Outsourcing of specialist motor industry sales and marketing will be set for a significant boost if the economy starts to revive in late 2010.

Motor industry consultancy Network Automotive says that motor manufacturers have cut staff in markets such as Motability, blue light and tax free sales – and would need outside help to maximise sales opportunities in these areas.

Managing director Colin Bruder said: "Manufacturers have made dramatic headcount reductions in all of these areas. Some, for example, have only a few staff working on Motability sales, despite its importance to the UK car market.

"In other specialist areas, some manufacturers have removed their sales capability altogether, in effect. When new car and van sales start to revive, they may not be in the best position to capitalise on the opportunities that are emerging."

Bruder said there were already signs manufacturers were aware of the skills deficiency that the recession had created within their companies and were talking to specialists such as Network Automotive about outsourcing.

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