The government is today ending the plug-in car grant allowance for new orders after successfully kickstarting the UK’s electric car revolution and supporting the sale of nearly half a million electric cars. The announcement was greeted with dismay and concern by car makers, the motor dealers and charging network suppliers. It could also boost demand for … [Read more...]
New car sales crumble, used-models in demand
New car sales are still crumbling under the weight of supply shortages, rising costs and concerned buyers facing higher costs of living. UK new car registrations fell by -15.8% to 119,167 units in April, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Despite showrooms being open for the entire month, unlike the previous year which saw … [Read more...]
Government continue backing for EV knowledge training
The Government will continue support for NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved accreditation scheme until the end of the financial year in April 2023. The EVA accreditation scheme was developed in 2019 by the National Franchised Dealers Association to encourage retailers to enhance their expertise in the electric vehicle sector and support consumer confidence … [Read more...]
Lexus, Kia and Toyota are UK’s best brands
Lexus is Britain's best brand to be selling, according to the latest poll for the National Franchised Dealers Association. It is encouraging that despite the challenges affecting our industry, franchised dealers show high levels of satisfaction around a number of key business areas, particularly current profit, margins on used cars and manufacturers’ … [Read more...]
Dealers expect to recruit more staff
The percentage of dealers’ looking to recruit across all business areas is significantly up from Q2 this year, reports the National Franchised Dealers Association. In particular, 77.5% are seeking to recruit sales executives over the next three months and the same percentage intend to employ technicians. Additionally, 67.5% intend to hire service … [Read more...]
Used cars’ sales booming, says industry
The UK’s used car market grew 108.6% in the second quarter of 2021 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Some 2,167,504 vehicles changed hands, up 6.6% on 2019 pre-pandemic levels, the best Q2 performance and almost the best quarter ever for the used car market. The increase tracks the country’s gradual emergence from lockdown, as … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 June
cinch reports there’s been an unprecedented upsurge in searches for convertibles from ever-optimistic Brit car buyers looking to purchase a car that will allow them to literally feel the wind in their hair and the sun on their face. From 4 January to 26 April, cinch saw a 303% increase in convertible car views, with views steady ever since and last week … [Read more...]
Luxury loophole can add value but not cost
Smart buyers, dealers and manufacturers have been given a lifeline to save expensive payments on new cars, for now. The Government's Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has provided clarity around the price cap definition stating cars must be priced below £35,000 RRP to be eligible for Government grants. In particular, the price cap definition includes “any … [Read more...]
Dealers happy with manufacturers relationships
It is positive that despite the significant disruption faced over the past twelve months, dealers are on average fairly satisfied with the relationship with their respective manufacturers, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. Average levels of dealer satisfaction with the support received through the pandemic by … [Read more...]
Apprentices drive by garages
Franchised dealers have been promoting apprenticeships. Drive My Career is the employment platform launched by the National Franchised Dealers Association in February 2018 to make the motor retail sector more attractive to jobseekers and connect potential candidates with their local retailers. As part of the #DMCApprenticeTakeover campaign, Drive My Career … [Read more...]
