Interim Motor Codes managing director Mark Terry has exclusively revealed his plans to Car Dealer Magazine.
The former Chevrolet UK boss has taken over at the trade body and says he wants to develop the already trusted brand further so that consumers and dealers will buy a varied range of products and services from the Motor Codes organisation.
However, before he can do that, he says a government white paper on the retail industry coming up with a clear ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ service is far higher up his agenda.
‘Every retail industry must, if this goes ahead, provide consumers with a clear and published process on how they can get satisfaction for problems,’ he explained.
‘The motor trade is pretty good at this with good customer services teams at manufacturers and franchise dealers, but this legislation will affect dealers of all sizes – and it needs to be on their radar.’
Effectively the proposed legislation will mean dealers will have to clearly lay out to consumers how to complain, who to and how long it will take to resolve problems.
‘Fortunately the industry already has a good reconciliation service at Motor Codes and my fear is many in the industry will be taken for a ride by so-called consultants offering to help them set up an alternative dispute resolution when, if they are a member of Motor Codes they already have it with us,’ added Terry.
Once that is dealt with Terry’s long term goals are to develop the Motor Codes brand like The AA or SAGA where consumers and dealers are confident to buy approved products from and other similar services.
‘I see Motor Codes becoming a portal for good quality things that consumers want to buy from a trusted place,’ said Terry.
‘That will take a while because we need awareness and my job now will be to build brand awareness of Motor Codes so that can happen. I’m very passionate and enthusiastic about what we do here and am looking forward to the challenge.’
‘We’re the only Trading Standards Approved scheme covering new car supply, service and repair and warranty and dealers that are signed up to Motor Codes can say that they are TSI approved too – that’s a big plus for the Motor Industry and a draw for consumers,’ he added.
