Automotive Industry Roadshow: Innovating the retail sales and online classified car market.

The Victorian Automotive Dealer Association (VADA) recently completed a tour through Northern Victoria and the Goulburn Valley, introducing dealership members to CarBee, an innovative online platform for used vehicle classifieds.

Over two days, VADA ‘s Michael McKenna accompanied by Michael Holmes, CEO of CarBee, met with numerous Northern Victorian dealers to showcase how this new tool could transform their approach to selling used cars.

CarBee, described by VADA as "TikTok for online classified advertising for dealers",

It offers an alternative to traditional online classified providers. With its user-friendly interface and focus on reaching a new generation of car buyers, CarBee aims to help dealers adapt to changing consumer behaviours in the digital age.

The roadshow began at Kilmore Toyota, where Graeme Dove, Adam Dove, and their team, along with Andrew McIntosh from KilmoreFord, welcomed the CarBee and VADA representatives. From there, the journey continued through regional Victoria, with stops including the Baker Motor Group in Albury and Wodonga, McRae Motors in Wodonga, Jacob Motors, Ovens Ford Wangaratta, Wangaratta Mazda, and Benalla Toyota.

Each visit provided an opportunity to showcase CarBee and discuss the future of automotive retail. Dealers, facing rising costs in today's market, showed particular interest in CarBee's potential to address expenses while facilitating vehicle sales. The platform's simplicity and effectiveness really resonated with regional dealerships of all sizes.

The tour culminated in a dealer lunch at Shepparton's MOVE museum, bringing together influential Shepparton based dealership owners and their marketing teams. Attendees included representatives from Shepparton BMW W, JTM Group, Ken Muston Motor Group, Shepparton Toyota and Mazda, Darryl Twitt Motors and Thompson Trucks. This event provided a forum for deeper discussions about the changing landscape of automotive sales and the role of digital innovation.

Looking ahead, VADA plans to continue introducing the CarBee system to dealers across Victoria. This ongoing initiative underscores the association's commitment to equipping its members with cutting-edge tools for success in an increasingly digital marketplace as well as offering alternatives to dealers on where they spend their advertising dollars. Really, it’s a solution created by dealers, for dealers.

For Michael Holmes, the roadshow was more than just business. In an unexpected turn, he found himself being driven by the VADA representative, adding a personal touch to the journey and allowing for candid discussions about the industry's future.

Dealers interested in learning more about CarBee and its potential to enhance their online presence are encouraged to contact VADA for further information or visit https://carbee.com.au/

As the automotive industry continues to embrace digital innovation, CarBee stands out as a promising tool to help Victorian car dealers thrive in the digital age.