29 March 2020

Last week was a steep learning curve for everyone and showed how fast we can all adapt to new situations.

Once again, I’ve had my belief that auto retail is an incredibly strong and resilient industry reinforced. Physical showrooms may be shut, but the number of retailers out there helping key workers stay mobile is amazing and I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many announcements that online sales are now possible at such a high number of groups.

Vertu already offers a full online sales system and, speaking on Friday’s Auto Retail Live broadcast, CEO Robert Forrester said his 29-strong team of web designers and techs were working at full steam to keep everything running as it should.

Mr Forrester went on to give some of the most first-rate and ultra-clear advice for retailers I’ve heard so far in during the current challenges.

The themes of the questions coming into the Auto Retail Live expert panel were also encouragingly positive. They centred around how best to help customers and how to prepare for the inevitable bounce-back.

What this makes clear to me is that last week, business was focused on getting internal systems and functions and practicalities sorted after showrooms were closed. Now, retailers are looking at how they can make their businesses work for customers in future – be that immediately, when we’re past the peak of Covid-19, or beyond.

Tristan Young

Editorial Director

Auto Retail Network