The plans would introduce a third tier to the brand’s LCV dealer network; positioned above the 57 Business Centres which already offer prominent exterior displays, dedicated sales staff and training, extended opening hours and a five-tonne lift.
Payne said the size of the dedicated network is undecided, but that it could include separate sites, and is likely to add dedicated a technician and aftersales advisor to the requirements of a Business Centre. “We’re conscious that that formula has worked very successfully for other brands,” he explained. “So that’s an area we’re considering.”
The Business Centre network will also grow; Nissan is planning to take this to around 70 sites in the near future, supported by the recent expansion of the dealer fleet manager team from five to seven staff, focused on customers with 50 vehicles or less. All of the brand’s UK dealers have trained staff and courtesy vehicles available.
As well as growing the network, plans are in place to revise the Customer Promise – a six-point package comprising the five-year warranty, assistance, courtesy vehicles, extended business hours, delivery in less than 48 hours and standards for aftersales. Payne said this will be introduced in the first quarter of the 2017 financial year.
