Close Brothers Motor Finance has bolstered its Showroom proposal platform by giving motor dealers the opportunity to bring the showroom directly to their customer’s home with remote quote and apply. The enhanced functionality to the Showroom platform will enable dealers to email vehicle quotes directly to the customer following initial discussions around … [Read more...]
Virtual business as usual for Mitsubishi
Physical showrooms may be closed but it’s virtual business as usual at Mitsubishi Motors where customers are still able to purchase a new vehicle using the Mitsubishi Buy Online facility. Not only can customers browse the model range and specify the exact Mitsubishi vehicle they would like, they can also trade their current vehicle in and arrange finance … [Read more...]
Coronavirus planning risk to no-deal Brexit, warn ACEA
A no-deal Brexit at the end of 2020 risks undoing efforts to get the auto industry back on track after the coronavirus of recent weeks, says the European car makers’ director general Eric-Mark Huitema. While Europe still grapples with the health, social and economic impacts of the coronavirus, and EU automobile manufacturers battle for survival, the second … [Read more...]
Extinction Rebellion – warning to prestige car dealers
A stark warning has been made regarding action from Extinction Rebellion against car dealers, car manufacturers and car firms in Bristol and London. “The warning makes sober reading. Action will likely be against 4x4 and luxury car dealers and manufacturers, and while we expect it to be a non-physical social media campaign, dealers need to reinforce their … [Read more...]
Virus shutdown to cost UK automotive over £8B
The British car industry faces losing output worth more than £8 Billion due to the coronavirus outbreak. It suffered a production drop in March of a third and fell to its lowest level since 2009, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders thursday. Britain’s biggest exporter of goods which employs more than 800,000 people saw factories and … [Read more...]
Car makers outline plan for production return
As Europe is grappling with the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has set out four guiding principles for a successful re-launch of the auto industry, which will be vital to the wider economic recovery of the continent. “It is in Europe’s interest that this key strategic sector not … [Read more...]
Challenging times ahead for trade, says analyst
It has been a month of halves with two weeks of unexpected silence in the showrooms resulting in many staff being furloughed in the absence of customers. Service departments and smaller garages are working to keep key workers mobile and safe with their transportation needs and the insurance industry is still largely active. Dealers still have a shop window … [Read more...]
World car production and sales plunge
IHS Markit forecasts used by automakers and suppliers for strategic decisions has downgraded its assessments across "virtually all regions." It called the coronavirus pandemic "the single biggest risk factor facing the auto industry for many years," reports Automotive News Europe. Global sales will fall by more than 12 percent this year to 78.8 million … [Read more...]
Car makers want urgent comprehensive support
The effect of the coronavirus on society and the global economy is unprecedented with grave consequences for the automobile industry, say European car makers. Indeed, most of the members of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association have already announced temporary closures of plants due to collapsing demand, supply shortages, and government … [Read more...]
Traders attack new consumer advice
Car dealers and auction houses have fallen out with trading standards officers. “It is disappointing that following a number of responses, including our detailed comments on the draft guidance consultation, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has ignored the majority of the issues NFDA had outlined alongside other industry trade bodies”, said Sue … [Read more...]
