The acquisition of ATG by Keyloop brings together two of the largest technology companies that support a large number of franchised and independent dealers across the UK. The question for the industry is whether the coming together of these two companies will benefit retailers. The news made headlines a few weeks ago, and the deal… Continue reading BLOG Will Keyloop and ATG coming together benefit dealers?
Author: Motor Trader Online News
Lloyd Group acquires Walkingshaw VW and Kia
Lloyd Group has further expanded its footprint in Cumbria with the acquisition of N&M Walkingshaw Volkswagen and Kia in Workington. Preparing to represent VW for the first time, Sam Lloyd, MD of Lloyd Group said: “The acquisition will see us adding the Volkswagen brand to our portfolio whilst also strengthening our market position with Kia.… Continue reading Lloyd Group acquires Walkingshaw VW and Kia
A quarter of customers return to dealers for repeat business
Dealer loyalty is still a strong factor for customers when buying new and used cars. A third of consumers, 38%, rely on car dealers’ advice and 26% go back to the same dealer they have used before. Brand loyalty is still a strong factor in car purchasing, according to research from Close Brothers Motor Finance .… Continue reading A quarter of customers return to dealers for repeat business
Desira Group acquires Simpson Garage Great Yarmouth
Desira Group has expanded its portfolio with the addition of Simpson Garage Great Yarmouth for an undisclosed sum. Simpsons will not change the name to Desira, it will continue trading as it is. The addition of Simpsons includes new and used motorhome sales (a new area of growth for Desira), used car sales and aftersales… Continue reading Desira Group acquires Simpson Garage Great Yarmouth
Hedin hits the acquisition trail in Europe
Hedin Mobility, the Swedish company headed by Anders Hedin (pictured), has expanded again with the purchase through a subsidiary of BMW and MINI dealer group Dubbelsteyn and its dealerships near Rotterdam. Hedin has been on the acquisition trail. Last year it bought Torpedo Gruppe’s 21 dealerships in Germany, representing smart, Hyundai, and Land Rover and… Continue reading Hedin hits the acquisition trail in Europe
Auto Trader rolls out omnichannel solution for dealers
Auto Trader’s omnichannel solution, Deal Builder, is now available to all FCA authorised used car dealers to trial in order to provide consumers with a seamless online-offline retailing experience. Dealers can manage deals through their Auto Trader Portal account. Deal Builder will eventually be incorporated into Auto Trader’s API solution, Auto Trader Connect, so dealers… Continue reading Auto Trader rolls out omnichannel solution for dealers
Kia UK hosts dealers for diversity event at its Kia Academy in Derby
Kia UK hosted an event at its new Kia Academy in Derby on 16 April which saw dealers including Acorn Motor Group, Perrys Motor Sales and Allen Motor Group share progress that has been made with regards to equity, diversity and inclusion. In a post on LinkedIn, Gemma Benbow, director of people & organisation at… Continue reading Kia UK hosts dealers for diversity event at its Kia Academy in Derby
Independent dealers ‘reluctant’ to stock EVs
Just 17% of independent dealers stocked and advertised an EV last month compared to 43% of franchised dealers and 49% of car supermarkets, according to data from cap hpi. EV volumes are expected to increase in the coming months, many models are attractively priced. Derren Martin, director of valuations at cap hpi, said: “Our data… Continue reading Independent dealers ‘reluctant’ to stock EVs
Dealer Focus 2024: Digital profitability
Digital was transformed during the pandemic when dealers, carmakers and systems providers transformed the customer journey in buying cars. Consumers went through a series of digitally enabled steps, starting with the website, video chat, configuration of the car online, a VR rest drive through do digital finance quote, signature and taking deposits online. It was… Continue reading Dealer Focus 2024: Digital profitability
Close Brothers targets dealers in Ireland with Bluestone rebranding
Following its acquisition by Close Brothers, Bluestone Motor Finance (Ireland) has now completed its rebranding. Over 650 motor dealers and partners will now offer motor finance under the Close Brothers Motor Finance brand name. They will also have access to a broader lending appetite and a wider product and technology portfolio. Managing Director Donal Murphy,… Continue reading Close Brothers targets dealers in Ireland with Bluestone rebranding