Recent changes in federal tax law now allow businesses to fully deduct the cost of capital improvements — including both equipment and installation labor — in the year they are made, rather than depreciating them over multiple years. This provides a significant opportunity for auto dealerships to enhance their facilities while reducing tax liability. 

Energy Management and Outdoor Lighting 

Electricity costs for outdoor lighting are a recurring expense, and rates are projected to continue increasing annually by 8-10%. Effective energy management can significantly reduce these costs. Strategies include operating lights at full intensity only when needed — such as during business hours or periods of activity — and dimming them during low-traffic times. This approach can lower energy consumption by up to 90% without compromising safety or visibility.

Vehicle Inventory Security

Dealership theft is an increasing concern. According to the FBI, roughly 7,000 vehicles are stolen from U.S. dealerships each year. In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has designated July as Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

Physical barriers, such as locked gates, can prevent unauthorized access but may also discourage potential customers. In contrast, Trydon’s network lighting control system mounts atop existing light poles, providing after-hours monitoring to detect and discourage trespassers.

The appropriate security approach depends on the dealership’s perceived risk, inventory size and cost considerations.

Financial Planning for Capital Improvements

Combining the new tax advantages with Trydon’s finance-based subscription program can significantly reduce the cost of implementing capital-improvement lighting projects. In addition, this program will preserve cash for operational needs by establishing recurring and predictable monthly disbursements, enabling the dealer to initiate much-needed site improvements concurrently.

Incentive Programs for Energy Efficiency 

ComEd provides financial incentives for energy-efficient projects, including:

• Replacing older lighting systems (metal halide and old LED) with high-performance dimmable LED lights
• Installing the Trydon Network Lighting Control System to optimize energy use with existing dimmable LED lights
• Incorporating energy-efficient lighting with our control system in new construction projects

Leveraging these programs can further enhance cost savings and operational efficiency while supporting sustainability goals.