Vehicle storage and logistics theme for May VRA member meeting

ISSUES around vehicle logistics and storage are the main subject for the next member meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).

Taking place at Cox Automotive, Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire, on Thursday 14 May, it will debate the impact of portside facilities operating at capacity and a subsequent shortage of space inland.

Philip Nothard, chair at the VRA, said: “Logistics and storage are a growing issue for our members. Facilities across the country often operate at capacity, and the conflict in Iran further reduces the availability of portside space.

“Being able to move vehicles around in a timely manner and securely store them when needed are central to remarketing activity, so these emerging issues are a key topic for discussion, and we’re pleased to be able to include some of the sector’s leading voices.”

Tom Marley, director of digital wholesale at Cox Automotive Europe, will provide an oversight of the situation, followed by an expert panel featuring James Hopkins, managing director at DMN Logistics and Simon Jackson, managing director at Vehicle Quality Services.

The event will also include an extensive interview with VRA legal counsel Jonathan Butler, partner at Geldards, on the implications of the recently announced Financial Conduct Authority motor finance redress scheme.

There will also be a section on how motor manufacturers are handling over-the-air (OTA) vehicle updates and support for older car and van apps, featuring Mark Fretwell, CEO of One Auto API.

Finally, Rupert Pontin, head of insight and communications at Brego, will present on the latest developments in the new and used vehicle sectors.

The May meeting is the third of five for VRA members in 2026, in addition to the organisation’s Automotive Summit, planned for November.

Philip added: “Our most recent VRA member meeting, in March, was our best-attended ever. There is a genuine sense of momentum behind the organisation and its activities, and these events provide a vibrant, collegiate forum for discussion of essential remarketing issues.”

Further details about attending VRA meetings can be obtained by emailing info@thevra.co.uk.