Customers are already beginning to express residual values fears over buying new diesel or petrol cars and vans thanks to the prospect of rapid electrification, FleetCheck is reporting. Through its sister Fleetfind operation, the fleet software company helps its client base source vehicles, and says that buyers are concerned about the prospects for internal combustion engine (ICE) models in the … [Read more...]
Luxury loophole can add value but not cost
Smart buyers, dealers and manufacturers have been given a lifeline to save expensive payments on new cars, for now. The Government's Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has provided clarity around the price cap definition stating cars must be priced below £35,000 RRP to be eligible for Government grants. In particular, the price cap definition includes “any non-standard option fitted by the … [Read more...]
Seeing is believing say car buyers
While the pandemic has accelerated online buying across multiple sectors, most drivers are not quite ready to take the leap and buy a new car online without seeing it first. According to Close Brothers Motor Finance’s Britain Under the Bonnet Report, a new car tops the list of things that people would research online but need to see in real life before buying – even over a new home. Just over a … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 May
Aston Martin will soon have new dealerships in multiple European destinations, after signing agreements with six new dealer partners. The company’s transformation plan ‘Project Horizon’ identified a need to focus on this growing region and the fact that six new dealerships are already open, or opening soon, demonstrates the substance and power behind the plan and the company's first SUV, the St … [Read more...]
Supply not demand the issue with van sales
Following a series of exceedingly strong months of used sales performance, April recorded a drop in the number of LCVs sold, said Rupert Pontin, Director of Insights at Cazana. It is of interest to note that the volume of new retail listings during the month has also dropped by -11.9% which suggests that the problem here is not demand but a lack of supply of used product to satisfy demand and … [Read more...]
Genesis brand launches in UK
Hyundai’s premium Genesis brand goes on UK sale this summer. There will not be a dealer network but the manufacturer will have a Genesis Studio in Westfield shopping centre, London and also provide sales on-line. Prices are likely to begin about £35,000 for the saloon and £50,000 for the suv, and will be fixed and non-negotiable. It was established in 2015 and has been selling … [Read more...]
Government statements slowing car sales recovery
Continuing confusion over Net Zero targets is slowing the recovery of motor sales. Seán Kemple, Managing Director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said, “March marks a year since the first UK national lockdown, and the industry has evolved remarkably during this time. “New car sales are going ahead through click and collect, or click and deliver, services, and dealers continue to adopt new ways … [Read more...]
Electric car sales surge, but Wales sees big loss
Electric car sales are charging ahead on British roads. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show ev registrations hit a record and hybrid sales last month were higher than September 2020, the previous best for the dual fuel vehicles. It's also the first month that the Tesla Model 3 EV, pictured above, has been officially recognised in the figures after Tesla withdrew … [Read more...]
Dealers happy with manufacturers relationships
It is positive that despite the significant disruption faced over the past twelve months, dealers are on average fairly satisfied with the relationship with their respective manufacturers, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. Average levels of dealer satisfaction with the support received through the pandemic by respective manufacturers remained … [Read more...]
Costs must be centre of new emissions targets
Car parts makers have called on the European Commission for a comprehensive approach across all countries and sectors to reduce CO2 emissions in a cost efficient and affordable manner over the next 30 years. What is the way forward? CLEPA said the Green Deal should be seen as the opportunity to start aligning climate policies across sectors into a coherent framework which ensures climate … [Read more...]