A number of the nation’s largest auto supplier chains are betting in probably the most direct approach that a number of the adjustments in auto retailing for the reason that COVID-19 pandemic are right here to remain.

That’s, the large chains are shopping for up different dealerships at a file tempo, in response to companies that dealer dealership mergers and acquisitions.

There’s a widespread expectation among the many consumers that top costs and low reductions are the brand new order of issues, pushed by a relative shortage of product, and never only a momentary blip.

That situation isn’t all dangerous information for customers. The massive dealership chains are additionally investing in on-line retailing in a giant approach. That’s quicker and extra handy for patrons, and in the long term, the price financial savings for dealerships slicing again on overhead, together with in-person employees, might assist offset some worth will increase.

Decrease stock additionally implies customers might custom-order options and choices, as a substitute of selecting from what occurs to be on the supplier lot. The trade-off can be having to attend for supply, as a substitute of the moment gratification of driving off in a brand new automotive the identical day.

The purpose is, the file tempo of dealership buyouts exhibits that the large dealership chains anticipate dealership profitability to get even higher. In a latest supplier survey, 79% of supplier respondents stated they anticipate earnings to extend within the subsequent 12 months, stated Erin Kerrigan, co-founder of Kerrigan Advisors, Irvine, Calif.

Kerrigan just lately predicted a file variety of at the least 350 dealership transactions nationwide in 2021, representing greater than 600 franchises. By way of the third quarter, she stated transactions in 2021 had been up 21% vs. a 12 months in the past.

Simply this month, Asbury Automotive Group, Duluth, Ga., closed the acquisition of the Larry H. Miller Dealerships group, Sandy Utah, for about $3.1 billion. The deal represents annual income of about $5.7 billion. Asbury is predicated in Duluth, Ga.

Additionally in December, Sonic Automotive Inc., Charlotte, N.C., closed a $700 million deal to purchase RFJ Auto Companions, Inc., Plano, Texas, which represents about $3.2 billion in annualized income.

The first driver behind the frenzy to purchase dealerships is, “the explosive profitability of our trade,” Kerrigan stated in a webinar earlier this month, hosted by the American Worldwide Car Sellers Affiliation. “In the present day extra sellers are making more cash they may have ever imagined in a single 12 months.”

Analysts predict the present, crazy-low stage of stock and file excessive costs we’re experiencing gained’t final without end.

Costs are sure to say no from in the present day’s peaks, as soon as automakers resolve the continuing laptop chip scarcity, and different kinks within the automotive provide chain. The most recent predictions on which can be late 2022 or into 2023.

However as costs reasonable, sellers don’t anticipate a return to the same old state of affairs in auto retailing, both, the place automakers construct too many automobiles and vehicles, and an excessive amount of product chases too few prospects.

Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist for Cox Automotive, stated in a separate webinar sponsored by the import supplier affiliation earlier this month that automakers are motivated to maintain stock “lean and imply” completely, or else return to huge reductions.