Arnold Clark Milton Keynes Delivery Centre sowed the Cee’d of success with a high-quality Kia sales video which helped it claim the ‘Best Overall’ award at CitNOW’s annual awards event.

The automotive retail video specialist recognised the best video producers from across the sector at its fourth annual awards event, which was this year held at London’s BAFTA Academy this afternoon (July 11).

CitNOW said that this year’s event had attracted a record number of entries, with a total of 948 videos nominated across four categories.

But Alicia Kuhn, from Arnold Clark Milton Keynes Delivery Centre, won the judges plaudits for her Best Sales Video-winning personalised Kia Cee’d message to a new customer.

The CitNOW judges said that the video went “beyond a typical handover video by delighting the new owner with added surprises”.

Alistair Horsburgh, CEO of CitNOW said: “This year’s CitNOW Video Awards are the biggest and best yet with a record number of entries from both the UK and globally.

“Congratulations to all the winners and a very well done to everyone who entered, the standard this year was exceptionally high.

“We’re delighted retailers are going above and beyond by creating engaging, innovative videos to improve the customer experience.

“With retailer businesses continuing to realise the importance of transparency with their customers, the future of automotive video looks increasingly bright.”

The Best Workshop category saw the highest number of nominations, with 509 individual CitNOW videos submitted by retailers.

Lookers SEAT Manchester clinched the win for a detailed walkaround of a car undergoing its health check.

CitNOW’s global breadth of customers was once again highlighted with over 100 entries into the hotly-contested Best Overseas Video category.

Taking top spot was Bartons Wynnum in Brisbane, Australia for its presentation of a Hyundai Accent.

The Most Creative Use of CitNOW category saw a winner and two highly commended prizes issued.

TrustFord Wilmslow claimed top spot for its innovative and original video offering clear directions to the retailer site entrance, customer car parking and even introducing the on-site staff.

Lookers Nissan Newcastle and Pentagon Renault Lincoln were highly commended.

CitNOW said that its operations continue to grow, reflecting the record number of entries for its annual awards event.

In 2016 the business increased its retailer installations by 55%, followed by a further 39% increase in 2017, reaching 7,400 sites worldwide.

In the UK alone, the 3,200 retailer sites using CitNOW produced more than seven million personalised videos for customers last year.

MORE: The best dealer showroom and workshop videos from CitNOW (sponsored content)