Carwow has created a guide to help its car dealer partners and their customers understand the implications of the forthcoming shift to the EU’s new WLTP emissions testing regime.

The online car buying website has produced the guide to help dealers as they guide their business, and customers, through the changes that are taking effect from September – highlighting the importance of purchasing new models before then.

Carwow is communicating with its database of 3.8 million buyers with daily stock emails, promotion of stock models on its site, bespoke web pages housing relevant information and significant additional marketing spend to help dealerships sell in-stock cars before September.

The new emissions tests will impact every UK car dealer, however by prioritising stock sales carwow believes its network can benefit from the changes.

Karen Hilton, commercial director of carwow, said: “Savvy dealers, just like savvy consumers, are getting prepared for these changes and what they might mean.

“Dealers must work with the manufacturers they sell to understand what models are affected.

“By sharing their stock feeds with carwow, we are able to optimise their sales across the crucial period.”

The carwow site has already recorded its strongest week for 2018 stock sales in May as dealers begin to operate in a pre-WLTP landscape, it said in a statement.

Hilton said: “There are some great deals out there for consumers and the more education that takes place, the better we drive demand and create a positive effect on the entire industry.

“The message we are giving to consumers is that there is no need to worry about buying a ‘non-conforming’ car.

“That any model bought before September will satisfy the rules that apply when it’s sold as a new car, so there won’t be a nasty catch, like a tax bill suddenly rocketing, a few years down the line. 

“We are already seeing this have an impact as dealers get on board with it.”