Pub. 63 2022-2023 Issue 1

One of the significant challenges of running any automotive dealership is moderating expenses. General managers and dealer principals are responsible for controlling many costs, including payroll, vehicle inventory, floorplan, and parts inventory. Monthly bills add up, and there is less revenue to put toward necessary resources. A major opportunity for expense control may be the dealership’s software stack.

“I use ACV because once I sell a unit and it leaves my lot I never have to worry about it again. “I use ACV because I like keeping my inventory at home. “I use ACV because their customer service cannot be beat.” Jen Coufal, Leif Johnson Ford, Austin ACV Auctions is the transparent dealer-only

While there are many considerations in running a thriving dealership, one of the most important — and often overlooked — is developing and maintaining a succession plan. A strategy that allows for the transfer of ownership to the next round of leaders — whether family members, a trusted partner or an outside buyer — will position you and your business for future success.

Attend Achieve and Win “I am very proud that Cavender Toyota and Frost Bank teamed up to incentivize students in the SAISD to strive for perfect attendance this new school year. Presented by the SAISD Foundation, our program is called “Attend Achieve and Win.” Students will win prizes leading up to a Grand Finale Event

Raised in the automotive industry, Milton Crenwelge is now the family business patriarch. The longtime owner and operator of the Crenwelge Automotive Group, Milton has been a business and civic leader in Fredericksburg for decades. At the Gillespie County Fair, he appeared as Grand Marshal in the Gillespie County Fair Parade. He gave us insight into this honor and explained more about his distinguished career. (Edited for clarity and length.)

For the first time since 2016, the Texas Automobile Dealers Association has performed workshops in different regions of the state to discuss regulatory, legal and legislative issues of importance to Texas dealers. Our current TADA Chair, Joe Chastang, felt the workshops were a great way to visit dealers across the state about all the work TADA is doing on behalf of Texas dealers and to hear from dealers about their difficulties and challenges. 

SA Auto Dealers and the Texas Cavaliers presented a check for $112,460 to Rise Recovery to support the organization’s work to combat drug and alcohol use among youth.

Despite unprecedented inventory delays resulting from the pandemic, the automotive industry continues to grow. According to the latest Global Automotive Market Report, the industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.7% from 2020 to 2030, reaching 122.83 million units by 2030. Prior to the pandemic, about 450,825 cars were sold in Texas in 2018, making it the third best-performing state in terms of car sales.

For the first time since 2016, the Texas Automobile Dealers Association has performed workshops in different regions of the state to discuss regulatory, legal and legislative issues of importance to Texas dealers. Our current TADA Chair, Joe Chastang, felt the workshops were a great way to visit dealers across the state about all the work TADA was doing on behalf of Texas dealers and hear from dealers about their difficulties and challenges.