Arlena Sawyers

When Irma Elder's husband died, she became the first woman to own a Ford dealership in metro Detroit and then expanded the group to become one of the largest woman- and minority-owned auto retailers in the country.

Bob and Norma Ross became the country's first Black Mercedes-Benz dealer, paving the way for daughter Jenell to become an influential industry advocate for the development of women and minorities as dealers and in the retail automotive work force.

Barbara Wilson became the industry's first Black female dealer principal when she and her husband, Porterfield Wilson, acquired a Honda store in 1979. Porterfield's sales prowess put them on the path to retail success, landing him a Pontiac dealership in 1970.

Parts shortages and a surge in repair work could spur dealerships to add 3D-printing capability in about 5 to 7 years.

At a time when car dealers are desperate to land more vehicles to sell, retail technology firms see an opportunity to bolster their inventory-sourcing offerings.

Workers at Planet Ford-Lincoln in Texas can voluntarily contribute $10 per month to a fund from which they can also withdraw money when a personal emergency arises.

After four federal interest rate hikes in 2018 and three reductions last year, consumer auto loan rates are easing, according to analysts who track loan patterns and dealers committed to finding the best rates for their customers.

Educating consumers before they arrive at the dealership about why they need such products is critical, pros say.

F&I trainers, auditors and software providers help dealerships be compliant by alerting them to new laws and regulations, including changes that may be coming.