Car retailers are constantly looking at ways of improving the service they provide to their customers but also the perception of how people view the motor trade in general. The old adage is that if you have a good experience you may tell a few people, but if you have a bad one you tell everyone and with the growth of social networks it is perhaps … [Read more...]

For car dealers and car buyers alike, getting the part-exchange right will be more vital this year than in recent times - given the likely dearth of retailable 3 year old examples. With the pivotal 3 year old sector some 500,000 units down customers wishing to trade-in for a new car may be sitting behind the wheel of a far more valuable asset … [Read more...]

The one upside of a downturn (see what I’ve done there?) is that the roads are less busy; well that’s the theory anyway. However I really have noticed in my journeys up and down this green and pleasant land that most of my hold ups seem to be for accidents rather than pure congestion and although I generally get to where I’m going to on time … [Read more...]

Car Dealers competing for less business is the likely outcome for 2012 as the downturn looks to have set in for a while yet. Maximising every enquiry will be a vital factor in the success of the business as a result. According to many in the industry car makers are likely to push for registrations putting a lot of pressure on the late plate … [Read more...]

Well the mince pies are gone, the champagne bottles are empty, the gym membership has been renewed and the resolutions are already being broken. It’s well and truly back to the grindstone for car dealers and like many high street retailers there are some encouraging early reports of brisk business. It usually takes until perhaps the middle of … [Read more...]

If the buzz we are hearing is to be believed then social media is set to play an ever increasing role in how car dealers do business in the coming year. The fact is that many dealers who used to think just signing up for a Facebook and Twitter account was some kind of silver bullet are now realising that it’s how these accounts are managed and … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

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 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...]

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...]

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...]

Watch out the sales are coming early! Have you noticed that the sale signs are about even though Christmas is still over 3 weeks away? There are promotional banners up everywhere and DFS must be feeling a little put out seeing as they have the 52 week sale more than adequately covered up till now. On a serious note though, the trigger happy … [Read more...]

There is huge focus in the industry about saving money and finding new and exploiting existing profit centres. Margins are under pressure like never before and stocking costs associated with ageing inventories are adding to the burden. The actual profit from the car itself is under server pressure and in some cases dealers will mark cars down at … [Read more...]