Following the trend of newer automotive companies, Ford CEO Jim Farley dropped some noteworthy info regarding Ford’s new path to car buying and selling.

Instead of a traditional dealer model, vehicles will be sold 100% online with no-haggle pricing.
Dealerships would have reduced or no inventory but will still provide service for the vehicles.Massive consolidation among dealers, suppliers and auto manufacturers are expected.

Using Ford as an example, according to Scrape Hero, Ford Dealerships in the United States total 2,995 as of May 23, 2022.

Based on info from IHS Markit CYE 2020, US Light Vehicle Production data on @corporate.ford.com website, Ford dealerships employ 170,00 men and women across the US.

Ford’s model includes branching out in 3 segments with EVs falling under Ford Model e.

It is estimated by commonage.org that the average car dealership is approximately 21,000 sq ft.
That doesn’t include all of the acres of parking and storage.

That begs the question of what to do with some of that massive Real Estate that will be unused in the future?

Perhaps a retooling of the atmosphere and amenities of the current facilities can help.

Using the property to put up charging stations in empty areas of lot and provide convenience and comfort features centered around the EV lifestyle.

Some auto companies are building charging locations with drive-ins and restaurants to enhance the experience.

There are even charging forecourts in the UK that feature shopping and places to relax.

There is a whole new model to explore from buying and selling vehicles, to handling car dealer lots and their current commercial real estate all the way down to affecting employment.

I’m curious though…
Will consumers appreciate this newer car buying concept?
How do you envision your current dealership in the future?
What are your thoughts on having to thin the herd?

Go electric ✌🏼