Bill Berman, the former president and COO at AutoNation in the US and subsequently CEO at Pendragon in the UK, is a key speaker at the National Franchised Dealers Association’s Driving Automotive 2025 conference.
Hosted at London’s Central Hall Westminster on 1 May, Driving Automotive 2025: Driving Profits and Unlocking High Gear Success will address managing change and using artificial intelligence and people to drive profitability.
Berman, currently CEO of DMS supplier Pinewood.AI, will discuss the changes, challenges and opportunities facing dealers in 2025 and beyond.
Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK, this year’s top performing brand in the NFDA’s Dealer Attitude Survey, will talk about how OEMs and retailers can work together to build long lasting and profitable partnerships.
Neil Addley, Managing Director of JudgeService, co-organisers of the event, will present the findings from the review platform’s latest State of the Nation consumer research.
Owen Edwards, Grant Thornton’s Head of Automotive, will assess the economic headwinds facing dealers, the ramifications of global tariffs and analyse emergent Chinese car brands.
Auto Trader’s Marc Palmer and Bex Kennett will share the marketplace’s latest insights, while leading AI consultant Duncan Anderson will assess the practical opportunities the technology offers car dealers.
“This year’s Driving Automotive conference will explore the big themes impacting franchised car dealers and how technology and people can drive profitability,” said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the NFDA.
“Following the success of last year’s sold-out event, this year’s conference is set to be our biggest yet with our speakers sharing their thoughts and insights on how dealers can prepare for change,” she said.
Talking about the event JudgeService’s Addley said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating once again with the NFDA for this year’s Driving Automotive and look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the sector.”
To book a place at the NFDA Driving Automotive conference, or find out more about the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/driving-automotive-2025-driving-profits-and-unlocking-high-gear-success-tickets-1280514115189?aff=oddtdtcreator.