03 August 2015

Indian manufacturer Mahindra’s intentions to tap into the UK car market sound like better news for dealers compared to the existing tactics of high-profile electric car specialists.

Obviously it’s still early days, but by the looks of it there may be potential for at least one retailer to get in on the act and sell Mahindra’s cars. That’s a stark contrast from Tesla, which, amidst the product praise and publicity for its pioneering top brass, seems to be doing everything in its power to burn down the dealer model.

It’s at least comforting to see a new manufacturer approach the UK with, at this stage, an acceptance of retailers. It’s a given that car sellers need to move with the times and you only have to look at some of Audi and BMW’s inner city showrooms or Hyundai’s Rockar store to see that’s well underway.

Despite Tesla’s protests, there’s no reason a bit forward thinking and existing models can’t go together, so a new and slightly niche OEM should be able to set-up shop in the UK and pair up with a network.

Many of the best and most shrewd business moves are evolutions of existing practices as opposed to total upheavals. If you need proof, just look at a brand such as Suzuki’s approach to retailing.   

Jack Carfrae
Editor
Auto Retail Agenda

Tags: Mahindra, Tesla