Key new measures that can help ensure used buyer demand for the soaring numbers of EVs arriving have been set out at the Vehicle Remarketing Association’s (VRA) annual seminar.

Philip Nothard, chair at the VRA

At the event, held earlier this week at Warwick University, expert speakers outlined that  that the remarketing sector will face “many headwinds” next year but a wide range of opportunities remain.

Matt Freeman at Cap HPI warned about EV volumes that the used sector may simply not yet be ready for and stressed that many used buyers are not familiar with EVs.

But Stuart Chamberlain of Arval showed how educating dealers and consumers can help to drive EV demand, while Adam Dack from the Department of Transport detailed new EV battery standards that should build car buyer confidence.

The benefits of upcoming technology developments were also explored. Martin Bekkers of Autochat and Brian Steinheiser of Pave explained how AI can help drive new efficiencies in areas such as dealer customer contact and appraisal, while Galo Paez Fajardo from Warwick University looked at the latest developments in EV batteries.

Philip Nothard, chair at the VRA, said: “Speakers at the event underlined that the next 12 months will be difficult for remarketing, no doubt. The sector is facing many headwinds but there are also definite patches of blue sky.”

Nothard added that the seminar, which was attended by almost 200 delegates, underscored the pre-eminent position of the VRA within the remarketing sector.

“It is an event of remarkable scope and weight that illustrates seriousness. Our membership is growing and I would like to urge anyone who attended and has not yet joined the VRA to give the matter serious consideration.”