Fall 2012 issue of Horizons

TRANSPORTATION & DEALERSHIPS

Advertising of “hail sales” can be crucial and drive motivated buyers to the dealership even if they don’t end up purchasing a hail- damaged vehicle. If the dealership operates with its own body shop, it will also need to be prepared to adjust its operations to handle the increased volume. The flow of hail-damaged vehicles through the shop could disrupt operations for months. The parts department will have a role to play and will need to provide sheet metal and other parts on time to repair vehicles and not get left with special order parts that cannot be returned. While the actual hailstorm may only last 10 or 15 minutes, your entire operations could be turned upside down for months. Using the same approach to plan for other risks dealerships face can have immediate benefits. Overall, it’s critically important to assign champions within your business to develop solid and appropriate disaster plans and meet with them regularly to ensure relevancy.

RubinBrown’s Transportation & Dealerships Services Group RubinBrown assists the transportation industry through accounting, income tax, retirement, estate and fringe benefit planning.

John Butler, CPA – St. Louis Partner-In-Charge Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 314.290.3333 john.butler@rubinbrown.com

Russ White, CPA – Denver Partner Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 303.952.1247 russ.white@rubinbrown.com

Mary Ramm, CPA – Kansas City Partner Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 913.499.4406 mary.ramm@rubinbrown.com

Mark Conrad, CPA – St. Louis Manager Transportation & Dealerships Services Group 314.290.3425 mark.conrad@rubinbrown.com

page 44 | horizons Fall 2012