Automotive Retail Academy
Engage, excite, and inspire managers to elevate their leadership skills
The automotive landscape is changing faster than ever, and the changes aren’t temporary. VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) is the name of the game right now. And while we’re dealing in acronyms, let’s include CASE (connected, autonomous, shared, and electric). More than ever before, the success of a dealership will require leadership with next-generation skills to future-proof the business.
Automotive Retail Academy (ARA) provides exactly the right tools and experiences for success in the digital age, combining an expert faculty with peer collaboration and self-paced online learning. Participants engage in a relevant, future-focused curriculum centered on specific strategic and tactical lessons to develop business acumen and a leader’s vision for the years to come.
The ARA General Manager course: Outcomes Delivered
A dealership GM’s success is defined by more than the 30-day income statement. General Manager course graduates are ready to optimize teams, facilities, and customer experiences for higher profits and future growth opportunities.
The course is made up of 10 modules that roll out over six months and takes place in a simulated dealership called Evolution Motors — modeled on real-world parameters and industry data. Participants will conduct self-paced study, join live sessions, submit assignments, and periodically take part in peer-learning activities.
Module 1
Where Are We Now, Where Are You Going?
Meet the cohort leader and classmates and explore Evolution Motors—including the current state of operations, financials, and feedback from customers and staff.
Module 2
Translating Data into Decisions
Master the financial statement; learn to interpret data, trace numbers back to their operational roots, and use the best methods for increasing dealership profit and ROI.
Module 3
Using Technology in Decision-Making
Explore tools to track and manage finances, service production, inventory, lead generation, etc. Examine cybersecurity and regulations on dealer and customer data.
Module 4
Creating a Modern Buying Experience
Assess and reimagine the customer experience based on mystery shop, employee, and customer insights. Focus on removing friction and accelerating speed-to-sale.
Module 5
Mastering the Business of Sales
Understand emerging sales models. Examine department structures and pay plans. Learn to measure and motivate superior performance. Plan to compete against disruptors.
Module 6
The Ownership Process
Study the impact of alternative service providers and EVs. Learn to innovate with telematics and e-commerce to lift owner convenience, efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
Module 7
The Business of Fixed Ops
Understand production and efficiency, including rate-and-volume financial analysis. Evaluate and adjust to better compete. Make a plan to recruit, train, and keep top talent.
Module 8
Bringing Customers In
Explore marketing strategies to communicate a value proposition, partner with the OEM and agencies. Learn to optimize digital and social media tools for customer engagement.
Module 9
Elements of Leadership
Learn the value of trust in high-performing teams and the role of equity and inclusion in top-rated employers. Hone skills to develop people and thrive in a changing industry.
Module 10
Capstone Project
Assess detailed case studies with newly gained knowledge and ARA methodology to gauge data and operations and respond decisively. Deliver a final report and contribute to peer review.
Graduates deliver immediate return on investment
Leaders emerge from ARA certification with an agile growth mentality, and dealers quickly realize the direct benefits:
Improve net profit
Leaders link customer, staff, and financial data points to assess a decision’s fiscal effect on the whole business.
Win the war for talent
Graduates create a culture that appeals to a diverse, talented workforce—one built on employee empowerment.
Foster a modern leader mindset
ARA participants design innovative practices using data-driven insights and the smart management of people and tech.
Future-proof the dealership
Leaders shape an agile business that’s ready to evolve, no matter what disruptive changes come along.
The ARA experience
The importance of human connection
The ARA experience uniquely combines digital learning with human connection and provides learners with the following:
- A cohort leader to offer coaching, support, and guidance
- A community of learners brought together to network, share, and learn from each other
- Opportunities to enhance learning through access to thought leaders along with helpful tools and resources
Sample screen shot of virtual leadership coaching
To enroll or learn more about the Automotive Retail Academy, contact us.
