Transforming dealerships for market disruptions
In today’s market, dealerships and other automotive industry participants must meet the new challenges of an entirely transformed environment. But transformation is nothing new in the auto dealership industry. Now more than ever you need a team who can provide insights on what changing regulations and market disruptions mean, and the financial practices that will prepare you to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.
Whether it’s market consolidation, shifting buyer journeys, Environmental Social Governance (ESG) modifications, regulation reform or the switch to electric vehicles, there is a revolving door of issues that can challenge even the most experienced dealerships, rental centers and other automotive retail businesses. However, when you have a business advisor who can provide the reliable, data-driven insights you need to reinforce overall financial practices and meet changing demands, you’ll be ready for what’s next.
With decades of industry experience, BDO can help position your dealership to take advantage of emerging trends and set a strategic course for a promising future. As you move your business forward, you can rely on us for the critical advice you need to build resilience for the road ahead.
How BDO Can Help
Who We Serve
We work with dealerships of all sizes and sectors.
Automotive Dealerships
Motorcycle & Power Sports Dealers
RV Dealers
Rental & Fleet Operations
Experience You Can Count On
We provide world-class audit, tax and advisory services to dealerships ranging from single-point dealerships to regional and national franchises. Through every market evolution, our experienced professionals have helped clients adapt and strengthen tax strategies while maintaining regulatory compliance and managing risks.
- Financial reporting — Our professionals and digital audit suite can provide step-by-step advice that put you in control of your P&L.
- Compliance and business consulting — We’ve helped dealerships navigate changing regulations and legislation through countless political administrations.
- Cash flow and internal controls — From transactional flow analysis to establishing best practices, we can help you manage operations and safeguard assets to drive greater margins.
- Dealership sales and M&A — Planning to buy, sell or transfer ownership? We have the valuation, due diligence and buy-sell experience you need.
- Online marketing strategies — With increasing competition from online buying services, your digital marketing strategies need to be razor sharp. We can help you stay relevant and out front.
Auto Dealership Insights
Explore our most recent resources and thought leadership.
Driving Profits Newsletter
February 21, 2022Driving Profits Newsletter
February 21, 2022Success in the dealership industry depends on adapting to ever-changing external factors.
U.S. Senate Committee Expands Alleged Forced Labor Probe Involving Major Automakers to Suppliers
April 12, 2023U.S. Senate Committee Expands Alleged Forced Labor Probe Involving Major Automakers to Suppliers
April 12, 2023The U.S. Senate Committee is expanding its probe into alleged forced labor involving major automakers to their suppliers.
Sales Tax: Common Risks, Overlooked Deductions and Refund Opportunities for Dealerships
March 22, 2023Sales Tax: Common Risks, Overlooked Deductions and Refund Opportunities for Dealerships
March 22, 2023This article summarizes some common risk areas, overlooked deductions, and refund opportunities for dealerships.
An Update on Renewable Energy Tax Credits for Dealerships
March 22, 2023An Update on Renewable Energy Tax Credits for Dealerships
March 22, 2023The Inflation Reduction Act has created an opportunity for companies to advance clean energy commitments while lightening tax burdens. Learn what auto dealerships need to know.
Forced Labor and Proving the Negative with U.S. Customs
February 13, 2023Forced Labor and Proving the Negative with U.S. Customs
February 13, 2023The pressure on U.S. companies importing goods from overseas to document that their supply chains are free from forced labor has never been greater or more critical.
Treasury, IRS Release Additional Information on Clean Vehicle Provisions of Inflation Reduction Act
January 25, 2023Treasury, IRS Release Additional Information on Clean Vehicle Provisions of Inflation Reduction Act
January 25, 2023The U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS on December 29, 2022, released information on the clean vehicle provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new guidance provides greater clarity to consumers and businesses that, beginning January 1, 2023, are able to access tax benefits from the law’s clean vehicle provisions.
Newly Updated FTC Safeguard Rules & The Impact To Dealerships
November 14, 2022Newly Updated FTC Safeguard Rules & The Impact To Dealerships
November 14, 2022Auto dealerships have plethora of business-related items to deal with on a dayto-day basis.
States’ PTE Tax Elections: Status and Issues to Consider for Dealerships
November 14, 2022States’ PTE Tax Elections: Status and Issues to Consider for Dealerships
November 14, 2022Nearly 30 states now allow pass-through entities to elect to be taxed at the entity level as a workaround to the $10,000 federal state and local tax deduction limitation known as the “SALT cap.”
Dealerships and Unclaimed Property – What You Need to Know
November 14, 2022Dealerships and Unclaimed Property – What You Need to Know
November 14, 2022Across the country, states are conducting unclaimed property audits of dealerships. Whether an item may be considered unclaimed property often requires a review of the dealership’s policies and procedures, as well as an understanding of how those items are recorded by the dealership.
Potential Tax Benefits of Capital Investments for Auto Dealerships
August 17, 2022Potential Tax Benefits of Capital Investments for Auto Dealerships
August 17, 2022Auto dealers are navigating unprecedented market conditions, and most are experiencing an improved bottom line and healthier cash flow.
A Value Perspective on the Auto Dealership Industry
August 17, 2022A Value Perspective on the Auto Dealership Industry
August 17, 2022The automotive industry is constantly evolving and is once again at a critical inflection point as businesses seek to adapt to changing consumer preferences, navigate supply chain uncertainty, and revolutionize their technology.
Proposed Relief for Dealerships Using LIFO
June 21, 2022Proposed Relief for Dealerships Using LIFO
June 21, 2022The supply chain for many U.S. companies was disrupted due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and inventory levels at the end of 2020 and 2021 were significantly reduced. As a result, many companies using the last in, first out (LIFO) inventory method experienced an involuntary liquidation of their LIFO layers.
Prepare to Shift – Adding Electric Vehicle Infrastructure For Today’s Automotive Retailers
June 21, 2022Prepare to Shift – Adding Electric Vehicle Infrastructure For Today’s Automotive Retailers
June 21, 2022With automotive OEM’s expanding their Electric Vehicle (EV) offerings with ever more attractive models and range extending capabilities that allow consumers to drive ever farther, the market is poised for significant growth.
The War For Talent: Do Dealerships Stand A Chance?
June 21, 2022The War For Talent: Do Dealerships Stand A Chance?
June 21, 2022According to the 2021 Cox Automotive Dealership Research & Market Intelligence Staffing Study, sixty four percent of the 400 individuals working for companies outside the auto industry stated they did NOT want to work in an automobile dealership.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
February 21, 2022The Rise of Electric Vehicles
February 21, 2022The automotive industry is experiencing a convergence of disruptions unlike any seen since 1910. Autonomous, connectivity, electrification, mobility, and subscription business models are reshaping the automotive industry and creating a frenzy of activity.
Renewable Energy Tax Credits for Dealerships
February 21, 2022Renewable Energy Tax Credits for Dealerships
February 21, 2022The case for sustainability — and for sustainable business — has been building on a global stage for many years. A growing number of consumers are taking into consideration the environmental impact of not only their purchases, but also the businesses from which they are buying.
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Meet Our Auto Dealership Industry Leaders
Megan Condon
Partner; Auto Dealerships National Co-Lead
Jordan Argiz
Partner; Auto Dealerships National Co-Lead
Together, we thrive.
Everything we do is rooted in our core purpose to help people thrive every day. It’s not only the right business thing to do; it’s the right human thing to do. This starts by putting our people at the center of our work and extends to how we treat and value our people, our clients and our communities. With a dedication to quality and a purpose-driven culture, BDO offers a powerful choice both for clients and those seeking rewarding professional careers.