Vertu Motors

Bristol Street Motors Worcester Citroen is improving its inclusivity with an innovative service for hearing-impaired customers.

The Blackpole dealership has partnered with online interpreting service SignLive to install video equipment, allowing customers to interact with staff using British Sign Language.

SignLive directly links by video on a tablet or computer those who use sign language to an interpreter who can support the conversations for both parties.

There are approximately 11 million people in the UK with some form of hearing loss, and more than 150,000 British Sign Language (BSL) users. The SignLive service will ensure that people with hearing loss are not excluded from making the most of the car buying and servicing process, ensuring they get the best customer experience possible.

Johnny Best, general manager at Bristol Street Motors Worcester Citroen, said: “I’m really proud that Bristol Street Motors Citroen has taken the initiative to ensure that the thousands of hearing-impaired drivers in the UK are not excluded from enjoying the full dealership experience.

“While there have been big strides towards providing customers with an online buying experience, it’s important not to forget the value of actually viewing a vehicle and giving it a test drive.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors is the fifth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 154 sales outlets across the UK. Its dealerships operate predominantly under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu and Macklin Motors brand names.

Vertu Motors was established in November 2006 with the strategy to consolidate the UK motor retail sector. It is intended that the Group will continue to acquire motor retail operations to grow a scaled dealership group. The Group’s acquisition strategy is supplemented by a focused organic growth strategy to drive operational efficiencies through its national dealership network. The Group currently operates 150 franchised sales outlets and 4 non-franchised sales operations from 116 locations across the UK.

Vertu’s Mission Statement is to “deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust”.

Vertu Motors Group websites – www.investors.vertumotors.com /www.vertucareers.com

Vertu brand websites – www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk /www.macklinmotors.co.uk