AFV interest sparked among dealers with increased forecourt numbers
Dealers are becoming increasingly switched on to the opportunities offered by Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFVs) in the used car market, according to the latest NextGear Capital sentiment survey.
When asked if AFVs were currently part of their used vehicle offer, just over two-thirds of the dealers surveyed said they featured AFVs within their stock profile.
While a third admitted to having no current AFV stock, one in ten dealers are supercharging their forecourt with AFVs accounting for more than 10% of their overall used vehicle offer.
Dealers are also gearing up for the acceleration in demand for AFV vehicles with two-thirds reporting they had invested in the product and technical training for staff as well as in charging points at their sites.
More than half of the dealers also revealed that they had invested in additional AFV stock this year.
Pam Halliday, NextGear Capital’s sales and marketing director comments: "It is encouraging to see dealers becoming increasingly switched on to the opportunities presented by AFVs within the used car market.
"While the UK car parc still consists predominantly of diesel and petrol vehicles, factors such as charging zones, emissions controls and vehicle tax changes will impact future demand for this type of stock.
"With this in mind, it is now a good time for dealers to begin to think about their stock profile and how they might capitalise on opportunities offered by the AFV market.
"As our survey results show, dealers are taking things on board by investing in infrastructure, training and on-site facilities to support the sale of AFV vehicles.
"Dealers looking to supercharge their AFV ambitions should consider using a bespoke stocking plan to free up capital to fund the investment required to increase their AFV stock offer.
"It also provides dealers with the necessary business flexibility to cash in on AFV opportunities across multiple channels including auction, online and part exchange, when they become available."