A CAR SALESMAN from the north-east of England is playing a starring role in the UK’s electric vehicle revolution after becoming the first in the country to sell 200 pure-electric Nissan LEAFs.
Gareth Chandler of Benfield Nissan in Stoneygate Close, Gateshead, is singlehandedly outselling entire dealerships as he makes a massive contribution to the groundbreaking model’s outstanding sales growth and success.
Built in Sunderland, the LEAF is the world’s bestselling all-electric car – with more than 111,000 sales worldwide and well over 4,200 in the UK – and costs just two pence per mile to run.
But despite the LEAF’s obvious benefits and unique selling points, it’s 34-year-old Gareth’s sales approach and commitment to the model that’s finding favour with customers across Tyne and Wear and beyond.
And his success has brought him to the attention of Nissan bosses, who invited him to speak at a national electric vehicle conference and have even commissioned a video about him.
A proud Gareth said: “I’ve sold so many because I live and breathe the LEAF. It’s a brilliant car and I love it.”
He added: “Many potential customers have questions about moving away from a conventional car to an all-electric vehicle, and because I drive one all the time and have immersed myself in the product, I’m able to talk to them knowledgeably and from personal experience.
“The LEAF is actually the perfect car for many people – it’s so cheap to run and there are loads of charging points all over the place – and my experience of using one day to day in and around their area is a great way of proving that to them.
“We’re also able to offer extended 24-hour drives so potential customers can get a feel for the car and see for themselves just how it fits in with their lifestyle.”
Gareth continued: “I hadn’t actually sat down and worked out how many sales I’d done until Nissan approached me about it.
“It came as a big surprise but I was really proud to be asked to speak at the conference and feature in their video.”
Paul O’Neill, Electric Vehicle Manager at Nissan GB, said: “Gareth’s made a massive contribution to the LEAF’s ongoing and growing success in the UK and his approach is a shining example of best practice.
“His enthusiasm for the LEAF is truly infectious and it’s his belief in the product and his passion for it that have helped him sell so many.
“By living with the LEAF he understands perfectly just how little adjustment owning a LEAF requires and how it can help drivers and their families dramatically cut their motoring costs.”
For more information about the Nissan LEAF or to book a test drive, call Gareth at Benfield Nissan Gateshead now on 0845 145 5007 or visit http://www.drivebenfield.com