Celebrating National Women’s Month
It’s no secret that the used car industry has been historically male dominated. More recently, the industry has seen a surge in female leadership. In fact, according to a 2019 report from the National Automobile Dealers Association, women now account for nearly 20 percent of all dealership personnel, a significant increase from earlier decades, and this is true of independent dealerships as well.
Women are now playing a greater role in the used car dealership industry, as the number of women-owned dealerships has increased, and female executives have taken on leadership roles in state dealer associations. Additionally, they are participating as experts on convention and conference panel discussions and are actively involved in legislative lobbying efforts across the country.
With more women at the helm of dealerships, more women are pursuing careers at all levels in the automotive retail industry — management, sales, accounting, collections, and to a degree, service. In the U.S., the number of women-owned used car dealerships has more than doubled since 1999. This will serve to grow market share for the independent used car dealerships. As more women become owners of used car dealerships, they can shape the industry and create an environment that is welcoming and supportive for female customers.
Studies have shown that women are more likely to purchase a used car than a new one, and they tend to negotiate better deals when doing so. Furthermore, they are more likely to conduct research and compare the options before making a purchase. This indicates that women are more aware of the transportation needs, financial obstacles, and day-to-day activities of their female clients and prospects. Therefore, women feel more at ease when making one of the biggest purchases of their lives from another woman. and their male colleagues can gain knowledge from them, thus improving the entire sales, financing, and service processes. Their male colleagues see and learn these skills, making the entire sales, financing, and service processes better for everyone.
Women in the used car industry are also making their mark in the executive ranks. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the number of female executives at used car dealerships has increased by almost 50% in the past two decades. This means that women now make up almost a quarter of executive positions in the used car industry. These executives create an environment that is more welcoming to female customers, and they help shape the industry, ensuring that the used car industry is more accessible and welcoming to all customers.
Advantage Automotive Analytics is taking an active role in supporting women in the automotive industry. Through initiatives such as educational opportunities, networking events, and mentorship programs, the company has created an environment that is conducive to helping women build successful careers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Furthermore, Advantage is striving to create a level playing field for everyone in the automotive industry through their efforts.
Advantage is actively supporting the efforts of women in the used car industry, generating a hospitable atmosphere for all customers. Women are making a positive impact on the industry.
