Memorial Day: Top Auto Sales Weekend of the Year

Memorial Day: Top Auto Sales Weekend of the Year

Consumers Flock to Showrooms This Weekend – Despite Critical Dealership Employee Shortage, With Nearly 109,000 Job Vacancies Nationwide

While millions of Americans hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, auto dealerships also will see more customer traffic than during any other time of the year. Despite a steady flow of customers, dealers nationwide are experiencing a shortfall in filling nearly 109,000 good jobs, according to a new study by Automotive Retailing Today (ART), a coalition of major automobile manufacturers and dealer organizations.

“At a time when the auto industry is undergoing significant change, franchise auto dealers have a good news story about thousands of well-paying jobs currently available at dealerships across the country,” said Carter Myers, chairman of Automotive Retailing Today. “America’s franchised auto dealers are hanging out the help wanted sign. There is a great demand for qualified, technically savvy and educated employees.”

Veterans Employment

As consumers visit local dealerships this Memorial Day weekend, there is a good chance they will be served by a U.S. military veteran. ART’s study revealed that military personnel easily transition to dealership positions and as evidenced by the nearly 30,000 military veterans hired at since 2004.

“After their military service, veterans can and do parlay their work ethics, technical and managerial training into a variety of careers within dealerships,” continued Myers.

Memorial Day weekend not only represents a time for the country to commemorate those lost in Service but also reminds us that transitioning veterans looking for a second career have unique skills. ART’s study shows that one-third of the nation’s auto dealers reported hiring at least one veteran between January 2006-March 2007. This makes the total number of military vets hired in the last three years close to 30,000.