SsangYong Motors UK's dealer network is implementing RAPID RTC's Lead Manager platform to optimise franchisees' responses to enquiries from prospective buyers.

SsangYong hopes it will help to deliver the timeliness and quality of responses that customers of its 62-site dealer network increasingly expect while social distancing restrictions remain in place.

Kevin Griffin, managing director of SsangYong Motors UK, said: “RAPID RTC Lead Manager provides a professional means for our dealers to respond to customer enquiries. It also allows for us, and our dealers, to manage those enquiries to ensure the best possible outcome.”

“We’re excited to support another growing brand like SsangYong with industry-leading technology that connects them with online customers in a timely and engaging manner,” said Pontus Riska, vice president of sales & support, UK, for RAPID RTC.

“As we continue practicing physical distancing and see customers make use of digital channels to connect with dealers more often, it’s important to reassure online shoppers that when they enquire, they’ll receive a relevant response in the timeframe they expect.”

This latest deal comes just months after Kia Motors UK rolled out RAPID RTC's Live Dealer platform onto its dealer websites and its own website, to provide live chat, online showroom and live video functionality.

RAPID RTC is headline sponsor of Automotive Management Live Virtual, a live online exhibition for dealers and OEMs which takes place on January 20-21 - register here.

A recent UK survey by Marketing Delivery found almost two thirds of prospective car buyers felt dealers should respond more quickly to emailed sales enquiries specifically because of the COVID-19 restrictions, and almost as many felt the same about phone enquiries.

RAPID RTC Dealer Insights also reported that volumes for online data capture forms in the UK increased by 44% in Q3 of 2020 compared to Q3 of 2019, demonstrating significant year over year growth in digital dealership enquiries during the pandemic.