| CDF | This project is closed |
| The Car Dealership of the Future |
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Context In the UK, the selling and servicing of cars is mainly through a network of franchised dealerships. Recently some manufacturers have opted to operated their own retail outlets but these represent a small proportion of total sales. Block exemption that allows motor manufacturers to set up exclusive supply agreements with their authorised dealers will again be reviewed in 2002. The retail sector represents a critical element in the future success of the motor industry. It is imperative that this final link in the supply chain to the final customer is effective in delivering vehicles and after-sales service in a way that delivers new automobile technology, takes advantage of new communications technology in the selling process, and is in line with customer expectations. Aims The project for the first time will draw together the key players in the retail automotive sector to examine the changes that will take place in automotive retailing in the next 10 to 20 years. Method Initially there will be a review of scenarios for car technology, communications technology and retailing. A Delphi technique will be used to generate scenarios drawing on technical and retail experts from the motor industry and experts in communication technology. Finally a customer questionnaire at the dealership level will be used to test the reactions of customers to the proposed scenarios. Benefits The project will influence the thinking and strategy development within the sector throughout the next decade. It will lay out the criteria upon which the dealership of the future will be based and draw out the implications of these findings for the current players in the sector. Participants Loughborough University Ford Motor Company Autoroute Nissan MIRA Dixons Ford Dealership Hartwell Ford |
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