The role franchised dealers play in the shift to electric vehicles was the main theme discussed by Stephen Latham, Head of Operations at the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), at the Renewable Energy Association’s EV Experience conference. Latham analysed current consumer attitudes towards electric cars and the challenges they face. He explained what are the main differentiators … [Read more...]
Retail
Newslines 5 July
Land Rover is planning three wheelbases under its forthcoming new Defender, being assembled alongside the Discovery in Slovakia and due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September. There will be 170 inch, 187 inch and 201 inch wheelbase versions offering five to eight seats with an SUV body-chassis but no pickup-style as in the previous generation which ended 67 years run in … [Read more...]
New car market collapse concerning, say experts
UK new car registrations declined for a fourth consecutive month in June, with year-on-year demand falling by -4.9% to 223,421 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 1,269,245 new cars joined British roads in the first half of the year, down -3.4% as ongoing confusion over low emission zones and diesel, the removal of key ultra low emission vehicle … [Read more...]
Liam’s career comes full circle with Euro Commercials
South Wales Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealer Euro Commercials is aiming to raise its profile on the national stage after appointing its first Business Development Manager. Liam Nicholas returns to the company he left in 2015 with a brief to win new orders for vehicles bearing the three-pointed star from van operators based throughout the country. The role represents an exciting … [Read more...]
Used buyers not checking before purchase
Millions of first-time motorists are purchasing a vehicle without checking it over, a study has found. Cars are traditionally one of the most expensive purchases to make, with motorists typically spending around £3,000 on their first set of wheels. Choosing the wrong vehicle can be costly as well as dangerous - but 63 per cent of new drivers failed to research their purchase properly or … [Read more...]
Newsline’s 2 July
Citroën UK has announced one year’s free insurance on its popular C1 city car, for eligible retail customers from 18 years of age. Qualifying versions must be ordered and registered between 1 July and 30 September 2019 and the offer is available across the most popular trim levels in the C1 range, including the recently launched ‘Origins’ Collector’s Edition. Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Vauxhall Insignia ST 170hp 2.0Litre
Launched in 2008, facelifted in 2013 and followed by continuous upgrades, the Vauxhall Insignia range is a story of evolution and the latest models are still as fresh and competitive in the market place as the originals, says David Miles. And to add to their competitiveness there is a huge range of spec levels, a wide selection of petrol and diesel engines, transmissions and front or four … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Crafts it’s way to success
VW’s investment in their pursue of van domination seems to have paid off with the latest VW Crafter, leaving Mercedes sprinting back to the ideas board, writes Rhys Roberts. The VW Crafter does everything asked of a van, and seems to do it with some added pizazz. It may not be as technologically advanced as its Mercedes rival, but it isn’t as far behind as you might assume. The VW … [Read more...]
Coach is on the Volvo team in Cardiff
Teamwork pays off selling cars, and ex-rugby coach Darren Pugsley should know. He is operations manager at Volvo Cars Cardiff and leads a team which is front of house to 120 people working in the executive car dealership on Penarth Road. Although he graduated from university with a degree in geography and environmental management it was his part time weekend job in a dealership where he … [Read more...]
Younger buyers moving away from traditional purchase
Paying upfront for a car is increasingly falling out of favour with UK drivers according to the new Britain Under the Bonnet report from Close Brothers Motor Finance. In the past year, the proportion of drivers saying they will opt for finance, leasing or renting for their next car has increased by 15% (from 37% in 2018 to 43% now). While paying for a car upfront was the most common way of … [Read more...]