March 18, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, vehicle assembly plants were forced to close last summer, which led to a backlog of dealer orders. Recently, the global microchip shortage has forced some plants to close once again. A combination of increasing demand and reduced vehicle production has created a shortage of vehicles at new car dealerships. As a result, industry resources report that dealer inventory is 40-50% below last year’s levels. Inventory of pickup trucks and vans are especially depleted.

The out-of-stock team at Wheels is experiencing the impact of this decreased inventory, which is impacting the length of both out-of-stock searches and vehicle pricing.  

When submitting an out-of-stock vehicle request, please keep the following items in mind to expedite the process: 

Be flexible on features

•  Consider what is required versus what is not needed and let us know upfront.

Provide multiple acceptable color choices

•  Indicate what is preferred plus a secondary option.

Factor higher dollar amounts in budget limits

•  Inventory currently in dealer stock is equipped with upgraded options and selling at higher price points. 
•  Out-of-stock has seen upwards of $3K- $5K client requested price caps. 

Approve quickly

•  Approve quotes quickly for the best chance in securing the vehicle.

Do you think from the customer’s perspective? Check out Laura Jozwiak, senior vice president of sales & customer relations at #WheelsInc, sharing insight on a customer-driven mindset.

Please join us for a monthly series focused on leveraging the power of FleetView™. Each month we will focus on a different topic and you’ll take away tips and tricks on how to best use this helpful technology tool. This month, we’re highlighting Configurable Reporting.

Due to COVID-19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a registration extension on all temporary tags and license plates, allowing motorists to continue operating their vehicles while the state worked through requests for license plates and renewals.      

Effective April 14, 2021, the Texas temporary waiver of vehicle title & registration extension will end.

In Texas, all vehicles are required to have a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) completed and passed in order to continue with the renewal of the vehicle. With the extension ending, drivers are encouraged to complete the vehicle inspection process as soon as possible to avoid violations.

Once the inspection is completed, requests will be sent to the state and can be expected to return within 10-15 business days and then mailed to the applicable address on file.

If the driver completes this process on their own, Wheels will ask for a copy of the registration to store in FleetView™.  Please send the completed registration copies to [email protected]. 

Please plan accordingly to complete this process. Below is a link to locate your nearest inspection station:

https://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/vi/VIactiveStationLocator/default.aspx

Contact a member of your Wheels Account Team with any questions.