Having been through many periods of ownership, including BMC and British Leyland, today MG is in the hands of SAIC, China’s largest car manufacturer, writes David Miles. They sold 6.9-million new cars last year globally, 3.52-million in the first six months of this year, and MG is now the global brand for SAIC outside China and for the domestic market their brand of different models is … [Read more...]
Retail News
Panda Motors win rare accolade
MG Motor UK parent, SAIC Motor, has awarded their prestigious 4* Overseas Dealer Award to Panda Motors in Swansea for excellent customer service and strong sales performance. In 2016, Panda Motors was appointed as the main dealer for MG in Swansea, hitting the ground running by embracing the brand, its products, and all the opportunities that were available. Since then, the dealership has … [Read more...]
Profits and confidence in dealerships
“Profit margins” and “consumer confidence” have been named as both the two biggest threats and the two biggest opportunities facing dealers, according to a new survey for the RAC Dealer Network. Almost half of respondents (48%) named reducing profit margins as the biggest threat to dealer business in the second half of 2018, followed by falling consumer confidence (26%) and Brexit … [Read more...]
Beware of on-line vehicle scams
On-line used vehicle scams are escalating, says a reference agency. Mark Bailey, Head of CDL Vehicle Information Systems which owns mycarcheck.com, said, “The sheer volume of online scams is off the chart this summer, with seasonal favourites like convertibles, camper vans and motor homes being targeted. “The staff at our Glasgow call centre speak to used car buyers every day, often when … [Read more...]
Fleet numbers will grow, predict Arval
Despite uncertain conditions, a net 20% of businesses believe that the number of vehicles they operate will grow in the next three years, according to new research by Arval. The figure – which shows those companies predicting an increase minus those who foresee a decrease - is virtually identical to last year when a net 21% of fleets said that they were optimistic about growth prospects. The … [Read more...]
New challenges for EV designers, engineers & repairers
New construction, propulsion and safety demands are testing engineers and designers. Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis of the Global Automotive Adhesives and Sealants Market reveals that increased adoption of high-performance products such as crash safety adhesives, liquid applied sound deadeners (LASD), advanced high-temperature-resistant silicones, and water-borne acrylics are expected … [Read more...]
Businesses stranded by workforce uncertainty, say FTA
The Freight Transport Association is urging government to act on the findings of the Home Affairs Committee report on migration to ensure that UK business can continue to operate at full staffing levels after the UK leaves the EU. The logistics sector, which represents 11% of the British economy's GVA, relies heavily on EU workers, with 14% of HGV drivers and 25% of warehouse staff coming from … [Read more...]
Tradelines 8 August
Researchers polled 2,000 British car buyers and found that fuel type, road tax and the manufacturer all influence us. The poll for Hyundai, which has just launched the new KONA Electric compact SUV with a driving range to 300 miles for around just £17, will answer concerns as driving the same distance in a medium-sized petrol-powered car would set you back in the region of £121. About 48% of … [Read more...]
Welsh new car sales best in Britain
Wales out-performed the rest of Britain and saw a near 10% rise in registrations of new cars in July. Suzuki has pushed two models into the top ten in Wales last month and rising star MG even got into the list with the new ZS compact SUV. Figures from the SMMT show the Ford Fiesta continues to dramatically lead the Welsh sales chart. But Suzuki Vitara took fourth spot and its … [Read more...]
“Diesel in terminal decline” – July car sales analysis
Hybrid and electric car sales have broken records while diesel continues terminal decline, according to the latest car sales figures from the industry in Britain. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders July registrations showed a very modest 1.2% rise in overall sales, helped by strong demand for convertibles and sales incentives by manufacturers and dealers after months of … [Read more...]