Dealers ‘Reconnect’ with Customers at 2009 Dallas Auto Show
Product specialists and dealership sales personnel have traditionally been the “go to” people at auto shows for consumers looking for detailed information about the vehicles on the exhibit floor. This year, however, Dallas Auto Show attendees found themselves actually talking to the dealer principals themselves.
“Many of our dealers were on hand this year to help instill consumer confidence in the automobile industry as well as the economy as a whole,” said Drew Campbell, president of the New Car Dealers Association of Metropolitan Dallas. “And, they discovered that the 2009 Dallas Auto Show was a great opportunity to reconnect with their customers.”
David Thomas, 2009 Dallas Auto Show chairman, and Don Herring Jr., 2009 NCDA chairman, were two dealers who didn’t miss one day of opportunities to visit with prospective customers.
"Many years ago, Red Sledge was a very well known, successful Cadillac salesperson in Dallas who taught me how to gin prospects from the Auto Show and the State Fair. Red said to focus on the "chin holders, the ‘window sticker readers’ and the ‘note takers,’” said Thomas. “These simple tips helped me sell countless cars from the Show shoppers, and I still preach his tips today. I would encourage all dealers to staff the Show with enthusiastic sales staffs and look for the signs of a serious shopper. I'll be there again next year with my pen and paper,” Thomas added.
Herring echoed Thomas’ sentiments. “It was a great auto show, and we have sold cars from the contacts we made at the Show. The attendance was good as always. The new Southwest Auto Aftermarket Show as a great addition, and I think it will only grow in the future attracting more people and attention to the largest five-day show in the country,” he said.
According to Campell, foot traffic at the five-day February show started slowly but built to a strong finish on Sunday. “Attendance was down about 20 percent from last year, however weekend numbers showed that the love affair with the automobile is still alive and well in Dallas, Texas. The 2009 Dallas Auto Show also showcased the highest quality product from manufacturers in the 28-year history of the Show.” The final gate was 321,783.
Dallas Auto Show attendees were treated to more than 700 2009 models, as well as a variety of concepts and 2010 models including the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, the 2010 Ford Mustang and Taurus SHO, and the Dodge Zeo, Chrysler EcoVoyager and Jeep Renegade concepts.
These vehicles, and others, received unprecedented media attention this year from WFAA, CBS 11, NBC 5, Fox TV and Univision, as well as KRLD and WBAP radio stations. In addition, Jerry Reynolds and “The Car Guy” show were live from the Show floor, and Campbell, David Thomas and Don Herring, Jr. joined Ed Wallace on KLIF Saturday morning.
Campbell also commended The Dallas Morning News, DallasNews.com and Cars.com, sponsors of the 2009 Dallas Auto Show, for their role in the success of the Show. “The NCDA and its dealer members greatly appreciate the support of The Dallas Morning News. Positive coverage of the Show was featured in the newspaper and on DallasNews.com,” Campbell said.
The 2010 Dallas Auto Show will be held March3-7 at the Dallas Convention Center.