Automotive Business Magazine – Q3 2026 – Digital edition - Flipbook - Page 41
MEE T THE DEALER
LIPSCOMB GEELY
as service plans, it works, but if a
manufacturer is slow to react to
competitors, we can lose out quickly.
‘Proper’ used cars is the business we
can control. Robust renewal processes
are a must to generate the used part
exchange and the next new car sale.
Prices for used cars in the market at
auction etcetera are still high, and in
some cases stock is scarce, so we need
to work harder on keeping in touch with
our database.
We do this well, as we have a
dedicated contact centre which can
consistently talk with our Lipscomb
customer database and generate leads
for both sales and aftersales day in,
day out.
What is the reality on the
showroom floor when it
comes to EV sales?
There is a lot of hype, and whether
now is the right time for consumers to
change would be better clarified by a
clear Government strategy.
Too often, mixed messages come out,
whether that be environmental, energy
cost fluctuations, or whether a grant is
available or will become available.
When there is confusion, it makes
selling to new adopters for EVs more
difficult, even with the dramatic fuel
price rises; some consumers will sit
on the fence, not knowing what is best
to do, and do nothing, which hinders
progress and sales.
Educating people on things like
range and charging is key to getting
consumers to adopt. As well as
understanding how EVs work for them
and the journeys they make.
What are the biggest day-today challenges for a modern
dealership right now?
High overheads, utilities costs, and
premises rates are at an all-time high,
especially in the South East.
We focus on cost control and have
always invested in technology such as
solar to reduce costs where possible.
Q2 2026
Q3
AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS
71
41
