New research from Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) has revealed the most and least reliable SUVs on UK roads. The Toyota RAV4 and Ford Puma top the pack as the most reliable vehicles. The findings are based on over 2,750 vehicle repair claims made between June 2024 and May 2025, across 20 of the most popular SUV models.… Continue reading Revealed the most and least reliable SUVs for dealers
Author: Motor Trader Online News
Dealers see PHEVs as ‘stepping stone’ to consumers moving to BEVs
The majority of dealers see PHEVs as the stepping stone to an electric vehicle (EV) for car buyers worried about going fully electric. The Startline July Used Car Tracker found 68% of buyers see PHEVs as a stepping stone and as a result, 60% expect values for PHEVs to rise and 48% expect demand to… Continue reading Dealers see PHEVs as ‘stepping stone’ to consumers moving to BEVs
Revealed: the more profitable used hybrids and BEVs for dealers
Dealer Auction has revealed the EVs and hybrids offering dealers the highest profit margins in the business. The latest data for June from its EV Performance Report (EVPR) reveals the Volvo XC90 as the top used AFV for margins, delivering a record £6,572 for dealers. Dealer Auction said this model has consistently been a favourite… Continue reading Revealed: the more profitable used hybrids and BEVs for dealers
Former Mazda site in Croydon acquired by Berry Group
The Berry Group has acquired a former site in Croydon where it will open a state-of-the-art BMW bodyshop. Located at 8 Imperial Way, the 17,598 sq ft site was sold by SHW on behalf of an institutional landlord. Wayne Berry, Group CEO of Berry Group said “The purchase of this property allows us to continue our… Continue reading Former Mazda site in Croydon acquired by Berry Group
Crash repair firm Activate Group expands with Avant Group acquisition
Activate Group has acquired the collision repair specialist Avant Group for an undisclosed sum. The deal takes in Avant Group’s three key brands: Avant Consult, Avant Repair Network and Bodynet. Activate has a UK-wide hybrid repair network comprised of both owned Activate Accident Repair Bodyshops, and partnerships with approved bodyshop, mobile, and specialist repairers. Activate… Continue reading Crash repair firm Activate Group expands with Avant Group acquisition
Subaru thanks dealers as it receives Manufacturer of the Year Award
Subaru has been named the Manufacturer of the Year award in the Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. The brand dominating seven scoring categories out of ten and beating over 30 manufacturers to claim the prize. It is the second consecutive year it has topped the survey. The Driver Power win underscores Subaru’s reputation… Continue reading Subaru thanks dealers as it receives Manufacturer of the Year Award
Independents ‘outpace’ franchised dealers in used market
Independent dealers are ‘outpacing’ franchised dealers in terms of sales performance, according to Auto Trader. The used car market has entered H2 with positivity in relation to consumer demand, speed of sale, and transactions. Consumer confidence rose in June as the global and political backdrop became less turbulent. Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy and Insights,… Continue reading Independents ‘outpace’ franchised dealers in used market
Lotus assures dealers it is not shutting down Norfolk production
Lotus said this week it had no plans to shut its manufacturing base in Norfolk and assured dealers it was business as usual. The carmaker was responding to a report over the weekend in the Financial Times suggesting it was to shift manufacturing to the US in order to bypass tarriffs. Lotus is controlled by… Continue reading Lotus assures dealers it is not shutting down Norfolk production
April National insurance hike is ‘huge hit’ on dealer profitability
The hike in National Insurance Contribution (NIC) which came into force in April is set to impact deader profitability hard. That’s the view of MT Top 200 Dealer Group analyst Chris Oakham, who looked at the total NIC bill for the Top 200 Dealer Groups in 2025 and looked ahead at the cost to the… Continue reading April National insurance hike is ‘huge hit’ on dealer profitability
Ben urges dealers to take part in Big Breakfast charity event in October
Ben is inviting dealers and automotive employees to take part in Ben’s Big Breakfast in October. Ben’s Big Breakfast is now in its fifth year and, last year, raised £25,000. This year, automotive industry people are invited to host their own breakfast anytime during the week of 6th to 12th October and encourage colleagues, customers, friends… Continue reading Ben urges dealers to take part in Big Breakfast charity event in October