A new study analysing the latest DVLA data by Cardiff based learner driver insurance company Veygo shows more people are putting off learning to drive until later in life. It also reveals drivers under 30 are now less likely to get their full licence, despite provisional licence ownership growing since 2019. Learning to drive is a costly endeavour and the price of lessons, tests and insurance … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: GWM Funky Cat 1st Edition
The UK’s electric car revolution is becoming a bloody affair. From initially resisting the new technology on cost grounds including writing off established investments in petrol and diesel engine technology and having to develop hybrid or pure electric powertrains, along with making tens of thousands of workers redundant, manufacturers have struggled to convince buyers into showrooms or on-line … [Read more...]
KIA is king say dealers but PSA are pitiful
Kia is the highest rated marque by dealers in their annual showroom and business survey while PSA Group companies were among the lowest. The all-important question ‘how would you rate your manufacturer overall on a scale of 1 to 10?’ returned an average of 6.5, on par with six months ago. Kia (9.3), Lexus (9.2), and Mini (8.8) were the top performers whilst Vauxhall (3.7), Jaguar (3.7), and … [Read more...]
No agency plan for Toyota & Lexus
Toyota and Lexus have confirmed they ‘currently have no plans’ to change their franchise agreements with dealers and move to agency sales. Pressed on the matter, a spokesperson for Toyota and Lexus stressed that agency sales – where the manufacturer would take on the sale of cars directly to consumers itself – was ‘not in the plan at all’. In an exclusive interview with Car Dealer, Jason … [Read more...]
Britain risks running out of EV innovation – car makers
Britain’s ability to compete as an electric vehicle production leader is at risk unless government responds urgently to increasingly fierce international competition, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warns in a new blueprint. The call comes as other countries significantly power up political and economic backing for their own automotive sectors, positioning themselves at the front … [Read more...]
Tradelines 22 March
Independent used car dealers are being put off stocking EVs as a result of plummeting prices, Car Dealer has been told. Speaking at last week’s Car Dealer Live conference in Gaydon, a panel of used car dealers said they had been forced to rethink their strategies as a result of the recent slide after a drastic cut in new Tesla prices sparked a downward spiral in the value of used EVs and amid … [Read more...]
Addressing the gender divide in automotive industry
International Women’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to address one of the key imperfections of the automotive industry, the gender divide, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association on International Women’s Day 8 March. "Whilst there is a stark difference in numbers between male and female employees in the automotive industry, NFDA strives to connect … [Read more...]
Tradelines 22 February
Fleets could consider increased support of UK-produced vehicles, FleetCheck is suggesting, as Nissan questioned the future of its Sunderland plant. Peter Golding, managing director at the leading fleet management software specialist said businesses that bought vehicles could have an impact on local manufacturing saying, "UK motor manufacturing has already lost Honda in recent years, electric MINI … [Read more...]
Fleet apprenticeships under consideration
The introduction of an apprenticeship standard for fleet is being investigated by the Association of Fleet Professionals. In response to demand from the members and the wider industry, the organisation has been looking into the process involved in the creation of an apprenticeship standard and is now inviting feedback from across the sector to gauge enthusiasm. Paul Hollick, chair, said, “The … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 January: Ford to make big job cuts
A massive jobs cull in Germany and other European countries is expected by the union representing Ford workers. Some positions are expected to be axed in the UK as well while the US car maker transitions towards a fully electric range from 2025, initially slashing over 3,200 jobs in Ford of Europe, and realigning with R&D in America. Bentley Motors announced a recruitment drive creating 200 … [Read more...]