Dear Colleague,
2019 has been a challenging year where automotive retailers proved once again their resilience. In 2020, NFDA will continue to develop our key initiatives, support you during the market transition to EVs and provide you with regular insights through our Dealer and Consumer Attitude Surveys.
Franchised dealers should have received their copy of the latest Dealer Attitude Survey. Your feedback is extremely valuable and helps us to continue to monitor the health of the dealer/manufacturer relationship, please respond by 31 January 2020.
Government and stakeholder engagement
NFDA’s engagement with parliamentarians in recent years has been instrumental in raising awareness of the automotive retail sector. In the first months of the new year, we will set up meetings with the new Government to ensure that the interests of franchised retailers continue to be safeguarded.
We are formulating our response to the FCA’s consultation on motor finance commission models and disclosure. We will keep you updated.
I encourage NFDA members to take part in our parliamentary programme by offering to host your local MP for a visit to your site. If you would like to host an MP, please contact nfda@rmif.co.uk.
Drive My Career
Drive My Career has achieved several milestones over the past 12 months. In December, a record 3,229 young people were sent to Drive My Career members’ career pages. On 11 December 2019, we held the first Female Apprentice Network. With 41 female apprentice technicians and several HR professionals, the event was very well-attended and we received positive feedback from the businesses involved. Please find more details below.
Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA)
Since its launch in May 2019, NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme has seen tremendous growth. All 100 slots available to retailers have been allocated and 65 dealerships have already obtained their EVA accreditation. Please find more information in the news.
Events and meetings
A number of events took place in 2019 including our Northern Ireland Brexit Forum, the EV Marketplace Seminar as well as Driving Digital and our Spring Ball which will be back in 2020.
Our members’ input is extremely important to help us set the direction of our work. I strongly encourage you to attend our 2020 regional meetings, please find more information about dates and venues below.
Finally, I would like to thank you for the commitment and support to your trade association. NFDA will continue to work hard to best represent the interests of the automotive retail sector.
Wishing you a prosperous 2020.
Sue Robinson
NFDA Director
