Steven Eagell buys nine Toyota and three Lexus dealerships from Marshall

Steven Eagell Group has completed the acquisition of nine Toyota and three Lexus dealerships from Marshall Motor Group, in the South East and South West Midlands. This brings the total number of sites now operated by the Milton Keynes-based, company to 44 with 32 Toyota and 12 Lexus. Steven Eagell is currently ranked 23 in… Continue reading Steven Eagell buys nine Toyota and three Lexus dealerships from Marshall

Steer Automotive buys Apollo and Balgores bodyshops

Fast expanding Steer Automotive Group has acquired Apollo Motor Group and Balgores Motors. The two businesses’ 32 repair outlets employ 700 staff in the south of England, generating £90m turnover. Apollo Motor Group was founded in 1985 by Graham and Tracy Eyles. It has 20 sites in the South East and South West of England.… Continue reading Steer Automotive buys Apollo and Balgores bodyshops

FOCUS: The ZEV Mandate and its impact on dealers

Guy Bird The 2030 ban on new car sales of petrol and diesel-engined vehicles in the UK as part of ambitious laws to reduce domestic greenhouse gases has been well-publicised for several years. But the Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate designed to galvanise the industry into making steady progress towards that 2030 moment –… Continue reading FOCUS: The ZEV Mandate and its impact on dealers

International Motors to recruit 25 UK dealers for B-ON eLCV brand

International Motors is to distribute B–ON electric light commercial vehicle in the UK. It said the German eLCV brand will offer fleets a greener alternative to traditional ICE delivery vehicles. By the end of 2023, International Motors Limited is aiming to have established 25 dealerships each offering the B–ON franchise, with plans for further expansion… Continue reading International Motors to recruit 25 UK dealers for B-ON eLCV brand

Dealer Auction reveals cars with biggest margins for dealers

The Mazda CX-5 was the fastest selling model in Dealer Auction’s top 10 profit achievers for May, taking just 23 days to shift off forecourts. Dealer Auction has added two new metrics to its Retail Margin Monitor to help dealers identify the most profitable forecourt stock. The digital platform has included ‘Average Auto Trader days… Continue reading Dealer Auction reveals cars with biggest margins for dealers

Canadian group AAG makes £465m offer for Lookers

A Canadian dealer group Alpha Auto Group through a bidding vehicle Bidco has tabled a £465m bid for dealer group Lookers. AAG describes itself as a leading operator and consolidator of car dealerships with 15 large scale new vehicle dealerships across Canada and the United States. It is one of the largest auto retailers based… Continue reading Canadian group AAG makes £465m offer for Lookers

Microsoft chief security advisor to talk dealers and cyber attacks at MT Retailing EXPO 2023

Microsoft’s chief security advisor, Sarah Armstong-Smith will discuss dealer cyber security in a key note speech at Motor  Retailing EXPO in October. The theme is “Every move you make, every step you take, I’ll be watching you!” This is not only the lyrics from an 80’s iconic rock band, but the rallying cry of many… Continue reading Microsoft chief security advisor to talk dealers and cyber attacks at MT Retailing EXPO 2023

Dealers looking for used EVs below £20,000, says Aston Barclay

The June EV desirability index showed that dealers are generally buying the lower value used models with the Renault Zoe and Nissan LEAF achieving the top two places. Aston Barclay said that the Tesla’s Model 3 and the Renault Zoe were also placed one and two in the overall desirability index. The general rule of… Continue reading Dealers looking for used EVs below £20,000, says Aston Barclay

Over half of car dealers think Chinese EV brands will force others out

More than half (51%) of car dealers think that the arrival of new Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies in the UK market will force some established manufacturers out of business. Startline’s has said that 31% believe some existing brands are already falling behind and 36% say that the next few years will see them fold… Continue reading Over half of car dealers think Chinese EV brands will force others out

Used dealers buying to order with high value premium cars

Used car dealers continued to avoid stocking higher value premium used cars in May to help preserve their cashflow. According to Aston Barclay, they instead chose to bid on and buy high value used cars at auction to satisfy customer orders to provide an instant profit margin while protecting cashflow. Sixteen out of the top… Continue reading Used dealers buying to order with high value premium cars