Unfortunately the austerity measures currently being proposed will without doubt have a de-stabilising effect on the car market. We are hearing of large volumes of cars unsold at auctions, and prices in the region of 'cap below average'. Although most commentators predict this is a temporary measure given the long term fact that there will be a … [Read more...]
JLR to build cars in China
May 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover, which was acquired by Indian group Tata Motors from Ford in 2008, is apparently to begin assembling vehicles in China. As outlined by chief executive Carl-Peter Foster "We will need to manufacture at least two models in China." "We'll take one to two years to set it up, but first we will need a … [Read more...]
Car exports help boost Japan’s economic recovery
May 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Fresh industry figures coming from Japan have given further proof of the country's continuing economic recovery. Exports in April jumped 40.4% from a year earlier to 5.9 trillion yen ($65bn; $45bn), marking the fifth straight monthly year-on-year rise. and were enhanced by international demand for Japanese cars. Exports for some other areas … [Read more...]
Car buyers may be at risk of committing finance fraud
May 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment
By providing bogus details in a finance application or selling a vehicle that has outstanding finance, car buyers may not realise they're committing a serious criminal offence. This was the warning from the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), which has just released new statistics showing almost 2,500 fraudulent motor finance applications in the … [Read more...]
A sales team’s no good with 11 defenders
May 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Many of the car dealers we speak with are becoming increasingly worried about the experience given to customers in showrooms. Believe it or not, as the profile of salesperson has evolved businesses are struggling to attract what we would call actual sales professionals into the car trade. Not only has the demands of the customer changed but … [Read more...]
20% rise in VAT could make a tough year even worse
May 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The question of VAT rising to 20% is maybe not one of “if” but more like “when?” and according to commentators within the trade the timing of this announcement could have far reaching consequences for the motor trade. For example it may be that if the rise were to come into effect immediately, which seems unlikely given that all the … [Read more...]
Autotrader v Autotrader – what’s in a name?
May 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
In April last year you might recall we published an article entitled “When is autotrader not autotrader?” in which we wrote concerning the unusual web diversion from autotrader.com to allapprovedcars.com and latterly carmony.co.uk and it turned out a number of people had noticed the redirection too and were scratching their heads as a … [Read more...]
Reduction in automotive industry insolvencies in April
May 21, 2010 By 1 Comment
The rate of business insolvencies for the automotive industry fell from .12% in April 2009 to .08% in April this year, based on the latest Insolvency and Late Payment indices from Experian®, the worldwide information services company. In addition to witnessing a year-on-year decrease, the automotive industry cut in half the rate of insolvencies … [Read more...]
Stories from the frontline
May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The election is over, the coalition is getting up close and personal and although there is a certain amount of trepidation about cutting billions in spending, the conveyor belt which is the motor trade just keeps marching inexorably onwards and hopefully upwards. It’s funny but as the election fever dies down our insiders are saying that … [Read more...]
UK car production up 44% in April
May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
UK car production rose an annual 44% in April and in the year to date; car production is 64.9 percent higher than the same period a year ago. UK engine production was up 38.2% in April and by 41.0% over the year-to-date. "Output in April is up across the car, commercial vehicle and engine sectors compared to the same time last year, reflecting a … [Read more...]
Traders need to ensure the wheels keep turning
May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Working in the motor trade can be an expensive business. Traders and garage owners are often dogged by unseen costs and often feel they’re under constant financial pressure. For motorists, it may seem as if garages and dealerships are always making money and the thought of putting their vehicle through the workshop can send shivers down the … [Read more...]
First decline in European new car registrations for 10 months
May 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
New car registrations in Europe dropped in April compared to last year, the first year-on-year decline for ten months. The numbers, published by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, Acea, reveal 1.14 million cars were registered, which is down 7.4% on 2009. Acea reported the fall - almost 25% in certain countries - came as the … [Read more...]
Used car prices – it’s just a guide
May 18, 2010 By 1 Comment
He emitted a little laugh at first but quite quickly his face turned into a grimace and he was clearly quite angry. “Do you think I am an idiot?” he snarled at the salesman who was facing him from the opposite side of his car. “No, of course not sir” he replied calmly, “I believe that to be a fair price for your car”. “Well … [Read more...]
General Motors sees 1st quaterly profit since 2007
May 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
US automotive collosus GM have revealed their 1st quarterly profit for about 3 years. Dramatic cost-cutting and solid sales of new models assisted the company in making $865m (£600m) in the 1st three months of this year, it reported. This measures up with a $6bn loss for the same period a year previously. General Motors, who came out of … [Read more...]
Motor Codes reveals checklist for garage customers
May 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Motor Codes has unveiled a checklist for garage clients which it hopes could help individuals to not use anything but highly rated companies. The concept is to hopefully give consumers straightforward tips that should enable them to quickly distinguish the good from the bad. In a nutshell, it states that a good garage will certainly: • … [Read more...]
Chrysler appoint more UK dealerships
May 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Chrysler has reported the appointment of 7 brand new dealerships to its UK network. A recently opened dealership in Preston joins other new outlets in Nottingham, Norwich, Barnsley, Manchester and Colchester, all offering sales and aftersales facilities. In addition, a whole new dedicated aftersales outlet was opened by Underwoods of Sudbury in … [Read more...]
Land Rover sales almost double in April
May 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Land Rover's worldwide sales very nearly doubled in April, with demand for the 4wd vehicles increasing as the global economy recovers. Global sales throughout the Land Rover marque - including the Range Rover models - totalled 14,350 units last month, which was 89% higher than the equivalent month in 2009. Sales at Jaguar, the other component … [Read more...]
Dealer group Inchcape reports positive start to 2010
May 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Car dealer group Inchcape has reported a 10.6% increase in total revenues following a robust performance so far this year and the company said revenue from new car sales was stronger than expected in several of its markets. This performance has been greatly assisted by an increasing share of the UK marketplace together with ‘stronger than … [Read more...]
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