Commissioner of a recent survey in to car consumer habits, MainDealerOffers is one of a portfolio of corporate and retail vehicle websites run by ReallyGoodDomains. Marketing manager Richard Lawton answered some of Motor Finance”s questions.

Why commission the poll?

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

We thought it was pretty interesting to see what car buyers, generally, are doing when it comes to obtaining their next vehicle.

Will you make it a regular thing?

I can imagine us doing it every year, just to see how it changes. I was quite surprised, I expected more interest in dealer finance.

Why the lack of dealer finance?

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

There’s a large percentage of the population that aren’t interested in walking to dealerships, they’re just going to buy a car from Joe Bloggs down the road. There’s also a lack of understanding about what is actually classed as dealer finance. People might think they’re using cash but they’re signed up to finance that’s more than likely PCP. They feel, because they’re paying a monthly amount from their account, it’s effectively a cash transaction. There’s a lot of legislation around consumer credit, you get a key fact sheet and you get a lot of protection. I wonder whether all that protection makes it more confusing than it actually is.

What can finance houses do to get more people understanding finance?

They’ve made great strides over the last few years with products like PCP. Historically, for the consumer, you had hire purchase; now PCP means customers can afford to get a new car. I wonder whether it’s possible to make that simpler again for consumers?

Is the demographic that would consider finance the one funders need to aim for?

Yes, they need to look at the products, as well. There’s a fight to have a new car that is competitive against the used car. You look at the Suzuki Altos, the Dacia Duster, there’s a big market for new but sub-£10,000. People that never actually thought they could afford a new car, they’re going to be interested in the different forms of finance.

richard.brown@vrlfinancialnews.com