It Takes More Than Slickness to Selling Modern Vehicles

BRICKENDON, Hertfordshire, England, November 26 -- ******AWAITING DATELINE CITY******

Think you'd be good at selling cars?

Many new vehicles have more computing power than the Apollo moon rocket. Technologies such as ABS, ASC, AWD, EBA, ESP and SATNAV are commonplace, which demand a high level of product knowledge and expertise when dealing with prospective customers.

Recognising the skills needed in today's highly competitive vehicle showrooms has led to the introduction of a nationally recognised qualification in vehicle sales, for employees involved in the sale of any vehicle, from motorcycle to LGV. Its launch is part of a motor industry strategy for tackling unacceptably high staff turnover, improving staff motivation and business performance and enhancing the public perception of car retailing.

Developed by the retail motor industry, the new Certificate (level 2) and Diploma (level 3) in Vehicle Sales will be awarded, exclusively, by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). The IMI is the automotive industry's leading qualifications awarding body and also its professional institute, with 25,000 individual members.

Sales staff would be required to undertake practical assignments, workplace assessments and a series of multiple-choice examinations over the internet, using the IMI's on-line assessment system. It is expected that many existing sales training programmes offered by manufacturers, dealer groups and specialist training providers could provide significant evidence towards achieving the new awards, creating a benchmark standard for sales people.

The qualification is on the National Framework, making it eligible for Government funding, through Learning and Skills Councils, to encourage employers to invest in staff training and development. Earlier this year, a new skills strategy white paper introduced new flexibility to adult learning, which entitles employees to funding to achieve a minimum level 2 qualification (equivalent to five GCSEs), with the opportunity to progress to level 3 (equivalent to two A-levels). It is estimated that 7.3 million adults in the UK, 30% of the working population, do not have a level 2 or equivalent qualification.(1)

Comments Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive:

"This is a real shot in the arm for automotive retailing. An incredible range of high quality products, featuring sophisticated technologies, demands a well qualified sales person. Consumers have so much information available to help them make an informed choice when buying a vehicle, but people still like to do business with professional, motivated, helpful staff. Developed by the industry, this new qualification will enable businesses to take standards to a new level." (1)Source: Department for Education and Skills

Media contact: Stuart Brooks, Tel: +44(0)1992 511521