Manufacturer insight features

Toyota GB managing director Paul Van der Burgh is not chasing volume, but quality – in a broader product range, more profitable dealers and better service.

Embedding demonstrator-equipped ‘customer champions’ in service centres will broaden coverage, believes SsangYong managing director Paul Williams.

Between falling sales, fire recalls and Brexit, Vauxhall endured a torrid 2016, but the last thing MD Rory Harvey wants is a knee-jerk reaction

While it is unlikely to catch its German rivals, Lexus is pushing hard to grow sales and awareness in the UK, says director Ewan Shepherd

Mercedes-Benz Vans network boss Sarah Palfreyman is driving her dealer partners to invest in more retail-friendly facilities.

Hyundai chief executive Tony Whitehorn is not afraid to try out the latest technologies on the sales side, and now he is taking aim at the workshop.

Maintaining a strong network has rewarded Kia with record registrations, industry accolades and dealer approval, says sales director Steve Hicks.

Mercedes-Benz chief executive Gary Savage believes direct manufacturer sales are inevitable, but the new business model presents opportunities for dealers.

Mazda UK’s Jeremy Thomson on giving his dealers a cost-efficient CI, solving their parts problem and why he wants a UK-Japan trade deal

To fight the dramatic fall in dealership visits, Nissan is redesigning its showrooms to give customers a more welcoming, seamless and interactive experience.

Nissan GB hopes to top last year’s record 77,000 fleet registrations with new online sales tools, a new website, and a refined focus on its corporate customers

Nissan is expanding its Workplace Presentation Programme, where it visits a company or council with a local car dealer to talk about electric vehicles.

The new Volvo Retail Experience corporate identity standards promise customers premium levels of personal service in the showroom and the workshop

After a year in post, Vauxhall UK managing director Tim Tozer says new cars, a new CI and new retail models give its dealers a lot to look forward to in 2015

Volkswagen has adapted to market changes and rapid growth by consulting its dealer network

With its new Vignale sub-brand, Ford hopes to keep its corporate customers and perhaps snare more by marrying high-spec cars to a premium aftersales experience.

A new flagship site, filling open points, an EV and a sportscar – Kia is pulling out all the stops to hit its target of 100,000 registrations by 2020

Complicated offers and sluggish reactions hurt Škoda in the eyes of its dealers last year, but brand director Alasdair Stewart says that is behind them now.

In seven years, Mercedes-Benz UK has gone from last to first in dealers’ affections. Chief executive Gary Savage says it has no intention of letting up

McLaren sales director Jolyon Nash explains how new supercars, expanded production and a focus on aftersales will boost dealer profits.

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