Car Care Plan

	BLACK HORSE AND CAR CARE PLAN JOIN FORCES IN MAJOR WARRANTY LAUNCH Black Horse and Car Care Plan capitalise on strengths to give used car dealers a genuine profit opportunity Industry heavyweights Black Horse Motor Finance and Car Care Plan have joined forces to launch a major warranty programme. It is the first time Black Horse - part of Lloyds TSB, one of the world's leading banking groups - has entered the motor warranty market, and illustrates the company's determination to broaden its product portfolio with dealerships nationwide. Called Black Horse Motor Warranty, the programme is targeted at independent used car dealers. Three levels of warranty are available with cover from 3 to 36 months with no mileage limitations, and offers GAP, Roadside assistance and MOT insurance options. Phil Stones, Managing Director of Black Horse Motor Finance, said: "Our aim is to be a major player in the warranty market, and Car Care Plan, with their unparalleled experience in this sector, together with their reputation for fair claims settlement and innovative products, was a natural choice as our partner. "Black Horse Motor Warranty will capitalise on the strengths of our two companies, and will provide independent used car dealers with a robust and competitively-priced programme that has been developed specifically for their market. "It is an exciting development by Black Horse, and one which I am confident will have a major and positive impact on our dealers, giving them a genuine profit opportunity backed by two of the biggest and most respected names in the industry." It has been introduced at a time of significant reform in the industry, with the recently-introduced FSA regulations on the sale and advice of insurance products and impending alterations to the Consumer Credit Act. Tim Heavisides, Chief Executive of Car Care Plan, said: "With the warranty market undergoing major changes, now is the ideal time for Black Horse and ourselves to launch a warranty programme which reflects those changes and helps to smooth the path for used car dealers. "We are confident we have developed a programme which is second-to-none. Warranty and insurance products are a n essential and important element of a customer's car-buying experience, and a product backed by two major players in the market will increase consumer confidence and enhance the dealer's reputation. "We share Black Horse's enthusiasm and confidence. It is a step forward for every independent used car dealer." Black Horse Motor Warranty will be administered by Car Care Plan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors, from its new state-of-the-art West Yorkshire headquarters, where staff have an international reputation for setting claims fairly, speedily and efficiently. It will be marketed through the 300-strong Black Horse Motor Finance sales team. "I genuinely cannot think of a better partnership," concluded Heavisides. "Car Care Plan has nearly 30 years experience in the highly-competitive used car warranty and insurance market, and Black Horse has unequalled motor industry finance and marketing experience. "It is a massive opportunity for both companies, and - more importantly - for independent used car dealerships nationwide." top of page CAR CARE PLAN AND CAR GARANTIE ENTER INTO STRATEGIC ALLIANCE Car Care plan, General Motors' internal warranty provider and CG Car-Garantie Versicherungs-AG, the leading warranty provider in continental Europe are entering into a long term co-operation. Both firms - market leaders in their respective core markets of the UK and Germany - will be joining forces to offer tailored, value-for-money warranty insurance solutions to the GM dealer networks, Opel, Saab and Chevrolet, in mainland Europe. CarGarantie already has offices in Switzerland, Austria, the Benelux, Italy, France and the Czech Republic and will in future be providing warranty products, jointly developed with the Car Care Plan for GM dealer networks throughout mainland Europe. Tim Heavisides, CEO of Car Care Plan and Axel Berger, Chairman of CarGarantie are delighted with the agreement, believing that their two companies share a common philosophy and similar market positions and are able to exploit their respective resources for the benefit of GM dealer networks. "Our close co-operation will result in extremely attractively priced mainland European programmes underpinned by professional service for our new as well as our existing customers" said Berger. The co-operation is designed to be extremely long term and will be seen as a groundbreaking initiative in the field of specialist warranty insurance in Europe. top of page AUTOTRUST: CAR CARE PLAN'S WARRANTY SOLUTION FOR NON-FSA AUTHORISED DEALERS A guarantee developed specifically for dealers who have opted not to become authorised under the new FSA regulations which come into effect next month has been launched by Car Care Plan. The guarantee, called Autotrust, will operate as a contractual warranty between dealers and their customers. Car Care Plan will administer the programme and handle the warranties on the dealer's behalf, and for this purpose there will be a service agreement between both parties. Dealers will enjoy financial protection through an agreement with CCP's insurance company MICL, who will pay on behalf of dealers those claims which are covered under the warranty. Jonathan Heap, CCP's Head of Marketing, said: "There are a lot of dealers who, for whatever reason, have chosen not to be regulated by the FSA but who may be concerned that, as a result, they cannot offer their customers a warranty. Autotrust is their solution." Heap said the programme had been developed over many months following guidelines from the FSA and consultation with CCP's legal advisors. "We would expect Autotrust to appeal mainly to independent dealers who have chosen not to offer insurance products but still wish to provide a warranty on cars sold to customers," said Heap. One of the highlights of the programme is that dealers can select from a wide variety of cover and duration options to suit their business requirements. Another is that the wording of the customer documents has avoided much of the detailed legal phrases which motorists often find confusing and difficult to understand, resulting in Autotrust being 'crystal marked' by the Plain English Society. "With the name of Car Care Plan behind it, we believe Autotrust will rapidly become the number one solution for non-FSA regulated dealers," said Heap. "It is an innovative and flexible response to many dealers' concerns about the new rules and their ability to continue to offer what the car-buying public of today demand. "We fully support the new regulations, but we also intend to support those dealers who have considered their options and chosen not to become authorised." Dealers can find out more about the Autotrust Dealer Guarantee by calling 0870 267 548. top of page CAR CARE PLAN NAMES NEW IT HEAD Car Care Plan is currently undergoing a number of significant developments to its computer systems, and to oversee this activity has appointed a new Head of IT. He is South African-born Ken Hampton, who recently moved to the UK. Ken, 44 and married with two children, is a keen cyclist and sailor, and has more than 20 years experience in IT systems development. top of page NEW FINANCE ROLE AT CAR CARE PLAN AS BUSINESS BOOMS A booming UK market and planned expansion in Europe has led leading warranty provider Car Care Plan and sister underwriting company Motors Insurance to create the new position of Chief Financial Officer. The post, which took effect on September 1, is filled by 39-year-old Simon Wright, who was formerly Managing Director of Car Care Plan. Simon joined CCP 12 years ago, and was Finance Director before being appointed MD. He has been succeeded by Paul Newton, 46, who was previously Finance and IT Director. Tim Heavisides, Chief Executive of Car Care Plan (Holdings) - the group comprising CCP and Motors Insurance - said: "These are exciting times for both companies. We are now undisputed No 1 warranty provider in the UK, and have in the pipe-line a major acquisition which will significantly increase our market share in Europe. "The creation of a Chief Financial Officer, and Simon's appointment to that position, is a major stepping-stone to our growth at home and in our overseas markets. It will also ensure that the service we provide to existing customers remains at the high level we have maintained over many years." top of page CAR CARE PLAN ADDS VALUE A “BUPA-style” health-check among dealers is an integral part of the growing relationship between Car Care Plan and Volvo Car UK. CCP has been administering the Volvo Selected Used Cars programme since 1999, and this has grown into a wide-ranging support operation which provides dealers with added value on a major level. Four Volvo SUC programme managers cover the entire 140-strong Volvo network, regularly visiting each site to help them improve their used car business. The “health-check” they carry out covers all aspects of this vital part of every dealer’s business, including selection and pricing, preparation, display and promotion, and stock turn. One of the four managers is Sue Friend, whose patch is the south-west, covering the Midlands down to Cornwall. “We get down to the real specifics of a dealer’s used car business, from the photographs they use on the VSUC locator to how they handle e-mail leads, the knowledge drive training they conduct, and even their commission structure,” she said. “Through various tools we have a certain amount of information before we visit, on not only what is happening at the dealership but also how they are performing. Armed with that and the answers to our health-check questions we are pretty much able to give an on-the-spot idea of their weakest areas which need to be addressed first, then other things which need to be done.” That, said Sue, is collated into an action plan which is e-mailed to the dealer a few days after the visit, and this is followed by a second visit to see what progress has been made. One enthusiast of the scheme is Tim Glanvill, dealer principal of Motorworld Swindon. “The action plans focus purely on best practice,” he said. “We all know the things we should be doing and talk about them at length, but often we’re guilty of not actually doing them. “This process lets you make proper plans, gives you a structure to review your used car business objectively, a methodology for assessing the opportunities, and identifies areas for improvement. We found the whole experience very positive, very helpful and supportive.” Anne Woodward, product manager, Used Cars at Volvo Car UK, agrees. “The beauty of this programme is that everyone benefits. It is specifically aimed at helping dealers meet their customers’ expectations, so it should lead to greater profitability.” A final word from Sue. “It is apparent that many dealers have been crying out for this kind of information for some time and it’s good to know we can now help them.” Sue Friend CCP’s Volvo SUC Programme Manager with Tim Glanvill, Dealer Principal at Motorworld, Swindon top of page A WINNING TEAM... Industry heavyweights Black Horse Motor Finance and Car Care Plan have joined forces to launch a major warranty programme. It is the first time Black Horse – part of Lloyds TSB, one of the world’s leading banking groups – has entered the motor warranty market, and illustrates the company’s determination to broaden its product portfolio with dealerships nationwide. Called Black Horse Motor Warranty, the programme is targeted at independent used car dealers. Three levels of warranty are available, with cover from three to 36 months with no mileage limitations, and offers GAP, Roadside assistance and MOT insurance options. Phil Stones, Managing Director of Black Horse Motor Finance, said: “Our aim is to be a major player in the warranty market, and Car Care Plan, with its unparalleled experience in this sector, together with its reputation for fair claims settlement and innovative products, was a natural choice as our partner. “Black Horse Motor Warranty will capitalise on the strengths of our two companies, and will provide independent used car dealers with a robust and competitively-priced programme that has been developed specifically for their market. “It is an exciting development by Black Horse, and one which I am confident will have a major and positive impact on our dealers, giving them a genuine profit opportunity backed by two of the biggest and most respected names in the industry.” The programme has been introduced at a time of significant reform in the industry, with the recently-introduced FSA regulations on the sale and advice of insurance products and the impending alterations to the Consumer Credit Act. Tim Heavisides, Chief Executive of Car Care Plan, said: “With the warranty market undergoing major changes, now is the ideal time for Black Horse and ourselves to launch a warranty programme which reflects those changes and helps to smooth the path for used car dealers. “We are confident we have developed a programme which is second-to-none. Warranty and insurance products are an essential and important element of a customer’s car-buying experience, and a product backed by two major players in the market will increase consumer confidence and enhance the dealer’s reputation. “We share Black Horse’s enthusiasm and confidence. It is a step forward for every independent used car dealer.” Black Horse Motor Warranty will be administered by Car Care Plan from its new state-of-the-art West Yorkshire headquarters, where staff have an international reputation for settling claims fairly, speedily and efficiently. It will be marketed through the 300-strong Black Horse Motor Finance sales team. “I genuinely cannot think of a better partnership,” concluded Heavisides. “Car Care Plan has nearly 30 years experience in the highly-competitive used car warranty and insurance market, and Black Horse has unequalled motor industry finance and marketing experience. “It is a massive opportunity for both companies, and – more importantly – for independent used car dealerships nationwide.” Phil Stones – MD Black Horse Motor Finance (left) Tim Heavisides - Chief Executive Car Care Plan (right) top of page CAR CARE PLAN STRENGTHENS EUROPEAN TIES Car Care Plan has joined forces with Car-Garantie, Germany’s leading warranty company, to launch a major pan-European warranty initiative throughout the General Motors dealer network. The new programme will be rolled out to Opel, Saab and Chevrolet dealers over the coming months. The first product was launched in Germany, with new Vectras and Signums financed through GMAC receiving an extra two years warranty on top of the two-year factory cover. The promotion will run until early autumn. In the second phase of the initiative Opel has begun to roll-out a pan-european new car extended warranty programme. This was initially launched in Italy and will be rolled out to dealers in Germany in July, supported by a warranty provided by Car Care Plan and Car-Garantie. Outside Germany, Car-Garantie operates in Austria, the Benelux countries, the Czech Republic, France, Italy and Switzerland, a broad representation which will enable the collaboration to eventually extend through much of mainland Europe. CCP Chief Executive Tim Heavisides said: “This will be extremely long-term , and will result in attractive warranty products designed to meet the needs of both dealers and the GM National Sales companies. It is a ground-breaking initiative which we believe will be of great benefit throughout the GM dealer network in mainland Europe.” top of page OVD JOINS THE TEAM Car Care Plan Holdings has acquired OVD, a leading supplier of insurance programmes to vehicle dealers in Germany. The takeover, which sees CCP Chief Executive Tim Heavisides take on an additional similar role at OVD, is part of the vehicle warranty specialist’s strengthening of its European operations. OVD, which was purchased from Allianz, will remain at its Frankfurt headquarters, with administrative support being provided by CCP staff in the UK. It is Car Care Plan’s first-ever European acquisition. top of page SAAB APPROVE Saab has launched a used car warranty and insurance programme throughout its 100-strong dealer network. Called Saab Approved Used Cars, it is being administered by Car Care Plan and includes 12 months unlimited mileage warranty, MOT cover and wear and tear for certain components. There are no age or mileage restrictions, and the programme covers all makes. top of page INCHCAPE TAKES ADVANTAGE The new FSA regulations which came into force at the beginning of the year have been a “godsend” which have led to a ten per cent increase in insurance sales throughout the 75-strong Inchcape Retail UK dealer network. This positive aspect of the new rules, which caused considerable concern and debate among motor dealers prior to their introduction, has been reported by Peter Gardner, Head of Sales Development for Inchcape Retail. “We took a conscious decision that the new regulations would fit in with the Inchcape way of selling, and not the other way round,” he said. “We realised it was not the object of the FSA to stop us selling cars, so we said: ‘Let’s integrate FSA into what we do.’ “In fact, the timing of their introduction was perfect for us, and they came as a huge Godsend. We had launched a programme called Insight, in which we researched precisely what our customers wanted from us and then linked it in to Vision, our paperwork process.” Peter said that Insight and Vision, combined with the FSA rules, led Inchcape to a more structured way of selling cars, and it has worked. “The market has seen a six per cent drop but we are bucking the trend, and we are holding our own with new and used sales. “The FSA regulations have had a really positive effect on insurance sales. “We knew the additional focus would lead to a five to ten per cent increase, but we are doing better than that. Insurance is now an integrated part of the sale of a car.” Peter said that the registration and form-filling process demanded by the new regulations was “as frustrating as we imagined but not as difficult as we feared.” He added: “The new rules made us not only take a step back to enable us to understand what was required, but also to ask ourselves whether we were positioning insurance products in a positive manner.” An indication of the thorough approach the company took is that the entire sales staff went on a four-day training course to enable them to understand what the new regulations meant and what was required of them in our sales process. “We have no regrets about the approach we took. Far from it. Our culture is moving towards being a retailer, and we needed to take the regulations on board. We are in business to sell things and make our customers happy!” Car Care Plan administers Inchcape’s ownbranded warranty, integrated recovery, MOT, Tyre and RTI GAP programmes which are sold throughout the company’s 75 dealerships. Peter Gardner – Head of Sales Development Inchcape Retail top of page	BLACK HORSE AND CAR CARE PLAN JOIN FORCES IN MAJOR WARRANTY LAUNCH CAR CARE PLAN AND CAR GARANTIE ENTER INTO STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AUTOTRUST: CAR CARE PLAN'S WARRANTY SOLUTION FOR NON-FSA AUTHORISED DEALERS CAR CARE PLAN NAMES NEW IT HEAD NEW FINANCE ROLE AT CAR CARE PLAN AS BUSINESS BOOMS CAR CARE PLAN ADDS VALUE A WINNING TEAM... CAR CARE PLAN STRENGTHENS EUROPEAN TIES OVD JOINS THE TEAM SAAB APPROVE INCHCAPE TAKES ADVANTAGE