Car Buying Guide
It’s likely that the next few months will be crucial when looking at the prospects for many car dealers in the UK. With showroom traffic at a 3 year low along with consumer confidence, there will need to be some radical new thinking and some real innovation to attract car buyers. It never ceases to amaze me that, unlike many retail businesses, … [Read more...]
I remember back in late 2008 when I wondered if the motor trade, as I knew it at least, would ever be the same again. The share prices of the big boys had fallen through the floor. It really felt like the end of the world was nigh and there were probably going to be some major casualties. Fast forward a couple of years and the situation may not … [Read more...]
Whilst speaking to many dealers recently, both franchised and independent, it is interesting the way in which the marketing of cars is constantly evolving. For example we are encountering many dealers who are becoming increasingly unhappy with the price hikes being introduced by Autotrader. Many are choosing to either limit the kind of cars … [Read more...]
Troubled Swedish carmaker Saab has filed for bankruptcy after failing to secure fresh funds from potential Chinese investors. General Motors (GM), which owns part of Saab, did not want Chinese carmakers accessing technology licences. Production has been suspended at Saab's main plant in Trollhattan, Sweden, since April as the company has … [Read more...]
Christmas is nearly upon us and some dealers are telling us that things are starting to turn around. Not a lot, it has to be said, but there are a few buyers out there who are looking for some festive bargains. There is a feeling that although January normally heralds the start of price rises, as the sales kick in and wholesale prices rise as … [Read more...]
Car production in the UK rose for the sixth straight month in November, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A total of 136,111 cars were made last month, up 8.5% from the same point last year. UK engine production rose by 1.7% in November. "UK vehicle and engine production continues to lead a manufacturing … [Read more...]
Car buyers are now being very specific in their choice of used car, in a way usually reserved for ordering a new car to an exact spec. Dealers are saying that it’s not just colour it is now mileage parameters, exact spec and age. However once their precise requirements have been attained people are quite prepared to pay for the right … [Read more...]
Naming your car seems to be associated with girls rather than boys but I have to admit that, with all the new models on the road today seemingly designed by the same computer program, they all seem to merge into one. It sort of makes me hanker for the old days when I had to get underneath my mk 3 Cortina and bang the starter motor with a ball … [Read more...]
I’m a great believer in trying to present a positive attitude. I find myself at present switching the TV or radio off when the news comes on because I know 90% of it will be depressing and gloomy. Although I’m sure no on wants to be misled, it would be nice if someone could at least try and talk up what positives there may be, no matter how … [Read more...]
The fact that trading conditions have been tough this year (to say the least)and look set to be even tougher next year, car dealers need to be lean, mean, fighting machines to survive and without the precious commodity of customer footfall that is going to prove somewhat difficult. In advocating best practice and transparency in dealings with … [Read more...]
It’s time once more for the Car Makers Premier League where each and every month we examine the top 20 manufacturers by number of units registered and see just how they look when compared with the previous month. At the end of the year who will be crowned champion? Who will drop out of the top 20 as the year unfolds and which high achievers will … [Read more...]
November 2011 new car registration figures: New car registrations were down 4.2% in November according to the latest figures released today by the SMMT. 134,027 cars were registered in the month, with the market 4.2% or 5,848 units down on November 2010 (which let's not forget was down 11.5% on November 2009) and down 4.5% over the year-to-date. … [Read more...]
The resilience of the motor trade never ceases to amaze me. When medicine needs to be taken we glug it down like a drunk at a free bar. At present it is fairly brutal out there and although many cars are still sought after and fetching a premium price others are either not selling at all or going for beans. Car buyers are being choosy, and … [Read more...]
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