21/09/2009
A significant shift is underway in the UK automotive retail landscape. Robins & Day, a name synonymous with automotive sales and service for over a century, has officially rebranded as Robins & Day by Stellantis &You UK. This pivotal change, effective February 2022, is far more than a mere name alteration; it signifies a strategic alignment with Stellantis &You, Sales and Services – the global retail division of Stellantis, one of the world's leading automakers. For customers across the UK, this evolution promises an expanded range of vehicles, enhanced services, and a renewed focus on both customer and employee experience.
This rebranding marks an exciting new chapter, consolidating a rich heritage with a forward-thinking vision. The transition period will see the group operate as Robins & Day by Stellantis &You UK, with a full transition to simply Stellantis &You UK by 2023. This move is designed to unify the group's operations under a globally recognised automotive powerhouse, bringing substantial benefits in terms of brand access, technological advancements, and a streamlined customer journey.
- The New Identity: Stellantis &You UK
- Expansion and Multi-Franchise Growth
- Enhanced Aftersales and Parts Network
- A Revamped Digital Experience
- Prioritising People: Customers and Employees
- A Century of Heritage, A Future with Stellantis
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the new name for Robins & Day?
- Q: When did the name change take effect?
- Q: Why did Robins & Day rebrand?
- Q: What new car brands can I now find at these dealerships?
- Q: How does this change affect my existing service plan or vehicle warranty?
- Q: Is the website changing?
- Q: Will the staff remain the same?
- Q: Where can I find parts for my Stellantis vehicle?
The New Identity: Stellantis &You UK
The name change reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate Robins & Day's extensive UK network with its parent company's global retail operations. Stellantis &You, Sales and Services, brings together a vast network of collaborators and brands across multiple countries, united by a shared vision for automotive retail. The inclusion of 'Stellantis' in the new name immediately highlights the backing of a major global manufacturer, instilling greater confidence and access to cutting-edge automotive technology and innovation.
An interesting detail in the new nomenclature is the deliberate absence of a space between '&' and 'You' in 'Stellantis &You UK'. This subtle yet significant design choice is intended to symbolise the deep connection and closeness the company aims to foster with both its customers and its employees. It underscores a philosophy where the human element is central to their operations, moving beyond transactional relationships to build lasting partnerships.
Expansion and Multi-Franchise Growth
One of the most thrilling aspects of this rebranding is the aggressive expansion of the multi-franchise model across the UK. Robins & Day by Stellantis &You UK is actively pursuing opportunities to introduce more Stellantis brands into its existing showrooms, offering customers an unparalleled choice under one roof. This strategy is already bearing fruit, with 17 of its 29 sites now operating as multi-franchise locations, encompassing brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, and Vauxhall.
March 2022 saw the culmination of two significant projects with the introduction of the iconic Fiat and dynamic Abarth brands to the existing Peugeot and Citroën showrooms in Sale and Birmingham Central. These locations are now proudly showcasing new models, including the highly anticipated Fiat 500 Electric and the fresh, unique Abarth range. Beyond sales, these expanded sites also offer comprehensive servicing and MOT facilities for these new additions, ensuring a seamless experience for owners of these exciting vehicles.
Key Brand Offerings Post-Rebranding:
- Peugeot: A diverse range of stylish and efficient cars and vans.
- Citroën: Innovative and comfortable vehicles for modern lifestyles.
- DS Automobiles: Premium, avant-garde models offering luxury and sophistication.
- Vauxhall: A popular choice for reliable and practical vehicles.
- Fiat: Embracing the future with electric models like the Fiat 500 Electric, alongside a range of versatile cars.
- Abarth: Performance-oriented models for enthusiasts seeking a thrilling driving experience.
- Alfa Romeo: Italian flair and exhilarating performance (servicing available).
- Jeep: Legendary off-road capability and rugged SUV design (servicing available).
- Fiat Professional: Commercial vehicle solutions for businesses (servicing available).
Enhanced Aftersales and Parts Network
The commitment to comprehensive customer service extends far beyond vehicle sales. Robins & Day by Stellantis &You UK is making substantial investments in its aftersales infrastructure to support the growing portfolio of Stellantis brands. A prime example is the recent expansion of the Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall, and LCV Aftersales Centre in Brentford. This facility has been significantly upgraded to boast 35 ramps, dramatically increasing its capacity to offer servicing for a wider array of Stellantis brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional, and Jeep customers.
Furthermore, the availability of parts has been streamlined and enhanced. All Stellantis brand parts are now readily accessible from all five of the Robins & Day Distrigo Parts Hubs. This ensures that whether you own a Peugeot, a new Fiat 500 Electric, or a Jeep, getting the correct, genuine parts for maintenance and repairs is quicker and more efficient than ever before. This integrated approach to aftersales and parts distribution significantly improves convenience and peace of mind for vehicle owners.
A Revamped Digital Experience
In today's fast-paced digital world, an intuitive and comprehensive online presence is paramount. Recognising this, Robins & Day by Stellantis &You UK has launched a completely updated website, www.robinsandday.co.uk. The new site features a fresh look and feel, designed to display all available brands and offer easy access to a suite of online services. Customers can effortlessly use the vehicle locator, reserve a vehicle, or engage in online chat for immediate assistance.
The digital enhancements don't stop there. February saw the launch of several new features, including a highly anticipated Online Service Booking option, allowing customers to schedule their vehicle maintenance with ease and convenience from their homes. Additionally, a 'Buy Online' option is being rolled out, reflecting the company's ambitious target to achieve 25% of its sales through online channels by 2025. This commitment to a robust digital marketplace highlights their dedication to meeting modern customer expectations and providing flexible purchasing options.
Prioritising People: Customers and Employees
At the heart of Robins & Day's century-long success has been an unwavering focus on providing excellent customer service. The transition to Stellantis &You UK reinforces this core value, placing customer experience at the forefront of their strategy. James Weston, Robins & Day Chief Executive, emphasised this, stating, “Robins & Day has a long heritage in the UK with over 100 years history. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer experience and working hard to anticipate customer needs.”
Beyond customers, the company is also deeply committed to its employees. The rebranding initiatives are designed to foster increased employee engagement and improve overall employee wellbeing. At the start of the year, Robins & Day introduced more flexible working hours for their sales and aftersales advisors, alongside reduced hours and increased basic salaries. These measures are aimed at creating a more supportive and rewarding work environment, which in turn contributes to a higher quality of service for customers and a stronger company reputation.
A Century of Heritage, A Future with Stellantis
The journey from Robins & Day to Stellantis &You UK is a testament to evolution and adaptation in a dynamic industry. It's a strategic move that honours a rich heritage of over 100 years of service in the UK while embracing the future opportunities presented by being part of a global automotive leader.
James Weston further articulated the significance of this change: “The update to Stellantis &You UK encapsulates this and also highlights our focus on employee engagement at the core of our strategy, our new name marks the importance and commitment to this. As a Stellantis manufacturer owned group this name change reinforces this connection. We’re at an exciting point as our investment in premises and our digital marketplace to welcome new brands brings opportunity, we hope this new name will provide customers with even greater confidence.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the blend of tradition, innovation, and unwavering commitment to people that defines the new identity.
Key Aspects of the Rebranding:
| Feature | Before (Robins & Day) | After (Stellantis &You UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Group Name | Robins & Day | Robins & Day by Stellantis &You UK (transitioning to Stellantis &You UK by 2023) |
| Global Alignment | Independent UK retail group | Aligned with Stellantis &You, Sales and Services (Stellantis' global retail division) |
| New Franchises Added | Primarily Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Vauxhall | Fiat, Abarth (initially); expanded servicing for Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Fiat Professional |
| Multi-Franchise Focus | Developing | Accelerated expansion; 17 of 29 sites already multi-franchise |
| Aftersales Capacity | Standard | Brentford Aftersales Centre expanded to 35 ramps for wider Stellantis brand servicing |
| Parts Availability | Brand-specific | All Stellantis brand parts available from five Distrigo Parts Hubs |
| Online Services | Basic website features | Revamped website with vehicle locator, reserve/chat, online service booking, Buy Online option (25% online sales target by 2025) |
| Employee Focus | Good practices | Enhanced focus on wellbeing: flexible hours, reduced hours, increased basic salaries |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the new name for Robins & Day?
The new name is Robins & Day by Stellantis &You UK. The group will fully transition to Stellantis &You UK by 2023.
Q: When did the name change take effect?
The new naming came into effect in February 2022.
Q: Why did Robins & Day rebrand?
The rebranding is a strategic move to align the UK retail operations with Stellantis &You, Sales and Services, the global retail division of Stellantis. It aims to leverage the strength of the Stellantis group to expand brand offerings, enhance services, and improve customer and employee experience.
Q: What new car brands can I now find at these dealerships?
Beyond the existing Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, and Vauxhall brands, new showrooms are introducing Fiat and Abarth. Furthermore, aftersales services have expanded to include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional, and Jeep vehicles.
Q: How does this change affect my existing service plan or vehicle warranty?
The rebranding is an evolution of the company's structure and services, not a cancellation of previous commitments. Your existing service plans and vehicle warranties should remain valid and honoured by the new entity, Stellantis &You UK. For specific details, it is always best to contact your local dealership directly.
Q: Is the website changing?
Yes, a new website, www.robinsandday.co.uk, has been launched with an updated look and feel. It offers enhanced online services, including a vehicle locator, reserve and chat options, and new features like Online Service Booking and a Buy Online option.
Q: Will the staff remain the same?
The company is committed to its existing staff, with initiatives aimed at improving employee wellbeing and engagement, such as flexible working hours and increased basic salaries. While there may be organisational adjustments over time, the core teams responsible for sales and aftersales are expected to continue providing excellent service.
Q: Where can I find parts for my Stellantis vehicle?
All Stellantis brand parts are now available from any of the five Robins & Day Distrigo Parts Hubs, ensuring widespread and efficient access to genuine components for a wide range of Stellantis vehicles.
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