MODERN AUTO DEALERSHIPS: A BLUEPRINT FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

As vehicles continue to evolve over the years, so do the spaces that sell and service them. Auto dealerships have shifted from simple showrooms into immersive brand environments — designed to reflect innovation, improve efficiency, and elevate customer experience.

At The Maggiore Companies, we know that thoughtful, strategic dealership layouts are essential to achieving operational excellence. From supporting daily workflows to meeting manufacturer standards, every design decision shapes how a dealership functions and how customers experience the brand. 

Critical Layout Elements 

Dealership design is guided by manufacturer standards, often detailed in Design Intent Documents (DIDs). These outline exactly how a manufacturer envisions the facility’s look and functionality, both inside and out.

Even when renovating or building on challenging sites, dealerships must work within these parameters. Manufacturers review and approve all layouts — often requiring updates every 10 years to align with branding changes, regardless of a building’s condition.

Dave Mann, Director of Construction at The Maggiore Companies, explains:

“When manufacturers release their DID, they’re essentially providing the blueprint for what they see as the optimal dealership layout. It sets the standard we then use as the foundation for strategic planning and construction.”

By carefully reviewing these standards, our team develops a clear roadmap to deliver successful outcomes — ensuring compliance while maximizing efficiency and staying on schedule.

Striking a Balance Between Spaces 

Great dealership design balances customer appeal, service efficiency, and operational functionality. Every square foot should work toward that goal.

• Property Size & Sales Volume: Larger sites allow for expanded facilities and greater vehicle capacity, but must be supported by a sustainable sales strategy.

• Smart Spatial Relationships: Service and parts departments should be physically connected for speed and convenience. Back-of-house operations should support — not interfere with — customer-facing areas.

• Enhanced Customer Spaces: Waiting areas are evolving into lounge-like environments, with comfortable seating, beverage centers, entertainment, and private workspaces. These upgrades transform downtime into a positive brand experience.

Adapting for Growth and Market Changes  

Adapting for Growth and Change

Auto retail is changing rapidly — and dealership layouts must adapt in response.

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Increased EV adoption requires more charging infrastructure, upgraded electrical capacity, and showroom space dedicated to highlighting EV programs. As Mann notes, “many manufacturers now dedicate distinct areas within their showrooms to showcase electric vehicle programs, which introduces unique design requirements tailored to each brand.”

• Inventory Shifts: With smaller on-site inventories, some dealers are moving overflow to off-site storage, freeing up prime property for customer-centric spaces.

• Digital-First Sales: As more buyers complete much of the process online, many dealerships are reducing showroom footprints and creating centralized sales “bullpens” for handling internet and phone inquiries.

Avoiding Common Layout Mistakes 

One of the most critical design considerations is vehicle flow in and out of the service area. Tight turns, awkward angles, or inefficient routing not only waste time but can also risk vehicle damage.

Customer experience is another common pain point. Outdoor service check-ins often force customers to park far away and wait outside. Increasingly, dealerships are moving toward indoor write-up lanes where customers drive directly into the building and meet their service advisor in comfort.

Of course, site constraints don’t always allow for the ideal. Mann explains:

“Every site comes with its own challenges — whether it’s renovating an older building or working with a property that’s smaller than ideal. Our job is to adapt, find solutions, and keep the project moving forward in a way that works for the dealership.” 

Building Dealerships That Work

The construction of modern auto dealerships goes far beyond aesthetics. At The Maggiore Companies, we create spaces where brand standards, customer experience, and operational efficiency align seamlessly.

From the blueprint stage to final delivery, we are proud to help dealerships evolve into spaces that serve everyone — the manufacturer, the employees, and most importantly, the customer.