A 50-year love affair with the Volkswagen Beetle continues for a Welsh enthusiast. David Gallagher, from Llanelli, has taken delivery of his 11th Volkswagen Beetle. The 67-year-old’s love for the brand began at the tender age of 17 when he bought his very first Beetle - a 1956 ‘Oval Window’ for £120. This was followed by a 1954, left-hand drive Beetle which he bought … [Read more...]
Retail News
Ferrari dealership apprenticeships open this week
Ferrari North Europe has launched a new website for 16-19 year olds who are interested in applying for an Apprenticeship within the Official Ferrari Dealer Network. The website provides details about the various Apprenticeships which are available: Service Technician Apprenticeship – 3 years; Service Advisor Apprenticeship – 2 years; Parts Advisor Apprenticeship – 2 years and Bodyshop … [Read more...]
Speedy Sara adds business skill trophy to rally wins
Top British female rally driver Sara Williams has picked up another award, but not for for her considerable skill behind a wheel, writes Beth Keenan. The 27 year old business woman has been honoured by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association for her work behind the scenes in the family motoring business at Brecon. The Industry Hero Awards recognise the unsung stars of the sector … [Read more...]
Trade lines 9 March
Sinclair Volkswagen will be providing the support vehicles for the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships on Saturday 26 March. The race will see double world and Olympic champion Mo Farah head a list of global stars competing on the streets of Cardiff in the elite event, while the mass race will attract more than 20,000 runners will get the chance to follow in the footsteps … [Read more...]
February car sales hit 12 year high
Strong incentives from manufacturers and dealers pushed up registrations 8.4% in February on the eve of the new March number plate. Deals encouraged 22.6% more private buyers to sign on the dotted line and they were more interested in EVs and hybrids as well. SMMT figures out show 83,395 new cars registered in February, the highest in 12 years at this time of year. In Wales, the top ten … [Read more...]
Demand drove up used prices last month
Strong demand drove up used values by an average of 0.4% in February, according to vehicle data experts cap hpi. The figure is a significant improvement on the 0.1% increase in February last year, and signals a strong start to the year on dealer forecourts and in auctions. Derren Martin, senior Black Book editor at cap hpi said: “Strong demand is driving up values across the industry. This … [Read more...]
Trade-lines 2 March
A fast, efficient response to a tender document issued by Whitehead Building Services opened the door to an order for 33 Mercedes-Benz Citan vans. The vehicles, all fuel-efficient 109 CDI models, were supplied by South Wales Dealer Euro Commercials and most are Long-bodied versions although the line-up also includes seven Compacts and a couple of Extra-longs. Mercedes-Benz Vans has launched … [Read more...]
Welsh dealer is top of Skoda
A Welsh Skoda dealer shares the importer’s award for service. Fred Rees Garages (Pembrokeshire), Winner Garage (Cinderford) and RRG ŠKODA (Rochdale) emerged victorious, in recognition of their outstanding all-round business performance in 2015. Having been benchmarked over a year-long period against a range of different criteria across sales, aftersales and customer service, the retailers … [Read more...]
AA rescue used car sales for dealers
The AA has come to the rescue of used car dealers. The motoring body has relaunched Vehicle Inspections for dealers, offering pre-sale vehicle inspections that will help dealers stand out from the competition, protect them against new Consumer Rights legislation and increase profitability. By having their vehicle stock independently inspected by the AA, dealers will benefit from the trust … [Read more...]
Trade is split over buying stock
A split between "two tribes" of trade buyers - those who buy almost entirely online and others who remain motor auction-based - is becoming increasingly apparent, says Glass's. The motor industry data market leader reports that there has been a noticeable hardening in the shape and attitude of both groups over the last year or so. Rupert Pontin, Head of Valuations, said, "To an extent, the … [Read more...]