The increasing numbers of electric and hybrid vehicles making their way onto the used market will be the focus of the first Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) meeting of 2019, taking place on January 23 at Fleet Auction Group, Coalville.

Key presentations will include Ian Featherstone of the Energy Saving Trust (EST) on background drivers for EV and hybrid adoption, vehicle and charging developments, EST’s engagement with the remarketing sector, and the challenges and opportunities of selling used hybrids and EVs.

Steve Scofield of the Institute of the Motor Industry will then look at the skills needed across the UK to meet changing job roles related to EVs within the remarketing and garage sectors, best practice examples deployed by UK businesses, and Government support regarding zero emissions.

Finally, Jayson Whittingham of Glass’s will provide a detailed update on the current and future position of hybrids and EVs within the used car market, as well as a more general overview of the new and used vehicle sectors in early 2019.

Sam Watkins, chairman at the VRA, said: “So far, EVs and hybrids have been around in such small numbers and largely contained within franchise dealer networks that they have been seen as relatively marginal within remarketing.

“However, that situation is changing quite quickly and will accelerate over 2019 and beyond. Our meeting is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation, providing an in-depth understanding.”

He added that the VRA had created a complete programme of member meetings for this year that was designed to keep members well-informed about a wide range of crucial industry topics.

“We’ll be looking at everything from Brexit to the latest developments in fulfilment, from manufacturer direct sales to new legislation,” he said. “This is going to be a really busy year in remarketing and the support that the VRA provides to its members will be invaluable.”

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