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The stars have aligned for June 21st, bringing us World Motorcycle Day and the Summer Solstice all on the same day. It's the perfect opportunity for a late ride, but in any event, it's a day to be on two wheels.

Whether it's Land’s End or John O’Groats, we can but hope that the weather is kind and we'll be able to ride into the sunset and, of course, do it safely. #WorldMotorcycleDay is a global event and being on your bike today, of all days, you'll be part of a worldwide celebration.

After the last year and the restrictions required during the pandemic, jumping onto a bike has reminded me of the freedom that a motorcycle, regardless of size or style, brings. I know that this message has always been prominent in motorcycle marketing, but it has new resonance for me right now. For this reason, I hope on celebrating the motorcycle on June 21st; we also remember to champion it.

Two-wheels makes sense for many people. Environmentally and economically, travel time, parking ease and initial cost all favour two-wheels and the data shows more people are getting on board. It seems likely that people are making the switch from public transport to two-wheels, and the rise in sports bikes highlights that some people are turning to motorbikes for leisure use too. What is evident, is that a rise in motorcycle sales is happening

On June 7th, the latest new sales figures for ‘powered two wheelers’ (PTWs)  showed a year on year increase of 148% with 13,398 sales and electric PTWs sales rose an impressive 340%. Let’s reach out and welcome the many new people to the biking fraternity. Years ago, when I first jumped out on my 49cc ‘power machine,’ the elation when far more senior bikers gave me a thumbs up, wave, or more frequently that slight nod meant I knew I was part of something.

Whether it's on World Motorcycle Day or any day, let’s make every fellow biker know they're welcome.

Julian Oliver, National Motorcycle Manager

Our National Motorcycle Manager, Julian Oliver, talks about the rise in motorbike sales and the freedom of two-wheels.

World Motorcycle Day

Helping over 2,500 dealerships through lockdown was a huge privilege. It showcased MotoNovo’s agility and dealer centricity. However, this is old news, and we, like our dealers, must pivot once again, optimising business in the new normal we face today.

A little over a year ago, I wrote, ‘Motor retailing will not return to business as usual. It must re-invent itself to be leaner and closer to customers – sharpening the saw.’ It is precisely what MotoNovo is doing now. It is time to challenge, invest and re-invent, reassessing everything to be that extra bit faster, better, sharper.

We have embarked on a mission to tune up everything we do. It is a recognition that breaking the business continuously is essential. Like the world’s elite athletes, an unremitting quest for improvement is what moulds true champions and gives them longevity. Part of our tune-up is seeking and inviting feedback directly from our dealer partners. It is also about pursuing emerging best practices from a diverse range of industry sectors, not to mention ensuring we always get the basics right.

Economic, digital, social, environmental and regulatory change is everywhere. We can add emerging vehicle distribution models and the current but potentially lengthy supply issues for used vehicles in our market. At MotoNovo, we pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve. However, I think it is important to be humble and recognise that we can be sharper. It is why, as always, we want to collaborate with the dealer community to re-imagine and re-invent the future together.

On a final note, in sharpening the saw, a business must never stop doing what made it successful in the first place. There is a lovely quote that summarises this brilliantly; “Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.” Lao Tzu, 6th century BC Chinese philosopher. MotoNovo’s success has been founded upon dealer-centricity, service and taking the lead in innovation and change. As we re-energise our business, we will not lose these vital differentiators, we will build upon them.

In the new normal we face today, Deputy CEO Karl Werner recognises we must pivot once again to stay ahead the curve. Take a look how with the dealer community, we can re-invent the future together.

A tune up for the motor industry

We’re coming in hot with round two of our Extra Mile Award winner’s stories. This week, we catch up with Buckingham Ford, The German Car Group and Motorserv-UK to find out what makes them a winning dealership.

Our very first Extra Mile Awards launched last month, giving recognition to some of our best dealerships in three very special and unique categories: partnerships, community and customer journey. You can find out everything you need to know in our previous Extra Mile Awards blog post.

As exemplary dealers in their category, we’re sharing their stories to help the whole dealer community learn from their success. With top tips and unique ways of working, meet our next three winners…

What does helping the community mean to you?

You should always try and give back to the community that supports you. I believe very much in employing local people and helping local businesses to be successful. The local people have been pivotal to our success so it feels right to ensure we make it a priority to look after our local people.

How do you choose what charities you raise money for?

I like for my entire team and our customers to be involved in the various fundraising initiatives we support. If it impacts our community, it impacts us and that’s where we feel our time and support is best spent. We’re currently supporting a local ladies hockey club, The Buckingham Cricket Club and two youth football teams.

What are your top tips for other dealerships looking to increase their charity work?

Make whatever you support truly mean something to you, your team and your customers, to make it feel really worthwhile! Don’t forget about your local community for many long-established dealerships, the local people have been your promoters for a long time so deserve your support!

Tell us what a typical day looks like in your dealership?

We always provide open and honest advice based on the customer’s requirements. We offer a full demonstration service including images and finance quotes so every customer has all the information they need. When they come to collect their vehicle, we carry out a full walk through of all of the vehicle functions ready for them to drive away.

How has your dealership adapted to social distancing requirements?

We’ve adapted to providing an online buying experience for our customers including click and collect, contactless delivery and keeping our website up to date with our social distancing measures.

What are your top tips for providing excellent customer service every time?

Give each customer a personal service before, during and after the sale with a point of contact at every stage.

What made you want to work with MotoNovo Finance?

As a large funding partner and recognised in the marketplace, MotoNovo provide us with strong support, superb account management and lots of tools.  They quite simply help us to do our job better, and provide a working relationship which enables growth and progress.  

What MotoNovo products or initiatives have been an asset to your dealership?

findandfundmycar is a superb initiative and has led to a number of sales leads and the online reservation system and integration with our website quoting tools is a great asset. The soft search facility is also something which comes in very handy when prospecting and qualifying, and we are made to feel part of the process at all times. 

How did MotoNovo support you through the pandemic?

They were with us every step of the way. Account support, customer queries, settlement figures, new proposals and underwriting, were all as busy and as available as ever. They didn't allow Covid-19 to have any adverse effects on the business. Through 2020, this enabled us to still have our best year on record to date sales wise, and we look forward to progress in 2021 and beyond. 

The Extra Mile Awards run every quarter, with 3 winners in each category. You can meet some more of this round’s winners in our previous post here.

Join us in congratulating the winners on social: Facebook – Twitter - LinkedIn.

We’re coming in hot with round two of our Extra Mile Award winner’s stories on how they became a winning dealership.

Meet the Extra Mile Award Winners - part 2

Customers know that they’re better protected than ever before. Helped by regulation, increased awareness and availability of consumer rights information, today's car buyer often knows their rights. In addition, over the last year, I don't doubt that the need to buy items online ensured more people became aware and confident of their distance buying rights.

Resoundingly, I am of the view that this consumer protection is a good thing for the used car market in which we operate. Yes, I appreciate that from time to time, some people may push the boundaries of what is fair and reasonable, but for the most part, it is a positive.

The vast majority of dealers do a great job and will bend over backwards to help customers with any post-sale issues that may arise – in an online review world, these dealer’s reputations will have only been enhanced. Conversely, dealers who do not support the consumer will come under pressure.

Potential disruptors will have fewer reasons to try and undermine a business model that has demonstrated its capacity to meet customers' needs for care and distance selling support over the last year.

Increased transparency in finance and the Section 75 support to customers from HP/PCP is helping customers to choose dealer finance.

The new FCA rules that came into force in January are another positive change for consumers and dealers alike; the reality that dealers cannot haggle on interest rates is a positive fact. That and the transparency surrounding commission models are positive steps forward, pointing to the importance of the customer experience – both at point of sale and post-sale.

Armed with increased awareness of the consumer protection available to them, car buyers have something extra to add to their car buying equation. Access to a well-reviewed, respected, customer-centric dealer that they can trust has a value.

While for some car buyers, the price is everything, this is not universally true. For a used car, I suspect the trust and service element of the sale can positively impact the price and value. Personally, buying from someone I trust is essential to me. So, let's commit to embracing customer rights and keep working to ensure every customer knows they will love our commitment to outstanding care.

Car buyers are becoming increasingly more car savvy and through regulation and increased awareness, they also know their rights. See why Chief Operating Officer Dave Briggs thinks dealers should commit to embracing this to improve dealer trust.

News - June 2021

World Motorcycle Day

A tune up for the motor industry

Meet the Extra Mile Award Winners - part 2

How consumer protection builds trust

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