Service = Success

Philipp Sayler von Amende , chief commercial officer of Carwow , joined us on the Selling in the Motor Trade podcast to share insights from his 20-year automotive career.

Philipp's journey began washing cars at his parents' Renault, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volvo dealerships. It provided him a grassroots understanding of dealership operations, leading him to Porsche Global Sales and later TrueCar in the US. His entrepreneurial spirit even took him briefly into sustainable bamboo bicycles, though cars remained his primary focus.

Addressing common misconceptions about Carwow, Philipp clarified it isn't solely price-driven.

"It's price, location, and especially service," he emphasised.

Carwow connects dealers and customers digitally, with a focus on exceptional service rather than just discounts. His brother's initial scepticism turned into success, becoming the top Volvo seller on Carwow Germany by expanding customer reach.

Discussing used car markets, Philipp revealed Carwow's push into the sector. Unlike past competitors who struggled to gain traction, Carwow already possesses a significant audience. 200 million visitors last year, with two-thirds interested in used vehicles. Dealers now have an opportunity to source and immediately advertise cars through Carwow’s innovative "Double Deal" approach. This helps dealers drastically reduce stocking time and financing costs.

Regarding electric vehicles, Philipp acknowledged recent price volatility but predicted stability soon. As EV technology matures and adoption broadens, he believes residual values will steady, reflecting broader acceptance.

Philipp also addressed the role of AI in automotive sales. While AI can handle routine inquiries efficiently, he believes human interaction remains essential for complex, emotional decisions like buying a car. AI won't replace salespeople but will empower them by managing basic tasks, enabling dealers to provide more personalised experiences.

Philipp's final message to dealers was clear:

"Be open-minded and embrace change."

With Carwow’s expanding tools and data, dealers can significantly enhance their sales.

You can listen to the full conversation and explore more insights on the Selling in the Motor Trade podcast.

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