THE CEO of a UK car dealership group operating from a site in Banbury says the franchised motor dealership system is in good shape and looking forward to a hi-tech future.

Robert Forrester, CEO of Vertu Motors plc, which operates Bristol Street Motors Banbury Hyundai, said changes in technology will make well-run local dealerships even more important in the years to come.

He said: "Technological change into autonomous, connected and electric cars will make the manufacturers more important and with them, the retailers.

"Higher retention of customers into aftersales operations will balance the lower servicing needs of electric vehicles.

"In the recent NFDA (National Franchised Dealers Association) Consumer Attitude Survey, hybrid and EV customers trusted franchised retailers more than petrol/diesel customers. This bodes well for the future."

He also commented on the way the sector is embracing the digital world and how his business is using the internet together with brick and mortar at his local sites,

Mr Forrester added: "I love the business and believe we have a great future in partnership with manufacturers. "