At the core of any new vehicle purchase transaction is the interaction between the sales professional and the client. It’s a relationship built on trust and service, and a key reason why a customer chooses one dealership over another. That said, the integration of new auto industry technology is playing a bigger role in the sales process, and that means better customer service for anyone thinking of purchasing a new or used vehicle, especially if they’re considering a purchase from the Bourgeois Auto Group.
The Bourgeois Group went through an expansion during the pandemic, increasing from one dealership at the beginning of 2019 to its current four dealerships. One of the major pillars of their customer-focused strategy is allowing customers ease of access to shop any one of their four locations online or in-person.
“Since COVID things have changed,” said Tom Murray, Dealer Group Sales Representative for the Bourgeois group of dealerships. “For example, we now offer valet service. I can sell you a car anywhere in Ontario and I can have it delivered right o your front door. You would not have to leave your office or home. We’re making it easier for the consumer, not having to make time to come into the dealership. You can make the purchase from the comfort of your home or office.”
Although Murray works out of the Bourgeois Auto Group’s Hyundai dealership on King Street in Midland, he and his sales colleagues are also able to sell any of the new or used vehicles currently available in the organization’s inventory.
“Not only can I sell you a Hyundai but also a brand-new Nissan, a brand-new Ford, or any of the new or used vehicles we have available throughout our four dealerships,” said Murray, an award-winning auto sales professional with more than 30 years' experience. “Because of COVID and the limited supply a lot of dealerships didn’t have stock, so people were calling us from outside our PMA (primary market area) and buying vehicles over the phone and having them shipped. We sold vehicles to people as far as Newfoundland.”
While the volume of available new vehicles is approaching pre-COVID levels, Murray said there are still lingering inventory challenges. However, he’s seen improvements in pre-order status wait times at all four Bourgeois Auto Group locations.
“If you want to pre-order a vehicle with us we’re seeing timelines far lower than they were doing COVID,” he said. “We’re looking at a two-to-four-month turnaround or less rather than the six-to-eight-month turnaround during the height of the pandemic.”
While picking a favourite brand from the four distinct automotive brands he’s tasked with selling would be like picking a favourite child, Murray says he does have a favourite vehicle from each. He is particularly proud of the advances in design and technology being showcased in the new Hyundai models.
“I will say with the Hyundai products the new electric vehicles we offer are state of the art and way above anything else on the market. They’re also fantastically priced as well. We have an open-door policy for anyone that wants to come in for a test drive to see for themselves.”
Even with all the advances in automotive technology now being integrated into new vehicles, Murray said consumers are still primarily looking for personal comforts when seeking to buy new cars and trucks.
“Most people are looking for comfort with a lot of the boomers getting to a certain age,” he said. “A lot of people are looking for fuel economy of course with gas prices being what they are, but more importantly, people are looking for features that benefit and assist them when driving. Things like side driver cameras to help cover blind spots, adaptable cruise control, or vehicles that issue warnings to avoid pedestrians or other objects. They also want technology like Bluetooth and Apple Car Play and Android Auto which are now standard in most models.”
Regardless of the brand he’s selling, Murray said even after all these years in automotive sales he’s still motivated by the same goal.
“To find the right vehicle when people come in here and see them leaving with the vehicle that best suits their needs and budget, that’s what makes me happy,” he said.
To connect with Tom, text or email him direct at 705.527.3762. And to find out more about the amazing products and services available from Bourgeois Auto Group, visit them online at https://bourgeoisautogroup.com/.