BCA has introduced QR codes to marketing and point of sale material throughout its UK network.

QR ('quick response') codes allow anyone with a smart phone/mobile device to scan the code, which then loads data onto their device. BCA is producing codes on printed monthly sales guides, daily catalogues, sale centre posters and banners – and once scanned the codes direct mobile devices to the BCA website where the appropriate sales programme or catalogue information is displayed. QR code reader software is widely available for most mobile devices and is generally free to install.

It means buyers can quickly and easily access more detailed online information about specific sales, see individual vehicle catalogue listings and view appraisal reports and other pertinent data.
Keith Rountree, BCA’s head of marketing commented “This new initiative from BCA will help our customers keep up to date with every aspect of BCA’s comprehensive remarketing campaigns via their mobile devices.”

“We are now implementing QR codes on all appropriate print, point of sale, and print advertising and this reflects the increasing influence of mobile devices and Smartphones in the business arena. Overall visits to our website using mobile devices have doubled this year, while visits from i-Pad devices are up by a staggering 664%. Mobile device access is growing exponentially and this trend is set to continue.”

He added “The reaction from our vendor customers has been extremely positive and we are actively working with a number of our sellers to develop new and innovative ways of promoting their vehicles to an even wider audience of buyers.”

BCA has introduced a number of mobile device based initiatives this year including appraisal and valuation tools. In June, BCA staged a conference for the motor industry with Microsoft, TBS Enterprise Mobility and the Mobile Data Association examining how mobile technology is impacting the used car market today, and what the future may hold.