25 October 2022

Auto Retail Live: Future of aftersales

New car sales have been down for three years, EVs are taking an increasing share of new car sales and the consumer has been hit by a cost of living crisis. So what does that mean for the future of aftersales?

JOIN US on catchup: First broadcast on Tuesday, 15 November 2022 at 2pm. Our Auto Retail Live webinar, in partnership with REALtime Communications, will analyse and discuss these points to deliver the best advice. We’ll not just show how to stay profitable in the current economic climate, but how to really boost performance in aftersales.

On Auto Retail Live’s Future of aftersales webinar we’ll have Sarah Brettle, director of Ford Customer Service Division, Robert Forrester, CEO of Vertu Motors, and John Law, Data and Insights director, REALtime Communications. The panel will analyse the market and answer your questions about how best to assess and then improve your aftersales business.

Key topics for discussion include:

• What’s happened to the usual seasonal business model? And is this the new normal?
• Trends continuing to impact aftersales
• Which KPIs offer the best insight? And what to do with that information.
• How to best improve customer retention
• Is scale the only answer to rising EV uptake?

REGISTER NOW to listen on catchup. It’s 40 minutes that will give you the knowledge and expert opinion you need to keep your business ahead of the market.

 THE PANEL

Sarah Brettle, Director, Ford Customer Service Division, UK & Ireland

Sarah is responsible for Ford Aftermarket in the UK and Ireland, making sure this key revenue channel stays profitable through her oversight of Ford’s network of repairers and bodyshops. She joined Ford in 1999 from a Contract Hire background and has held a number of posts across the Marketing, Sales and Service division before taking up her current position in 2020. Her key achievements include the rollout of the Ford Certified Collision network as well as developing and delivering innovations that provide added customer convenience, like Ford Mobile Service, Ford Video Check and the Ford Liive customer uptime promise.

Robert Forrester, CEO, Vertu Motors

Robert was a director of Reg Vardy plc between 2001 and 2006 where he held the roles of finance director and managing director. Robert qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen. He was also a member of the Economic Growth Board of the Confederation of British Industry. Robert founded Vertu Motors in 2006.

John Law, Data and Insights Director, REALtime Communications

John has covered a wide range of positions, working at dealership, supplier, and OEM side. He has worked in senior leadership roles for major industry brands, including Lookers Plc, Volkswagen Group and Silverbullet, as well as being the Global Data Lead at APTIV, a leading autonomous and connected car technology provider. Today, John leads the data and insights activities for REALtime Communications following the successful acquisition of his own business, Autolytica in 2020.

Al Clarke, programme chairman

 Al has held senior executive roles with Ferrari, Maserati and the SMMT. Al started his career as a journalist and presenter with a decade working for the BBC and in commercial radio. He has a particular interest in the application of digital technology and connected car services in the automotive industry and regularly speaks at, and chairs events on, these issues.

We look forward to welcoming you on 15^th November for our latest Auto Retail Live webinar held in partnership with REALtime Communications.