Challenges Facing Regional Dealerships
Running a dealership in a regional community brings its own set of pressures. Kendall points to four major challenges:
1. Supply chain delays.
Long wait times for new vehicles, sometimes stretching into years, have reshaped customer expectations. In a small town where reputation matters, managing these expectations is now part of daily operations.
2. The regional EV gap.
Electric vehicle uptake remains slow outside metropolitan areas. Kendall notes the concern around long distances and limited charging infrastructure, although she recognises that EV adoption is coming and cannot be ignored.
3. Staffing pressures.
Finding skilled technicians and sales staff is increasingly difficult, especially as younger families move away from rural areas. Attracting and retaining talent is becoming a critical challenge.
4. Online and direct-to-consumer competition.
More buyers are shopping digitally, and manufacturers offering direct sales models put pressure on dealerships whose strengths lie in building relationships face to face.
Where the Opportunities Lie
Even with these hurdles, Kendall sees strong opportunities for regional dealerships:
1. Personal service and trust.
Country customers still want to deal with people who know their name and their family. This loyalty is something online platforms cannot replicate.
2. Leading EV education.
While uptake is slow, Kendall believes regional dealerships can guide the conversation by running information sessions, showcasing vehicles, and helping customers understand their options.
3. Upskilling local talent.
She is committed to apprenticeships, school leaver programs, and supporting women who want to join the industry.“ If we can’ t find the right people, we can build them” is a principle reflected throughout her approach.
4. Deep community connection.
Supporting local events and organisations remains central to how Tait Auto Group operates and builds long-term trust.
Kendall says while regional dealerships have their fair share of challenges, they also have significant potential. Success, she believes, comes from listening to customers, supporting staff, and staying ahead of changes in the industry.
Completing AfMA’ s T4BP Program
Kendall recently completed the AfMA component of the T4BP program in record time. She credits her background and operational experience for her pace.
She notes that“ years of experience and running a business enabled me the ability to complete in the time frame.”
Advice for Women in the Industry
Kendall’ s guidance for women entering or navigating the automotive sector is informed by resilience and lived experience:
“ Keep pivoting when times get tough. That way you don’ t ever give up. The road you’ re on just keeps changing until you get what you want or need and build your community around you.”
“ Mentorships are what have enabled me to get to where I am today and the fact that I am not afraid to pick up the phone and ask for a different perspective or advice on a situation,” she says.
Kendall takes pride in the strong female leadership she sees around her, particularly within Queensland’ s regional and finance offices.
“ Everyone has a story to tell and it isn’ t all sunshine and rainbows along the way, however that is what grows us as leaders.”
Her leadership in Moree reflects that same honesty, persistence, and commitment to community that defines her career and her advocacy for women in the automotive industry.
22 ISSUE 58 APRIL 2026 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU