Oxford: Fast-growing Oodle Car Finance takes to the road

Oodle Car Finance, the Oxford-based company changing the way people buy used cars, has announced the completion of its exclusive car dealership bus roadshow across the UK.

Committed to supporting car dealers and the important, established role they play in the purchase process, the Oodle Car Finance bus campaign was inspired and developed by independent communications agency, Grey Bear, also Oxford-based. It set out to further demonstrate how the car industry is set to evolve and how by partnering with Oodle Car Finance, car dealerships can jump on board to secure their place in the digitally advancing buying chain.

Oodle Car Finance - said to be Oxford's fastest-growing employer - is changing the way people buy used cars by supporting the customer's entire journey. For too long, the used-car finance industry has been hindered by inefficient, manual processes leaving customers to negotiate a confusing, tired and fragmented marketplace that is decades behind other retail sectors.

Oodle Car Finance is breaking the mould of a lender in the used-car market by merging search and finance into one seamless digital process.

The brand-wrapped bus, is kitted out with relax-and-chat private booths for financial conversations with sales agents, and a dedicated technology zone complete with iPad and iPhones for dealers and consumers to apply for finance and search for their next car from the trusted network of 200-plus car dealers that Oodle Car Finance work with. The equipment is set up with the Oodle Car Finance application browser or dedicated app that facilitates easy application and the ability to create a personalised account.

The roadshow campaign hit the road in November, and visited five venues across the country (Cardiff, Hinkley, Liverpool, Brentwood and Glasgow) during a two-week period. After the roadshow, car dealers will be able to book the bus so that Oodle Car Finance can partner with them on the finance first customer journey. This is a significant step towards embracing, financing and searching for used cars online and responding to market changes.

In addition to jumping on board the bus to see and get hands-on with some of the new Oodle Car Finance products and services - including its finance website, app and pay tools - the firm hosted round-table discussions with dealers, and a dinner and drinks reception at each venue.

“What a fantastic way to further connect with our network of 200-plus car dealers,” said Oodle Car Finance’s CEO and founder Jonny Clayton. “Not only did we meet with a number of new and existing contacts, but we were able to really engage with and excite dealers about our plans and new products.

"The reality is that car buying now starts online and this trend is set to continue but there is still a place in the process for forward thinking car dealerships. Dealers do however need to shake up their digital strategy and work with finance houses to ensure that they are present at the beginning of the buying process, not just the end. The industry must keep moving forwards to stay relevant and hopefully our bus campaign will cement those thoughts amongst our partners and beyond.”

Ching Patel, chief operating officer, Big Motoring World said: “It’s one campaign trail we’ve really looking forward to! There was a lot of interest from our team to attend and learn about what’s coming down the line. It was also a great opportunity to really test out how we could use new technology to boost our sales numbers too, all whilst making it simpler and faster for consumers to finance and search for their dream car.”

Grey Bear’s programme director Nicola Duckworth said: “The bus roadshow was our most ambitious campaign for Oodle Car Finance, but it really reflects what they’re trying to achieve – to make the buying process simpler and to ensure that car dealers remain a valued part of the chain. To realise it we brought together a bespoke team of event planners, creatives, technologists and social media strategists to ensure we implemented something hugely impactful that delivered for the brand.”