GPADA dealerships roll out the welcome mat

It’s always best to come into new situations with no preconceived notions. That’s how I arrived at the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association a year-and-a-half ago. So what have I learned since coming here? A great many things, and foremost among them is the degree to which the 200 franchised new-car and truck dealers of Greater Pittsburgh contribute to the well-being of southwestern Pennsylvania.

In countless ways—charitable donations, sponsorships, and fundraisers—they take the extra step and give back to their communities. In broader terms, their very presence is a boon to the region’s economy. As recently as 2006, Pennsylvania new-vehicle dealerships employed an average of 44 people, who had annual average earnings of almost $42,000.

The commitment of dealerships to their community may well have something to do with the solid foundation laid by successive franchised new-car and truck dealerships since the founding of the GPADA in 1924. A standard for superior service and fair dealing was established at the very outset. This old-fashioned, fair-and-square way of doing business has served the dealerships well. Year in and year out, in good times and bad, GPADA members always remembered to put the customer first. They still do.

Not too long ago the National Automobile Dealers Association updated and expanded its code of ethics to reflect business conditions in the 21st century. The Code of Ethics is available to franchised new-car and truck dealers in a poster suitable for framing, so don’t be surprised to see one when you’re next out visiting the showroom floor of a franchised new-car and truck dealership.

It’s my contention that doing business the Pittsburgh way has worked to the benefit of dealerships and consumers. It is no accident that an extraordinary number of second- and even third-generation new-car and truck dealerships are counted among the GPADA members. By adhering to long-established values, Pittsburgh-area dealerships old and new have provided consumers with the service and quality they want. In turn, consumers have responded by becoming repeat customers, and recommending their dealership of choice by word of mouth.

Over the years the automotive industry has experienced vast changes in product, technology and regulations, but one thing hasn’t changed in southwest Pennsylvania—very simply, GPADA dealerships remain dedicated to doing business the way it should be done. If anything, that commitment is more important than ever today, when the economy has potential automobile buyers uncertain about what to do. Should they look for that new or certified pre-owned car or truck now, or wait? If the history of the automotive industry teaches us anything, it’s that this is the time to buy.

Why do I say that? A look at the past tells us that whenever the economy has suffered a ding or a more serious blow, the automotive industry has been one of the first to come forward with programs and incentives intended to stimulate business. Even when faced with such great national tragedies as the attack on the World Trade Center, which had grave repercussions of all kinds, automotive manufacturers and dealers were quick to respond. Their response included not only emergency assistance of various kinds but also the implementation of programs geared to ignite the nation’s stalled economy.

Although it is a far cry from what the nation went through as a result of 9/11, the economy today is again stalled, although just how badly is something the experts have yet to decide. Again, as in the past, auto manufacturers and franchised new-car and truck dealerships are mounting a counter-attack, putting in motion a series of programs and incentives meant to benefit the consumer.

Coming off the auto show held here last month, Pittsburgh’s franchised new-car and truck dealers have good reason to put out the welcome mat for consumers. The show, with more than 500 vehicles, generated lots of interest and excitement. So much so, that our exit survey revealed that 59 percent of the attendees intend to buy a new vehicle within the next 12 months. I can vouch for the fact that local dealerships will compete vigorously for that business, starting right now.

In order to keep their competitive edge, the fraternity of dealerships in Metropolitan Pittsburgh offers not only incentives but also the top-quality products and services. That requires a big investment in inventory, people, parts and training.

In addition, the automotive manufacturers are producing vehicles that are superior in every way: performance, fuel economy, durability. Their vehicles undergo countless tests before being introduced to the public. Indeed, many models fail to make the final cut, and never are put into production. And those vehicles that do make it to the showroom floor have met a multitude of regulations. With so much testing, with so many regulations, it’s no wonder today’s new vehicles have a longer road life than ever before.

I’ve learned that GPADA franchised new-car and truck dealers have always had a healthy respect for each other, but their shared regard hasn’t tempered their competitive edge. And what else would one expect in a community like Pittsburgh, where clean, hard competition is a way of life on the athletic field, as well as off?

Whether you are interested in a new vehicle, a certified pre-owned vehicle, a purchase, or a lease, there is a GPADA member dealership that has exactly what you want. Financing? They’ll let you know what’s available, and the program best suited for your needs.

I like to say that any time is a good time to buy a new vehicle. Right now, though, the time to buy seems better than ever. Find out for yourself by visiting a franchised new-car or truck dealer and taking a test drive. I think you’ll be glad you did.