Nissan kicked off 2024 in fine style by hosting a hugely successful National Dealer Conference in Manchester.
The mood at the event was decidedly upbeat as the manufacturer’s UK franchise partners reflected on a busy and successful 2023 and looked forward to the future with confidence.
In a wide-ranging keynote address to delegates, Andrew Humberstone, Nissan GB’s Managing Director, explained how the manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to the UK would lead to huge benefits for its dealer network and ensure prosperity and success for years to come.
He said: ‘‘There’s much for us to be positive about. We’re a fast-moving brand with substantial investments happening, a fantastic product line-up and ambitious plans for the future.’’
The conference was held at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and Andrew said: ‘‘Our hosts recorded an impressive treble triumph last year, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in a single season. You could call it the Power of Three! And at Nissan, we can emulate that.
‘‘In November, we announced massive new investment at our Sunderland manufacturing plant. Three billion pounds. Three giga-factories. Three electrification icons. Our own Power of Three! For our dealer network, this is great news, signalling a vote of confidence in the future and a solid, ongoing commitment to the UK from Nissan.’’
Exceptional colleagues
The event saw a number of awards handed out to top-performing dealerships. Andrew said: ‘‘We have some truly outstanding businesses working with us in the UK, plus plenty of exceptional individual colleagues. It is wonderful to give them some well-deserved recognition.’’
He added: ‘‘As a brand and as a network, we are in great shape. The list of achievements that we have delivered together over the last 24 months is staggering and I thank our dealers for their continued support.’’
The conference also heard from David Moss, representing Nissan’s Technical Centre in Cranfield; and Matthew Weaver, from Nissan Design Europe, based in Paddington.
Other speakers included Fiona Mackay, Nissan GB’s newly-appointed Marketing Director; Csaba Vincze, Network Development and Customer Quality Director; Michael Auliar, Sales Director; and Chris Marsh, Aftersales Director.
After the conference, which featured a black-tie evening function as well as the day’s business-focused sessions, Andrew Humberstone said: ‘‘It was really exciting to be at the event – it was a terrific success.
‘‘Our team has a fantastic plan, with some innovations that really fired up the audience. We know there are plenty of challenges in the automotive space, but we’ve got a fantastic team behind us that will help us overcome any obstacles. 2024? Let’s go!’’