Car dealers have long been a powerful force in the automotive industry, and despite the rise of the agency model, they continue to hold significant influence. In this year’s Power List 100, sponsored by Keyloop, we celebrate the CEOs of these dealers who wield this power and shape the industry.
Gerhard Schürmann, CEO of Emil Frey, is a key player in the dealer landscape. Zurich-based dealer group Emil Frey AG is Europe’s biggest player and is celebrating its 100th anniversary next year. Schürmann prioritizes service over size and maintains a customer-first approach to retail. The group has expanded its footprint with a new digital insurance offering and partnerships with emerging car brands.
Roger Penske, Automotive chairman and chief executive of Penske Automotive, has had a wide-reaching impact on the automotive industry. His company operates in around 3200 locations globally and owns the UK-based Sytner dealer group. Sytner has been successful in the mass shift to an agency sales model. Penske’s achievements were recognized when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
Mike Manley, CEO of AutoNation, has a strong track record in the industry. AutoNation has sold over 14 million cars since its founding in 1996 and remains focused on transparency and consumer-centric retail practices. Manley recently highlighted the firm’s strong Q2 2023 results, demonstrating the resiliency of their operations and the benefits of their diversified business model. AutoNation also made a recent acquisition of mobile car maintenance service RepairSmith.
Bryan DeBoer, CEO of Lithia, is leading America’s third-biggest new vehicle dealer group. With 281 sites across the US and Canada and employing over 21,000 people, Lithia is on a bold initiative to increase revenues by $20 billion per year from 2020-2025. DeBoer’s commitment to expanding the firm’s physical retail footprint and bolstering its digital presence has driven the company’s rapid growth.
The Power List 100 is compiled based on several criteria, including global reach and influence, spending power, share of voice, technological influence, future growth potential, and market capitalization. The top 10 names are ranked, while the remaining 90 are grouped into categories. The list includes executives from traditional car makers, rising powerhouses from China, and the latest technology and mobility companies.
The editors of Autocar Business, the B2B product from the publisher of Autocar, have chosen the names on the Power List. Autocar Business aims to bring industry readers closer to the inner workings and key players of the global automotive industry.
The full Power List 100 will be available for download on October 18th. This comprehensive list showcases the most influential automotive heads in the world and provides valuable insights into the industry’s power dynamics.
In conclusion, while car makers may be attempting to regain buying power through the agency model, car dealers remain a formidable force in the industry. The CEOs of these dealerships hold significant influence and shape the direction of the automotive landscape. The Power List 100 recognizes their contributions and celebrates their achievements in driving the industry forward.