AI Issue 4 2017

22 Acquisition International - April 2017 Incepted by Mahmood Fazal, Carworld Car Supermarket is now the biggest in East Anglia. In this interview, he tells us the secrets behind the firm’s overwhelming success. arworld Car Supermarket, based in Peterborough, is the largest car supermarket in East Anglia. Operating for almost three decades, Carworld has grown in every way possible, having started with a humble stock size of 50 cars today it has more than 1000 cars, for all 36 brands, available on a single eight-acre site. Carworld was one of the first used car supermarkets to be set-up in the country. It was founded by Mahmood Fazal in 2005, Carworld was his first step into car retailing proprietorship, although he has previously been involved in the independent motor trade for a number of years. Born and bred in Peterborough, he saw the need and local demand for a used car supermarket focusing on low mileage family cars and small-to-medium MPVs. Stock is mostly sourced from fleet remarketers and auction houses. Mahmood tells us more about the firm and what sets it apart from competitors. “Carworld’s strength lies in its unique approach to understand our customer needs and get the business to adapt to fulfil them,” he begins. “We are constantly being innovative in our approach to drive the business and the best example is moving from offering our customers a choice of ‘same day drive away’ to ‘drive away in an hour’ - a service not many dealership of our size are able to cope with. “What are customers really appreciate is our hassle free approach to car selection and buying. All customer are welcome to browse through a stock of over 1000s cars at their pace and in the absence of anyone rushing them around to make a decision. We follow a strict no obligation free test drive policy which enables them to decide if the car of their choice is right before they proceed to make a purchase. “At Carworld car supermarket we pride ourselves in being able to provide a car for every budget and choice. Our price ranges from £3000 up to £150K plus. If you don’t find what you looking for we will source it for you!” Company: CarWorld Supermarket Name: Mahmood Fazal, Director Email: [email protected] Web: www.carworld-uk.com Address: Ivatt Way, Westwood Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE3 7PN Phone: +44 (0)1733 331 221 Driving Force C 1704AI37 With the current state of the fluctuating markets, due to a number of factors including Brexit and the USA presidency, Mahmood embellishes on how the company continues to thrive in such challenging times. “Being connected and available for your customer is really the key to survival in any of these market conditions,” he states. “At Carworld we are constantly looking to engage with our customers on on-going bases. Our customers can contact us 24 hrs a day through live chat and Facebook. We have a stock page on Facebook which enables our customers to stay on Facebook and browse for their dream car in the same environment. “There are a number of other factors one has to bear in mind to ensure you don’t get caught out and that’s where our leadership team has demonstrated great capability to foresee and adapt to change before they arrive.” The automotive industry is at the cusp of huge transformation. Billions are been invested in innovation to find alternative solutions for mobility on one hand and dramatically changing the way in which companies such as Carworld operate. Mahmood tells us more about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. “Carworld will always be driven by what is best for our customers, as buying a car is the second most expensive purchase to a house! Some of our customers have purchased over 15 times from us. That’s shows the confidence they have in our organisation. Change is always difficult and we will ensure that our customers continue to feel secure through this process by providing an ample choice to choose from. Thus, we are making them comfortable at every stage of their journey.” Recently, Carworld Car Supermarket received a 2017 Business Elite award, and Mahmood comments on what this accolade means for the firm and its staff. “Carworld Car Supermarket is proud to receive this recognition and would like to thank all our customers for their support over the years that have made this possible. “Being recognised outside the industry is always very valuable. This award is recognition of the support we have received from our customers and we are grateful to each of them for making this happen. We are confident that our customer too in turn would be delighted with this recognition.” “Carworld Car Supermarket is proud to receive this recognition and would like to thank all our customers for their support over the years that have made this possible.”