Virgin Cars seeks first public relations director

Virgin Cars, the soon-to-be launched on-line car retailer, is

seeking its first public relations director.

Once on board, the PR director will have the task of recruiting an

in-house team in the run-up to the venture’s launch in May.

Virgin already has a batch of agencies in place to help promote the

fledgling car selling side of its empire .

Motor specialist Harrison Sadler has been appointed as press and PR

agency for Virgin Cars. Roose and Partners will work on advertising.

Start Design is on board to work on a brand identity, while media

planning is handled by Manning Gottlieb Media.

The PR director will report to a marketing director, a post that is also

vacant. The agencies were appointed by Virgin Cars chief executive Ian

Lancaster and acting marketing director Paul McWhinnie, who is on

secondment from consultancy Viadynamics.

Virgin is looking to spend pounds 4 million on marketing its new venture

in the first year. The total marketing spend should then triple within

three years, said Lancaster.

According to Virgin, the average saving on cars will be 22 per cent off

current UK recommended prices. The London-based venture will sell cars

over the internet and over the phone, but not through garages.