What this checklist covers
The Product Launch Readiness Checklist is a 15-point scorecard for launch branding, vehicle display, staff briefing, and dealer- level launch support. Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 on what the auditor sees on the day, and every gap goes into an action plan with an owner and a close date.
AutoSmart tip: Product launch audits should be conducted at least 48 hours before the public launch date, not on launch day itself — by then there is no time left to correct gaps in branding, training, or stock. A pre-launch dry run, walking the customer journey from entrance to test drive, surfaces issues a checklist alone may miss.
The checks
Tap Yes, No or Maybe to try it: your answers stay in this page and clear when you refresh. For a detailed walkthrough, download our PDF or book a demo.
Launch branding and vehicle display
- Is launch-specific branding (banners, ceiling danglers, floor graphics) installed in the showroom ahead of the public launch date?
- Is the new model displayed in a dedicated, prominent position consistent with the launch display guideline?
- Is the launch vehicle clean, fully equipped per the showcase specification, and free from protective coverings during showroom hours?
- Is the price tag and specification sheet for the new model current, accurate, and matching the variant on display?
Staff briefing and product knowledge
- Have sales staff completed product training on the new model before the public launch date?
- Can sales staff demonstrate accurate knowledge of new model features, pricing, and variants when checked at random?
- Have service and parts staff been briefed on any new model-specific service requirements or parts availability ahead of launch?
- Is a launch FAQ or talking points document distributed to frontline staff to ensure consistent customer messaging?
Brochures and digital content
- Are printed brochures for the new model available and stocked at the dealership ahead of the launch date?
- Is digital content (website page, social media assets) for the new model live and accurate at the time of launch?
- Are configurator tools or digital specification sheets for the new model functional and accessible to customers?
Campaign material and media support
- Is launch campaign material (POSM, digital assets) consistent with the centrally approved launch campaign kit?
- Has the dealership coordinated with regional/central marketing on any local launch event, media activity, or press engagement?
- Is a process in place to capture and report launch-day footfall, enquiries, and bookings to the central team?
- Has the dealer confirmed full launch readiness sign-off (branding, stock, staff, content) ahead of the public launch date?
How to run it
How the scoring works
Before the visit, fill in the dealer or centre, the auditor, the date and the audit cycle. Then score each of the 15 checks from 1 to 5 on what you see on the day, not on what the site aims for, and add them up out of 75.
- 1Not in place
- 2Attempted
- 3Defined
- 4Managed
- 5Fully sustained
- Green60–75 · 80–100%Compliant. Keep the standard.
- Amber38–59 · 50–79%Improvement needed: a structured action plan within 30 days.
- Red0–37 · Below 50%Priority intervention, escalated to regional management.
Then close every gap
Each gap goes into the action plan tracker and moves through four stages until the auditor closes it.
- 1PendingOwner and close date set
- 2In progressWork under way, evidence gathered
- 3CompletedEvidence submitted for review
- 4ApprovedVerified and closed by the auditor
