Automotive

Our automotive specialists have a real passion for the automotive industry. We translate that passion into tailored and practical advice for (large) brand dealers, dealer networks, dealer associations and industry associations.

Major changes in the automotive sector

In recent years, the automotive sector has been subject to major changes: distribution networks are being redesigned; private lease, electric cars, pop-up stores / flagship stores are on the rise and the concept of car sharing is becoming increasingly popular. Think of initiatives such as Car2Go and SnappCar. Even the self-driving car is no longer just science fiction. In addition, Volkswagen's emissions fraud came to light in 2015, with all its consequences. The demand for cars is expected to stabilize.

All these developments are putting increasing pressure on dealers' margins. This means that competitive pressure will continue to increase and the current revenue model of brand dealers will eventually have to change in order to survive. For example, dealers will have to look for new forms of cooperation.

Our expertise

Our automotive specialists are aware of the impact of these changes on your business. We act as a trusted discussion partner, thinking with you about the future and possible redesign of your business. We recently assisted several large brand dealers in contract negotiations with their importer. We advised these dealers when entering into, ending or extending dealer contracts, as well as when a car brand disappears from the Dutch market. In many cases this prevented lengthy and costly legal proceedings. We also advised several major dealer and industry associations on competition law and civil law. New developments and collaborations within the mobility sector were reviewed, including collaborations in the field of sustainability. Not infrequently, we also fulfilled the role of strategic sparring partner.

Besides distribution and after-sales, our integrated team specializes in warranties, (the notification of) takeovers and joint ventures, agreements within and decisions by trade and dealer associations, cooperation between companies in the automotive industry, sustainability initiatives, real estate of dealerships and lease constructions. Recently, for example, we successfully supervised a notification to the Authority Consumer & Market regarding an acquisition of a large branded dealership.

We can also advise you on the aspect of customer data privacy under the new privacy legislation: who has management and responsibility over customer data? By extension, who gets the relationship with the customer when multiple parties are involved in a transaction (such as private lease, financing or insurance)?

With us, you are assured of professional automotive support. Contact our specialists to receive more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation.