According to the national Automobile Dealers’ Association, the State of Florida has 960 automotive dealers, with 164,819 jobs and over 77 Billion Dollars in annual sales. Understandably, private automobile sales take up a good portion of any local zoning code. This is especially the case since before the turn of the century, automobile sales were seen as an obnoxious use with all the complaints of noisy air wrenches, exhausts, loudspeakers calling salesmen, open hoods and balloons. Test drives increased traffic along quiet streets, and while everyone loved going to the new car showroom once a year to look at a new model, it just wasn’t enough to allow automotive dealers in the “good neighborhoods.” Some cities, like Boca Raton, either banned dealerships or made operational rules so difficult that they could not open. But as Tesla proves, no industry is immune to disruption, and here it comes. Our local codes should be ready as well.
In May of 2016, the Forbes Online Magazine published an article by Sarwant Singh entitled “Do We Need Car Dealers and Used Car Salesman in the Future?” Mr. Singh came to a conclusion of “Yes” because such a major retail purchase requires a “buying experience.” However, do not expect the buying experience to be the same as it was 50 years ago. Look at the buying experience at an Apple store. The phenomenon that must be recognized is that the Apple store and the Tesla dealership in Town Center at Boca Raton are the new major attractions. Yes, there is a car dealership that made it through the major hurdles in Boca Raton, and it is Tesla. They did so by having a product that you just “explained” to potential owners. There are only a few models at the location. The sales staff is more concerned with making an impression than making an immediate sale. No one is selling you “tru-coat” (Thank you, Fargo).
There is no reason to segregate automotive sales from other retail sales. The need for inventory storage will decrease substantially. Any associated repairs will have to be done within air conditioned premises because of the sensitivity of the computers. The internal combustion engine is giving way to electric power, and even if it remains as an option, it has been tamed as to noise and use. Environmental activities are highly regulated by the Federal government. and even today a dealership is cleaner than many food processing locations. If the local codes are modernized, the purchase of “transportation” becomes one more retail use, and the store also sells you energy home solutions (to support your “plug in” station at home). The first cities that recognize the change will see an additional use for aging shopping centers and obsolete malls.
Dealerships will further evolve as it is not the car that is the sale, but your mobility. Car sharing options will be marketed. Car leasing on a short term basis will be integrated. Your salesperson will look at your overall mobility needs and fashion a plan for you. So let’s not allow dated codes to stand in the way of the mobility revolution.