We car dealers when we get together like to chew the fat - well generally moan about most things to be more exact - and in a conversation during a lull in proceedings at auction this week, we heard of a small trader who has always absolutely sworn by advertising on Auto Trader. So much so that he wouldn’t bother using any other way to advertise … [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...]
Lada attempts a comeback just at the right time
May 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
So it’s official, we now have a hung parliament and are set for a period of horse trading before some stability returns (if we ever had it to start with). A double dip recession may very well be lurking around the corner and times of austerity are without doubt on the cards for all of us, whoever seizes the reins of power. When it comes to car … [Read more...]
The changing face of car brand loyalty in an economic downturn
February 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Residual value, or to be more precise resale value, are talked about only by dealers who sell cars with great residuals, the others tend to do a bit of sweeping under the carpet and certain other features about a product are expressed during a sales pitch instead. Quality is not necessarily a factor in defining whether a car has a good sell on … [Read more...]
GM hopes 2010 brings first profit in 6 years
January 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
On the ropes car maker GM is hoping to move back into profit for the first time in six years in 2010. The company, which last made a full-year profit back in 2004, is hoping to do so after last year's restructuring which saw it enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for six weeks to cut its massive debt. Bob Lutz, GM’s optimistic … [Read more...]
Record global car sales predicted in 2011
January 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
According to the “Global Auto Report” by the research arm of Scotiabank global new car sales will gain momentum in 2010 after an initial recovery in 2009 which could, they say, lead to record sales in 2011. The emerging markets of China, India and Brazil will take the lead, but, according to the report, "the key US market" will not be far … [Read more...]
Ford Focus named CAP Used Car of the Decade
December 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The Ford Focus 1998 – 2005 has been voted ‘Used Car of the Decade’ by CAP – the UK’s independent used car pricing experts. A panel of judges comprising of used car market and vehicle valuation experts at CAP voted unanimously for the Focus, declaring it as the vehicle which set new standards of quality in the volume car market during … [Read more...]
Can non-main dealer servicing be a false economy?
November 26, 2009 By 1 Comment
During an economic cool off the focus of most buyers’ attention will be on value for money, making cost savings and generally obtaining the best all round package. It is no wonder that, with the inevitably large financial outlay associated with car buying, that these factors now come powerfully into play. Deciding what is a cost saving and what, … [Read more...]
Industry leaders discuss UK’s automotive future
November 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The future of the UK motor industry is being discussed today (24 November) by more than 120 industry leaders, government and stakeholders at the first Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) International Automotive Summit at the QEII Centre in Westminster. "The SMMT Summit provides industry with a unique and valuable opportunity to … [Read more...]
Serman reviews the new Lexus LFA supercar
November 22, 2009 By 1 Comment
The country is bankrupt the streets are flooded, the government’s corrupt and the nights are drawing in but it's the weekend so what better time for a supercar review? This time “Serman” get’s his hands on the new Lexus LFA and takes it for a spin around the Nurburgring GP circuit. What is it? The Lexus LFA is the Japanese firms' … [Read more...]
Cost is biggest cause of couple conflicts when buying a car
November 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Couples argue more about the price when buying a car together, than any other purchasing consideration. Research by online used car retailer Carsite.co.uk, found that in more than one in four cases (25.7%), money was the number one reason for getting into a dispute with their partner over what car to buy. Second most frequent cause for … [Read more...]
Government gives long-term support for the UK motor industry
November 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Government has committed to create an Automotive Council to strengthen engagement with industry and set a long-term plan for its development. This follows its endorsements of the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team's (NAIGT) recommendations on the development of the sector over the next 20 years. NAIGT, consisting of a cross-industry group … [Read more...]
Germany tells GM to go it alone
November 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Germany has told General Motors it will have to come up with the money to refinance Opel, after the US carmaker cancelled the sale of its European arm. Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle told GM executives that they had to be responsible for restructuring the unit. Germany had previously offered 4.5bn euros ($6.7bn; £4.1bn) to support Opel … [Read more...]
Sharp fall in BMW profits
November 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment
German luxury carmaker BMW has reported a sharp fall in third-quarter profits, blaming a fall in consumers spending. Net profit sank 73.8% to 78m euros ($115m; £70.5m). However, the carmaker said it hoped to make a full-year profit after recent signs of recovery. Total sales of BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brand cars were 7.2% lower at 324,100 … [Read more...]
Transport minister launches new fuel economy label for used cars
November 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
A colour-coded car fuel economy label as used for new cars has been adapted for the sale of used cars, making it easier for consumers to access fuel efficiency data of potential purchases. The new label, launched by Minister for Transport Sadiq Khan, provides consumers with clear ‘at a glance’ information on the running costs, fuel consumption … [Read more...]
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