Japanese automaker Honda, through its local arm, will soon launch an agency sales model for the new e:NY1 EV in the United Kingdom, Car Dealer Magazine reports.
What’s the big deal?
The change in Honda UK’s sales model marks a significant leap from its normally “conservative” way of selling cars.
Now, Honda has finally decided to try the modern way, given that this new electric model is designed to extend the brand’s reach to younger consumers.
That said, the brand’s second EV offering after the funky ‘e’ hatchback will also be the first one to allow online purchases. However, it must be noted that the EV will still pass through official dealers.
Honda UK’s car unit head Rebecca Adamson told the magazine that the new sales model would be the agency agreements’ “very lightest touch.”
“With the e:NY1, we will offer that for sale online or in store, so customers can do as little or as much as they want online. So if they want to buy a car exactly as they do today, or if you want to do it fully online, that’s absolutely fine. With that, the contract will be between Honda UK and the customer, which will be a direct sale and technically we will enter into the very lightest touch of agency agreements with our retailers.”
Rebecca Adamson, Honda UK’s car unit head
As mentioned, the e:NY1 is the first and currently sole model to support the new sales model, enabling the company to test and evaluate the process.
“We will test that [the agency model] with the e:NY1 and we will make sure it delivers what we want in terms of customer experience and potentially move the rest of the range to that as well.”
Rebecca Adamson, Honda UK’s car unit head
However, it must also be noted that the Japanese automaker’s local arm does not plan to completely change its approach to the agency sales model, as clarified by the executive.
e: NY1’s launch in the UK
Honda’s all-new e:NY1 will hit the UK market by the end of 2023 as part of the automaker’s planned models for the country. The hybrid ZR-V and the next-gen variant of the famous CR-V will join the e:NY1 this year.
See Also:
- Honda debuts three all-electric SUVs at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show
- Honda to roll out 10 new electric motorcycle models by 2025, including one for kids
- Honda, GS Yuasa formed a new battery joint venture
- UK’s electric-vehicle revolution stalls: Industry experts say Britain is falling short of US and Europe in EV race
- UK: Plug-in car sales consistently increased in February 2023
Honda expects these new clean energy models to boost its UK sales, with a target of selling 35,000 units in 2024.
