Matt Cleevely, the esteemed owner of Cleevely Electric Vehicles (EV), recently took to the stage as a featured speaker at The Blend 2023 to share his unique EV expertise and insights with some of the most successful independent garages in the UK and Ireland.
Held at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on the 7th October, some 330 attendees gathered for the annual independent garage conference and networking event which promotes the sharing of practical ideas and business-improving strategies.
Matt’s compelling talk, titled ‘EV Or Not EV, That Is The Question,’ caught the attention of delegates as he revealed the nature of EV work that garages can expect to see, the challenges they present and the unique business rewards available for those that successfully tap-into the fast-growing market.
EVs are expected to reach 50 per cent of all new car sales by 2027. The number of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) will make up 34 per cent (11.3 million vehicles) of the total car parc by 2030 and 24 per cent (7.9 million vehicles) will be pure EV, according to the latest prediction from Auto Trader.
“EVs are bringing new opportunities for independent garages,” said Matt. “And it’s much more than just strong market growth. Our own data shows that EVs boast higher than average invoice values, better profit margins and improved customer retention.
“It’s a daunting prospect though, having to adapt your current business. That’s why I’m keen to motivate and inspire others on how to integrate EVs into the traditional workshop offering.”
Matt also featured as a guest panellist at The Blend during an opening discussion on the fast-growing Castrol Service network. He explained how the globally recognised brand has strengthened his business stating: “Far from losing our identity, we’ve gained reassurance and trust.”
Matt’s appearance at The Blend follows the recent success of Cleevely EV’s first ever garage ‘EV introduction day’ in which top technical trainer, Alistair Finch, was on-hand alongside Matt to discuss EV investment and business planning. Garages are advised to look out for future events at https://www.cleevelyev.co.uk/ or by following https://www.facebook.com/cleevelyev.