Yeomans adds tree-planting scheme to drive sustainability in aftersales

Yeomans Motor Group is putting down roots – literally - in its commitment to sustainability.

The South of England dealer group has introduced a unique aftersales initiative that allows customers to opt out of their complimentary car valet in favour of having a tree planted on their behalf.

Dubbed the ‘Plant a Tree’ programme, the initiative is powered by digital self-service technology from Tjekvik and has been rolled out across eight Yeomans sites representing Volkswagen and Skoda in Bridgwater, Exeter, Helston and Indian Queens.

Parts of the automotive industry have dabbled in tree planting schemes. Land Rover offset the carbon emissions of its new cars sold by supporting a scheme, and in 2022 the AM100 motor retailer Vindis Group began a partnership with Tree-Nation, committing to plant a tree for every car it sold.

In Yeomans case, the Tjekvik system enables customers to check their vehicles in and out for services, MOTs or repairs via touchscreen kiosks in the dealership or remotely through their own devices.

Then instead of a traditional car wash, customers can now choose to plant a tree through Yeomans’ partnership with Ecologi, an organisation that supports global reforestation projects in countries such as Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Peru, and Morocco.

In 2024, 2,378 customers opted to plant a tree - 24% of those who used the self-service check-in.

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, another 798 customers made the same choice, continuing that 24% engagement rate.

Beccy Atkinson, head of aftersales at Yeomans, said the programme reflects the group’s broader environmental mission: “As part of our day-to-day business, we’re keen to give something back to society, whether in the UK or further afield.

“With climate change one of the greatest challenges we all face, our new Plant a Tree initiative enables our customers to make a small but meaningful contribution to the health of our planet through our easy-to-use digital touchpoints.”

Tjekvik’s CEO and co-founder, Christian Mark praised Yeomans for leading by example: “It’s great to see Yeomans use our solutions creatively by offering value-add items that resonate with customers’ values and sustainability expectations.

"Dealers can also leverage our technology to establish themselves as environmentally conscious businesses.”