20 June 2022

WATCH ON CATCH-UP

With rising online customer communication, the switch from franchised to agency models and advancing technology the digital space between the retailer, manufacturer and consumer is set to undergo significant change.

In our next webinar and report of the same title; Technology and process – a revolution in auto retailing, we’ll be examining this space, finding out how significant it is and looking at data control and what it means for the industry.

This Auto Retail Live, in partnership with CitNOW Group, will examine the space from the perspective of the main stakeholders, looking at the systems involved, data ownership, the technology, how far we’ve come so far and what’s next for auto retail.

In Auto Retail Live’s Technology and process webinar we’ll have Ken Savage from Perrys Group, Dale Wyatt from Suzuki, marketing consultant Ian Godbold  and Alistair Horsburgh from CitNOW Group available online to answer your questions and share their views on how best to operate in this evolving market.

Key topics for discussion include:

• How industry structure changed due to technology
• Impact on the customer: is buying online easier?
• Impact on the retailer: who controls the data?
• Impact on the manufacturer: does technology bring efficiency
• The future: Can suppliers deliver everything the consumers, retailers and manufacturers want?

REGISTER and watch on catch-up for our webinar. It’s 45 minutes that will give you the best insight into this rapidly developing sector of the industry.

Panellists

Ken Savage, commercial director, Perrys

Ken qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG, his first role in the motor trade was with The Skipper Group in 1991, worked for Quicks Group plc from 1993 in various finance roles. Joined Perrys in June 2000 and was part of the management buyout team in March 2001. On the passing of his business partner he became chairman in December 2002 and moved to commercial director in December 2017. I have also held non-executive roles with Denison Automotive a website business, Trusted Dealers and currently with the RMI.

Dale Wyatt, director of automobile, Suzuki

Dale has worked in the car business for over 30 years with multiple brands at a Manufacturer and Dealer level.

He began his career with Partco Automotive in 1987 and moved to Volkswagen Group in 1994 where he carried out various management roles including Area Management, Franchising, and Brand Management. Appointed Dealer Principal with Ridgeway Garages in 2004 before joining Saab in 2005.

Dale joined Suzuki in 2007 as General Manager Dealer Development.  In 2012 he was promoted to Sales and Marketing Director and in 2015 he was made Director of Automobile.

Under Dale’s leadership Suzuki has gone from strength to strength and has doubled its volume (20,000 to 40,000).  Suzuki is a much-admired Brand winning numerous accolades for its Dealer relationships and its outstanding marketing.

Dale is an enthusiastic, passionate advocate for the Industry who has previously defended the robustness of the Franchise Dealer Model and argued for the need for more transparent dialog between Manufacturers and Franchise Dealers.

Ian Godbold, marketing consultant

Ian has recently launched a marketing consultancy after leaving Cambria where he was responsible for developing and executing an aggressive digital ROI focused business strategy for both profitable growth and increasing Cambria Automotive market share in the automotive retail sector, whilst effectively integrating online with the core business.

Ian is passionate about evangelising the business benefits of e-enablement and championing cultural change by shifting mindsets and working practices so that the operational model is e-business enabled and an “e-mind” set is business as usual.

Alistair Horsburgh, group chief revenue officer for CitNOW Group

Alistair joined CitNOW in 2011 as sales director, to introduce the platform to both sales and aftersales departments of franchised dealerships globally. In 2013 he became CEO and led the business to a successful MBO in 2018 and more recently took on the role of CitNOW Group chief revenue officer.

With more than 34 years’ experience in the automotive industry, Alistair has played a key part in driving the growth of personalised digital communication in automotive franchised car dealerships and has built a diverse, ambitious, and highly-motivated team to deliver a portfolio of solutions.

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.

REGISTER and watch now