Changes to VAT around compensation payments, strategic support for the UK motor industry, and the future of road charging are key subjects that should be tackled by the Chancellor in March’s Budget, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. All three issues are likely to impact on the remarketing sector either in the short, medium or longer-term, believes the industry organisation, and its … [Read more...]
Lockdown deals shaking out car sales
Drivers clambered to offload their small cars for cash during 2020 as the pandemic caused lockdowns across the UK. Sell My Car Direct, previously saw more than a quarter of the cars offered to the car buying service being made up of city cars and superminis (27%). Add hatchbacks and the percentage rises to 40% (2,400 of 5,964), as drivers flocked to sell off their superfluous second vehicles, … [Read more...]
Brexit deal “unanswered questions” is concerning, says trade
The new, “thin” Brexit deal that is now in effect leaves many unanswered questions that could have serious implications for the UK motor industry, warns the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The trade organisation says that several key points surrounding the future of manufacturing and cross-border movement of vehicles remain vague or undefined. Sam Watkins (right), chair at the VRA, said, “Let’s … [Read more...]
Used electric cars now growing sales
Second-hand battery and electric cars are being sought by drivers, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in their latest report on the used car market. The UK’s used car market increased by 4.4% in Q3 after two consecutive quarters of decline, according to the latest figures published today by the SMMT. During the busiest quarter since the end of 2016, some 2,168,599 transactions … [Read more...]
Buyers back in the driving seats
Car buyers are flocking back to showrooms and forecourts, said the National Franchised Dealers Association. Through the findings, NFDA aims to assess the implications of the COVID-19 lockdown on the automotive retail sector and understand how the industry is now recovering. Their survey asked dealers questions about their return to work including the percentage of dealerships that reopened, … [Read more...]
Tips for buying a used car this September
We’ve seen a lot of changes over the past few months and one that stands out is the increase in motorists opting for a used car rather than fork out on an expensive newer model. With the Government continuing to discourage commuters using public transport as a result of the Coronavirus, car repair and service comparison site www.Autoadvisor.co.uk looked at how more people are purchasing – and … [Read more...]
Classics become contemporary as sales boom
Owning, restoring and driving a classic car is a common dream, but it requires significant investment at every stage – in both time and money. Such desirable, high-value vehicles are inevitably also a common target for professional thieves meeting demand for vintage cars and their parts in the UK and across Europe. Stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker, is sharing tips to help first-time … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 August
The new Kia Sorento range has been revealed for UK. It gets Hybrid power for the first time with a self-charging 226bhp 1.6 petrol hybrid and 199bhp 2.2 diesel opening the sales to be followed by a petrol plug-in hybrid later this year and prices start at £38,845 for the three trim levels, 2, 3 and 4. The face-lifted Kia Stinger has also appeared in Korea. The fastback sports saloon changes … [Read more...]
Behind the Wheel: Driving towards a cliff
Tens of thousands of more jobs are likely to disappear from the UK automotive sector before the end of the year, writes Robin Roberts. Some 11,349 jobs so far axed following lockdown will grow and despite this week’s 11% rise in new car registrations the outlook is bleak. That’s because the first upturn in showroom sales came at the end of three months when all showrooms were in … [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...]
