Notes from the meeting room: James Dower, CD Auction Group

Meeting chaired by:

James Dower, account director of CD Auction Group.

Why was the meeting called, and who was in attendance?

A round table of dealer groups to discuss how new technology is essential to any carbon reduction programme in the remarketing process. All elements of a business should now be looking at how they can operate more sustainably.

What was top of the agenda?

Using remote sales to speed up the remarketing process and save on vehicle moves. The latest technology allows for a vehicle to be inspected and imaged from any location and auctioned to a national or international market.

What was decided as a result of the meeting?

A new set of key performance indicators will be applied to the remarketing process and used-car programmes to ensure carbon impact is considered in any management decisions. Over the last 12-month period alone, CD Auction Group estimates it has reduced emissions equivalent to 14,000 miles of HGV haulage.

Any other business?

Carbon offsetting was also discussed, and attendees agreed it could help to sell more vehicles to consumers who increasingly consider the environmental impacts of all their purchases.

When is the next meeting, and what is it about?

The next meeting will discuss Vehicle Tradex, a new platform designed around dealers needs to provide a safe and easy way to manage used-car programmes.

About the company

• Company: CD Auction Group
• Head office location: Corby
• Principal business: Vehicle remarketing