More customers are using digital check-in and check-out to drop off or collect their vehicles after service or repair. Digital services provider Tjekvik did an audit on its data and found there was an 11% increase in digital interactions in 2025 year on year. The most popular form of digital interaction was home check-in, where… Continue reading Dealers see growth in digital check-in and check-out services
Author: Motor Trader Online News
Dealers gear-up for ‘fundamental changes’ in 2026 with Chinese influx
Dealers must prepare for fundamental changes in 2026, as Chinese OEM growth, advanced digital interactions, and stricter pricing redefine the UK car market. Mike Allen, managing director of Cambria Private Capital said dealer performance in 2026 will increasingly depend on selecting the right OEM partners, as the number of brands in the UK is expected… Continue reading Dealers gear-up for ‘fundamental changes’ in 2026 with Chinese influx
IMI approaches dealers to take part in training and development survey
1441935137 The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has launched a survey to gather critical insight into how training and development investment is evolving across the UK automotive sector. It wants to capture the voice of employers directly and use their feedback to shape future skills-based training and recognition programmes as well as identify areas… Continue reading IMI approaches dealers to take part in training and development survey
NFDA urges dealers to lobby MPs on FCA Redress scheme
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is urging dealers to campaign on the key issues impacting business, including the ZEV Mandate, taxation EV transition and the FCA Redress scheme. “Last year NFDA hosted a number of visits for MPs, held at dealerships around the country. As we move forward into the new year, NFDA urges… Continue reading NFDA urges dealers to lobby MPs on FCA Redress scheme
US dealers back legislation to prevent surge in theft of catalytic converters
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in the US is strongly supporting legislation to help prevent the surge in theft of calalytic converters nationwide. It said it strongly supports the Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts Act , which was reintroduced in the US House of Representatives yesterday. “Catalytic converter theft is a significant national issue… Continue reading US dealers back legislation to prevent surge in theft of catalytic converters
Steer Automotive buys Cambridgeshire bodyshop from Marshall
Steer Automotive Group has acquired Marshall Motor Group’s Paint & Body Centre in Swavesey, Cambridgeshire. The business strengthens Steer’s national Prestige network and will be rebranded to Steer Prestige Cambridge. The business has approval from a raft of OEMs, including those of Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen Group, Volvo and Stellantis. Richard Steer, chief executive of… Continue reading Steer Automotive buys Cambridgeshire bodyshop from Marshall
Stellantis sees 1,200 dealers attend annual conference in Manchester
Stellantis UK held its annual national business conference from in Manchester, inviting 900 of its dealers to present its plans for 2026. At the end of week, on Saturday 10 January, it opened up the convention to the public, hosting the Manchester Motor Show. “That was the week that was. Our Stellantis UK team all… Continue reading Stellantis sees 1,200 dealers attend annual conference in Manchester
Motorway losses hit £37.3m in 2024 but aims for profitability in 2026
Latest figures at Companies House show Motorway pre-tax losses increased 17.3% to -£37.3m in 2024 with turnover ahead 9% to £66.4m. It was a year of consolidation for the group as it invested heavily in Motorway Pay, AI-driven vehicle profiling, and end-to-end operational automation. It said the investments have driven a strong 2025. With the… Continue reading Motorway losses hit £37.3m in 2024 but aims for profitability in 2026
Dealers urged to re-stock forecourts now to maximise january margins
Carwow has urged dealers to re-stock their forecourts in December to maximise January profit margins, as new data from Brego shows that purchasing November 2024’s best-selling models in December would have delivered an average 7.3% higher margin than waiting until January to buy. The analysis tracked the top five best-selling vehicles from November 2024 over… Continue reading Dealers urged to re-stock forecourts now to maximise january margins
IMI spotlights barriers for dealers offering apprenticeships
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) welcomed the announcement in the Autumn Budget that apprenticeships will be free for SMEs. However, the IMI believes the numbers do not add up. The government removed the 5% co-investment for SMEs training under-25 apprentices – estimated to save employers £650–£800 per apprentice. However, the apprentice minimum wage… Continue reading IMI spotlights barriers for dealers offering apprenticeships