4 of the Best Pieces of Equipment for Car Dealerships

If you own a car dealership, there are a plethora of different products that keep things running as smoothly as possible, so you can spend more time concentrating on other aspects of your business. This equipment can include vehicle washing systems, and car displays – a useful way to advertise different cars to potential customers. Here is some of the best equipment you can purchase for your car dealership.

1. Car wash equipment

If you keep vehicles on display on a dealership forecourt, you will want to keep them clean to keep these cars to look their very best. Investing in car washing equipment can be a cost-effective way to do this, and will enable you to clean a wide range of different makes and models. Car washing equipment can include gutter cleaners, solar panel cleaners, and commercial vehicle washing systems.

2. Vehicle mover

There will be times when you will need to move vehicles from the dealership forecourt to inside your premises. Stringo car movers are a useful piece of equipment when you want to move a vehicle quickly and easily. The product can help you transport a car if you want to avoid exhaust fumes, if the car is damaged or has been freshly painted, or if there is a functional problem with the car. Instead of using several members of staff to move the car, this product can make the process easier, so you don’t have to worry about injuries or other problems.

3. Car displays

Car displays are a great way to attract attention from passing trade and customers who visit your dealership forecourt. There are different products available, including windscreen displays, car top displays, and vehicle pricing units. You will be able to advertise prices, promotions, and other valuable information in order to drive revenue and increase sales. Car display ramps and stands can also be positioned outside your premises, or on the forecourt of your dealership. These products can easily be moved at the end of the day, and can include information about a particular vehicle, such as its price and specifications.

4. Vehicle lift

A vehicle lift provides you with instant access to the underside of a vehicle – ideal if you need to change a tire or install a piece of equipment. There are two different types of car lift – electric lifts and hydraulic lifts. Both of these make it safer when examining and installing equipment to the bottom of a car. However, you will need to adhere to safety when using one of these products to prevent a serious injury or accident from occurring. Vehicle lifts are available in different sizes, and can handle different amounts of weight, so always do your research before choosing a product.

6 Tips When Importing a Car into the UK

Purchasing an import car can save you money, and provide you with greater choice when buying a vehicle. However, you will need to complete a number of documents before you are able to drive the car in the UK. Here are some tips when buying import cars.

1. Shop around for the best deals

There are a number of websites that specialise in import cars from a particular country. Use these websites to find the best deals, and browse for different manufacturers, makes and models. Price comparison websites will let you compare and contrast different vehicles quickly and easily, providing you with a wealth of information before you make a purchase. You can also read review websites, which will have further information about a particular car, such as the specifications of the vehicle, and its performance and safety standards.

2. Make sure the car meets environmental and safety standards

When importing a car into the UK, the vehicle will need to be approved to ensure it meets the relevant environmental and safety standards. The company that is importing the vehicle for you will usually take care of this. Contact them directly to ask for more information before you make a purchase.

3. Know the rules

There are different rules when it comes to importing cars into the country. For example, you will need to obtain a European Certificate of Conformity if the car you are importing has a right hand drive, which you can get directly from the manufacturer. If the car has a left hand drive, you will need to obtain a European Certificate of Conformity, as well as a certificate of Mutual Recognition. Some companies may charge a fee for these documents, so you will need to factor in this cost when purchasing an import vehicle.

4. IVA certificates

If the car has no European approval, you will need to obtain an Individual Vehicle Approval, or IVA, certificate. For more information about these documents, and the process of importing a vehicle into the UK, contact the DVLA. You should also contact DVLA if the car is more than 10 years old, dating from the first registration of the vehicle, or the date of its manufacture.

5. Paying tax

You will also need to pay duty and vehicle tax, as well as VAT on a car you want to import into the UK. When you import a car from outside the EU, you will usually pay duty and VAT through customs.

6. Obtaining UK license plates

You will need to obtain UK license plates for your vehicle once it has been imported into the UK. For more information, contact DVLA, or refer to their website. However, there are exemptions for cars that are deemed as ‘temporary imports’.