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Consolidation of retailers and the rapid pace of change within automotive technology has forced OEMs and dealer groups into a more collaborative approach, where manufacturer and retailer are shaping the customer experience together.
The current climate in the UK automotive industry is creating a new eco system, where we are seeing closer collaboration and the rapid innovation vital for survival in this age of disruption.
This is encouraging in the respect that start-ups, retailer groups and manufactures are working together to enhance the experience offered to the customer and find new, streamlined and more efficient ways of working, especially as technology makes our world a more inter-connected place.
Across Jardine, we are seeing our brand partners coming together with a wide variety of businesses forging a level of close collaboration to explore and innovate new ways of enhancing the customer experience.
This type of activity signals a shift from the old mechanic of manufacturers supplying the product and the dealer selling it. It instead offers a pool of talent that can be drawn on to create a joined up experience, where the customer receives a more tailored experience.
Working together is the way forward for the industry and if we are to thrive in what are challenging times for everyone in the UK then we must take advantage of the skills, knowledge and innovation that each area can bring to the table.
Jason Cranswick is commercial director at Jardine Motors Group