Citroen is offering car buyers the opportunity to communicate with dealership staff using British Sign Language.
Using video feeds linked to an interpreter, deaf and hard-of-hearing people will be able to speak to staff at its 190 sales and aftersales centres across the UK. Citroen has also pledged to increase accessibility for the deaf community, including by using sign language in its advertising campaigns.
According to Citroen, there are more than 11 million people who are deaf or have hearing difficulties in the UK. The video feeds are being provided by SignLive, with an interpreter appearing to help relay conversations between customers and staff.
Staff to receive training
The average wait time is 15-20 seconds, so the system ‘will allow deaf customers to communicate with a Citroen representative swiftly and efficiently, helping them to book servicing or find out more about the latest models and consumer offers’. Employees will also receive training so they can operate the service.
“By partnering with SignLive, we once again demonstrate how our customers inspire our thoughts and actions as we improve the way we serve deaf and hard of hearing people,” said Eurig Druce, managing director of Citroen UK.
“The nationwide adoption of SignLive across Citroen UK’s retailers will transform the car buying process for thousands of motorists, ensuring that it’s not only our products that deliver comfort and serenity for all – the customer experience does as well.”
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