Senior leaders from Eden Motor Group, Hendy Group, Suzuki GB, Grant Thornton, Auto Trader and JudgeService will feature in the speaker line-up for the National Franchised Dealers Association’s (NFDA) Driving Digital 2024 conference.

Hosted at London’s Central Hall Westminster on 2 May, the Auto Trader sponsored event will address the impact of digitisation, electrification and agency on retailers and car buyers.

Driving Digital 2024: The Dealership of the Future takes place on the morning of the AM Awards at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.

This year’s speakers are Graeme Potts, CEO of Eden Motor Group; Dale Wyatt, director of Suzuki GB; Mark Busby, commercial director of Hendy Group; Owen Edwards, automotive business consultant at Grant Thornton; Ian Plummer, commercial director of Auto Trader; and Neil Addley, managing director of JudgeService.

“For over 10 years the annual Driving Digital conference has consistently helped set the agenda for the digital transformation of the car retailing sector,” said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the NFDA.

“Following the success of last year’s sold-out event, this year’s conference is set to be our biggest yet with our speakers sharing their insights on how dealers can prepare for change and take practical steps to maximise their digital and physical channels,” she said.

Owen Edwards will set the scene with the industry's economic and political background as the sector prepares for new entrants and fathoms alternative fuels and agency.

Ian Plummer will provide a data-driven market analysis on used cars and EVs.

Mark Busby will draw on his extensive experience to bring a real-world dealer perspective to the challenges of managing customer and colleague expectations.

Dale Wyatt will reveal why he believes dealers are the cornerstone of motor retailing and essential to OEM success and how dealers can maximise their franchise partnerships.

Graeme Potts will talk about how dealer networks are adapting to agency and provide a retailer’s perspective on the emergence of new entrant brands and the rollout of electrification.

And Neil Addley will share key findings from the latest JudgeService Brand Tracker research on what consumers think about established car brands, new entrants and dealers.

“We’re delighted to be collaborating once again with the NFDA for this year’s Driving Digital and look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the sector ahead of celebrating our industry’s achievements over the last 12 months at the AM Awards,” said Addley.

To book a place at the NFDA Driving Digital conference, or find out more about the event, visit www.driving-digital.co.uk.