Google has created quite a buzz with the invention of their autonomous, or self-driving vehicles. It is an exciting advancement in driving that we have waited for and only thought would exist in the movies, but the prototype is here. Although it has only been created to work at low speeds in a controlled setting, which has been deemed successful, it begs the question, “Are autonomous vehicles safe?”

When the BMW i3 REx was released, so much emphasis was placed on the German manufacturer’s ability to increase the range of an electric vehicle to make it more practical for consumers. The technology was considered ground-breaking and the hype machine started calling it the revolutionary vehicle that would make electric vehicles hit the mainstream.

While nothing is quite like the feeling and smell of a brand new vehicle, there is a lot to be said of a certified pre-owned model. Many car companies have their own version of certifying a vehicle as a pre-owned model, which is a program that is designed to allow dealers to offer their cars with a warranty and give the new owner the knowledge that the vehicle has been put through a comprehensive inspection process to ensure it is fit to be certified as a pre-owned model.

It’s very easy for us as former dealers to point our fingers at others and tell them that they’re doing it wrong, which is why we rarely do it. There are times, though, when it becomes necessary. Such is the case with what we’re seeing at Digital Dealer where dealers are pulling their triggers on “innovations” that are often little more than shiny objects with no value.

One of the first things we look at when we analyze car dealerships is their business practices. Are they a “one-and-done” dealership that likes to sell a car and hope they don’t hear from the customer again or are they a dealership that tries to build a sustained relationship with their customers even after they drive off the lot. It’s an important component that helps us determine who to recommend and who to avoid.

In the world of car sales the clock is always ticking. Many times it’s ticking toward the end of the month which is where salespeople put their goals and are working toward in order to make their sales quota, increase their earnings and be able to keep their jobs for another month. Even the dealerships themselves often only consider their business a month at a time, but the new Cadillac Chief, Johan de Nysschen offers a look at what is to come for dealerships that are capable of seeing the bigger picture and a bit of relief in the future.