A tune up for the motor industry
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.
Karl Werner, Deputy CEO
