AM is staging a round table discussion meeting on November 16 in conjunction with eBay Motors to give senior retailers an opportunity to discuss key trends in online developments.

Topics up for discussion include:

  • How the internet has changed the face of car retailing over the last decade
  • How internet can add value to dealer business (potential and limitations)
  • How the internet has created new 'virtual' dealers
  • How dealers can adapt their business to exploit lucrative new online opportunities
  • Changing workforce - training sales and back room staff, hiring web experts to develop/refine a web presence etc.
  • What customers are using the net for and how it has created a better-informed / more 'savvy' customer
  • Common online auto trading pitfalls and stumbling blocks - key learning
  • Online Publishing
  • How dealers and experts envisage the next 2-3 and maybe 10 years and the impact of online to the motor industry

    The internet is changing the face of automotive retailing. More customers are buying cars online – new and used - while more than two-thirds use the internet to research their next purchase.

    And each person that has used the internet to create a shortlist is much closer to making the purchase when they enter the showroom.

    Dealers are receiving more and more enquiries via email and they need to be able to respond immediately. Internet users demand instant responses.

    AM will be publishing excerpts from the discussion in a future issue, but we want you to have a say. What questions do you think the panel should be debating? Email am@emap.com with your suggestions.