Blackburn’s Hippo Motor Group to launch car leasing dealership in ‘industry first’

A facility opening in Blackburn this weekend (January 20) is aiming to bring a more familiar style of service to car leasing.

Auto dealer Hippo Motor Group, the company behind project, said the centre will offer customers looking to lease a vehicle a more hands-on experience.

A forecourt at the firm’s Trident Park HQ is stocked with around 700 lease cars that customers will be able to sign up for and drive away on the same day.

This is a step away from traditional car leasing, according to Hippo MD Tom Preston, who said the process normally takes weeks.

He explained: “This really is a first for the industry. For so long now, we, like many others have been receiving and dealing with thousands of online enquiries.

“This traditional model can often come with a lead time of four to eight weeks depending on the specification of the vehicles wanted.”

He continued: “Now, we are offering customers a more ‘touchy feely’ experience, where those interested in leasing can gain advice from our team of specialists, familiarise themselves with the car’s features and even take it for a test drive, just like you would when buying from a dealership.

“If they see the car they want, they have the opportunity to take it away on the day. It’s all about creating a better customer experience.”

The aim is to make car leasing more like the face-to-face, personal service people experience when purchasing a car.

Tom added: “The forecourt is ready, and the cars are parked, and our job now is to invite local people through the door to touch and feel, and test drive their perfect car, whilst being advised of the very best finance option for their circumstances.”