Surge in online traffic doubles profits at UK’s biggest car dealership

Surge in online traffic doubles profits at UK’s biggest car dealership

Pendragon, Britain’s biggest car dealer, has seen its profits almost double as a result of impressive growth in its online sales.

The company – which trades under the names Stratstone, Evans Halshaw and Quicks – said eight million people visited its website in the first six months of 2014, a 16.2 per cent rise on the same period of last year. As a result, across its 250 outlets, the firm saw pre-tax profits rise to £33.2 million up to 31 June, up 98.8 per cent on 2013.

The news illustrates the importance of online sales channels for car dealerships. The modern consumer wants to either research or buy products online, and the same is true when it comes to motor trade insurance. That is why Bollington offers straightforward online forms by which businesses can easily obtain a motor trade insurance policy, although it is always advisable to follow up on this initial quote with a conversation with the expert brokers to ensure the policy meets the dealership’s specific needs.

Nevertheless, the role of the internet cannot be underestimated with Pendragon chief executive Trevor Finn stating: “The internet transformation of our business continues to yield sizeable benefits for the group.”

The group has focused on improving its web presence in recent months, with high-definition videos of selected vehicles allowing customers to peruse online before often visiting a dealership in person to make their purchase.
Underlying revenue at the dealership rose by 2.7 per cent to £2.07 billion and the firm said it expected its full-year performance to be “comfortably in line with expectations”.