Today's challenges for retail groups large and small are examined at this important AM conference on Wednesday 25 June 2003 at The De Vere Belfry Hotel Wishaw, Warwickshire. Sponsored by Grant Thornton and Exxon Mobil.

A conference debating key automotive issues.

National, regional and compact franchised dealer groups are facing a raft of challenges and opportunities as automotive retailing reacts to new Block Exemption, other EC/UK legislation and further consolidation.

For this conference, we have arranged a line-up of experienced and influential speakers to analyse factors causing concern to dealers and suggest courses of action.

Continuing change is the only certainty in the UK retail motor industry as manufacturers consider how to react to Block Exemption. Dealer bosses will need to be more nimble on their feet than ever, and important strategic judgements are better taken after listening to other viewpoints.

This conference is geared to the needs of franchised motor retailers.

Why you should attend:

  • An explanation of consumer legislation impacting on dealer group profits
  • An appraisal of manufacturers' pan-European retailing policies
  • Business opportunities, from the viewpoint of groups of different sizes
  • Guidance for franchised bosses planning expansion
  • Advice on controlling costs and improving efficiencies

Conference speakers and topics

##Trevor Finn--left--##Trevor Finn, chief executive of Pendragon plc, heads the UK's largest dealer group and will give his views on likely further consolidation within the automotive retail sector. Finn has close links with Ford Motor Company and Pendragon has expanded with the manufacturer into Germany and the US. He believes size of turnover creates the strength essential for successful motor retailers of the future.

##Pat Conway--left--##Pat Conway is chief executive of Whitehouse Group, named as AM''s first retailer of the year in February. Kent-based Whitehouse is a prime example of how a regional group should operate and Conway says: “Too many dealers are fixated with turnover on the belief that size brings economies of scale. In reality, size brings complexity into the business equation.”

Peter Sexton is managing director of Meadens of Sway, which has a single Seat dealership in Lymington, Hampshire – his business is AM smaller dealership of the year. Sexton is convinced there is a future for small motor retail businesses if staff is dedicated to quality service: “If you wish to succeed, you must be aware of what's going on both in your marketplace and in your business.”

##Garel Rhys--left--##The conference will be chaired by Garel Rhys, motor industry professor at Cardiff Business School, who will address delegates on global trends influencing all UK automotive retailers.



Grant Thornton (AM's partner in collating the AM100) will suggest business tactics for dealer groups of varying sizes.
  • Other speakers will be announced when confirmed.

    Now book your place

    Click here for a booking form (pdf format). Print it off, fill it in and fax it back to 01733 468346. A member of the events team will call you to confirm your booking.

    or

    Call Sandra Evitt, Events, Emap Automotive
    T 01733 468123
    F 01733 468346
    E sandra.evitt@emap.com