Robert Villanueba

The automotive dealership landscape in 2025 presents a paradox. While overall car sales have cooled from the pandemic era frenzy, dealership professionals faced an unexpected opportunity, one that separates those who adapted from those who get left behind. If you're a service technician, service advisor, or service manager reading this, I want to be direct: the dealership market you're working in today isn't what it was in 2023 or 2024. Softer sales volumes, extended inventory cycles, and shifting customer behaviors are real. But here's what I've observed from my 35+ years in this industry and from working with hundreds of dealership professionals across the country: downturns create opportunity for those positioned to capitalize on it. The Reality Check: What Lower Sales Actually Mean Lower new car sales put pressure on dealerships. Gross margins tighten. Budgets get scrutinized. Some dealerships respond by cutting costs, including staffing. This is where many prof...

In the ever evolving automotive industry, one pressing concern stands out: the retention of skilled technicians and the looming decline in the quality inexperienced technicians produce. Robert Villanueba, a seasoned automotive expert with deep knowledge in automotive fixed operations, shares his valuable perspective on this critical issue. With 30 years of experience, Villanueba emphasizes the urgent need for proactive training to ensure the next generation of technicians can uphold the high standards set by today’s veteran professionals. The Current Landscape Automotive dealerships are at a crossroads. As veteran technicians retire, the industry faces a growing talent gap. Villanueba notes that without immediate action, the quality of technician repairs will continue to decline. The complexity of modern vehicles, coupled with a lack of interest from younger generations, poses a real threat. He believes that foundational procedures and skills meticulously honed by veteran technicians a...

As we step into 2025, it’s a prime opportunity to reflect, adapt, and drive innovation in your service department. Whether you’re a service manager, advisor, technician, or part of the guest services team, the collective goal is clear: deliver unparalleled value to your customers while fostering a thriving, motivated workplace. Here’s how to build a standout year for your service department. Empowering Service Advisors Service advisors are the linchpins of the guest experience. They are the first point of contact and the bridge between the customer and the technician. To elevate their performance: Invest in Training: Equip advisors with advanced communication and technical skills. Continuous learning builds confidence and enhances their ability to explain repairs and maintenance effectively. Streamline Tools: Ensure your advisors have access to modern scheduling and CRM tools to make appointments and follow-ups seamless. Prioritize Transparency: Encourage honesty and clarity in all ...

After 35 years in the automotive industry, I've learned one undeniable truth: a dealership's success hinges on its ability to retain both its employees and customers. These two elements are inextricably linked, creating a symbiotic relationship that drives sustainable growth and profitability. The Employee Retention Challenge Let's face it – our industry has traditionally struggled with employee turnover. The average dealership turnover rate hovers around 46%, which is significantly higher than the national average across industries.  Why Employee Retention Matters When we retain experienced staff, we preserve: Employee Security Deep product knowledge Established customer relationships Efficient operational processes Team cohesion These 3 strategies will dramatically reduce turnover: Career Development Paths Clear advancement opportunities Regular skills training Leadership development programs Compensation Innovation Base pay plus performance incentives Ben...

As we stand on the cusp of a technological revolution, the automotive service and repair industry is poised for significant transformation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to reshape how we diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles in the coming years. Let's explore the potential impacts of AI on this sector over the next five years. 1. Enhanced Diagnostic Capabilities AI powered diagnostic tools will become increasingly sophisticated, able to analyze complex data from multiple vehicle sensors simultaneously. This will lead to more accurate and faster problem identification, reducing diagnostic time and improving repair efficiency. Robert Villanueba, an industry expert, emphasizes this point: "AI's ability to process vast amounts of data in real time will revolutionize how we approach vehicle diagnostics. It's not just about speed; it's about precision and comprehensiveness." 2. Predictive Maintenance AI algorithms will analyze vehicle data to predict potent...

In a stark reminder of our increasing reliance on digital systems, auto dealerships across the United States found themselves in an unprecedented crisis when CDK Global, a major provider of dealership management software, fell victim to a significant cyberattack. This incident has sent shockwaves through the automotive retail industry, disrupting operations and highlighting the vulnerabilities in our interconnected digital ecosystem. Impact on Dealerships The fallout from this cyberattack has been severe and wide-reaching: Operational Paralysis: Many dealerships have been unable to process sales, access customer information, or manage inventory. This has effectively brought their operations to a standstill. Financial Losses: With systems down, dealerships are losing potential sales and struggling to complete transactions that were already in progress. Customer Service Disruptions: Unable to access customer data, dealerships are finding it challenging to provide basic services or h...