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The Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA) has revealed plans to offer members an online dealer-to-dealer trade-in service as well as collective buying packages from approved suppliers.
The new trade association launches on 5 November and will be hosting a special launch event at the Motor Trader Summit on 21 November.
The used car trading portal is being provided by MotorTradeMe, the online dealer-to-dealer network, with members able to buy both unwanted trade-outs and advertised stock.
“We’re looking at innovative ways to do business and get members networking with each other to increase the power and belief in what they are doing in business,” said founding co-director and spokesman David Billsborough.
“The members-only IMDA Hub on our website will open up not just trade cars but retail stock as well. This is a first for any automotive trade association.”
Members will also be able to benefit from collective buying on products such as warranties, GAP and finance from IMDA’s approved suppliers who meet its code of conduct.
The approval process is currently being managed by the six founder members and will be restricted to five suppliers per market sector. Members will also be invited to rate the suppliers.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from some key national suppliers. The deals that are coming to the table are very good deals for the members.”
Separately the trade body said it has attracted membership requests from small owner-driver and family-run franchised dealers.
“We’re looking to keep the doors open and will talk to franchised dealers running used car operations,” said Billsborough.
The association is billing itself as the first to represent independent dealers across the UK. It said over 600 dealers have already registered their interest to become members and expects to have between 500-750 paid-up dealer members by the end of its first full year.
The IMDA is hosting a special launch event for dealer members and prospective members at the Motor Trader Summit on 21 November at Edgbaston Stadium.
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