Lee Quinney, Country Manager for Banner Batteries, tells PMF how factors can capitalise on the busy leisure season, with a bit of forward planning.
As is well documented, when it comes to the humble car, the battery represents the all-important heart, and fitting the right battery when it needs replacing is more of a necessity now than ever before. Why? Because it’s no longer a case of one type fits all. Today’s landscape is completely different as all modern cars are called upon to accommodate increased electrical demands. Not only is the battery required to support the lights and wipers, but also an expanding ensemble of systems such as air conditioning, heated screens, electric seats and windows, sat navs and complete entertainment suites.
Let’s now add into the frame a more complex set of power parameters, those that are associated with motorhomes and caravans. Here it is not only a question of keeping people on the move – far from it. The battery becomes a whole different beast, as it is called upon to ensure that the heartbeat of the entire holidaying party – parents, kids and possibly pets – remains healthy. Not being able to start and drive a vehicle is bad enough, but being left without the ability to enjoy the finer things – TV and computer entertainment, lighting, and cooking, for example – can quickly spoil a hard-earned holiday.
Knowledge comes first
“The motor factor’s thoughts ought to already be turning to the inevitable seasonal opportunities that the growing leisure sector provides.”
Unsurprisingly, most motorhome and caravan operators have an avid interest in the importance of the battery in the grand scheme of things, and are therefore more likely than any other breed of motorist to want the best that money can buy. It is at this point that the motor factor can benefit. However, as in all instances in life, effective planning and forward thinking is the order of the day.
So, even though we currently find ourselves in what, for many motorhome and caravan operators, represents the hibernation period, the motor factor’s thoughts ought to already be turning to the inevitable seasonal opportunities that the growing leisure sector provides.
Given that motorhome owners and caravan operators often have a detailed appreciation and understanding of battery technology, it makes sense that factors ensure that they get their facts right. It is, after all, they who will pay the price for getting it wrong. On that note, the following simple guidance is worth taking note of, particularly in the leisure sector, where there is a requirement to keep more than just the driver happy!
Power & quality is king
Offering the largest capacity and best quality batteries should always be the order of the day.
Quality, unsurprisingly, remains king. Most operators will seek to fit batteries from an OEM supplier, thereby guaranteeing true OE quality, reliable performance and longer life. Offering budget batteries is a definite no-no, as they invariably have a much shorter working life and may be incapable of powering leisure vehicles.
Well-recognised within the leisure sector is the NCC’s highly acclaimed Product Approval Scheme, introduced to provide consumers with the confidence that the battery purchased is fit for purpose and capable of performing as required.
The scheme covers three battery classes – A, B and C – and a manufacturer’s ability to supply a cross-section of products is obviously of prime importance from a supply line standpoint.
Sourcing a product portfolio that is not only of OE quality, but also capable of serving all sectors of the leisure vehicle industry is a prerequisite. So here’s to the post-hibernation period and an opportunity for motor factors to capitalise on all this brings.
