The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) will share its insights with automotive retailers on how to make a success of the company car and van market at 2024's Automotive Management Live show on November 13.

The one day event, brought to you by Automotive Management (AM), the National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) and premium sponsor Phyron, is back at the NEC, near Birmingham.

The AFP's chairman Paul Hollick will be joined by its joint deputy chairs Lorna McAtear (pictured below) and Matt Hammond - who also head the fleets at National Grid and Altrad, that collectively represent thousands of vehicles, as well as the wider interests of the organisation's members across the UK.

Hollick, McAtear and Hammond will all offer their insight on what fleets are looking for from retailers, the opportunities available from corporate and SME customers, as well as the importance of electric vehicles and how the agency model is impacting the fleet customer experience.

Part of the session will also look to tackle the challenges presented by the fleet market’s reputation for offering lower margin business and dedicated skills and departments to truly make it a success.

However, in a subdued new car retail environment, dealer groups cannot afford to ignore fleet as an opportunity to be explored.

The session will be chaired by Bauer's B2B group editor Stephen Briers, who has been the figurehead of AM's sister title Fleet News since 2009. 

AM Live is free to attend for franchised and independent dealer professionals - register here.

The show offers four dedicated seminar theatres focussed on strategy, sales, aftersales and digital technology, as well as an exhibition hall packed with the latest innovations from the UK’s leading automotive retail suppliers.

Automotive Management Live also provides an unrivalled opportunity to network and interact with peers and manufacturer representatives to explore how automotive retail will transform in 2024 and beyond, all while equipping delegates with strategies to future-proof their businesses.

Hollick said: “Good relationships between fleets and dealers are essential to the smooth running of both parties but feedback from our members suggests that satisfaction with their own suppliers in this area varies widely.

“The AFP has been attempting to remedy this with the introduction of our Dealer Standard agreement, which has been at least partially successful.

“We’re looking forward to AM Live and the opportunity to discuss this issue in more detail as part of an open forum, as well as to find out more about the franchise plans of new market entrants.”

Reasons to attend this year’s AM Live

  • Take key tips and tricks back to your business
  • Join in the debate on the biggest topics in the industry like FCA regulation, used electric vehicle sales, omnichannel retailing and more
  • Connect with new and innovative suppliers
  • Refine and solidify your 2-3 year strategy
  • Learn the latest digital techniques and skills
  • Network with motor retail peers, manufacturer and supplier partners

Automotive Management Live 2024

Automotive Management Live 2024 - register now

The UK's leading event for motor retailers - Wednesday, November 13.

​Automotive Management Live 2024 welcomes motor retail managers from across the UK to discover business improvements, to understand best practice and to network with fellow dealers and suppliers.

Topics this year will include agency business models, the brands now entering the UK new car market, used car stock management and more. It's free to attend, but you'll need to register.

Venue: NEC, Birmingham

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST