In this automotive case study, we are looking at how Nissan Nordic Europe’s decision to partner with Modera Software led the company to become a true trailblazer in the European automotive sector, breaking barriers and shaping a new, bold future for the region.
Quick facts
Client? Nissan Nordic Europe
What they do? Distribution and retail of Nissan vehicles in the Nordics
Preparing for a restart
There’s no denying the pandemic took a toll on various industries, with the automotive sector taking a heavy hit. The unprecedented restrictions combined with exceptional challenges in the supply chains left automotive businesses struggling to stay afloat, without even having the time to think about their next steps once the situation normalized. As there was no blueprint to follow to tackle the challenges they were faced with, automotive companies had both the pressure and freedom to redefine the industry and the tried-and-trusted processes.
Nissan Nordic Europe knew this was the time for innovation. If they wanted to come out of the pandemic on top, they needed a new vision and approach – something that would turn their previous processes on their head and make way for a whole new, bright future.
Coming up with a game plan
Many challenges brought on by the pandemic highlighted the already existing, pre-pandemic need for change. The move to online sales had already started, but with customers being unable to come in for test drives, physically inspect cars and go through negotiations face-to-face, there was now a state of urgency when it came to moving towards digital.
Christian Costaganna, Managing Director at Nissan Nordic Europe knew there was no time to waste. He understood the challenges before him, but didn’t neglect to realize the opportunities that came along. Nissan Nordic Europe put all their focus on being fast and agile when it came to setting up a new way of communication to keep their business going despite not being able to meet up at the office. With decades of industry experience behind them, Nissan’s team was adamant about coming out of the pandemic better and stronger than before. And that required thinking outside the box.
Leading with innovation
Thanks to the high level of electrification and digitalization, countries in Northern Europe tend to take on the ‘pilot’ market role when it comes to the European automotive market. Nissan Nordic Europe decided to embrace the opportunity, but they knew they needed a reliable and equally innovative partner to make the necessary changes happen.
After long deliberations and talks with various providers, Nissan Nordic Europe chose Modera Software as their partner in paving the way for innovation. Known for their modern purpose-built product and an enthusiastic start-up like mindset, Modera was the obvious choice for Nissan.
The objective of the partnership was to develop a completely new digital ecosystem consisting of Nissan Nordic’s suppliers. The new system allows the optimization of omni-channel sales via a new Sales & CRM software system. Also known as the agency model, the goal of the new approach was to adapt to the changing customer buying behavior and restructure the dealer network, whilst highlighting the importance of great customer experience at every step of the way.
In the framework of the new approach, Nissan Nordic Europe will be fully responsible for customer purchases and ownership, whilst managing their stock, establishing a consistent pricing strategy and ensuring direct sales with their customers. At the same time, Nissan’s distribution network will be taking on the role of agents, acting as the key contact point for customers, answering their queries and supporting with making test drive bookings. The responsibility for managing vehicle deliveries on behalf of Nissan as well as offering aftermarket services will also fall under their scope.
Change in action
The new solution by Modera was integrated with Nissan Nordic’s online and backend systems, along with financing, insurance and other third-party tools. The objective of such integration is to provide an all-encompassing multi-channel shopping experience for all Nissan Nordic’s customers.
As the new approach has launched just recently, both parties are excited to introduce it to the wider market. Since both Nissan Nordic and Modera value sustainability highly in their day-to-day processes, being environmentally friendly in their endeavors remains a focal point of the partnership moving forward.
Main solution implemented
As mentioned, the main solution implemented by Nissan Nordic Europe is Modera’s Agency Sales Tool. It is a cloud-based solution that helps improve customer experience, reduce distribution costs across the network, and allow for better ways to manage customers and their requests.
