9:43 am, January 3, 2018
The RAC Dealer Network is aiming to add around 100 new dealers by the end of 2018, bringing the total to just over 1,400.
It has already enjoyed substantial growth in recent years – at the start of 2016, there were a little under 1,000 dealers in the network.
The rise in network size also led to a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in warranty sales in 2017, following double-digit growth across the network for each of the past five years.
Sales director Sean Kent, pictured, said: ‘While absolute data isn’t available, we believe that we now hold around one-third of the used car warranty market in the UK and this success has been built on getting the basics right.
‘We offer excellent products backed up with high-quality training and excellent systems, all of which show an expert knowledge of the needs of used car and van dealers and buyers.
‘However, what really makes the difference is the presence of the RAC brand. The fact is the RAC is one of the most trusted motoring brands in the UK, and being able to add our products and standards to each dealer’s used car proposition has undoubted value. We can show the exact difference that it makes.
‘What we will be looking for this year are dealers who understand this approach and have the same commitment to customer service as the other parts of the RAC Dealer Network.’
A key area for expansion is likely to be franchise dealers, he said. At present, almost all of the dealers in the network are independents or car supermarkets. However, there were a handful of franchise dealers involved, and Kent said they had achieved an unexpected level of success through their association with the brand.
‘While it is overwhelmingly probable that franchisees will always only ever form a minority element of our network, they will still access substantial benefits by working with the RAC, and we believe there is definitely a potential market there,’ he added.
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