Common IoT-related Questions from Car Dealers

1.) Car Dealer: As an auto dealer, I’m facing multiple challenges. I read a recent study that said almost 90% of customers hate something about the typical car-buying experience and I don’t know what to do about that. As my costs continue to increase, I’m worried about my ability to stay relevant in this new era. How can you help me?

SBT: We understand your challenges. We know that, over the years, after visiting a car dealership, many potential customers have exited feeling duped, disrespected, or downright disregarded. We know that type of unrest has given birth to new ways for customers to navigate the car-buying process. Most shoppers now enter the lot armed with information from the internet, ready to walk right back out the door and buy a vehicle from another dealer (or the internet) if they don’t like what they see or hear. And, like you said, with rising expenses and decreasing productivity, it’s imperative that car dealers stay ahead of the curve.

That’s where we can assist. We can help you cut costs on energy bills (and maintenance) AND boost your dealership’s overall productivity by implementing a customized, “smart” system for lighting and HVAC. With this smarter digital infrastructure in place, you will dramatically slash spending, reallocate those savings to other areas of need, and generate new custom applications that drive innovation and productivity.

2.) Car Dealer: Wait. Did I hear you correctly? You just mentioned that, with the savings the smart system will bring, I can reallocate resources to other areas of need. Are you suggesting that implementing a “smarter” system into my dealership can solve not only direct problems I’m facing (like high utility costs) but indirect headaches, too?!

SBT: Bingo!!! Think about it! You only have a limited number of resources (time, energy, and money) at your disposal. Like we said, choosing a smart system will solve the direct problems of high utility costs and inefficiency, but it doesn’t end there. With a digital infrastructure now in place, you’ll also have the ability to glean additional data insights not previously available. Deeper data insights coupled with increased savings provide you with the newfound resources you need to stay ahead of the competition.

See, with a switch to smarter energy systems, as a dealer, you will indirectly collect more time (because you don’t have to worry about dealing with utility-related issues manually), energy (because you won’t have it sucked away by outdated materials), and money (because of increased overall workplace productivity). You can then take those extra resources and re-allocate them to other business-related challenges associated with this new era of car-buying (like online marketing or shop issues). Think of a set of dominoes falling or the butterfly effect…that’s the same type of principle in play when it comes to converting to a smart system.

3.) Car Dealer: Okay, I’m intrigued. But, first things first: What exactly is a “smart” IoT-based system?

SBT: In simplest terms, a smart IoT-based system is one that has multiple devices connected to and working with each other through the internet. These devices work in concert with one another to create a digital infrastructure by using your lighting as a backbone. In other words, a smart system features a bunch of devices that are connected to each other and do stuff. (Think of Alexa or Google Home.)

4.) Car Dealer: Hmm. A “smart” IoT-based system sounds like something out of a futuristic novel. I imagine it’s complicated and not worth the hassle. And training…how am I going to learn how to use this new technology?!

SBT: We understand those concerns, but smart technology is not just a “thing of the future.” It’s here right now, today, in the present. Time often brings about progress, and that’s absolutely the case with smart LED lighting and HVAC systems. These systems save you money and protect your resources. Additionally, our technicians are incredible teachers and trainers who will support you (and your employees) every step of the way when it comes to using the systems. We promise: You will not have to walk through this journey on your own.

5.) Car Dealer: So, a smart system includes advanced LED lighting. I know a little bit about LED lighting. How can an advanced LED lighting system bring down my utility costs?

SBT: Without getting too deep into the technological weeds, LEDs produce brighter light, give off less heat, and consume less power. Additionally, their replacements last MUCH longer and are MUCH cheaper than the fluorescents or HiD bulbs you’re currently using. Those perks, combined with an automated, programmed control system that can regulate when lights turn on and off, can generally slash your energy costs somewhere between 30% and 70%. With more aggressive system optimization strategies, we’ve had clients realize savings of over 90%! (We invite you to visit our online hub for more in-depth articles about LED lighting.)

6.) Car Dealer: What other benefits would LED lighting bring to my dealership?

SBT: Imagine car-buyers walking into your showroom and finding themselves dazzled by the beauty of the vehicles under a tailored light display (that will, again, save you money). Good lighting temperature makes a major difference when it comes to dealership presentation—and you could have a clean, sleek showroom with colors that pop under brighter light WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY using less energy. Additionally, all the data out there suggest that people are most productive—mentally, physically, and emotionally—in an environment that features (or at least mimics) natural light. (Fluorescent bulbs do the opposite, thereby harming productivity and wasting resources.) And, with an LED conversion, you’ll create even greater opportunities to establish a digital infrastructure in your dealership

7.) Car Dealer: Okay, so beyond lighting, what else can a smart system include?

SBT: As we mentioned before, a smart system is made up of multiple connected devices that work together to build a digital infrastructure. With that in mind, another major “process” that can become “smart” is the HVAC operation. A smart system for your dealership’s HVAC units will recognize when blowers should turn on or off, and, through sensors and controls, will regulate temperature according to your dealership needs.

8.) Car Dealer: Obviously, there will be up-front costs associated with implementing a smart control system. What can I expect to pay at the outset, how long will it take to make that money back, and what is my expected long-term return on my investment?

SBT: That’s hard to tell without doing an audit of your dealership and talking to you about your specific needs. That being said, because owners generally find energy bill savings of at least 30% right off the rip (which are then combined with utility rebates from power companies) and they find their workers to be more productive overall, the short and long-term returns are very, very impressive.

9.) Car Dealer: Where can I learn more about LED lighting, advanced networked controls, “IoT,” and other topics that can help me make an informed decision?

SBT: We created a free educational hub specifically for car dealers like you who would like to learn more. Whether you are a novice when it comes to all this “technology stuff” or an expert in the field who loves to stay “connected” to new developments, our website hub has something for everyone. We have articles, videos, and much more—all designed to help you learn more about today’s ever-changing energy systems that can take your business into a new era.