Auto Company Partnership Ideas

Partnerships can be powerful marketing tools for auto companies.

For an auto company, a partnership can be a way to bring customers in by adding incentives for them to choose your business. By partnering with a complementary company, you can add value for customers and give your business an edge on the competition. As you choose a partnership, consider the things that customers need when purchasing or servicing a car.

Gas Station

By partnering with a gas station to give customers a discount on gas prices, you can bring in new buyers. Because gas is a regular purchase for drivers, even a small discount can add up; for the gas station, it means a steady stream of customers that will not be drawn away to competitors. Talk to local gas stations and see what kind of a deal you can negotiate for a set period of time, such as six months or a year. Advertise your partnership to people who buy or lease new cars to spread the word.

Service Station

If you sell new cars, a partnership with a service station can help customers maintain their new vehicle in the first year; this is particularly effective if you do not have a service station on the premises. As part of the partnership, offer a discount or a service plan with each new car purchase. In advertising the promotion, let customers know statistics about how regular maintenance affects the life of the car or impacts insurance costs.

Insurance

A high level of competition in the insurance industry means that agencies must compete for customers, and a partnership with your auto company can lead to increased business for both parties. Talk with an insurance agency about offering a reduced rate for customers of your business. Low rates can bring in customers who are concerned with costs in a tough economy and can be the thing that tips the scale in your favor when people are torn between you and a competitor.

Detailing

Part of keeping a new car looking good is getting it cleaned regularly. Help your customers extend the life of their car and keep a local detailing business supplied with clients by creating a partnership. Talk to a reputable local business and buy a set of detailing packages at a reduced rate; in return, you can offer them to your customers and promote the business at your company.

References

• St. Petersburg Times: Buying a Car
• Small Business Trends Wire: Marketing Partnerships for Faster Growth