In an industry in which how much and how many matter, is there room for dealers who own only one, two or, perhaps, up to four stores? How about dealerships in small towns and rural communities that have planning volumes of 300 new vehicles or fewer a year?
Now, let's say you're a female or a minority dealer -- such dealers' numbers are small to begin with.
How do you compete?
"I think in the next seven to 10 years, if you're a nonluxury brand dealer and don't have more than three to five stores, it's going to be a challenge," said Damon Lester, president of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.