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OMODA reveals showroom visits remain crucial for 76% of car buyers despite digital shift

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7 months ago

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OMODA showcases its commitment to bricks and mortar as research reveals the car showroom still matters in the digital ageNearly half (46%) of car buyers trust showroom sales assistants more than anybody else when it comes to purchasing decisionsMore than a quarter (27%) of car buyers would be more likely visit a car showroom if it had an AI sales assistant76% of car buyers stated that visiting a showroom is still important when purchasing a carVehicles are up there with a list of purchases consumers would prefer to make in real life, including pets and houses

LONDON, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Despite the rise of digital customer journeys, almost three out of four car buyers still value visiting car showrooms, according to the latest research from OMODA.* 

The innovative automotive brand, dedicated to pioneering the future of travel, has commissioned research which underscores the importance of physical showrooms in the automotive purchase process. Most importantly, the research also shows how to bring these into the future.

Among the highly valued features of showrooms are test drives, with 64% of buyers still wanting a hands-on experience with the vehicle. This comes as no surprise; however, when asked what features they’d like to see in future showrooms, 40% of respondents listed virtual test drives.

The research also found that a fifth of UK car buyers would trust a virtual test drive. The most popular options for virtual test drive locations are 72% offroad, 65% on a racetrack and 48% along a beach. Interestingly, some want to go even further afield – 14% said they’d want to test drive a car on Mars.

Despite many sounding the death knell for traditional showrooms, the research shows they still play an important role in the car buyer journey. OMODA is committed to maintaining and enhancing this vital aspect of the buying experience. By the end of 2025, OMODA plans to have a presence in over 100 car dealerships, with a strategic initiative already seeing over 60 showrooms open to customers in the UK.

Designed to be the showrooms of the future, not the past, customers can expect an innovative and interactive experience that redefines car shopping. From augmented reality displays that allow you to visualise vehicles in various settings, to virtual reality test drives, future showrooms will be equipped with the latest technology to enhance the consumer experience. OMODA is committed to creating a dynamic and engaging environment that not only showcases the products, but also elevates the entire purchasing process.

Victor Zhang, Executive Vice President of OMODA & JAECOO UK, comments: “Our 2035 future showroom will be an experiential hub offering immersive, customised and fun customer journeys. The showroom isn’t just transactional, it’s a place for customers to learn about the vehicle in a way that suits them. With our vehicles offering an increasing amount of technology, education is a huge part of the retail experience. Our research shows that buyers still value having a place to visit, so it’s about bringing the showroom into the future.”

The research looked at several areas of the car buying journey. It found that:

In-depth knowledge in demand
The research found that almost half (43%) of UK car buyers value salespeople with in-depth knowledge. This is especially true for those looking to purchase EVs, and 24% percent said that speaking to a knowledgeable expert about their local charging infrastructure was vital.

Pet hates
When asked about what they disliked most about the showroom experience, 61% said pressure from sales staff, 47% said feeling rushed, and 46% said the hidden costs (46%). 

The future showroom
As well as virtual test drives, when asked what features they would most like to see in showrooms, more than half (52%) responded with interactive digital displays and 48% wanted tech support areas. Over one in five (22%) would most like to see AI / robot sales assistants, and 60% say they would find in-showroom training in car technology useful.

*Focal Data research carried out in May 2024 on 2,000 UK car buyers

About OMODA
Chery Automobile Co., Ltd was founded in 1997 and in 2023 saw one million export sales plus two million domestic sales. Chery has successfully created several sub-brands with cumulative global sales of more than 10 million units, making them China’s top exporter of cars for over 20 consecutive years. In the UK and Europe, sales will be led by OMODA which has a focus on futuristic compact SUVs. OMODA is committed to design, technology and environmental responsibility, values embodied in their first model to arrive in the UK – the OMODA 5. This model, the first in a series due to be introduced to the UK, has already sold over 130,000 units internationally. Combined, OMODA & JAECOO are the fastest growing global automotive brands, with over 220,000 cumulative sales to date.

For more information, visit our website:
https://omodaauto.co.uk/

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2435783/OMODA_Research.jpg

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Singapore’s Sodion Energy Secures MWh Supply of US Developed Advanced Sodium-Ion Batteries from UNIGRID

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16 minutes ago

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January 12, 2025

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SINGAPORE, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sodion Energy, a leading provider of sodium-ion batteries for e-mobility and integrated energy storage solutions in Southeast Asia, has secured a landmark agreement for an initial 10 MWh supply of advanced sodium-ion batteries developed by UNIGRID Inc., a California-based innovator in sodium-ion battery technology.

This collaboration strengthens Sodion Energy’s ability to address the region’s rising demand for affordable, eco-friendly, and high-performance battery solutions across mobility and energy storage sectors.

“Our collaboration with UNIGRID is a game-changer,” said Dr. CC Hang, Chairman of Sodion Energy. “These next-generation sodium-ion batteries will allow us to tackle key markets, starting with lead-acid battery replacements in e-mobility and extending into large-scale renewable energy projects and grid stabilization initiatives.”

Sodium-ion batteries offer distinct advantages, including cost-efficiency, enhanced safety, and the use of abundant raw materials, making them a sustainable choice for energy storage. With fast-charging capabilities and intrinsic non-flammability, they are exceptionally suited to Southeast Asia’s tropical climate and rapidly growing energy needs.

With a strategic focus on advanced battery technologies, Sodion Energy is poised to play a key role in driving Southeast Asia’s transition to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy solutions.

Website: https://sodione.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: Sodion Energy

About Sodion Energy

Headquartered in Singapore, Sodion Energy is an applications engineering leader driving the commercialization of Sodium-ion batteries across Southeast Asia. SE’s sodium-ion pack solutions are tailored to meet the diverse needs of industries such as mobility and energy storage, contributing to a more sustainable future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/singapores-sodion-energy-secures-mwh-supply-of-us-developed-advanced-sodium-ion-batteries-from-unigrid-302347661.html

SOURCE UNIGRID and Sodion Energy Pte. Ltd

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AirCheck Australia & New Zealand Renamed as RCS MEDIA MONITORS

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January 12, 2025

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SYDNEY, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AirCheck, a leading provider of broadcast monitoring services in Australia and New Zealand is pleased to announce its renaming as RCS MEDIA MONITORS, effective immediately.

AirCheck monitors songs and commercials providing almost real time reporting tools for radio and television broadcasters, music media, record companies, advertising agencies and industry analysts.

This change reflects the company’s growth, expanded service offerings, and a strengthened focus on providing comprehensive media intelligence.

The new name, RCS MEDIA MONITORS, builds on the expertise of its parent company, RCS, to offer enhanced monitoring solutions. By integrating RCS’s global technology and resources, the company will provide clients with a broader range of tools for tracking and analysing media campaigns across a variety of platforms and markets.

“We’re excited to take this step forward,” said Philippe Generali, President and CEO of RCS Global. “The rebranding to RCS MEDIA MONITORS allows us to expand our reach and improve our services, giving clients access to deeper insights and a wider array of media monitoring tools. With RCS’s support, we can offer more robust data and solutions that cover not just broadcast, but also digital and emerging media channels.”

The name change signals the company’s commitment to evolving with the changing media landscape. With RCS MEDIA MONITORS, clients can expect the same reliable monitoring services they’ve trusted for over 20 years in Australia and 15 years in NZ.

www.rcsmediamonitors.com.au

About RCS MEDIA MONITORS

RCS MEDIA MONITORS (formerly AirCheck) is a leading provider of broadcast monitoring and media intelligence solutions in Australia, New Zealand and India. The company helps clients across industries optimise media strategies, measure performance, and gain insights from a wide range of traditional and digital media. RCS MEDIA MONITORS is part of RCS, a global leader in broadcast automation and media technology.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/aircheck-australia–new-zealand-renamed-as-rcs-media-monitors-302347810.html

SOURCE RCS MEDIA MONITORS

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iM Global Partner mourns the passing of Philippe Uzan

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January 12, 2025

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PARIS, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — It is with deep sadness that iM Global Partner (iMGP) announces the passing, one month ago, of our dear friend and colleague, Philippe Uzan.

 

 

Philippe’s exceptional career in asset management spanned more than 30 years and is marked by remarkable achievements in the organizations for which he worked and deep contributions to the industry as a whole. His passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew and worked with him.

Philippe joined iM Global Partner in February 2020 as Deputy CEO and CIO Global Asset Management, responsible for overseeing our financial strategies and products and designing value-added investment solutions for our clients across Europe and the United States.

His expertise spanned all asset classes, and he had a deep understanding of markets and their impact on investors and their investment needs. He was an eloquent man who contributed a number of papers and articles to the media, always with the intention of educating and making financial concepts more relatable. He has left an indelible mark on our organization and on the broader industry.

Prior to joining iM Global Partner, Philippe was latterly Chief Investment Officer at Edmond De Rothschild Asset Management, where he worked for 11 years and where he led the portfolio management teams, optimizing the synergies between analysis and portfolio management. He previously spent three years as Research and Global Asset Allocation Director, where he developed the portfolio management and research teams and modernized investment processes and the product range.

Philippe began his career as an Equity Derivatives Trader at Société Générale and held roles at AGF Asset Management (now part of Allianz Global Investors) and Natixis AM.

Throughout his career, Philippe’s outstanding intelligence, humility, and collaborative spirit earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.

Philippe Couvrecelle, Founder and CEO of iM Global Partner, expressed his heartfelt condolences: “It was with infinite sadness and pain that I learned of Philippe’s passing from a devastating illness. I had known Philippe closely for almost 20 years, as we worked together for Natixis, Edmond de Rothschild and iMGP. I pay immense tribute to his humanity, his sense of humor, his brilliant intelligence and his presence, which I will deeply miss. We had shared so much and still had so much to do together. In his memory, we will continue our path forward with strength, success and intensity, always preserving our values and our company culture to which he was so attached.

We will all miss Philippe enormously at iM Global Partner. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his warmth, generosity, kindness and his unwavering dedication to his colleagues and community. Our thoughts are with his wife and three children, his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

CONTACT: media@imgp.com

 

 

SOURCE iM Global Partner

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