When we launched our benchmarking in 2023, the average preparation time was 20.8 days. This figure reflected the challenges car dealers faced across different markets — from varying workflows to differences in logistics and follow-up routines. By collecting and analyzing data from a large number of dealerships across multiple European markets, Carcare was able to identify patterns and bottlenecks that were common to many players.

The result? More efficient and standardized processes that have reduced the average preparation time by over 30 percent, to 14.3 days by the end of 2024. Each day a car remains idle waiting for preparation costs the dealer an average of £22. For a dealership with many vehicles in the pipeline, this quickly becomes a significant expense.

One of Carcare’s most appreciated features is the ability for car dealers to compare their performance with other players, both within their own group and against the rest of the industry. This capability creates a strong drive for improvement, as dealers not only see their own results but also gain a clear understanding of how they rank relative to the average and the industry’s top performers.

“By comparing lead times and efficiency with industry peers, dealers gain invaluable insights into what they are doing well and where there is room for improvement,” says Lars Eriksson, CEO. “This has fostered a culture of positive competition, where players are inspired by each other to achieve new levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction.”

This benchmarking opportunity also strengthens collaboration within groups, allowing successful facilities to share best practices and help elevate the entire organization. At the same time, it provides smaller independent dealers with the chance to measure themselves against the best in the industry and implement proven strategies to improve their performance.

The most successful dealerships have achieved an even higher level of efficiency. As of 2024, the top 25 dealerships prepare cars in just 3.5 days on average — an impressive improvement from 4.6 days at the launch in 2023. This success is directly linked to Carcare’s efforts to share best practices across dealers and markets.

By comparing and analyzing data from different countries, Carcare has been able to tailor recommendations to local conditions while identifying and implementing the processes that work best regardless of the market.

“Our international reach and access to data from dealers in multiple countries enable us to continuously improve and refine our methods,” says Lars Eriksson, CEO of Carcare. “The large volume of insights helps us not only solve today’s problems but also anticipate and prevent future challenges.”

Carcare has a clear focus on continuous development and being first with new innovations — what the company calls “speed to market.” This strategy is crucial to staying ahead in an industry where competition is now beginning to intensify. Previously, few offered similar tools and solutions to Carcare, but more players are now starting to adopt similar ideas.

Despite this, Carcare is confident that their holistic approach and deep collaboration with dealer groups make them resilient to competition. “We believe we help create the best and most profitable dealers in the industry. By continuously refining our processes and focusing on speed and quality, we are building a foundation that is hard for others to match,” explains Lars Eriksson, CEO.