The future of Block Exemption in car retail, electric vehicle (EV) skills and recruitment look set to be among the top subjects up for debate on the NFDA stand at AM Live 2021.

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, is co-hosting next Thursday's (November 11) car retail expo at the NEC in Birmingham and is ready to engage with retailers on a variety of subjects.

As the voice of franchised automotive retailers, and the sector's key partner for Government and manufacturer lobbying it is keen to ensure members are well-informed and equipped deal with a number of business-related issues impacting day-to-day business.

NFDA chief executive, Sue Robinson, said: “AM Live will provide an ideal opportunity to get back together, network with other dealers and industry experts, and hear all the latest updates from your trade association.”

• View the packed agenda for AM Live 2021 here, or register for your free attendence by clicking here.

Robinson said dealers can talk to the NFDA about any concerns they may have with their manufacturer and communication is vital, particularly as there is a lot of speculation on the future strategy for the sector.

She said: “Also, as Block Exemption Regulations expire in 2022 and 2023, NFDA has been working closely with our European counterparts via the Alliance of European Car Dealers and Repairers (AECDR) to form franchised dealers’ position, respond to the relevant consultations and best represent our members’ interests. You can visit our stand for more details on this.”

The NFDA will also be providing the latest updates on its Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme, which plays a key role in supporting and facilitating the transition to EVs.

Following the successful launch in 2019, the association now has over 200 EVA accredited dealers and the scheme has now reopened.

EVA is endorsed and co-funded by the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and backed by Energy Saving Trust, which independently audits dealers to ensure that they meet the EVA standards.

Encouraging signs for recruitment

The most recent edition of the NFDA HR survey showed encouraging signs with the majority of dealers looking to recruit across the end of Q3 and the beginning of Q4 2021.

The NFDA will also be providing an update on its Drive My Career employment initiative, which has received a revamped campaign to support dealers’ recruitment strategies.

Robinson said Drive My Career has already redirected thousands of young people to NFDA members’ vacancies in the last few weeks and the NFDA will be available to assist in drawing new talent to businesses.

“The recruitment side of the automotive sector has been heavily affected during the pandemic, however, over the past few months, franchised dealers restarted to hire, often looking to attract a differently skilled workforce to suit the rapidly evolving automotive industry. 

NFDA Working Groups

The NFDA runs regular Working Groups to set the direction of the association’s work and support members across key business areas including the transition to EVs, finance and insurance, used cars, IT, HR and aftersales.

Robinson added: “The vast number of day-to-day operational issues currency affecting retailers must not be overlooked.

“Further discussions take place at the quarterly NFDA Regional Meetings where dealers have the opportunity to discuss the most topical issues affecting them with other local businesses and provide direct feedback to the NFDA team.

“If you are not familiar with the next NFDA events and dealer meetings, see us at AM Live or contact us directly.”

If in the meantime you want to find out more about NFDA, visit www.nfda-uk.co.uk.