Today I have been speaking as the founder of New World Automotive at the ICDP Summer (virtual) Meeting. As many in the industry will know ICDP is a world-class research organisation which explores the future of automotive distribution. ICDP for many years has been accurately highlighting many of the uncomfortable truths that the industry needs to address.
It was an interesting audience with over 70 senior executives made up of OEMs and some of the larger European dealer groups. I was asked to give an insight into how the omni channel ‘ideal’ could be translated into reality for European dealer groups. A big subject to cover in a small amount of time!
As I covered in my post ‘Life after Pendragon’ I have spent a year, primarily in Europe, looking at what is next for new and used vehicle distribution. Without the encumbrance of being a CEO of a Public Company and having a corporate bias getting in the way, I have been able to have candid conversations with OEMs and dealer groups.
With investment funding almost dried up for many of the dealer groups, focusing their resources on more deep alliances with enlightened OEMs seems like a viable next stage with a short transition to the age of the ‘SuperDealer’.
It is clear that some big decisions need to be made in the near term.
