Mazda Franchise Owner John Bening Talks About Mazdas

When John Bening opened up Bening Mazda in Cape Girardeau, MO in 2003, many customers were intrigued that the former devotee of American cars like Ford would start specializing in the Japanese Mazda line. It does turn out that Mazda has a partnership with Ford, after all, so customers may not be so surprised to find out that John Bening, who also owns Ford franchises, would be interested in partnering with the Japanese company. But John Bening has a lot of other reasons for the partnership as well.

John Bening says that one reason for the franchise buy is his experience with customers. According to John Bening, customers like Mazdas as a reliable but affordable car that comes with a little bit more style than an American sedan, like, for example, a Ford. John Bening says that Mazdas are often rated very high in their class, ranking in the top five in reports like U.S. News Best Cars. This year, for example, John Bening says that the Mazda CX-9 rated number 1 in affordable midsize SUVS, the Mazda 3 was #3 in affordable small cars, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata was number 2 in “Best Sports Car for the Money.” Safety ratings were also high for Mazdas, which John Bening says is a top concern for customers, especially those with families.

Another plus: Mazda offers a huge range of vehicle options. John Bening says that when he was shopping for franchises, Mazda stood out because they offered something for every generation. With hatchbacks appealing to the younger crowd, solid minivans for those with young families, and truck and SUV options for those needing large storage capacity, John Bening saw an opportunity in Mazda to reach all types of customers.

Innovation was also key in John Bening’s decision. Mazda, according to John Bening, is a frontrunner in terms of gas efficiency and developing new technologies in the use of bio-materials in car interiors. 

John Bening Answers the Question, “Why Ford?”

As the owner of two Ford franchises in southeast Missouri, John Bening often gets the question of why he decided to purchase Ford franchises instead of opening more independent dealerships. John Bening response? Corporate strength, quality cars, and an innovative spirit.

John Bening says that he has a strong belief in Ford as a leader in American business. Ford is, according to John Bening, the second-largest US maker of automobiles, and ranked eight overall in the Fortune 500 list. According to John Bening, Ford has also made significant progress in recent years, beating out other companies in regaining lost profits. Not bad in a time when many US automakers are struggling to keep up in a slipping economy.

Ford franchises were also attractive to John Bening because of the quality of the vehicles. John Bening reports that Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs often lead their classes in safety ratings as well as driver reviews, and are usually highly ranked in reports like U.S. News Best Cars. John Bening said that through his independent dealership, he found that Ford had a huge following in devoted customers.

For John Bening, the biggest draw to Ford is the company’s focus on innovation. While many companies are falling behind as customer desires and needs change, John Bening believes Ford is leading the way in American car companies in terms of efficiency and developing new fuel strategies. John Bening is drawn to environmental initiatives by Ford such as the development of engines that run on Compressed Natural Gas, as well as Flexible Fuel Vehicles that can run on 85% ethanol mixes. John Bening says that Ford’s commitment to developing hybrid electric vehicles was also a draw, as these are currently popular with consumers.

All in all, it seems like John Bening knew what he was doing when he purchased two Ford franchises. Bening Ford establishments can be found in Fredericktown and Perryville.

Profile of CEO John Bening

John Bening has been owning and operating car dealerships in Missouri since 1987. An astute businessman with a kind heart and a personality that makes securing sales a cinch, John Bening is a well-known face in southeast Missouri, where he owns four car dealerships.

John Bening’s original dealership, Bening Motor Co, opened up shop in 1987, and is still standing on the same lot in Jackson. Bening Motor Co remains a hot destination for those looking for affordable, quality pre-owned cars and seeking an inventory that encompasses a huge variety of makes, models, and years. Over time, John Bening has acquired a number of dealerships in the area, and today he runs Bening Ford of Fredericktown, Bening Ford of Perryville, and Bening Mazda of Cape Girardeau in addition to his independent dealership.

When he’s not selling cars, John Bening enjoys teaching others the fundamentals of sales and business as chairman of the National Automotive Dealers Association 20 Group. With 25 years of experience, John Bening has developed a strong set of skills related to making sales, building a solid inventory, and running a business.

Outside of car sales, John Bening likes to devote his time to helping others. With his philanthropic spirit and the revenue of his four successful dealerships, John Bening enjoys giving to those in need, whether they’re a local resident who’s suffered an illness or injury, a relief organization helping people recover from a disaster, a charity that helps feed and clothe the homeless, or a local artistic endeavor that needs funding to get off the ground. In particular, John Bening loves sponsoring local youth sports teams, knowing how important sports can be for the development of leadership and teamwork skills.

John Bening grew up in southeast Missouri, and attended both high school and college in Cape Girardeau.

John Bening on the Importance of Sales Education

For John Bening, the biggest part of running a successful automobile dealership is knowing how to secure a sale while building a relationship with a customer. That’s why John Bening ran for the position of National Automotive Dealers Association 20 Group Chairman, and that’s why he won.

John Bening believes strongly in sales education, and using the collective resources of an industry to better profits through bettering sales techniques. As chairman of the National Automotive Dealers Association 20 Group, John Bening puts together meetings, workshops, seminars, and literature for distribution with the intention of helping car dealers throughout the United States improve their profits through improving their sales. This material focuses on best practices in the industry, and proven methods of securing sales. John Bening says that it’s especially useful for businesses with a  staff of primarily inexperienced salespeople, but that established businesses can benefit from increased education as well.

John Bening suggests that while some sales skills are, of course, inherent and depend on personality and interpersonal aptitudes, many skills can be taught, or at least improved through instruction in the most effective techniques in speaking, framing a sales pitch, and using body language and tone to influence a customer. According to John Bening, the proof of the pudding is, as they say, in the eating. John Bening reports that members of the National Automotive Dealers Association 20 Group make up to a whopping 30% more than competitors who aren’t members after just one year of membership and training attendance within the organization.

It’s certainly hard to argue with John Bening’s 25 years of experience as an owner and operator of multiple auto dealerships in southeast Missouri. John Bening owns four dealerships: two Ford franchises, one Mazda franchise, and an independent dealership of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs that has been in business since 1987.

Chairman John Bening of NADA 20 Group

In 2009, John Bening, best known as president and CEO of Bening Automotive Group and an expert auto dealer in Jackson, MO, was elected to be chairman of the National Automotive Dealers Association 20 Group.

What is the 20 Group? This organization, split into regional sections, offers seminars and workshops to automotive dealers across the United States to help improve sales, profits, and managements. As chairman, John Bening will help organize meetings, develop workshops, and consult with individual dealers to help them get the most out of their business.

According to Chairman John Bening, dealers who are members of the NADA 20 Group can improve their sales so much than on average, they make 30% more in sales revenue than competitors who aren’t members. John Bening reports that such incredible gains come from education about best practices in the industry, ways to maximize profits from a business perspective, and trainings in sales methods.

John Bening has 25 years of experience in the auto dealing industry, so it’s no surprise that he was chosen for the chairman position. With his extensive knowledge in sales, inventory selection, and business practices, John Bening brings the wisdom of experience to the position, and is a great resource for newer NADA 20 Group members who are just starting out on their business endeavors.

As chairman, John Bening says that he’s had the chance to work with dealers of cars, trucks, SUVs, and other automobiles who bring their experiences from all corners of the country to the meeting room table. John Bening reports that the biggest advantage of joining the NADA 20 Group is the sense of community, as well as the sharing of ideas, resources, and most effective techniques and practices that members have access to through the tri-yearly meetings and monthly newsletters.

John Bening has been operating dealerships since 1987, and currently owns four dealerships in southeast Missouri.