A customer support company is urging car manufacturers to take a fresh approach to selling during the recession.

Mondial Assistance says many buyers are shopping around for a vehicle to make the most of the bargains being offered by dealers to attract custom.

The company says they can help manufacturers and dealers draw in these people by using its customer relationship management (CRM).

CRM experts conduct outbound telemarketing campaigns, follow-up lapsed customers and prospects and non responders to previous marketing campaigns.

Mondial Assistance also helps them push their deals quickly and cost effectively to generate test drives and boost sales.

CRM expert Becky Green said: "In the last six months, our CRM team has raised a further £18million for its motor clients by getting on the phone and talking to their prospects, irrespective of whether those leads are hot or not.

"It may sound simple but the revenue we've raised demonstrates just how effective CRM can be.

" At a time when the market is seriously struggling, manufacturers need to pull out all the stops to maximise sales."

Meanwhile JustGoodCars.com is reminding dealers  they can advertise on the site for free.

Commercial director Colin Mathieson said: " We are not the only website offering dealers the opportunity for some absolutely free of charge advertising.

"My advice would be to take as much as you can possibly get.

"If the offers are out there what have dealers got to lose by adding their stock, other than additional exposure and the valuable leads other dealers are already picking up."

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