On 6 October 2022, the NFDA and the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme had the pleasure of attending Motor Trader’s EV Retailing Summit 2022. The purpose of the summit was to learn how dealers are tackling the key issues surrounding EVs, as well as understand in greater depth the opportunities and challenges posed by EVs.
Following the registration and opening, Mann Island sponsored a talk explaining EVs and finance, outlining the changes for dealers to overcome and the new services on offer. With an impressive panel of speakers, including representative from NFDA Member, Vertu Motors, who are on track to becoming the first large, franchised dealership networks to achieve 100% EVA accreditation status. This is an incredible achievement and highlights Vertu’s commitment to being at forefront of electric vehicle retail.
Autotech Training followed with a presentation on how to gain, train and retain skilled technical staff which we found to coincide with our acute EVA accreditation auditing process. Colin Gleghorn, Autotech Training Managing Director, and Bill Fennell, The Motor Ombudsman Managing Director, described the characteristics of a required EV technician and offered insight on how to attract them to your business.
The final talk of the day came from ICDP Managing Director, Steve Young, who explored EV sales and the Agency Model, partnered by NFDA. This presentation addressed how the growth of digitalisation in the sales process has triggered some manufacturers to move away from the franchise model, and towards adopting agency concepts.
Throughout the day, EVA hosted its own stand in the press section. This presented the opportunity to speak with many EVA approved members and get a real insight as to how they are benefiting from the accreditation. In addition to this, the event was filled with EV enthusiasts, franchised dealers and manufacturers, offering the chance to recruit for the EVA scheme and spread the EVA message. EVA has designed new certificates for EVA accredited dealerships, and these will be sent out to members in the near future, allowing dealers to display their accreditation for consumers to see.
NFDA would like to extend its appreciation to Motor Trader for having us at the EV Retailing Summit 2022, and for putting on a fantastic event. As well as state how much we enjoyed speaking to some of our members.
The EVA Certificate of Accreditation is for dealers to display their approved badge of excellence, in their showrooms, head office or wherever is seen fit. These will be out for distribution to newly approved retailers. If you are an approved retailer without a certificate and would like one framed and posted to you, along with complimentary stickers, please email adam.weeks@rmif.co.uk.
