Carmakers have a vital role to play in marketing the motor industry as a career choice as well as promoting their own products.
That was a message from Citroen UK managing director Linda Jackson at the SMMT International Summit.
Jackson questioned whether the industry's perception was "sexy enough" for young people, particularly at retailer level. Apprentices are trained more in electronic technology than gearboxes now and the role of the sales executive is changing to embrace technology such as video walk-arounds too.
The industry needs to attract younger people who are most familiar with the latest technology and systems, she said. "The customer journey is changing faster than the industry is adapting," Jackson added.
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
way4wrd - 13/06/2013 19:53
The motor industry has been very dis functional in this key area since the 80,s.A new initiative is required driven by the manufacturer through the franchise network,i recall reading a recent graduate based survey on career sector desires with the motor sales sector not figuring in the top 20.I believe some inspiration could be taken from the pc world/currys,initiative KNOW HOW,which seems to be quite a dynamic in their staffing.