Franchised dealer group counters FCA challenges by selling superior stolen vehicle recovery

Leading Nissan, Peugeot and Citroen dealer group, Trenton, is enhancing benefits for customers while reducing its own costs and boosting income by partnering with stolen vehicle recovery expert (SVR) Tracker.

The collaboration will see Trenton’s customers across Hull, Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire, being offered the option of having an SVR device from Tracker fitted as a value-added extra. As well as giving customers ultimate peace of mind that their vehicle is protected in the event of theft, this will see customers benefit financially by a reduction in insurance premiums. Furthermore, by fitting Tracker devices to its management and demonstration cars, Trenton is also protecting its own assets, reducing its trade insurance premium and creating a new revenue stream.

Andy Woodhall, Operations Director Trenton, commented; “This year has given the industry some extraordinary challenges, with lockdown impacting showroom sales, and social distancing rules affecting test drives once we reopened.  On top of this, the latest FCA changes relating to motor finance commissions are adding to our revenue headache. 

“However, we are committed to delivering outstanding customer service and continually explore ways to offer new tangible benefits to our customers. Tracker’s SVR solutions tick all the boxes, not just for our customers but us too. While there are other providers we could have chosen to partner with, Tracker is the only one to have a relationship with the UK’s police forces.  This collaboration is key to its success in recovering and returning stolen cars to their rightful owners.  In our mind, Tracker has a superior offering that is recognised and respected universally which brings many benefits including insurance savings.”

Tracker’s Mesh Network is another example of the innovation that influenced the dealership’s decision to form a partnership.  The Tracker Mesh Network creates an added defence against vehicle theft by using vehicles fitted with a Tracker device to identify stolen vehicles, therefore creating its very own social network. When a vehicle fitted with a Tracker SVR device passes any Tracker equipped vehicle that has been reported stolen, it automatically sends a signal to Tracker HQ providing the location of the stolen asset – even if it is hidden in a garage, container or underground car park.

Mark Rose, Managing Director for Tracker adds: “It’s a win-win for Trenton and for its customers. Customers are also feeling the financial impact and are looking at ways of saving money as well as having peace of mind that their vehicle is protected, particularly as a rise in vehicle theft is predicted during these unprecedented times. For Trenton, being an SVR reseller also helps bridge the gap of lost revenue as a result of the FCA changes, something many dealers will be concerned about in the coming months.”