get buried in the day-to-day — stock levels, deliveries, CSI surveys, and the relentless pressure of targets. But every now and then, it is worth stepping back to ask a few deeper questions. Not to tick a box, but to recalibrate. We’ve both had those moments — sitting in an empty showroom on a quiet Tuesday, wondering why things that used to work do not hit the mark anymore. Here are some of the questions we have found most powerful in helping leaders reset and refocus: - Is the culture in your dealership one you’d want to work in? - Are your consultants clear on what a great customer experience actually looks like? - Does your team have clarity on what’s expected of them daily — and why? - Are you measuring the right things… or

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Lessons in Real-World Dealership Leadership – A New Market Reality

Let us be clear, today’s retail auto market is not broken. It has just evolved. What we are seeing now is a dealership landscape where pressure has become constant. Consumer confidence is shifting. Digital leads are rising. Margin compression is the new normal. And yet, many dealership teams are still operating without the structure needed to respond with clarity and control. This is not about effort. Most dealers are working harder than ever. It is about alignment. We have found that many dealerships are missing a unified, high-performance culture across departments. Process discipline has frayed; training is inconsistent or missing altogether. And when everything is moving fast, those gaps start to show quickly. So, what does success look like now? It is not about reinventing the wheel. It is about returning to core operational disciplines and executing them with excellence.

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Walking in Your Shoes – Surviving and Thriving in the Australian Auto Industry

SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN THE AUSTRALIAN AUTO INDUSTRY (And why doing “what we’ve always done” just doesn’t work anymore) Margins are tighter. Costs are rising. And with **more than 80 brands** now competing in the Australian market, the pressure is relentless. Many dealerships are running lean…but not necessarily smarter. Here’s what we’re seeing and hearing: ·      Staff turnover stripping away experience ·      Process discipline eroding ·      Sales, Service, and Finance & Insurance working in silos ·      Enquiries slipping through the cracks (despite having all the tech) But it’s not all doom and gloom. Tough markets force clarity. They strip out noise, and for dealers willing to re-anchor around the fundamentals, this is a chance to lead stronger than ever. That’s why we’ve launched Walking in Your Shoes – Lessons in Real World Dealership Leadership. Written by Derek McIlroy and Greg Officer, co-owners of Fusion

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Walking in your Shoes – An Introduction

Walking in your Shoes is a weekly blog for Australian motor dealers, written by former dealers who understand the real-world challenges you face. Each short post tackles ongoing and emerging issues—from margin pressure and rising costs to staff turnover and lost dealership expertise—with practical insights from people who have been in your shoes. In today’s changing market, staying ahead means staying grounded.

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Automotive

How do I Obtain my Western Australia Motor Vehicle Dealer or Yard Manager License: A Concise Guide

Navigating the process of obtaining a motor vehicle dealer or yard manager license in Western Australia can be challenging for aspiring professionals in the industry. A dealer license is required for individuals or companies engaged in the business of buying and selling specific vehicles, while a yard manager is an individual employed or engaged by a dealer to manage or supervise the dealer's business of buying and/or selling vehicles. Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and compliance requirements is critical for obtaining and maintaining a valid license. Obtaining a motor vehicle dealer or yard manager license in Western Australia involves following specific procedures established by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry, and Consumer Protection. Completing the relevant application form and paying the appropriate fee are just the initial steps in the licensing process. Applicants must also identify the categories of

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Automotive

Queensland Motor Dealer Licensing Full Course: Accelerate Your Dealership Success

The Queensland Motor Dealer Licensing Full Course is an essential training program for those looking to venture into the automotive sales industry in the state of Queensland, Australia. This comprehensive program is designed to equip prospective motor dealers with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate within the legal frameworks and ethical guidelines dictated by the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014. By taking this course, future motor dealers will be well-prepared to succeed in a thriving and competitive industry. Throughout the course, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the licensing requirements for motor dealers, as well as consumer rights and warranty obligations. Additionally, the course delves into advertising regulations, record-keeping, and trust account management. These key topics ensure that individuals entering this profession are not only aware of their obligations, but also able to deliver exceptional service

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Automotive

6 Ideas to Train Staff in Parts Ope

Training new and existing staff is ne

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Automotive

Developing Sales Team Capability th

Sales teams are the driving force beh

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Automotive

Is Your Sales Team Ready to Make th

The past couple of years have brought un

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Automotive

Is Your Sales Team Ready to Make th

Discover the key reasons behind high

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