Jumpstart Automotive Group

Steve Wilhite, President of Jumpstart Automotive Group, opened the 2008 THINKTank summit with a frank, but optimistic assessment of the current state of the automotive business. “The credit choke hold has had wide spread effects. Housing values continue to plummet, foreclosures are rising, and the consumer confidence index is at an all time low. These are not the best times; however there are still approximately 3.2 million customers who are in-market on a monthly basis. How can we help automotive manufacturers, dealers and their agencies be smarter at finding and connecting with these customers?”

Steve continued by introducing the notion that we are at a tipping point in the automotive business: that the industry is facing a fundamental, structural change. This change offers much opportunity to those who are willing to embrace it. The opportunity exists to spend less and market smarter by shifting media dollars from traditional mediums to the digital space. “Television is horribly inefficient.” The internet is a much more efficient medium. We know at least 70% of shoppers use the internet. Through Jumpstart’s family of websites, we have the greatest reach of in-market shoppers.

Steve wrapped up his comments by challenging the THINKTank attendees to come up with solutions to help automotive manufacturers and their dealers win.