7:52 pm, October 14, 2009
FINANCIAL experts Automotive Warranty Solutions want car dealers’ views on franchise audit practices – and may reward one lucky trader for doing so.
The firm is hosting a survey on its website especially for franchised dealers. It is seeking their thoughts on how carmakers’ audit practices are working.
It’s being done now in recognition of the current financial climate, says boss Andy Ward – who is particularly keen to find out how these practices have adapted in recent tough times.
‘To our knowledge a survey reflecting this area of activity has not been performed before; we are keen to see the voice of opinion that arises,’ he says.
‘In the past, dealers have had it quite easy when it came to warranty audits. Before the recession, this culture was changing, with manufacturers looking at warranty processes and procedures as a way to improve first time fixes and overall CSI scores, as well as reducing the massive financial burden from unnecessary claims.
‘An interest that was intensified with the onset of the recession…’
[Download Automotive Warranty Solutions PDF with more details here: 33_aws]
Ward says most car dealers already didn’t think much of manufacturer audit policies – they weren’t there to improve processes, but generate income. ‘We would like to know if this “speed camera” ethos is still present since operations were intensified.’
You’re perhaps wondering what’s in it for you. A potential prize worth £800, that’s what. ‘All dealers completing a survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a warranty risk assessment with one of our consultants,’ adds Ward.
‘The assessment, worth £800, provides the dealer with a full and comprehensive analysis of their warranty activity, including areas of deficiency, personnel deficiency and a financial risk projection, alongside recommendations for improvements.’ Potentially all for a few clicks of the mouse!
Issues around auditing are very real right now, too. Four-in-five UK car dealers are currently not meeting all the conditions in their makers’ audit schemes.
To put it another way, reckons Ward, dealers are sitting on a million-pound warranty audit risk, simply by being not stringent enough in their auditing processes. Not a good attitude to take, when car manufacturers are upping their audit requirements to offset tough financial times.
AWS will look at the audit conditions you’re meant to be meeting – and makes sure you’re up to speed.
To take part in the survey simply log on to AutomotiveWarrantySolutions.co.uk.
