The idea that franchise dealers are required more for electric vehicle service, maintenance and repair than their internal combustion engine counterparts is a “myth”, shows new research from epyx. Statistics taken from its 1link Service Network platform, used to manage SMR for more than four million company vehicles largely operated by leasing companies, show hardly any difference in the … [Read more...]
Fleet budgets challenged as hires are extended
Service, maintenance and repair budgets are being severely challenged as fleets are forced to run vehicles for longer, with no end in sight to the immediate lack of vehicle availability due to the semiconductor crisis. According to tyre and maintenance provider ATS Euromaster, both fleets and leasing companies are having to juggle new car availability against extended rentals and increased … [Read more...]
The changing face of car sales and part exchanges
More manufacturers selling direct to the public is going to change the dealership model in future. The effects of the growth of franchise dealer agency models on the remarketing sector are not yet understood but could be far-reaching, according to the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Last year, Genesis launched as a manufacturer only on-line sales platform supported by its own experience centres … [Read more...]
Mechanics and testers’ shortages hitting motor trade
A Motor Ombudsman poll of garages and workshops accredited to the body’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, has revealed that recruiting a sufficient number of mechanics and MOT testers to meet consumer demand was the most significant concern for 67% of respondents when questioned about the main challenges encountered during 2021. The research conducted by the … [Read more...]
Big bills predicted for long-lived used cars
Warrantywise warnsed that many UK motorists are not covered by a valid warranty, and could be facing big bills in 2022 amidst the increase in demand for second-hand vehicles. As new car production delays continue and consumer decision making over internal combustion versus hybrid or pure electric wavers, the rise in used car demand continues to grow. As such, UK car owners could be … [Read more...]
The automotive industry braces for long Covid
Long Covid is about to hit the car industry with increased warranty costs expected in months or years to come, says Renee Stephens, Vice-President of We Predict automotive analysts. If current and past trends are any indication, the global pandemic has implications to change what automakers and suppliers see in their warranties as they continue to ramp up operations, with the potential for … [Read more...]
Vans will have to carry more miles, warn ATS Euromaster
Fleets will need to keep their new vans in service for longer than planned because of the component shortages affecting vehicle production across the board from cars to heavy trucks. With van production slowed or suspended thanks to lack of microprocessor chips, lack of available product means fleets will not be able to replace vehicles that would normally be de-fleeted during the coming … [Read more...]
Remobilise for return to normal business
Fleets need to be thinking about how they will “remobilise” their operations as the pandemic ends, says epyx. The company points out that, if the planned vaccination programme now underway is implemented rapidly, something approaching the new normal’s version of business-as-usual could materialise quite quickly. Debbie Fox, commercial director, explained, “Expert views on the speed with which … [Read more...]
Lockdown checklist for motorists
With the Christmas break looming as well as more irregular and varying lockdowns being imposed, it's important motorists keep their cars in working order, get them MoT tested if appropriate and fit to hit the road when the restrictions end. Helpfully, here are Green Flag's top tips for keeping a car healthy through winter and lockdowns: Look after your battery– start your vehicle once a … [Read more...]
Bumpy road to low carbon future, say experts
The UK Government’s drive towards electric cars and a low carbon future faces a bumpy journey, say experts. Car-makers said they are committed to them and invested billions but the challenge of the next nine years is “immense”, according to Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. "We are pleased, therefore, to see Government accept the importance of hybrid transition technologies – which drivers are … [Read more...]
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