Stellantis has confirmed major changes to its network of dealerships across the UK that could see certain drivers benefit by the end of the month.
The automotive giant has announced its new partnership with Convo to provide British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters at almost 850 retailers around the country.
When visiting a Stellantis dealership, deaf customers can scan a QR code, providing them with almost instant access to a BSL interpreter.
The new changes are set to launch from Monday, March 30, at Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Leapmotor, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and DS retailers.
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The announcement coincides with Sign Language Week, which runs from March 16 to March 22, with the service being introduced at retailers just days later.
The Convo platform connects customers with qualified BSL interpreters on their phone, who can relay conversations verbally to salespeople.
Stellantis said it was introducing the new service after receiving feedback from customers that a BSL interpreter would make them feel more confident in the showroom.
This was especially true when discussing finance options, test drivers, or after-sales support, which can often overwhelm potential customers.
Stellantis confirmed that the changes would be introduced at the end of March
|GETTY
Eurig Druce, UK group managing director of Stellantis, emphasised that the brand was pleased to announce the new measures during Sign Language Week.
He added: "Our partnership with Convo represents an important advancement in the support we provide to BSL users across our retailer network.
"By enabling instant BSL interpretation at our sites, we are strengthening our commitment to an inclusive and high‑quality retail experience for all our customers, ensuring that communication is fully accessible."
In recent years, customers have needed to pre-book interpreters or rely on friends and family to help with translations.
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The new changes will apply to Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Leapmotor, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and DS retailers
|PA
Stellantis noted that this could lead to delays, miscommunication and a lack of independence, prompting the automaker to launch the new service.
One of Stellantis' brands, Citroen, became the UK's first automaker to embed BSL support into its retail and aftersales network in 2021.
Steph Lotz, general manager of Convo, said she was "delighted" to partner with Stellantis to promote accessibility across the industry.
"Our on‑demand BSL interpreting technology enables clear, efficient communication and ensures that deaf customers can engage with retailers independently and with confidence," she noted.
Stellantis continues to have a strong foothold on the UK market
| PAMs Lotz added that she was "proud" to see that Stellantis felt the same way in promoting accessibility for BSL users in showrooms and dealerships.
She continued saying: "This partnership is a strong example of what becomes possible when accessibility is treated as a business priority, and we look forward to supporting Stellantis as they continue to build on that commitment across their UK retailer network."
Stellantis remains one of the strongest automotive groups in the UK, with strong sales across its portfolio of manufacturers in the first two months of the year.
Vauxhall continues to excel in the UK with 11,733 sales and a five per cent share of the new vehicle market, while brands including Citroen and Leapmotor build on impressive sales.