I write this note to you, to clear up any rumour which may come, regarding our interests in the UK, from people who prefer to make comments rather than speak to us directly. Well, I guess that’s nothing new.
We had a goal in the UK, and the reason we haven’t made a full announcement yet is because this has been a particulary complicated, and difficult task to accomplish, and we are not quite there yet.
AUTOHUB have made no secret that we see the UK as a potential source of vehicles, which may assist us both during next year’s attrition from Japan.
We don’t see UK as a “cure”, but more of a “band aid”.
FIRSTLY:
We went there to establish a good Door to Door Logistics package, and we have succeeded.
SECONDLY:
We saw an existing buy system for NZ dealers which relied on local “traders” stalking auctions to offer cars to NZ buyers, generally with £2000 – £3000 mark up and fees added. We also saw that the UK auctions are no different from anywhere else, and vehicles presented were potentially at the lower end of market range, and presented potential risk and hazard. They don’t go to auction because they are the nicest cars in the fleet!
Almost all new vehicles are sold on lease, for up to 6 years with first or second tier contracts. But when lease companies have no interest in the vehicles, or vehicles in poor repair, they are sold through auction.
We saw potential in getting access to vehicles at the source, and spent an awful lot of time and trouble, even getting to meet these companies, let alone be listened to, but we have finally broken the barrier.
These companies have strict policies of not dealing direct with a car buyer. Their company articles forbid this. The only reason we were accepted was that we proposed a very professional system to them where we acted on behalf of buyer and seller, but had no financial interest in the vehicles themselves. We wanted logistics only. We now have access to vehicles at places where no other company has previously had, and we wish to present this to you.
We will be offered good quality data and photos from these companies, to load into a single website for you to view. You will be able to purchase directly from them with a “buy now”system, with no fees or “back-handers” taken.
All we demand is to handle the whole process, and gain the logistics…..that’s what we do.
SUMMING UP:
Basically, we have opened a doorway for you to look inside, should you choose. One where we must act as “minder”. Up to you if you like what you see. We are not forcing anyone to enter. Good luck to you if you do….good luck to you if you don’t.
If you like a vehicle, then buy it with the knowledge that this will be sold to you with absolutely no intermediary “Clip” of the ticket. AUTOHUB must act as the conduit for purchase and payments, purely because the vendors demand this. But make no mistake….AUTOHUB certainly have NO intention of owning any vehicles, or competing with you by purchasing vehicles for resale. Enough logistics companies have this situation covered already.
As I said, we have not quite completed our project, and are hesitant to promise anything we cannot deliver. But I am confident that we will have something for you in a couple of weeks.
I hope we can bring you something to assist, as I am sure we face hardship in the months ahead.
The UK export process is complicated, especially if we want to benefit from Zero VAT, but I am happy to discuss this with you personally.
OR…wait a little while, as we intend to bring you a nationwide “road show”where we will travel the country and display a dozen or so UK vehicles, presented in their purchased condition, with transparent costing. You will be invited to attend and see the whole thing for yourself, and discuss the market in a relaxed environment.
For further information, either email me john@autohub.co.nz, or contact Danny at danny@autohub.co.nz or 0274 443 433.
Regards
John Davies