Covid-19 has polarised the world, and the nation – including car buyers. According to research from episode one of the annual Britain Under the Bonnet report, from Close Brothers Motor Finance, some 38% of drivers are more likely to delay buying a car due to the economic uncertainty caused by Covid-19 and Brexit, while 12% have brought forward their plans. The fifth edition of the report, which … [Read more...]
Government statements slowing car sales recovery
Continuing confusion over Net Zero targets is slowing the recovery of motor sales. Seán Kemple, Managing Director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said, “March marks a year since the first UK national lockdown, and the industry has evolved remarkably during this time. “New car sales are going ahead through click and collect, or click and deliver, services, and dealers continue to adopt new ways … [Read more...]
Buyers urged to question finance and commission rates
One third (34%) of British consumers expect car dealers to earn commission on vehicles bought on finance, and a further 28% don’t mind so long as they’re informed, according to new research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. This news comes as the FCA introduces new regulation for the motor finance industry, which comes into force on 28 January. The changes include banning pricing models which … [Read more...]
EVs on charge in collapsed UK market
The UK new car market fell almost a third last year with registrations dropping 29.4% to 1,631,064 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders today. A -10.9% decline in December wrapped up a turbulent year, which saw demand fall by 680,076 units over 12-months to the lowest level of registrations since 1992. Against a backdrop of Covid restrictions, an acceleration of … [Read more...]
Car dealers want Government support after Covid-19
Car dealers want Government support for motor industry following Covid-19. A quarter (25%) of car dealers are keen to see a reduction in business rates as the UK recovers from the impact of Covid-19, one in five (19%) want to see current support measures phased out, rather than a hard stop and others are calling for motor-specific policies like changes to the diesel/petrol ban and support for … [Read more...]
Tradelines 5 August
The car market turned upside down in July, said Sean Kemple, MD of Close Brothers Motor Finance. The bounce back from near-zero sales in April to a 11% uplift in July reflects the momentous release in pent-up demand because there is usually a summer slump, but 2020 has been anything but normal. Right now it’s the used car market where the real growth is taking place, reports Alex Buttle, … [Read more...]
Dealers doubts over stocking pile up
Findings from the Close Brothers Motor Finance’s Dealer Satisfaction Survey reveal 95% are confident about business prospects in the market for 2019, up from 93% last year. Of these, six in ten (60%) are ‘very confident’ about the business outlook for the year ahead. However, while the broad picture is one of confidence, there were some issues that have become more prominent in the last … [Read more...]