Toyota General Manager answers 10 TOUGH QUESTIONS...
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- In this video I have a tough conversation with Toyota, Ford, & Hyundai dealership General Manager (GM), Kevin Harris. We talk through some controvercial topics to include markups, greedy dealership tactics, the slowing of car sales across the US, and the high prices of new vehicles... specifically the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and 2024 Toyota Tundra. I ask for his honest, unfiltered responses... and I think he delivers.
Even after offering to share the topics with him the day prior, he respectfully declined and opted to do this LIVE! No prep, no going through the questions beforehand. These were his honest, on-the-spot responses.
I appreciate Kevin for taking the time to have this discussion. Not sure I'd be met with the same level of optimism with other GMs... so big shoutout to him.
If you guys appreciated this type of video, please consider Liking and Subscribing for more. Thank you for taking the time to tune in! Really appreciate it!
-Stay Untamed...
QUESTIONS ASKED:
1. Could you tell everyone who you are and how long you’ve been working in auto sales?
2. It’s no surprise that sales have slowed tremendously across all dealerships recently… what are you guys doing to remain competitive in today’s tough market?
3. Hardest vehicles to sell right now?
4. Easiest vehicles to sell right now?
5. Tundras and Tacomas stacking up on Toyota lots across the US. Why do you think that is?
6. Why have you historically charged markups? Is the additional $5-10K really worth losing a potential life-long customer? They likely won’t come back. (Especially in a small community like ours, where reputation matters).
7. Are you still deploying them now? Who benefits from these markups?
8. I often encourage folks to leave 1 star reviews for dealers that charge markups… and to remember who the greedy dealers were throughout the last few years. AND to never pay them business in the future. What would you say to that?
9. What is it you enjoy most about what you do?
10. What are the biggest challenges you face as a GM?
Anything else you’d like to share with my viewers?
#toyota #carmarket #generalmanager #markups
ENGAGE WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:
@untamed_motors
Respect to Kevin for sitting down and doing this, but most importantly being open minded and listening to his customers.
You must be his secretary.
Weird, his dealer website still have mark up listed on their site.
If he wants to stay an open business, he has to listen😂
Respect yeah right he seat down because the damage and reputación is done
😅😅😮😢
Never forget what dealers did to us during Covid.
practiced capitalism....
@@juanshaftpatel7488 I think you need to take a financing course and learn about the ways capitalism can be maliciously manipulated.
One of them is artificial price setting. Inflating commodities to artificial values by high % to valuation.
Say, $40k markups on $45K vehicle raising the average transaction price of the vehicle (MMR), combined with organic inflation (Fed).
It's always been one of the pitfalls of capitalism that it is so manipulable when scarcity becomes a concern.
Instead of appealing to the better-natures-of-man and "holding the line of decency" certain sectors of the market become scalpers.
This has ALWAYS been a problem.
Saying, "Ohh waaahh the banks did it!" when the banks raise LTV to accommodate shitty dealer practices and an inorganic cash-flood does not mean you had to market adjust like a greasy little gyri-lacking weasel. Nobody made you do that.
A small segment of consumers will always have the liquidity to pay stupid prices for stupid things.
Using them to bridge the gap between market-availability is also your problem.
Be a decent human being and please learn what capitalism *is* before thinking there is no net-cost for fucking with valuations.
I await your bloviation in response.
@@juanshaftpatel7488 Correct and it cuts both ways.. You heard him. Ones who pay a big mark up very rarely return.
The irresponsible consumer did this to us
@@Photoguy15 100% correct. I’ll bet that at least 95% of the consumers didn’t need a new car. They should have hunkered down and waited for supplies to catch up.
I give a lot of credit to that GM for agreeing to your interview and for his candid answers. I would want to give his dealership my business. Nice job Untamed!
And by doing so you would pay 10% to 20% more for your vehicles in that local market. Ken Garff is notoriously the highest price shop in town.
Wow you’re dumb.
Paid Markups is our fault, as a customer, because we decided to pay, and we are losing our values.
Absolutely correct. Saddens me that people would go along with those unfair asking prices. In many ways we are “too blessed “ here in America.
I get it and if people are financially capable, that’s capitalism and what America is about. People are free to make good and bad decisions, whatever you do, own it.
100%. If we didn’t pay them they wouldn’t keep doing it. Supply and demand.
Not really. If the vehicles weren't marked up to begin with it wouldn't be a problem.
“Our fault” ???
I personally didn’t pay a marked up price and in fact I have never even paid msrp.
I pay at MOST 1% over true invoice cost or I walk.
People need to learn to negotiate “invoice plus” deals instead of working down from msrp.
DEMAND to see the true copy of the dealer invoice so you have an idea of what you should pay above that invoice cost and if they won’t show you the invoice, get up and leave.
Respect to the general manager for taking that interview and yourself for the courage to speak with the dealer!
If dealerships don't change, Direct to consumer is the only solution. They are sealing their fate..
Yeah cut the middle man. No one liked car lots or salesmen.
Exactly. The Tesla business model is the key to ending all the Stealer-Ship unethical greed.
Definitely on a new car. Just order it online.
You have no idea what may happen. You do realize what happened to Tesla during covid times, right?
What the heck are you talking about with Tesla?
What ever you think of Tesla’s cars….. they’re selling direct business model is what we need other American companies to follow suit.
It’s so refreshing to see this interview and response from this general manager. I’d like to thank this man for his honestly and candid response to these tough questions. Regular folks appreciate it. Times are tough and we’re all in this together. This is a dealership people need to buy from.
They aren’t selling because the sales people treat customers like shit. I sat in that dealership for 2 hrs before anyone even talked to me. Then they wanted to if I was willing to put down 10k before they even knew what vehicle I was interested in. It was the absolute worst experience ever in a dealership I’ve ever had, went to their competitor and purchased 2 vehicles. Shame to, I really liked the car they had but no car is worth being treated that poorly when you spending 60 plus grand.
selling a vehicle is easier than doing a manual labor. get in and out in one hour should be the standard. bullcrap process
prob because you look poor
@@wagyu_killer then why are you a loser?
Garff is a crappy dealership group. They have the Mercedes franchise in Salt Lake City and I went to a party where a few of their mechanics were present. They bragged about how they “screwed the rich f*cks”, ex charging for services they never actually performed. As another commenter described, they completely ignored me on the sales floor; no Mercedes sale for them! I’ll tell you how I’ll use a Garff dealership- drag them thru a brutal sales negotiation and then go buy from someone else. Too bad, as I’d like to keep my business in my home states of Wyoming and Utah.
Ken Garff is terrible. I bought 2 cars from them. First one good, second will keep me from buying a third. Ken Garff Riverdale GMC is terrible and deceitful.
That’s awesome. Much respect for that GM to be open and willing to listen. May that dealership prosper under their new way of doing business.
Car dealers are right up there with the politicians in my book.
Unnecessary? I purchased a new Sienna a few months ago and there was not one thing the “team” did that I could not have done myself.
@@RustyZipper
Try to buy Land Cruiser and we will see what kind of experience did you have.
Yeah only bend over backwards for people like you who don't appreciate it!!!!!
Tactics aside, I give credit to this GM for being willing and open to have this discussion in such a transparent way.
Additionally, I can say that his people were really amazing a number of years back when my Dad (who lives in Montana, I live in California mind you) had his 1983 Tan Toyota Pickup finally give out after nearly 600k miles. That said, he was bummed and it kicked me into gear to find him a Quicksand Toyota Tacoma 2013, a Certified Used vehicle, and they were amazing top to bottom with the transaction which was a lot tougher than someone walking in off the street wanting to buy it would be. They were able to put it in his name (with my Mom’s help with documents), helped me in getting a lifetime service contract setup with the local to Montana dealer, and were able to deliver it on a truck bed to their very rural home.
I couldn’t imagine anyone let alone a group effort being so accommodating, foreseeing possible snags and helping to smooth them out before they happened, and it made for an amazing experience and resulted in my getting a 2013 FJ Cruiser in Quicksand a few years later :)
Thanks for the vid as well!! Doing the work of the journalists while they argue over identity politics and orange man bad, smh…
Thank you for that positive feedback. I’m glad to hear you and your dad had a pleasant experience with them a few years back! =]
Used Car Dealer in Northeast College Town: 12 years in Car business; sold new for GM, Toyota and Audi. Respect for Kevin for getting on camera.
He gets paid partially on reviews(bonuses.) I had 11 straight months of perfect surveys. It takes work: follow up, phone, pay attention to customers' wants, and own up when mistakes happen, as they do. He winced about the reviews.
He didn't have to do the interview. The power of a following of a Toyota enthusiast on UA-cam is a real thing. I think part of this is getting in front of a problem down the line. Brandon in North Carolina (Car Questions Answered) recently interviewed a GM at a Nissan dealer. Thanks for interview.
Huge respect for this GM. I can tell you from experience from dealerships in WI, not many would do this. I'm sure this was nerve-wracking for him to sit down and do this.
Haha yeah… much easier to say No to this. Kevin was more than happy to support this. He’s a solid dude! 👍
I’ve got some snow tires to sell you in July in Phoenix.
@@michaelevans691 lol don’t Like your own comment… not a good look. 😉 😂
I appreciate this interview. Up charging is never ok. Much respect to this dealership.
I agree it’s not okay, but it is a supply demand thing so I understand why they did especially during Covid. I don’t understand why they are doing it now though
Firstly , the manager seems like a class act and is VERY brave. Amazing. I think I could learn a lot from someone like him and I hope I get to meet a lot of people like him in my life.
Other thoughts:
When everything is purchased with debt , all problems are about interest rates. That's pretty much it.
When the money supply is debt , and the cost of that debt went up, it means the cost of everything went up.
People can't afford it. Basically...
If inflation is zero and rates go up , you still essentially have inflation until high rates drive down prices (causing deflation ) (they are , and they will).
If everything is debt (it sure seems like it is ) ... When the cost of financing doubles , prices have to be reduced by 50%... Basically...
Big kudos to this GM for doing this interview.
Kevin deployed expert level salesman tactic. Very good at his job. Story telling, empathy, regret, soft facial expressions.
By reading the comments… hook has been set. Now reel them in.
Don’t take it personal.. this is just business and on both sides
Good post!
All experienced salespeople take acting / training courses. This guy didn’t get to be the GM because he can clean a toilet
I'm President of my company and I came up thru Sales. Do you know how rare that is? Yes, many of us have had sales training. Kevin seems genuine to me. He had to beat out the Service Mgr, Finance Mgr, Accounting Mgr, and all the other trained sales people to get his job. If he has 151 employees, he has a huge payroll to make every week. You don't make the payroll using sales gimmicks...
EXACTLY!!!
I wanted to puke from his feigned innocent boy who seems to be lost in the dealership.
I smell a steaming pile of bs a mile away.
@@beersterbill Clinton also seems so innocent when he said w the same humble boy energy that he did not sleep w that woman.
You are duped chief.
We just want a fair and transparent deal. When the manufacturer says "this is what we think the car is worth"...who tf is a dealership to tack on $10k in bullshit fake fees.
I get that we all need to make money...but let's be transparent
Key point he made is buyers need to be transparent also makes you mad when they sell a hot vehicle and then see it online for over 10k more makes them think we should get that 10k!lol
@Sire638 you can't control what somebody does after the transaction. I understand where you're coming from, but the majority of us out here just want to buy a new vehicle for our own personal use. It's a very small number of models that are worth $10,000 more than the next week than what you paid for them this week...
If you want to do that to a Raptor R I'm all about it. But a midtrim F-150 shouldn't cost 75,000
Ken Garff's general manager seems genuine and caring. Respect to Kevin and Untamed for doing this difficult interview.
Thanks brother 🙏
Yeah, genuinely concerned about those 1 star reviews that are now hurting their current sales 😅
The reason he isn’t doing markups anymore is because he can’t. He is full of it. Like he had a life changing event from a UA-cam video
Yeah I call BS. They fafo. Lots are filling up so they are putting on a pleasant face to bring back the people they screwed over the last few years.
Ken Garff? Huh, I almost went out to this place for a Tacoma last year.
Finally! Someone who doesn't throw softball questions when given the opportunity. Great content!
Thanks brother! 🙏
UT, this was the best video yet! I can really appreciate both of you getting down to business with the industry. Not one of the Tacoma Bros has ever done something like this. This is something you and the GM should do together at least one a quarter. Keeping the dealership honest and transparent is the only way to continue to improve your business and brand! “You can’t coach integrity you are born with it!!!!!! “
Thanks a ton man for the positive feedback. Really appreciate that. 🙏 I’d like to setup a reoccurring engagement like this.
Moron
They are taking markups off because they are no longer selling lol
Hat's off to you as a GM to have such a sit down. Provide your answers and perspectives and show everyone what you.. your dealership... is doing to help the industry. Very down to earth and very respectful to see and hear your honesty and humility. Hopefully you trigger others in the automotive industry to follow suit. It's a great step in the right direction and the industry as well as the consumer needs it. Because frankly vehicle prices are astronomically to high. Granted there is a lot of technology in the new vehicles. However prices are beyond that. The industry is struggling as are the consumers. In some cases it is unaffordable and in far more it's just beyond acceptable to pay so much.
you just stumped and exposed dealers with this one. Very well done. You are one "unhappy customer" that is making a change and letting dealerships know that something needs to be done with our dealers and prices.
I guarantee if we have another round of Covid The general manager will be going back to markups. His answer was disingenuous on why they marked up vehicles. Now, if he had said the word greed, I would’ve had respect for him.
I remember a while back maybe 2 years ago I commented leave 1 star reviews. I'm glad that's still mentioned people do read reviews and dealerships care. Probably the best thing you can do end this takes 30 seconds
I need Kevin to take over at a few Toyota Dealerships here in the Balt./DC area... They could learn a a lot of things from him. Thank You Sir for sitting down in the hot seat to do this interview, much respect. We need more GM's out there like you!
I can’t say it enough, and I’m glad he acknowledged it, that most dealers loose sight of the value of building relationships through customer lifecycles rather than immediate profit.
Hat’s off to you Untamed Motors. I commend you for asking to tough questions and holding the dealerships accountable. Thank you for taking the risk !
I really appreciate it man, thank you 🙏
Thanks for the interview. This content is way better than the thousands of repeat content from any Toyota event. The amount of Taco/4Runner videos got old after the 3rd video. This on the other hand is just gold! This is juicy and refreshing. Hope you can do some follow ups with this GM in a few months about the industry and sales at the dealerships.
yeah it'd be nice to see/hear if his sales are going up and if his reviews are going up. I think that'd send a strong message through the dealerverse
Thanks for the feedback guys. I really enjoyed having this conversation with Kevin, and really appreciate his willingness to talk through some of these difficult topics.
Wow that GM gets it now and I wouldn't hesitate to buy a truck at that dealership he's honesty is refreshing. I think this channel is awesome great job.
He gets it? Thinking it's okay to gouge people to pad his pockets. Wake up bowhunter and smell the coffee. These new vehicles are way overpriced already without greedy dealer add ons.
@@randallzook5570 I agree with you 1000 percent they are way over priced but I give him credit to see his mistakes and hopefully he fixes them. I won't be trading my 2020 tacoma in for a new one. I'll wait to these price's come down but it's a start in the right direction. There is nothing he can do about toyota's greed but he can change his and I think he's on the right track.
words are all you needed? Nieve attitude is exactly what stealerships are looking for. I bet you have an auto loan(the quickest way to remain poor).
This was a great video, I feel you should do this more often and bring the GM's down to Earth. This GM seemed to be a reasonable person and humbled to the work you have been doing and listening to us as a community. Great work Untamed!
Amazed he did this, good for him!!!
He didn’t even think twice about it. Was more than happy to support. 👍
When auto loans rates are high and sales are bad, stealerships will do or say anything to get you in the door including playing the wholesome good guy card. When you trust anyone at a stealership you are in trouble.
@@islandhopper100 can't argue much with that!
I give this guy all the credit in the world for answering all your questions,even if I didn't like alot of the answers, but most if not all of the stealership owners would run and hide from your questioning.
A salesman is a salesman is a salesman. He’s not going to risk his job giving real answers. The supposed “turnaround” regarding markups is just a ploy to get your viewers to the dealership. “I have a lot to learn still” says a guy in the business for 25 years. He is cute though.
Did you watch the video? He gave real and thoughtful answers.
Your name is kirk
@@Jw2AmendmentAs a 25 year auto sales veteran myself...... This guy is a salesman who's word tracks are VERY prepped and methodical delivered.
He’s only been a GM for 3 years tho I think
Great interview with a good guy. It was honest and there needs to be more of this in the car business.
Great Job 💺 Force. This is what we want to see, true car journalism, asking the questions we want answered. The Manager was honest in his answers, specially with mark ups. Thank you. Kuddos to the Manager as well.
I appreciate it man, thank you! Was a fun conversation to have with Kevin. Grateful he was willing to have it. =]
Deep appreciation for the GM doing this interview, especially with taking some tough questions. The parent company hasn't had the best reputation in the industry, especially since the son/grandson started running the organization, but this interview suggests they have turned the corner- especially in terms of customer service. Thanks for posting up!
Nice of him to still put on the show for the interview, but the only epiphany dealers ever had was that uninformed customers will pay markups and continue to do so. lol
Great video , thank so much Kevin for your honesty, as a GM who started as a salesman, you have grown to be a great person and have recognized the true value of running a business. Yes is business and business have to make money but what a joy if on the process you are creating an environment where your employees become a better person and your customers are happy with the services you provided it.
Untamed, stay true to your core values, ethics, and morals. Don’t be discouraged for ever sticking to them, even when the boiling frogs try to pull you back into the pot. Your honesty and integrity keeps us coming back to view your videos, brother.
Thanks a ton man, really appreciate that. I’ll stay the course! =]
That was very wrong thing to do during Covid that all the dealers did and are still doing in different places I live in Oregon, but you are genuine person, and I would love the pleasure of buying a Toyota from you if I lived in your state, it is a pleasure to listen to you and have tough questions thrown at you
One of your best videos. Great that you brought the GM to the forefront and showed that there is a sincere person behind the scenes. This interview is a result of your organizational management background. Thank you for highlighting this side of the business.
Overpriced.
Mad respect for this GM. It takes a real man to admit wrongdoing and make things right again.. 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 kudos
@@bigeee3123 100% agree. He’s a great guy.
Kudos to you for having this interview and gutsy move from the GM in doing it.
Thanks man, really appreciate that feedback.
Great interview. That GM is solid. I am happy that he is backing up on the mark ups and he should be applauded for that.
Untamed is knocking it out of the park!!! 😎
Haha thanks brother. =]
Much respect to this GM for sitting down and answering some tough questions. I live down in Greeley and I’ll be in the market for a new truck in a few
Months. I’ll go up and check out his dealership for sure, thanks to this video 🤙🏽 nice work Untamed
Thanks brother 🙏
That’s great to hear. I hope they can take care of you come that time.
Hook line and sinker!
Love this interview and the candid responses the GM was giving. I purchase a couple cars a year, and I will add dealership to the inventory of cars that I'm continually looking to buy.
Kevin is a class act and I give him huge credit for the interview. There is clearly a difference between dealers in densely populated areas and those in ex-urban and rural areas, and how they treat customers.
Willing to have this conversation now that he has a lot full of cars he can’t sell. Probably wouldn’t have been so open when gouging everyone in 2022/2023
I have huge respect for him doing an interview with you. I hope Toyota can’t fire him. It is nice to hear from someone in his spot
Fire him for what?
He doesn’t work for Toyota.
@@Murphy007 that is true but I can’t imagine Toyota doesn’t the power to insert some influence. I don’t know, just the thought I had
@@davidgonzales82why would Toyota want to fire him ? Toyota gets 0 money from dealership markups.
Great video! Thank you!
Kevin seems like he cares about his customers! Hearing his answers makes me feel like there really are some good car dealerships out there!! At least ONE!
The owners of that franchise should give their GM Kevin a huge bump for his quality of service and commitment to them. A genuine dude that helps soften that dark cloud on top of stealerships. Great vid and informative
The GM seemed sincere and I applaud him for giving this interview... I truly think he is a good Man and that he truly cares about others in providing a great service and product and is not only interested in PROFIT.
A special not for Untamed,
Very well done on this interview.
Thanks for your boldness, keep up the good work.
I worked for Lakeland Toyota Lakeland FL back from 1995-98. I worked used cars, but was also able to sell new. We stayed on our side of the lot because selling new was not worth it. It was a great education, and it's interesting to see how it's changed so much. Great interview, Thanks.
Under NO circumstances should anyone pay a markup price on any new vehicle, especially given the fact that depreciation starts almost as soon as the vehicle is driven off of the dealership lot. I was fortunate with my last vehicle purchase in July 2021 in that I was able to purchase it at the end of the lease term directly from Toyota Finance, thereby avoiding the dealership altogether. In fact, the lady at Toyota Finance was very helpful and was more than happy to take the credit for the sale of the vehicle. One benefit of leasing is that you know exactly what the vehicle purchase price will be, less sales tax and state title and registration fees. In my case, the vehicle, a 2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Limited Hybrid, had only about 21,000 or so miles, far less than the 36,000 mile lease limit. And, the total cost to purchase it was less than the book value. Nearly three years later, the vehicle is still the best all-around one I've ever had. As an added bonus, no car payments!😊
Leasing vehicles is what poor people do.
@@islandhopper100 I know many people that are far from poor and they will only lease because they like having a new car every 2-4 yrs
I recently purchased a new Sienna AWD LE and paid the $1400 dealer fees / markup. I accepted it and had been waiting 2.5 years to get a LE allocation. Ironically they had an identical van: ‘21 with 34k miles for sale upon pickup, for $5k less ($38k). Like WTF would I buy a 3 year old van with 34k miles to save $5k? 🤷♂️ Mine was $43k with 4 miles, and no rust here in Upstate NY. I only plan on keeping the van 15 years or so, I have an ‘11 Elantra that I bought new which I still love to drive.
@@algarinthompson8749- my cousin leases for 6-12 months at a time. He’s what some would consider “not poor”, likely does it for a tax write off. His airplane is a massive tax write off as well. He explained some years back that Trump changed the tax rules and vehicles had very limited tax relief but airplanes had massive tax incentives to “reward” the upper echelon. IDK, I’m just an exterminator 🤷♂️
@algarinthompson8749 I agree 100% because I was one of those folks who liked having a new vehicle every three or so years. That was, until the pandemic was thrust upon us and dealership inventory was scarce and, in many cases, marked up. It just made sense for me to purchase my current vehicle because of the low mileage and the likelihood of long-term reliability. In all honesty, if this vehicle wasn't a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid or other Toyota model, I probably would have leased a new vehicle like I've done for many years. Definitely, if the vehicle was a German- make as the inevitable repair costs will be exorbitant when the vehicle is out of warranty.
Fresh take - recognizing that a customer taking the time to provide (honest) details of a negative experience is actually providing a valuable service for the business, an opportunity to improve.
Businesses that ignore this constructive feedback deserve the results.
Never forget any dealer who price gouged customers during the Coof!
Huge respect for Kevin to have this interview in the first place!
I tried to buy my Tacoma from a dealer down the road, but unfortunately their tactics forced me across town for the same rig. As I sat in the various dealerships, I was disgusted by the tactics that were happening, but I also realized that the only reason these tactics exist it’s because they actually make the dealership most profitable.
What Kevin was too diplomatic (and smart) to say is that consumers fall for this stuff all the time. Why would a dealership or sales person walk away from money if it was just thrown at them? People on this channel might be smart enough to “deal” when buying an auto, but a huge majority of people roll in and just pay whatever they are told to pay. Also, the “No BS pricing” makes people believe they’re getting a great deal when truly what it means is they’re going to get screwed on their trade.
Bottom line: dealerships won’t stop dealing in this manner until the general public stops rewarding them for it.
He has a tough job but he’s doing a great job. Good luck to him and his team.
That was a very nice honest and respectful conversation. We need more of this in life today.
Thank you Untamed Motors.
Really appreciate it, Bruce. Thank you. This was a fun conversation to have, I’m grateful for Kevin being open to the idea.
Really appreciate Kevin doing this. Wow!
Super grateful for his willingness to support this video for you guys! =]
Man a lot of respect to the GM! Self reflection is key too grow!
Incredible job Untamed
Guys this what is missing from society overall: making a living while allowing others to live. Kevin I will come to Cheyenne, WY to purchase my next vehicle. I’m super impressed by you Kevin and the Ken Garff dealerships. Great video Fish……..
Great interview. Kuddos to Kevin! Awesome GM very genuine and modest. Good job UNtamed
Thanks brother 🙏 Really appreciate the positive feedback. Grateful Kevin was willing to support this chat.
Are you his secretary?
Great questions and props to the Gm for doing the interview. Bc, at the end of the day, any GM avoiding such an interview you have to ask, “What do they have to hide?”
I'm glad he did this. it is indeed a rare thing. However, he lost an opportunity. Speaking on Markups, he should have said straight out they were wrong, I was wrong, the dealership was wrong for taking them and it will NEVER happen here again at this dealership as long as I am in charge. Then he said, we did it because everyone else did it. He spoke a LOT about leadership. However, he admitted in saying they followed every other greedy dealer to become like them, he showed no leadership at all during those times. An acknowledgement of that, would have been gratefully received. so this is 2 opportunities he had that he simply neglected. On the good side, I do believe him when he spoke of his employees. He does seem to care. I think he hates having to correct someone who messes up, but he will bite his lip and do it. He does seem to be genuine. I may be in the market a little later for either a Sienna or the new 25 Camry. When I get one, it must be supersonic red. I could drive all the way there to get one due to this interview. Thanks to both of you for conceiving and executing this interview.
The hero that nobody ask for but that we really NEED it! Thank you Untamed Motors
Cheers to the dealership GM for having the guts
Fantastic video here.
I was a Nissan/Mazda technician for 10 years in the 80s. I was very fortunate to work for a dealership that shared the same values as I’m seeing here. It is refreshing to see a general manager like this gentleman that is willing to reflect and make changes. He seems to be willing to do that professionally and personally. It is also very apparent that he genuinely cares for his employees and their families.
Respect to Kevin for taking responsibility for his role in mandating ADMs. The customers that agreed to pay the ADMs are just as culpable tho. The fact that he will no longer ask for ADMs on any vehicle means a lot and I hope his dealerships’ succeed under his leadership.
I’m having to fly 650 miles to Indiana to get my 2024 4Runner TRD Pro because the Southeast Toyota Distributor mafia & affiliated Toyota dealers’ markup every pro model by an average of $8-10k over sticker. It’s sickening and i refuse to pay $1 over sticker unless it’s on add on I actually want.
How much the sticker price says?
@@Fast_Vaizard $57,094
@@dilligafmofoker wao that a low price, here in Puerto Rico they selling the tacoma 4x4 trd sport premium in 59k has the sticker and the want to sell it in more
@@Fast_Vaizard is the $59k Taco price in PR for a 2024 or 2023? I’m not interested in the new 2.3L turbo.
@@dilligafmofoker is the 2024 and here a 2023 trd pro 4x4 still in 48k and the use interes are blow 13% plus
Kudos to Kevin for taking on this interview and for acting like a caring, decent person. Nice work to both of you.
👏 whatever 👏 the 👏 market 👏 will 👏 bear 👏 .... if you pay it, they'll charge it. Takes 2 to tango 😉
I loved this interview. I will probably buy a '24 Tacoma. My local dealer sold me a '23 Rav4 Hybrid at MSRP. That was rare last year. I will go back to him for my new truck. I met Karsten Solheim in 1986. He treated me very well in fixing my problem with my ping golf clubs. He gave me a great deal on a new set of clubs. I have been one of his best non-paid salesmen ever since. In both the Tacoma and Tundra, Toyota is asking us to take a leap of faith jump with them on their downsized engines, and they are asking for a substantial increase in money to go along with it.
This guy is so ingenuous. I feel like i need a shower after watching this. Simply slimy vibes.
Legit feels like I’m watching failed actor. His forced shifts in tone and repeatedly talking to the camera makes it feel like the South Park BP oil spill scene
Especially his reaction to one star reviews.
What is the difference between ingenious and disingenuous?
Ingenuous is roughly synonymous with naive, and its antonym is disingenuous, which means "giving a false impression of being honest and sincere."
That was a very good video. I commend Kevin for stepping forward with character and making changes. I am in the process of buying a 2024 4Runner. If I have any issues with my dealer I will give this one a try next.
Great interview. The general manager was very receptive to the interview. Much respect!!!
He’s a stand up guy… definitely receptive to critical feedback… willing to admit faults. Appreciate him supporting this video for you guys! =]
Im in SC..ISO a Nissan Titan Pro4x...even though I appreciate Kevin's words, he would be the first GM that I have come across that has any real interest in his employees...100% its a biz and the bottom line is priority #1...maybe he is being sincere-only his employees will know that..if he is, thats awesome. happy for his employees. I like this video-..as other GMs should jump on this band wagon and try to show a genuine/vulnerable side...nice work.
Good video untamed thanks
I love he had an epiphany BUT 6 months later do they still have markups? lol I mean one of the jobs of a GM is to be a smooth talker lol he can promise the world but if none of those promises come true it meant nothing...It woudl be nice if your wanting to ask these questions actually changed something for the better thats great! They have to make money and want to make the most money possible thats why they go to work everyday BUT they can make a tiny bit less and create lifelong customers which in the end makes them more anyway...
Kevin is open and honest.......refreshing
When I saw the title and the intro, I thought it was going to be a parody. WOW I can’t believe he honestly went on camera with an actual interview!😮
Good Video. Now knowing they will not charge mark up I'll be reaching out to him for 1958 LC. I'll tell him UT sent me.
Great interview Untamed. I still won’t do business with any dealership who marks up over MSRP. I’ve never paid more than $500 over invoice
Let’s go Untamed 👍
Great video! I appreciate this manager taking the time to answer these tough questions. I would definitely go to this dealership to purchase a vehicle!
What a great interview this guy is a genuine dude. It would be awesome. If we all could take constructive criticism this way keep up the good work untamed!
Thank You, Ken for your honesty. I think that teaching people how to be better people should start at HOME . Learning respect at a car dealership is unexplored territory and if that's where you learn it your parents have failed you miserably. Good interview, Good information. Greed has taken over in all aspects of our lives and we will all suffer the consequences!
I’d buy from this dealership. Great vid.
Good insight and changes by the manager ! Praises,
They aren’t selling because the are too overpriced
Yeah I agree.., that’s the largest piece of the equation. I’d wager 25-30% overpriced at the moment for what you get.
And interest rates are high, plus people are upside down on their trade in because they overpaid on the last car and it’s dropped in value.
Your comment covered the entire segment in a few simple words.😊
This GM is a stand up fella.
Thank you to this GM for doing the interview, extremely hard times and circumstances. Appreciate his honesty and willingness to change. Big change however will have to come from higher up. I understand everything is going up in price due to inflation, higher salaries per government regulations etc... However, straight up gouging is now being noticed industry/nation wide. I love Toyota, and would love to get another Tacoma... Obviously with these prices it's not in the cards. Was super excited for this generation of Tacoma and was waiting years to buy it... We'll just have to wait and see what happens. I'll hold on to my 13' Sport until the time is right.
Hopefully all the Toyota shill channels learn something from this video.
Its good that Kevin sat down with you for this. That takes some guts to do. I will truly respect it only if and when there is solid proof that he and the dealership sells all vehicles at a fair price to the buying public without these markups. AND TO THE BUYING PUBLIC.......please stop buying over-prices vehicles. In many ways, it is that simple, stop buying them.
Respect to that GM for doing this.