Volkswagen Financial Services is now using the 1link Disposal Network e-commerce platform to repatriate its own end-of contract lease vehicles back into the Volkswagen franchise network.

Martin Woollam, general manager for remarketing at Volkswagen Financial Services, explained: “Used cars and vans have been an especially important source of profitability for our dealers during the recession and ensuring that they have access to the best stock is very important at this point in time.

“Of course, by ensuring that as many used vehicles as possible go through our approved used schemes, we are also helping to make sure that customers are provided with the best experience possible. It is something from which every party in the supply chain gains benefits.”

Ken Trinder, head of business development at epyx, explained that this was just one example of a trend among manufacturers to ensure that as many vehicles as possible are repatriated within their franchise network in order to maintain residuals and ensure a high level of customer service using 1link Disposal Network.

He said: “By taking greater control over how their vehicles are bought and sold, manufacturers can help to ensure that choice used stock goes straight into franchise dealer official used car programmes.

“Doing this is good for dealers, many of whom are relying on high levels of used car sales to maintain profitability during the recession. However, it also ensures that end customers have the best choice of used cars and, more than anything, helps to keep residual values as high as possible by ensuring that stock flows to retailers who can achieve the best prices.”

Trinder added that epyx was starting to see manufacturers increasingly working with leasing companies to ensure that de-fleeted stock was being offered directly to franchise dealers on a priority basis through 1link Disposal Network and then to a wider audience.

He said: “This gives franchise dealers a first look at the best ex-fleet cars available on the market and also helps to ensure that they can achieve the volume of used cars that they need. It ensures that the highest numbers of the best ex-lease cars go straight into manufacturer approved used programmes.”

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