Auto Union Finance finds its ambitions matched by Oyster Bay’s Vienna system.
Being a market leader brings advantages but it undoubtedly brings its own pressures too. Maintaining that position demands insight into pinpointing where growth will come from and a clear understanding of how it will be achieved.
As one of the UK's largest independent vehicle and finance brokerage to both personal and corporate customers, Auto Union Finance plc (AUF) embarked on a programme of expansion at a time when many of its competitors were scaling back their operations. “We see this is as a bold statement of intent in the current economic climate,” explains Jarrod Bradley, AUF Director.
“It sends a strong message out to our existing client base and to potential new clients that AUF are committed to remaining competitive and that we intend to increase our market share.”
To underpin its plans for growth, the Warrington-based company reviewed software companies and operating systems as it sought a new IT platform to match its specific requirements.
Mr. Bradley told the CCTA: “We pride ourselves on customer service and flexibility and so wanted to invest in a system that would provide faster and more efficient proposal processing.
“We chose Oyster Bay and its Vienna system as it meant we could have a web-based dealer portal, allowing authorised introducers to key applications straight into its underwriting queues, and have a vital two-way link to our main funders.
“In practice, it has meant that legal agreements and finance documents are delivered via the portal for the dealer to print for the customer at the dealership. As Vienna is a fully automated system, it has maximised efficiencies, and paperwork-related delays have been eliminated.”
AUF is impressed with the system’s features and view the platform as critical for their expansion plans. Jarrod Bradley added: “We have already seen a significant uptake; and are confident that we are now able to expand into greater geographical coverage, creating greater opportunities for AUF.”
Vienna’s integrated business processes provide automation throughout the entire life of an agreement.
It is an example of the kind of features that AUF understands are vital as it maintains its market lead. Like many other companies operating in today’s business environment, securing partnerships and suppliers that readily meet the highest standards is a necessity.
“Beyond system requirements, we were also looking to secure the best partnership and Oyster Bay has not disappointed us,” adds Jarrod, “the team are co-operative, fully knowledgeable and a dedicated project manager means that someone is always on hand should we need assistance.”
