Car dealer Quote by Ashlee Vance
““Most car dealers make the majority of their profits from servicing cars. They treat vehicles like a subscription service, expecting people to visit their service centers multiple times a year for many years. This is the main reason dealerships have fought to block Tesla from selling its cars directly to consumers.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future, Ashlee Vance, 2015
Dealerships profit from recurring service fees, so they resist direct sales models that could reduce those revenues.
In simple terms: Car dealers earn money from service, not just sales.
Key Takeaway
Consider the impact of service revenue on sales models.
Themes
business strategy
market competition
consumer choice
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
business
informative
When to use this quote
- car buying
- auto service negotiations
- policy advocacy
- consumer education
Key Concepts
economics
industry regulation
disruption
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the consumer benefits of direct sales?
- How can service quality be maintained without dealerships?
A Different Perspective
Dealerships may argue service ensures quality and safety.
