In view of the fact that women buy half of all cars and are 67 percent of dealership service customers,I have to laugh when I hear about the so-called womenês niche market. The womenês market is the market, and itês amazing that we still have to talk about how important it is, said Anne E. Belec, president and CEO, Volvo Cars of North America at the NADA Convention.
Belec told attendees at the second annual Women Dealers Breakfast that the entire industry must change to resemble its customers. Auto retailing represents a huge employment opportunity for women, but only 7 percent of the dealership workforce is female, she said.
Belec urged the dealer executives at the breakfast to change the dealership environment so itês a more attractive place for women to work. Think about making changes thatêll make things easier for other women and for the next generation, she said, including creating more flexibility for employees with families.
Women dealers also need to make themselves more visible so they can be role models for others, Belec added. For instance, next time you have a speaking opportunity, take it, she told the women dealers in the room.
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