ONE of the genuine pleasures at this time of the year is when we sit down and consider the identities of the Dealer of the Year winners. And it is not easy.

Just to remind you, we invite manufacturers and suppliers to nominate those dealers from their dealer network whom they consider have done an outstanding job for them over the past 12 months – and why.  The winning dealers are likely to be those dealers with the most nominations.

We used to invite dealers to enter themselves and based the winners on the quantity (and quality) of comments received from their customers. Fair enough.  But we used to get heaps of ‘superb service’, ‘second-to-none’, ‘wonderful people to deal with’ from several repetitive e-mail addresses, uncannily similar writing and what looked like unstinted praise from aunties, uncles and long-lost relatives!

So we reverted to asking the suppliers.  And this year, as in previous years, we have receive a stream of ringing endorsements for individual dealers, and indeed dealers as a whole.

This relationship between suppliers and their dealers is the very key to success in our industry. ‘True love’ in this context rarely runs smooth, and of course we hear constant grumbles and mumbles from both sides about policy, effort, support – but tellingly very little about the bug-bear of yesteryear, warranty.  In most cases however, both suppliers and dealers realise that they must work together to achieve success in todays changing market.

Without revealing the identities of the winning dealers this year (you’ll need to come to the Awards Dinner on 2 September), there are several interesting and revealing similarities.  First, the diversity of dealerships, some large, some small.  Flashy showroom and chrome do not necessarily make a good dealer.  Neatness, order, range, a smile, attention to detail yes, but at the end of the day, it’s service and trust that counts.

The vast majority of the winning dealerships this year are family-owned – and have the family name above the door. Doesn’t that tell you something?

Anyway, enough of teasing tidbits.  I hope you will join us at the annual celebration of dealer excellence on 2 September – and what is an unrivalled annual opportunity for suppliers and dealers to mix and mingle for a cracking good evening