If you or someone you know is looking for an exciting, rewarding career, the retail automotive industry represents an excellent opportunity. The new-car dealership has a dynamic atmosphere that is constantly changing to meet the needs of a high-tech society.
The typical new-car dealership houses many different ``businesses'' that include new- and used-car sales, leasing and rentals, administration and management, service, body repairs and parts and accessory sales. The number of departments at a dealership can offer a variety of different positions.
Because the salesperson interacts with buyers, he or she effectively represents the dealership as a whole. A salesperson must have an understanding of the products which he or she sells as well as be knowledgeable about finance, insurance, state and federal laws, warranties and the automobile industry in general. A successful sales staff is one with excellent communicators who truly enjoy working with people.
Traditionally, salespeople have been paid on a commission-only basis. However, this has changed at many dealerships, thus offering more options. Many salespeople are now paid a base salary and/or commission with other bonuses dependent on sales profits. Some manufacturers such as Saturn are salary-based only, changing a sometimes competitive atmosphere to a team-based work environment.
Many other benefits can also come with automotive sales positions, such asdemonstration vehicles, health and/or dental insurance, retirement plans, profit-sharing and bonus plans.
The service department is increasingly one of the most important departments in a dealership. Not only is it the quality of service which customers receive from a dealership that is often what keeps them coming back, but the entire image of automotive service has changed drastically in recent years.
Today's service technician is much more highly skilled, and the job is far more challenging than ever before. New cars and trucks are certainly more complex than they used to be, and a modern service bay is beginning to look like a science lab with lots of expensive, sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment, including computers.
Body repairs and painting are also highly specialized skills that are frequently treated as a separate operation with its own facilities and manager.
A well-run, efficient parts department is essential to any successful dealership. A sound, technical background, an ability to work with people, a keen sense of organization and attention to detail are the key qualities of good parts employees.
New-car dealers also employ a variety of administrative staff necessary to support and coordinate dealership operations. Competitive pay and opportunities for advancement are available for office managers, comptrollers, secretaries, accounting managers, cashiers, telephone operators, bookkeepers and clerks.
Thus, the possibilities are endless when starting an automobile-related career! There will always be a steady demand for jobs in this industry because the automobile is one of the greatest American freedoms that consumers will always buy and need to have serviced and maintained! Reported by Kim Quinn Assistant Director for CRADA
