8:15 am, November 4, 2013
SEPTEMBER was fabulous — the best month for new car registrations since before the credit crunch. There was something for everyone to shout about. Private registrations outstripped business sales are back to 2007 levels. Buyers are coming back to the market after too long away.
September hasn’t just been about great deals and showroom incentives, though. The SMMT reckons that one in seven new cars registered in September was built in the UK, which is a fantastic result for the manufacturing sector and demonstrates that locally- produced models are in demand.
For dealers, of course, the opportunities keep coming. All those September registrations mean part-exchanges coming through for preparation and sale as approved used cars. October will see the focus shift to pre- owned models, which attracts a different customer set but offers as much potential. These customers will be just as interested in finance, warranty, GAP or cosmetic insurance as the new car buyers that dealers saw in August and September.
While individual offers differ, the proposition remains the same — developing a tailor-made package for that customer’s needs.
Buying a car, either new or used, is a remarkable experience for consumers but most of them won’t be aware of just how personalised it has become.
Dealers have a dazzling array of products that enable them to bespoke the deal for a particular buyer. Whether a customer needs to finance the vehicle, protect their investment, budget for monthly maintenance or keep the showroom shine, there is a package available that is ideal for their individual requirements. Other markets look enviously at how individualised the motor industry has become and how tailored deals can be for particular customers.
Now that the footfall is coming back on new and used sales, the ingredients are there for an ideal end to the year. September was fabulous for dealers but the rest of 2013 looks as if it will be just as successful.
