Motor Connect’s ambition to ‘champion’ independents with its collaborative approach to online used vehicle sales is proving a big hit with UK dealers, with the Northwich-based business reporting that it’s signed up almost 30 dealers to its Approved Dealer Network within just three-months of launch.
The digital-first business is also well on its way to achieving its goal of listing more than 5,000 used vehicles on its new industry leading digital platform by the end of 2021.
Motor Connect unveiled its collaborative online retail strategy at the end of July this year, offering dealers nationwide the opportunity to significantly extend their online reach without any distance selling. Dealers can advertise free of charge to a UK-wide in-market audience via Motor Connect’s online platform. Motor Connect then takes ownership of any vehicles sold via the site – handling the whole customer experience, from vehicle preparation to delivery to their door. Finance, part exchange and warranties can also be arranged – for a completely hassle free process.
Working closely with independent dealers across the UK in this way, this innovative business model is supporting used car businesses by providing an additional route to market as more and more consumers turn to online channels to research and shop for a new car.
Now with 30 dealer partners currently on board and 2,500 used vehicles listed for sale, Motor Connect is aiming to drive this rapid growth forward by more than doubling its partners by 2022.
To support its ambitious plans to scale up its digital-first used car offering, the business has already recruited four new members to its team including additional telephone advisers and two apprentices.
Steve Corwood, owner of Motor Connect, said: “We’re front and centre of the used car sector’s digital transformation, as more and more people turn to online to research and purchase a used car. Everything we’ve created is hitting the mark – with high demand from customers and a sensible option for dealers to reduce their stock turnover but maintain high volumes of sales.
“Whilst there is still very much a role for traditional showrooms and face-to-face sales, we are offering independent dealers an additional route to market – with sophisticated online listings completely free of charge and taking the hassle out of the vehicle handover process.
“We’re using our experience in both online and offline sales, matched with technology, to enable dealers to do more deals without any distance selling. We’ve reduced our stock turnover to an average of just 23 days.
“Working collaboratively in this way helps to support all dealers in the used car sector as they face tough trading conditions against large car supermarkets and main dealers. Longer term it gives them access to an ever-expanding online audience, helping to bolster their wider marketing efforts.
“We have ambitious growth plans and we’re in strong position to really drive this digital-first sales model forward. With four new hires already, we will be continuing to expand our team further over the coming months – offering a fantastic opportunity for anyone want to join a forward-thinking business.”
