Cookie Policy

Last updated: 01/06/2026

This Cookie Policy explains how German Car Specialist Ltd (“we”, “us” or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on this website. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we look after any personal information. We have written it to reflect exactly how this site behaves — no jargon, no surprises.

We use cookies in accordance with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). In plain terms: strictly necessary cookies are always allowed, and anything beyond that is only ever used with your consent.

What are cookies

Cookies are small text files that a website places on your device (computer, tablet or phone) when you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, to remember your preferences and, where you allow it, to help site owners understand how their site is used.

Similar technologies — such as local storage in your browser — work in a comparable way. This website uses local storage rather than a traditional cookie to remember your cookie-banner choice, which keeps things lightweight. Throughout this policy, references to “cookies” include these similar technologies where relevant.

Cookies can be “session” cookies, which are deleted when you close your browser, or “persistent” cookies, which remain until they expire or you remove them. They can also be “first-party” (set by us) or “third-party” (set by another organisation whose content is embedded on a page).

How we use cookies

This website uses essential cookies only by default. We do not use advertising cookies, social-media tracking pixels, or third-party analytics that run without your permission.

When you first visit, a cookie banner asks whether you are happy for us to use non-essential (analytics) cookies. Your choice — to accept or to reject — is saved as a small local consent record in your browser’s local storage, under the key gcs-cookie-consent. This record stays on your own device, is not transmitted to us or to any third party, and simply stops the banner from reappearing on every page. If your browser blocks local storage, the banner is dismissed for that session instead.

Because we record your preference locally and set no tracking cookies by default, you can browse our stock and read about our cars with confidence that you are not being followed around the web.

Types of cookies we use

The cookies and similar technologies used on this site fall into the categories below.

Strictly necessary

These are required for the website to function and to honour your privacy choices. They include the local consent record described above. Because they are essential, they do not require your consent under PECR — but they never gather information for marketing and never identify you personally.

Analytics (only if you consent)

Analytics cookies would help us understand which pages are popular and how the site performs, so we can keep improving it. No analytics cookies are installed on this site by default. Should we add analytics in future, they would only ever be set after you have given consent through the cookie banner, and we would update this policy first.

Third-party

Some pages embed content from other organisations, which may set their own cookies when that content loads:

• Google Maps — our Contact page includes an embedded Google map so you can find the showroom at 181 Forest Road, Ilford. When the map loads, Google may set cookies on your device. These are governed by Google’s own privacy and cookie policies, which we do not control. The map is configured to limit referrer information passed to Google. If you do not load the Contact page, the map and its cookies are not loaded.

We do not use any other third-party cookies — no advertising networks, no social-media trackers and no remarketing tags.

Managing cookies

You are always in control. There are a few ways to manage cookies on this website and more generally:

• The cookie banner — choose “Reject” to decline non-essential cookies, or “Accept all” if you are happy for analytics to be used. As there are currently no analytics in place, both options leave you with essential cookies only.
• Your browser settings — every major browser lets you view, block or delete cookies and clear local storage. Clearing your browsing data will also remove the local consent record, so the cookie banner will appear again on your next visit. You can find instructions in the help section of Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge.
• Browser controls for third-party content — you can set your browser to block third-party cookies, which will prevent services such as the Google Maps embed from setting cookies on your device.

Effect of disabling cookies. Blocking strictly necessary cookies or local storage will not break the core website, but we will be unable to remember your cookie choice, so the banner may keep reappearing. Blocking third-party cookies may stop the embedded map from displaying correctly. None of these choices will prevent you from viewing our vehicles or getting in touch with Dom and the team.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time — for example, if we introduce a new feature or add an analytics tool. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Where the changes are significant, we will make this clear on the site. We recommend reviewing this page occasionally so you stay informed about how we use cookies.

Contact

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or how we use cookies, we are always happy to help. Please get in touch with us:

• Email: sales@germancarspecialistltd.co.uk
• Phone / WhatsApp: 07957 455 766
• Post: German Car Specialist Ltd, 181 Forest Road, Ilford, Essex, IG6 3HZ

German Car Specialist Ltd is registered in England & Wales (Companies House No. 05998649). You also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s data protection regulator, at ico.org.uk.