It’s just over a week since Blackball Media hosted the Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards, sponsored by Black Horse, and as the stress ebbs away and the hangovers subside, our thoughts are already turning to next year.
But before we do, it’s worth taking a quick look at how – in just year two – these awards are already seen as an important date in the automotive industry’s calendar.
The event, hosted by TV’s Mike Brewer, was held at The Brewery in London. The stunning venue was given a ‘Miami Vice’ theme and looked brilliant.
The sell-out night featured a fabulous three course meal, unlimited beer and wine, a band and disco – and the 400 guests sure did make the most of it. At midnight the venue was still packed with people enjoying the event.
The winners were delighted with their gongs and already many are making the most of the marketing collateral an award like this offers.
Our Dealers’ Dealer of the Year, Umesh Samani, made the front page of his local paper’s motoring section. A photographer and reporter visited him a few days after the awards to capture the story.
WOW ! Making front page of motoring #sentinel thanks to @JohnSwift19 (1/2) @CarDealerMag #Mirning #UCAwards #MCMotor pic.twitter.com/tN3UZOav83
— Umesh Samani (@specialistcars1) December 6, 2013
Jim Reid Vehicle Sales went back to Scotland with two gongs – and they’ve been making the most of them on social media sites ever since.
The dealership won Used Car Dealer of the Year (51-100 cars) and their salesman Phil Buchan won the Upsales and F&I Performance of the Year award.
Very proud moment.@jimreidvehicle & @1988lover Car Dealership of the Year 2013 (51-100cars) @mikebrewer @cardealermag http://t.co/TO87PKOncx
— JimReidVehicleSales (@jimreidvehicle) December 4, 2013
The Used Car Dealer Group of the Year winner, HR Owen, sent out a special message from chief executive Joe Doyle to their customers saying how pleased they were winning one of the magazine’s special awards.
And that’s just a snap shot – the magazine has been inundated with tweets and emails from guests and winners who loved the evening.
We’ve also noticed a steady stream of press releases being issued by the car manufacturers who were recognised on the night – Volkswagen, Skoda and Kia have all issued releases to the press, shouting about their awards.
Commenting on a clutch of awards, Ian Plummer, head of sales for Volkswagen UK, said: ‘We’re extremely proud of these two awards and of our retailers.
‘So much focus within the industry is on new car sales and products, but used car sales outstrip these and are a key part of any retailer’s or manufacturer’s business.’
Kia – who won Car Manufacturer Used Car Scheme of the Year – also issued a release.
David McCluskey, Kia’s National Used Car Sales and Remarketing Manager said: ‘Car Dealer’s award is recognition of what we have always believed is the best manufacturer used car programme in the market. It is reassuring to have this verified by Car Dealer Magazine – we are delighted and honoured!’
While Skoda, who picked up Best Used Car for the Yeti, was equally pleased. Chris Horrell, Product Marketing Manager for Skoda, said: ‘We are honoured to have received the award from Car Dealer Magazine.’
The comments only cement the importance manufacturers are already placing on these awards. The date for next year’s event has already been set – December 1, again at The Brewery (winning formula) – and already we’ve got a number of companies lining up to be involved.
All too often the used car industry isn’t celebrated in this industry, with the focus by many on new cars. I’m delighted that we can recognise all levels of this vital cog in the car industry machine with these awards which will only continue to grow in importance.
Thanks to all the sponsors who helped made the night happen – especially Black Horse – and the Car Dealer team, Mike and myself are very much looking forward to making next year an even bigger success.
Look out for a video from the night coming soon and the full results will be published in Car Dealer Magaine’s BIGGEST ever issue, which should reach subscribers before Christmas.
If you’d like to get involved in next year’s Used Car Awards, contact the Car Dealer team on (023) 9252 2434.
