After the success of this year’s two-day convention, the two organizations are determined to further raise the profile of the 2006 event – both in the UK and in mainland Europe – and have already engaged the automotive retail industry to solicit its views.
A comprehensive marketing review was recently completed which outlined the key issues facing retailers; autoretailing 06 will provide the solutions.
So what was discussed? Content, speakers, pricing and marketing. Research shows that retailers are concerned about new car sales targets and franchise standards, staff recruitment and modern selling skills.
They are keen to improve customer loyalty and boost profits across the business. However, they recognize that a conference needs to deliver on issues that can be implemented into the dealership – and while franchise standards are a major concern, there’s little that dealers can do to influence this area.
With that in mind, autoretailing 06 will be split between a high level strategy conference targeting senior decision makers at car retailers (chairmen, chief executives, managing directors, finance directors) on issues such as the future of car retailing, legislation and the economic environment.
There will also be a series of seminars probing the issues facing departmental managers, such as new/used car sales, the aftermarket and customer retention.
The working group was assisted by the views of three retailers: Andrew Harting of HWM Aston Martin, who attended autoretailing 05; Ray Sommerville of Perrys Group; and Pat Conway of the Kent-based Whitehouse Group.
They reinforced the views that the industry is all about selling cars and creating the right environment for staff. Motivation featured highly, and autoretailing will include inspirational speakers.
Next step is for the working party to regroup this month before the autoretailing 06 content is announced in AM.
Already, however, two speakers have been confirmed. Sue Brownson, chief executive of Blue Bell BMW and a former RMI president, and Nick Lancaster, chief executive of HR Owen, will give their views on the future of car retailing and how they believe the industry will evolve. Lancaster believes it is ripe for a shake-up and is formulating a new retail strategy.
For more information about autoretailing 06 please call Luke Clements on 01733 468325 or email: luke.clements@emap.com
The autoretailing 06 working party
Stephen Briers, AM editor
Matthew Carrington, RMIF chief executive
Steve Hamilton, AM events contents editor
Simon Howard, AM publisher
Orfana Isaacson, RMI events and policy officer
Chris Lester, Emap Automotive events director
Alistair Manson, head of NFDA
Stuart Pask, AM commercial manager
Sue Robinson, RMI director of NFDA and policy
Louise Wallis, RMI head of business development
#CCD_ART_SPLIT# A two-day convention
What is autoretailing?
Autoretailing 06 is a two-day convention aimed at senior decision makers and departmental managers in car retail businesses.
Day one is high-level strategy, focusing on future trends, legislation, marketing and the economy, with retail and non-retail case studies from high profile and respected organizations.
Day two is a series of seminars broken down into three topics:
When?: June 7-8, 2006
Where?: Birmingham ICC
#CCD_ART_SPLIT# AM100 Dinner
Senior car retail and manufacturer bosses will gather at autoretailing 06 to see the unveiling of the new AM100 listing of top dealers by turnover.
Sponsored by Exxon Mobil Lubricants & Specialties, the dinner enables the UK’s biggest motor retail groups to socialize and review progress over the past 12 months.
Analysts from Grant Thornton Motor Retail present the Top 100 countdown and assess key industry trends – and all before the data becomes available in AM.
And it’s not all work. Last year, comedian Dominic Holland entertained the crowds. You’ll have to be there to discover 2006’s special guest!
The dinner will be held on the evening of day one of autoretailing 06, on June 7. To book your place at this prestigious event, please call Luke Clements on 01733 468325 or email: luke.clements@emap.com
RMI chief executive Matthew Carrington:
"Autoretailing is a unique event. The Retail Motor Industry Federation, together with AM, has worked hard to create a two-day event specifically for automotive dealers. We have approached the task with a clear vision: “What do automotive dealers want to know, need to know and what will constructively help their businesses to grow?”.
Supported by lengthy research across our member base and AM’s readership, we have highlighted the issues that regularly appear in UK dealerships.
After the success and positive feedback of the launch event, we are aiming even higher in June 2006. We will bring together a top line-up of speakers and workshops offering practical solutions with essential information relevant to your business.
All RMI members will be able to purchase tickets at a specially reduced rate."
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