Skoda UK's Barney Butterell joins Innovation Automotive (IA) as head of sales

Škoda UK national used car manager Barney Butterell has joined multi-brand electric automotive company Innovation Automotive (IA) as head of sales.

He starts his role as the company begins to shape its sales operations and before the arrival of the first product, the 100%-electric compact panel van, the DFSK EC35.

After 10-years working in the motor industry, Butterell joins the company with experience in various sales-focused roles at Volkswagen Group UK, most recently as national used car manager at Škoda UK.

Prior to his time at VWG, Butterell gained more than 10 years’ experience in account management and business development.

Paul Brigden, IA’s chief executive officer, said: “We are entering an important phase in the launch of the new Innovation Automotive brand.

“Innovation Automotive wants to interact with its customers online and face-to-face. Barney’s experience and expertise will help us realise our objectives and lead us on the path to success.”

IA has said it will deliver electric vehicles (EVs) via a direct-to-consumer sales model.

To convert UK motorists into electric car buyers, the automotive industry will need to invest most heavily in television and online channels, according to a consumer study by YouGov.

Butterell added: “The motor industry is entering the most significant and complex period of change in its history.

“The opportunity to join Innovation Automotive as a new, electric vehicle company is very exciting.

“We have some really competitive products coming to the UK, and I am looking forward to launching our first vehicles in the New Year.”