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 Business College, this series draws on decades of hands-on experience in senior dealership roles, including Dealer Principal and General Manager level appointments.
We’ve led teams, carried the pressure, navigated change, and driven results at the coalface of Australian retail automotive.
We’ve made mistakes, resisted change, we didn’t always get it right, but that’s where the lessons are learned.
This series shares what we know works when the market tightens, whether it’s stabilising cash flow, retaining key staff, or tightening up enquiry processes. It’s an opportunity to share experiences and offer thought starters for your business.
Follow along as we unpack what dealership success looks like in today’s reality, not the one from years ago.
Because if the market has changed… your approach should also.
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