Seven new member organisations have signed to the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) so far in 2023 – with the challenge of electrification proving to be a key driver of the industry body’s growth.
They are ASKE Consulting, AutoTek21, Central Car Auctions, Greenhous Fleet Services, NextGear Capital, Tracker and [M]enable.
Chair Philip Nothard said the new members had come from right across the remarketing sector, covering the handling, selling, inspection, security, transportation and management of used vehicles, as well as the mental health of industry professionals.
He explained: “There’s been a lot of hard work from our board, members and support teams during the last few years to enhance and promote the networking and briefing aspects of the VRA and this effort appears to be paying off, with membership now at probably its highest level for a decade. We are currently seen as a much enhanced, vital forum for discussion.
“As we regularly point out, we’re living through a moment when the remarketing sector is probably experiencing the most dramatic process of change that any of us will see during our careers. This is driving interest from a wide range of businesses who want to be involved in events such as our well-attended member meetings and our annual seminar, which has become a key date on the motor industry calendar. We offer an environment where difficult subjects such as electrification are addressed by the sector’s leading experts in an informed, collegiate and constructive manner.”
Philip added that the consequences of the electrification of the UK’s car and van parcs – and the role of remarketing within that process – were of especial interest to existing and new members.
“It’s widely recognised that for the electrification project to work in its widest sense, there needs to be a properly functioning used market for EVs of all kinds. Our members are very much at the sharp end of this development and are working together to resolve a whole range of challenges. The VRA is helping to facilitate that process, providing members with essential briefings and channels through which experiences and best practice can be shared.”
The VRA recently announced that its annual seminar for 2023 would be held at The Slate, Warwick University, on 21st November, while the AGM will take place at BCA Birmingham on 13th July.
Further details about VRA membership can be obtained by emailing info@thevra.co.uk.