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Buyer energy is high—and the numbers back it up. The used-car market picked up speed in March, with retail used-vehicle sales climbing over 9% from February, with 1.66 million units sold across franchised and independent lots. Certified pre-owned sales rose even faster, jumping 21% month over month and 6.4% year over year. The surge in tariff and tax refund car sales is driving this momentum—some buyers are making the most of their refunds, while others are acting early to avoid potential price hikes tied to tariffs or supply chain shifts. Whatever their reason, one thing is clear: people are ready to buy but they need the right support to feel confident doing it. This is where the expertise of the Sales and F&I teams could make a positive impact. Customers are not just seeking vehicles; they are looking for clarity, stability, and wise choices in a changing market. The opportunity lies in offering steady guidance, real solutions, and conversations rooted in their needs not pressure. Let us explore how to lead with value, address price sensitivity, and turn today’s urgency into long-term trust. 1. Price Sensitivity Is Real, So Is Value With vehicle and parts prices rising steadily, most buyers are laser-focused on keeping monthly payments manageable. But that does not mean they are unwilling to invest. It means they need to see how that investment benefits them. When coverage aligns with how they drive, what they value, and the risks they want to avoid, it starts to feel less like an add-on—and more like a smart move. What to do: Present products like GAP, VSC, and prepaid maintenance as proactive safeguards against real risks. When positioned as part of a well-rounded ownership strategy, they become essential tools, not just add-ons. Customers do not just want protection—they want predictability, peace of mind, and long-term savings. Focus on how these offerings address today’s real concerns: extended loan terms, higher repair bills, and complex tech in modern vehicles. Highlight how the value of coverage outweighs the cost of going without—especially when vehicles are financed over 72 months or more. The longer the loan, the greater the exposure to unexpected expenses. 2. Simplify the Message, Maximize the Moment: Navigating Tariff and Tax Refund Car Sales Today’s buyers are navigating a fast-moving market. Between shifting prices and new incentives, it is easy for them to feel overwhelmed. Your role is to cut through the noise by showing them what makes sense right now. The clearer your message, the more confident they will feel. What to do: Keep the conversation focused on what your dealership is offering now. Emphasize the support, protection, and flexibility available today. Focus less on what is driving pricing changes and more on how you can help them take advantage of current opportunities—like employee discounts, if available. Reinforce the value of timing—when customers understand what they can gain by acting now, the decision becomes easier. 3. Confidence Comes from Clarity Confidence is contagious. The more clearly your team presents options and educates buyers, the more empowered they feel. When customers understand their choices and how each fits their needs, they are far more likely to say yes to the right products—not just the cheapest option. From picking the right vehicle to choosing the right coverage, clarity and trust are key to helping buyers make confident decisions. What to do: Ensure you are helping customers be aware of their needs. If customers do not see the problem, they will likely view the solution as optional, no matter how well you present it. Use questions to guide them toward relevant options— How do you typically use your vehicle day to day? How long do they plan to keep the vehicle? What repairs have they dealt with in the past? Position yourself as trusted advisor—not just salesperson. When buyers feel guided rather than sold to, they are more likely to engage, trust the process, and say yes. That trust creates space for a consultative conversation that focuses on their needs. 4. Support Urgency Without Pressure Spring momentum is real. Many customers are arriving with a sense of urgency—driven by tax refunds, fresh inventory, the desire to beat future price hikes, or make use of limited-time incentives. The rise in car sales impacted by tariff and tax refund reflects that urgency. But urgency still needs direction. The goal is not just to close quickly but to guide buyers through a value-driven conversation that leads to decisions they will feel confident about long after the deal is done. What to do during tariff and tax refund car sales season: Encourage them to lock in today’s pricing and coverage while it’s available, especially if incentives or employee discounts are in play. Present F&I products as tools to help keep future costs predictable, especially as repair and part prices rise. Share real examples of how products like theft protection, maintenance plans, or GAP coverage have helped recent customers. Customers Need Your Expertise More Than Ever Today’s buyers are not just shopping for vehicles—they are looking for a steady, informed partner to help them make a smart decision. Sales and F&I teams who lead with clarity, strategy, and a spirit of partnership are the ones who turn urgency driven by tariff and tax refund car sales into trust, helping buyers feel confident in their decision. That also means surrounding yourself with the right support—collaborating with trusted industry experts who align with your goals and offer proven strategies and product support to help drive profitability. Just as important is investing in your own growth. Ongoing training and development keep your conversations sharp, your knowledge relevant, and your impact strong. The more prepared you are, the more confident your customers will be. And in today’s market, that level of preparation is what sets top-performing dealerships apart.

What if the key to unlocking higher profits, stronger customer loyalty, and a standout reputation is already walking into your showroom—women buyers, but choosing for a dealership that offers a more comfortable, personalized experience? Women influence a notable share of vehicle purchase decisions, up to 85%, and make up a significant portion of new car buyers in the U.S. Still, many have shared that the car-buying experience can sometimes feel disconnected or not as welcoming as it could be. In many cases, some dealership approaches may not fully reflect the preferences of today’s buyers—particularly those looking for a more personalized and respectful experience. Small Shifts, Big Impact: Rethinking the Buyer Experience When dealerships refine their approach to better reflect what buyers value, they create a better experience for all customers—and that translates to stronger business results. Harvard Business Review says companies that understand and meet the needs of women buyers can better connect with those driving purchase decisions across industries. That said, the automotive industry is no exception. In addition, this spans every stage of the buying process—from initial conversations to the finance and insurance (F&I) experience—where trust, transparency, and clarity matter most. It is not about starting from scratch—it is about refining your existing approach to be more welcoming and better aligned with your full customer base. To sum up, this could mean improving how your team engages, ensuring pricing transparency, or tailoring communication to meet different buyer needs. A Closer Look: Where the Experience Falls Short An HBR survey on women’s experiences in financial services revealed consistent themes around feeling overlooked, whether due to a lack of personalization, unclear communication, or rigid processes. In some cases, the F&I experience can reflect similar challenges, with women describing moments of feeling less recognized or understood. These insights across financial services can offer valuable perspective for dealerships, too: “Financial service reps talk down to women as if we cannot understand more than just the basics.” “I hate being stereotyped because of my gender and age, and I don’t appreciate being treated like an infant.” “As a single woman, I often feel that financial services institutions aren’t looking for my business.” These insights are a call to evolve—not overhaul. A more thoughtful, tailored approach in Sales and F&I can go a long way toward building trust with all your buyers. Designing a Customer Experience That Works for Everyone Creating a more welcoming dealership experience is not just about coffee bars and better lighting (though ambiance does play a role). It is about building an environment where every customer feels informed, confident, and in control. How dealerships can make it happen: Train Your Sales Team to Listen, Not Just Pitch – Many buyers, especially women, come in well-informed and ready with questions. A listening-first approach builds trust and shows respect for their time and research. Tailoring the conversation to their priorities makes the experience more engaging and more effective. Transparency is Key – Clear, upfront pricing and easy-to-understand explanations around financing and add-ons go a long way. It helps avoid confusion, builds credibility, and creates a more confident buying experience for everyone. Rethink the Test Drive – A simple shift in approach can make a big difference. Asking a few thoughtful questions upfront helps you understand what each customer values—whether it’s safety, comfort, technology, or something else. Then, use the test drive to highlight the features that matter most to them in a relaxed, informative way. Make Your Marketing Reflect Your Buyers – Women are making many of the car-buying decisions so when your messaging represents the full spectrum of your customers, it becomes more relatable, more effective, and more impactful. Stronger Teams, Smarter Results As of 2023, women make up less than a quarter—just 23%—of the workforce in automobile dealerships, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bringing a wider range of talent into sales and F&I roles has been shown to improve customer rapport, team performance, and business outcomes. Professionals who lead with qualities like approachability, trust, and empathy often create more effective, comfortable buying experiences—traits many customers value. But strong hiring is just one piece. Notably, what matters just as much is the environment you create. When employees feel supported and respected, they are more likely to stay, contribute, and grow—resulting in stronger engagement, collaboration, and performance across the board. The bottom line, thoughtful hiring and a positive team culture is smart business. Dealerships that build teams with a variety of strengths and perspectives are better positioned to thrive in a competitive market. A Smarter Way Forward The dealerships that succeed tomorrow are the ones adapting today—those that stay focused on their customers, invest in their teams, and align with what today’s buyers expect. At PRO Consulting, we believe in walking the walk. Women make up 60% of our team, driving strategy and performance across sales, operations, and marketing. More importantly, we understand what it takes to build high-performing teams that reflect today’s customer base and deliver results. We work alongside dealerships to support team structure, training, and talent development, helping you connect with more customers more effectively and profitably. Let’s explore how we can help you move forward—together.

The dealership floor is never the same two days in a row—one minute, you are sealing the deal, the next, you are navigating objections, waiting on approvals, or watching a buyer walk. The ones who thrive do not just react to the chaos; they use it to their advantage. They know what drives them, and that focus shapes every move. So, what keeps top performers their edge? It goes beyond experience—it is having a keen sense of purpose, clear guiding principles, and the traits that consistently drive results for top F&I and car salespeople. Let us break it down: 1. Know Your Why—And Keep It Front and Center Your “why” is not just a motivational poster in the breakroom. It is the driving force behind why you show up every day and why you push through tough deals instead of giving up. Is it financial freedom? Aiming for a GM or GSM position? Providing a better life for your family? Being the top performer on the leaderboard (with the paycheck to match)? When you know your why, your energy, focus, and hustle change. Now, you’re onto building momentum toward something bigger. 2. Define Your Values—The Traits That Set You Apart The traits of top car salespeople and F&I personnel are what set high-performing Sales and F&I pros apart. Moreover, these are not fluffy buzzwords—they are authentic that define their efforts and interactions: Discipline – The ability to stay sharp and consistent, even when the sales floor is slow. Integrity – Doing right by customers and peers, even when no one is watching. Continuous Learning – Staying ahead of industry changes, product updates, and buyer behaviors. Resilience – Not letting a difficult day (or 10) derail long-term success. Effective Communication – Mastering the art of listening, guiding customers, and closing deals without sounding like a script. The best in the automotive business do not just talk about these values—they live by them. 3. Align Your Values with Your Daily Hustle Values aren’t just for self-help books. In fact, they should show up in your daily interactions, decisions, and even the way you approach deals. For example: Discipline – You make that extra call, follow up when others forget, and sharpen your process instead of blaming the market. Integrity – You help a customer find the best solution, not just the biggest commission. Continuous Learning – You are the person who knows the latest lender incentives or how to handle a tricky financing and borrowing situation for a low credit score buyer. When your values align with your actions, customers notice, managers notice, and suddenly, you are not just another salesperson—you are the one they trust, respect, and promote. 4. The Values That Drive Top-Tier F&I and Sales Pros If you have ever met a six-figure earner in this business, you know they play by a separate set of rules. Here is what sets them apart: Ownership Mentality – They treat their role like a business within a business. Some examples: a. They do not wait for leads- They cultivate referrals and find creative ways or advanced tools to keep pipeline full. b. They master their craft— For the most part, constantly learning about industry trends, finance options, and customer psychology to sharpen their edge. c. They track their own performance—analyzing their closing ratios, deal structures, and commission earnings to optimize their approach. d. They think beyond just ‘today’s sale’—understanding that every great customer experience leads to repeat business, upsells, and career opportunities. Problem-Solver Mindset – They do not just sell; they help customers find the best solution. Some examples: a. They ask the right questions – Instead of jumping straight into a pitch, they uncover what is really holding the customer back and address it head-on. b. They simplify the complex – Great problem solvers break down financing, warranties, and trade-ins, making them clear while guiding customers to recognize needs they may not have considered. c. They stay calm under pressure – When a deal gets complicated, they do not panic—they strategize, keeping customers confident and engaged. d. They create win-win outcomes – Instead of just pushing for a sale, they ensure the customer walks away feeling great about their purchase, leading to referrals and repeat business. Storytelling Skills – They do not just list features; they paint a picture customers can see themselves in. Some examples: a. They create emotional connections– Remember your first car, the freedom it gave you? That is what this truck can do for you now—weekend trips, towing your boat, all without worrying about reliability. b. They share success stories– I had a customer just like you last week who was unsure about leasing, but once they saw how much they could save on their monthly payment, they were thrilled with their decision. c. They use stories to overcome objections– I understand, adding another cost today might not seem ideal. A customer felt the same—until his engine failed, leaving him with a $6,000 bill. Another customer who took coverage? Walked in, got it fixed, and paid nothing. That peace of mind is why so many protect themselves upfront. 5. Leverage Your Traits for Bigger Results You already have a unique set of strengths and traits of top car salespeople. However, the key is learning how to maximize them. a. Good with people? Build stronger customer relationships that lead to referrals and positive reviews. b. Detail-oriented? Dominate F&I by knowing every deal structure inside and out. c. A natural leader? Show management that you are someone who can handle more responsibility. At the end of the day, dealerships reward high performers—the ones who are dialed in, committed, and constantly developing themselves. Final Thought: Own Your Values, Own Your Future Your “why” and core values can be a powerful competitive edge when leveraged effectively. The best in the business do not leave success to market conditions or luck—they harness their mindset and develop core traits of top car salespeople and F&I personnel to win every day. For

As we step into 2025, the automotive industry is poised for growth and transformation. Historically, the year after an election tends to see an uptick in consumer sentiment, and early signs suggest 2025 could follow suit. With Goldman Sachs economic outlook projecting 2.5% growth in the US GDP, recession fear diminished, inflation trending back to 2%, and a stabilizing labor market—this year has all the makings of a defining moment for the auto industry. Inflation Insights: Core Services Trending back toward 2% Source– Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg Research Recession Insights: Declining fear Source– Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg Research A Look at the Factors Shaping Business—Insights from Dealers Surveyed in Q4 Source– PR Newswire and COX Automotive A recent survey conducted shortly after the national election reflects this emerging confidence. While market conditions stabilize, U.S. automobile dealers report increasing optimism about the future. Key factors influencing their outlook include the economy and interest rates. Notably, while the economy remains the top-ranked factor, the percentage of dealers citing its influence dropped from 62% in Q4 2023 to 56% in Q4 2024, signaling that economic concerns may be easing slightly. Gearing Up for a Stronger Automotive Industry in 2025 Building on the optimism among dealers, Cox Automotive’s 2025 forecast suggests it could be the strongest year for the market since 2019. New vehicle sales are projected to reach 16.3 million units, an encouraging 3.14% increase from 2024’s 15.9 million units, This marks the third consecutive year of growth and reflecting a steady rebound. On the retail side, used-vehicle sales are anticipated to hit 20.1 million units, the strongest performance since the record-setting year of 2021. While inventory for used vehicles at retail remains tight, the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index anticipates historically normal growth, finishing 2025 slightly higher year over year. Factors Driving Consumer Demand Auto loan rates are showing signs of improvement, easing some affordability concerns. According to the 15th edition of the 2024 Car Buyer Journey Study, satisfaction with the new vehicle buying process has reached an all-time high, with 75% of buyers reporting they were “highly satisfied.” Dealership training helps streamline the buying process, making it more efficient and enjoyable. Additionally, training helps sustain high levels of buyer satisfaction and fosters greater loyalty, driving repeat business and long-term success. Customer Traffic and Dealer Performance Trends Dealers are seeing mixed signals regarding customer traffic. Franchised dealerships remain more optimistic than their independent counterparts, with sentiment indicators showing steady improvement. However, in-person visits have dipped slightly, causing the Customer Traffic Index to slip from 32 to 31. On the brighter side, digital traffic is inching upward, with its score rising from 39 to 40. Dealer profitability has also seen a slight uptick, with gains across both franchised and independent dealers. However, profitability remains below the highs of 2021 and 2022. With digital interest climbing, staying ahead means adopting tools that quickly identify and connect with high-intent shoppers. Imagine knowing exactly who’s ready to buy within 24 hours of them entering the market. Additionally, being the first to reach them. Pinpointing active buyers improves lead quality and drives showroom visits. Advanced tracking tools enable dealerships to understand buyers’ wants, deliver personalized offers, and communicate at the right time. With these strategies, dealerships can boost traffic, improve ROI, and strengthen customer satisfaction much needed in the auto industry in 2025. Tariffs and Their Ripple Effect in the Auto Industry in 2025 Proposed tariffs from the new administration could significantly influence vehicle affordability in 2025 and beyond. Vehicle production relies on a globally integrated supply chain. Therefore, a potential 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada would disproportionately impact auto prices. Many components cross U.S. borders multiple times during the manufacturing process. According to Ivan Drury, director of insights at Edmunds, this unique supply chain dynamic means that tariffs could significantly raise the cost of assembling vehicles. Ultimately, increasing sticker prices for consumers. Despite this, there’s a silver lining for car shoppers in 2025. Most vehicles arriving on dealer lots in early 2025 have already been assembled or are currently in production, so they are unlikely to reflect the impact of any new tariffs. Dealers will likely offer competitive incentives to attract buyers. The average prices remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Yet, relative stability provides an advantage for dealers: the ability to focus on driving traffic and closing deals without significant price fluctuations disrupting buyer sentiment. The Road Ahead As 2025 unfolds, the automotive industry is navigating a positive trajectory. Stable economic growth and improved consumer sentiment are expected to create opportunities across new and used vehicle markets. Dealers and manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalize on these conditions, paving the way for steady growth throughout the year. Success in this evolving landscape requires a focus on preparedness—leveraging insights, optimizing processes, and aligning strategies with market dynamics and dealership team needs. At PRO Consulting, we specialize in supporting dealerships’ growth and success with tailored solutions. Let’s work together to position your dealership for success in 2025 and beyond. Contact us for a free consultation to review your 2025 plans and uncover growth opportunities.

Profitability is not just about reducing expenses—it’s about knowing where to invest—tools, people, and processes that add long-term value. Successful dealerships recognize that sustainable growth comes from distinguishing between investments that drive business growth and expenses that drain resources. With 2025 on the horizon, now is the time to fine-tune financial strategies and ensure resources are directed where they’ll drive the most value. Here’s how dealerships could focus on smart spending and dealership cost saving to drive long-term profitability. General Managers: Leading the Charge General Managers (GMs) set the tone for operational efficiency by ensuring both financial resources and time are used wisely. Having department managers vet every check before it’s paid promotes accountability and keeps them aware of their department’s spending. Moreover, managers could conduct weekly reviews of selected invoices they’ve approved to catch any billing errors, extra charges, or outdated, duplicate, or overlapping services that no longer benefit the dealership. Beyond managing costs, GMs should ensure dealership staff are properly trained to use tools like CRM effectively. A well-utilized CRM reduces costly manual tasks, simplifying follow-ups, and generating actionable reports. Additionally, this not only streamlines daily operations but also allows teams to focus on revenue-generating activities, turning saved time into greater profitability. Pro Tip: Once a quarter, compare multiple vendors to ensure the dealership is getting competitive rates on recurring services like customer credit checks, office supplies, and even recycling. A New Jersey Volvo dealership’s parts departments saved 15% on tire costs by adding a new vendor to the mix. Sales Managers: Right People, Right Focus = Better Sales Efficiency Sales efficiency breaks down when the team is stretched thin due to high turnover, role mismatches, or a lack of direction. To keep the team effective, focus on hiring and retaining the right people while providing targeted training and support. A well-trained, well-matched team saves time, closes more deals, and maximizes every dollar spent. Furthermore, budget creep can happen with overspending on ads, underutilized tools, and unproductive methods to generate digital leads. Pro Tip: Conducting monthly reviews ensures your tools deliver value, while investing in the right ones reduces unproductive expenses. This tool brings high-intent shoppers right to your door—no guesswork, no wasted budget—and it’s Co-Op eligible. Action Plan: Review lead-generation services regularly. Consider switching to a more effective tool that align with current business needs and deliver a higher ROI. F&I Managers: Keep It Lean Finance and Insurance (F&I) managers should focus on operational efficiencies that enhance profitability without increasing costs. Consider working with external vendor partners to train your team on reducing cancellations that eat into profits and managing credit and loan relationships effectively to streamline processes for greater financial control. Furthermore, comprehensive training and development programs are a valuable investment but must be regularly evaluated for effectiveness that leads to dealership cost saving. Best Practices: Strengthen lender relationships for better financing options. Conduct regular training sessions to enhance product knowledge and sales techniques. Service Managers: Maximize Absorption Rates Service managers must understand and optimize their department’s absorption rate—the ability of parts and labor to cover operating expenses and contribute to dealership profits. In addition, a high absorption rate reflects a well-run, profitable service department. More insights on optimizing absorption percentage here. Efficiency Hacks: Schedule regular service audits. Cross-shop parts vendors to lock in competitive rates. An expertly crafted loyalty program can help you increase repeat business. Make Expense Control a Team Effort Expense management shouldn’t fall solely on managers. Engage the entire team in the process. Employees often have valuable ideas for waste reduction and operational improvements. Team Engagement Ideas: Host monthly ‘Expense Check’ meetings. Reward cost-saving ideas with small incentives. The Bottom Line: Smart Savings, Stronger Profits Managing expenses and dealership cost saving may not be glamorous, but it is beneficial and critical for dealership profitability. By implementing regular reviews, cross-shopping vendors, and engaging employees in the process, dealerships can uncover hidden savings and reinvest those funds into growth opportunities. A healthier bottom line starts with disciplined expense control today. Ready to unlock customized strategies for stronger profitability? Connect with your PRO Team.  

Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon at your dealership. The showroom buzzes with potential buyers, your team is busy closing deals, and then—bam! —without warning your systems freeze, and your operations grind to a halt. Suddenly, you’re not just selling cars; you’re scrambling to figure out how to keep your business running. For thousands of car dealerships, this wasn’t just an unsettling thought—it became reality. Earlier this year, the CDK cyberattack disrupted operations at nearly 15,000 dealerships across the U.S. and Canada. From billing systems to customer records, the fallout left businesses unable to operate as usual. It was a stark reminder that no one is immune to cyber threats. Dealerships are prime targets for cybercriminals because they manage highly sensitive customer data and significant financial transactions—exactly the kind of information that attackers seek to exploit. Car Dealership Cyberattacks are no longer rare events—they’re a constant threat. But that doesn’t mean your dealership has to be caught off guard. By taking steps now, you can protect your operations, your data, and most importantly, the trust of your customers. Let’s look at how to prepare for what might come next. Preparing for the Storm: Cyber Safety Practices against Car Dealership Cyberattacks Every dealership has a choice—react to threats after they hit or prepare for them now. Those who choose the latter are investing in long-term stability. Here’s how they’re doing it: 1. Patch It Up (Literally) Software updates aren’t just those annoying pop-ups you keep delaying. They often act as a shield, protecting your dealership from hackers. Make it a non-negotiable habit to update your operating systems, software, and firmware as soon as the updates are released. 2. Boost Your Security with Multi-Factor Authentication A password is your first line of defense. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer by requiring two steps to verify your identity, like a password plus a code or fingerprint. Dealerships can enhance security by opting for phishing-resistant methods like authentication apps or biometrics instead of SMS-based codes, which can be easier to hack. It’s a straightforward way to close off a major entry point for cyber threats. 3. Keep Your Data Close and Protected Real-time, cloud-based backups that are isolated from the internet are becoming a go-to strategy for savvy dealerships. These backups ensure that even if hackers breach your main system, your critical data remains safe and recoverable. It’s like keeping a spare tire that can’t be punctured—it’s there when you need it, no matter what. Every dealership is unique, so evaluate your needs and consult professionals for the best solutions. This blog is for informational purposes only and not comprehensive advice. Other Important Recommendations Dealers May Consider 1. Customer Relations and Reputation Management Develop a clear communication plan to keep customers informed in the event of a breach. Offer resources like credit monitoring or identity theft protection to affected individuals. Proactively share the steps you’re taking to enhance security, reinforcing customer trust. 2. Reviewing Business Interruption Coverage or Insurance Evaluate your current cyber liability insurance to ensure it adequately covers potential risks. Work with your insurance provider to understand what is included in your coverage, including financial support for recovery efforts. Consider adding coverage for business interruption due to cyberattacks or data breaches. 3. Regulatory Investigations, Enforcement, and Litigation Risk Collaborate with legal counsel to document every step of the incident response process. Maintain records of all communications with vendors, customers, and regulatory bodies to demonstrate compliance and accountability. Stay informed about data protection and cybersecurity regulations to ensure ongoing compliance and mitigate legal risks. Other recommendations credit: ComplyAuto What Dealerships Are Doing Now to tackle Car Dealership Cyberattacks Forward-thinking dealerships are implementing steps such as: Investing in IT Talent: Hiring dedicated IT professionals to oversee systems, enforce protocols, and prepared to handle evolving cyber threats effectively. Simulating Threats: Hosting regular phishing drills and threat simulations to train employees and refine their response strategies. Closing Gaps: Moving data to secure backups and plugging vulnerabilities through consistent reviews of their digital footprint. Auditing Non-Digital Vulnerabilities: Conducting quarterly audits of physical information points in sales, F&I, and service departments to prevent potential data theft. Printing Essential Documents: Keeping printed and securely stored copies of contracts, warranties, and inventory lists to ensure business continuity during digital outages—it might be basic, but it’s effective. Be Ready for What’s Ahead Cyber threats might feel overwhelming, but taking even small, proactive steps can make a big difference in keeping your dealership secure and running smoothly. At PRO Consulting, we’re here to support your growth and profitability—not just through solutions, but by sharing insights that help you tackle challenges head-on. With the right tools and approach, your dealership can stay prepared for what comes next. Connect with your PRO Team for customized strategies tailored to your dealership’s success.