Eric Germis: “The Béziers auto show is a showcase”

Eric Germis: “The auto market is growing.” Midi Libre – M.A.

Before the car show organized by Midi Libre, from June 1 to 3, at the exhibition center, interview with Eric Germis, general manager of SAVAB, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover dealership in Béziers.

How is the automobile market doing??

Nationally, it is progressing. This is linked to the energy transition. The mass arrival of electric vehicles allows the renewal of the fleet. In Biterrois, it does not differ from the French market, with some variations depending on the brand.

As a professional, how are you experiencing this energy transition which is boosting the automobile market?

I live it well otherwise you have to change jobs. We are not here to decide whether we should sell electric or thermal. We sell what corresponds to market data, to ecological data. We have experienced several phases in the history of the automobile. Adaptations are made more quickly since industry and production tools react better. We no longer find ourselves with stock issues, we can prepare and anticipate these changes.

What difficulties are you encountering?

Sales and maintenance require our teams to develop. Without forgetting digitalization which brings new practices, the implementation of new tools and therefore different functioning. Teams must be trained and the use of social networks integrated. Our professional work with customers is essential to answer questions. Finally, we are dependent on our brands which must produce the right vehicles at the right prices in the right niches.

How to reassure your customers about the evolution of electricity and thus remove the brakes on purchasing ?

It is important to understand that we are addressing customers who have been driving thermal vehicles for generations. The experience is therefore zero. New things scare us, we worry, we wonder. Our real problem is being able to reassure them without having the necessary experience. Today, when we give a customer a test, we should set up an electrical experiment and we don't do that yet. It should then be noted that there has been progress on vehicle autonomy. It is now common to have a range of 500 kilometers. Across the entire motorway network, 100% of stations are equipped with fast chargers which charge 80% of the battery in 20 minutes. An effort must be made in urban areas. Taxation is advantageous when buying an electric vehicle. In 2023, 14% of 100% electric vehicles were sold and registered as new vehicles. We were at 0.3% in 2019. In 2027, we will be at 50% to reach 100% by 2032. Whatever we think of these objectives, all manufacturers are working to develop these ranges to cover the entire automotive market.

How car shows, including the one in Béziers, are important moments ?

The auto show is an opportunity to bring together, in one place, all the brands and to show visitors everything that is being done. This is a moment when we will be able to communicate, explain, reassure, advise… The auto show is a showcase that must showcase all of the products.

Car show, from Saturday June 1 to Monday June 3, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Monday closing at 6 p.m.). At the Béziers exhibition center. Entrance: 4 euros; valid for three days. Free for accompanied under-18s. Free parking. Catering on site. Activities for young and old (pedal kart circuit, giant wooden games).