The embattled car industry will be hoping the launch of this month's new car registration plate can drive a recovery in demand after the weakest August for new motor sales since 1966. But as hard-pressed consumers become increasingly reluctant to splash their cash, there are fears that not even the new '58' plate will halt the slide. … [Read more...]
Audi probing test drive abuse claims
September 12, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Audi is investigating claims by a customer that staff at a franchised dealership took 'joyrides' in his RS4. Mark Reece alleges his RS4 estate was driven 27 times while it was left for servicing at his local Audi dealership in Bexley. … [Read more...]
Inside the car auction
September 12, 2008 By 3 Comments
A common question we regularly receive is; “Is it a good idea to buy a car from a public auction and what advice can you give on the best way to go about it?” From a professional motor traders point it’s not an easy one to answer and it’s a question I have, in the past asked myself. … [Read more...]
Dealers losing customers by undervaluing part-exchanges
September 11, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Dealers have been urged to set realistic part-exchange values or run the risk of losing repeat and referral business. EurotaxGlass's, the used car analyst, has reported that customers are being offered unreasonable prices for trade-ins on older vehicles and is advising retailers to ensure a deal is secured to retain business in the medium and … [Read more...]
Finding finance for a new car in the credit crunch
September 10, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Although, as we have explained recently, there are a number of very competitive finance deals on offer at car showrooms across the country at present, as a result of the credit crunch lending criteria for many finance companies have tightened considerably. … [Read more...]
The truth about Zero % Finance
September 10, 2008 By 6 Comments
It sounds fantastic and very seductive but the truth is, well there’s no such thing. Admittedly when you examine the paperwork you will see that the agreement shows that there is no interest on the loan but in reality you do end up paying that interest in different ways. It stands to reason really, can any company, no matter how large really … [Read more...]
Government urged to kick-start consumer confidence after weak car registrations in August
September 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment
• August new car market down by 18.6% and 3.8% year-to-date. • Mini segment volume doubles in August, taking year-to-date increase to 37.1%. • Diesel registrations account for 43.2% of 2008 new car market, year-to-date. … [Read more...]
Rising living costs don’t deter majority of car buyers
September 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Almost nine in 10 British car owners have admitted they are worried about the rising costs of living, but only 42% will delay buying a car as a result, according to a new survey from Experian. A total of 1,016 British car owners aged 18 and over were surveyed by Research Plus on behalf of Experian. … [Read more...]
Trust a woman to see it differently…
September 8, 2008 By Leave a Comment
As you will know we here at Motor Trade Insider aim to make a difference and help the beleaguered motorist to get the experience they have a right to when dealing with all aspects of the motor trade. An interesting statistic revealed in research carried out by Shelias’ Wheels is that one in five of women questioned confessed to pulling out … [Read more...]
Car sales and the power of silence…
September 8, 2008 By 25 Comments
All car sales people will use silence in the car selling process. They use it because it is powerful and effective, so why not turn the tables and use it on them? A car salesman is just that, a salesman and in your dealings with him you will inevitably be asked to buy a car. In sales parlance this is referred to as “the close” and you … [Read more...]
An enlightening discovery
September 8, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Just to add to previous articles we have written referring to that lovely topic of depreciation, I recently came across a situation where it hit home how bad some cars are being de-valued as a result of current market conditions and pressures from this car hating government. … [Read more...]
A common sense guide for car dealer complaints
September 7, 2008 By Leave a Comment
The most fundamental thing when making a complaint is to first establish the name of the person you have complained to and always make sure you are firm in your dealings ensuring that if they say they will call back at a certain time they do so. … [Read more...]
Buying v Leasing…the basics
September 7, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Should you go for a finance deal or opt for leasing? And what is the difference anyway? First let’s talk about the difference between … [Read more...]
August new car registration figures, are they really that bad?
September 6, 2008 By 1 Comment
It’s Happened again! Not only are we in a global downturn with nothing but bad news on every horizon; fuel Prices, RFL hikes, stealth taxes, rising energy prices, high inflation, house price reduction, credit crunch, downturn in retail sales, appalling weather! … [Read more...]
Time for a new Audi
September 5, 2008 By Leave a Comment
We recently heard from someone who is in the market for a used Audi, a 3-4 year old AUDI A4 Avant 2.0 TDI SE to be precise. They had owned their current car (an Audi, purchased from new) for many trouble free years. Having been out of the marketplace for so long they wanted some tips on what to expect and how to grab a bargain … [Read more...]
Porsche sales tumble
September 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Porsche is feeling the impact of the credit crunch with international sales plunging. The German sportscar maker saw North American sales tumble by 45 per cent last month, while UK sales are down 26 per cent in the year to date. In Porsche's home market, sales fell by over than 18 per cent in the year to July. The carmaker has attributed … [Read more...]
Average labour rates rise to £75 an hour
September 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment
UK garage labour rates have increased 11.3 per cent since 2006, bringing the top hourly rate up to £200 an hour, according to a new survey. Research released by Warranty Direct revealed the national average hourly rate has risen 11.3 per cent to £75.17. … [Read more...]
And the lesson today is..how to sell a car!
September 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment
I visited one of my dealers today who is going through a bad time at the moment, struggling to sell cars and not really understanding why. So I go back to basics with him; … [Read more...]
Thieves target SUV cats
September 2, 2008 By Leave a Comment
4x4 owners have a new enemy – thieves who slip underneath the car’s chassis and saw off its catalytic converter. Police believe thousands of exhaust parts have been stolen from 4x4s in the past six months by criminal gangs that want the precious metals inside, reported The Sunday Times. Models targeted for metals such as platinum, … [Read more...]
Ebay the place for classics
September 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment
I spoke to the ebay boys today, and they have had a record month with sales, they have even managed to get 4th place on the ebay pulse with an old Morris Minor convertible for which they had 6000 watchers! … [Read more...]
Demand is still there for used cars, says Manheim
September 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment
A survey of 100 franchised dealers by Manheim Retail Services has found that demand for used cars is holding up despite the UK's economic downturn. Dealers reported that showroom walk-ins were still relatively strong, representing around two-thirds of enquiries. … [Read more...]
Revenge is sweet
September 1, 2008 By 2 Comments
I recently heard a story which certainly highlights the karmic notion of “what goes around, come around”. John, a motor trader and garage owner and his wife Karen were waiting to move house and their exchange had been delayed, but they had agreed to move out of their house and rent until the situation regarding their own move had been … [Read more...]
Motorists pay £75bn car costs
September 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment
THE cost of running a car has outstripped the rate of inflation over the past decade, a survey reveals today. Motorists fork out an average of £2,395 a year to insure, service, tax and put fuel in their vehicle — a total of £75billion. But if costs had stayed in line with inflation, drivers would be paying £1,787. Price comparison … [Read more...]
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