SONY DSC The Peter Vardy Group has acquired the MG Aberdeen and Peterhead dealerships from Gillanders. The franchises are the latest addition to the marque portfolio, following the launch in August of two MG dealerships in Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy. Peter Vardy, CEO of the Peter Vardy Group, said: “We are delighted to add MG Aberdeen… Continue reading Peter Vardy buys MG dealerships in Aberdeen and Peterhead from Gillanders
Author: Motor Trader Online News
Australian dealers lose agency legal battle with Mercedes-Benz
A legal case brought by 38 car dealers in Australia against Mercedes-Benz has been thrown out by a Federal Court. The dealers brought the case against Mercedes claiming new agency agreements stripped them of the goodwill they had built up over the years. In January 2022 Mercedes-Benz introduced the agency model in Australia where it… Continue reading Australian dealers lose agency legal battle with Mercedes-Benz
Dealers boost sales of warranties and service plans says iVendi
Close up of a car mechanic doing a check list on his clipboard Dealers are selling more value-added products such as warranties, service plans and MOT insurance. That’s the claim from technology group iVendi which said that since the beginning of 2021, the number of motor finance applications made through its platform that include at… Continue reading Dealers boost sales of warranties and service plans says iVendi
Hedin Automotive completes acquisition of Stephen James
Hedin Automotive said today it had completed the acquisition of Stephen James Alliance that was first announced in July. The transaction comprises all operations of the BMW and MINI retailer Stephen James Group, which employs circa 400 people. Following the acquisition, Hedin Mobility Group now represents BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz and smart in the UK with… Continue reading Hedin Automotive completes acquisition of Stephen James
What financial technology it can do for dealers and customers
Used car finance interactions between car dealers and customers can feel fraught, with lengthy application processes while lenders search for suitable deals. Purchasers wishing to drive away the same day may become dissatisfied – something advancing financial technology (fintech) can solve, facilitating swift lender decisions that allow dealers to offer competitive finance to more customers.… Continue reading What financial technology it can do for dealers and customers
Embracing omnichannel is a must for used dealers
Franchised dealers must offer customers a “seamless used car buying experience by better embracing omnichannel”. That is the view of Steve Young of research and consulting specialists ICDP, writing in Cox Automotive’s quarterly insight, AutoFocus. Young said that mastering omnichannel is essential if franchised retailers wish to avoid losing used vehicle customers. He also cited… Continue reading Embracing omnichannel is a must for used dealers
Dealers see post-pandemic surge in warranty sales
The number of warranties sold for 10 to 20-year-old cars has risen by 67% since the pandemic. In 2020, 6% of all policies sold through the RAC Dealer Network’s 1,200 used car retailers were for vehicles in this age range but during the first six months of this year, it had risen to 10%.… Continue reading Dealers see post-pandemic surge in warranty sales
Dealers expect incoming Chinese brands to succeed in the UK
Franchised car dealers expect Chinese brands to secure a “significant share of the UK’s new car market” within the next five years. According to carwow, expectations are that Chinese brands will establish a modest foothold over the coming year, but their market share will increase markedly thereafter. Only 13% think Chinese brands won’t be successful… Continue reading Dealers expect incoming Chinese brands to succeed in the UK
Trade body RMI raises issue of ‘precariously high” used car values
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) , the umbrella organisation for franchised dealers (NFDA), independent garages (IGA) and auction houses (NAMA) , has raised doubts on the health of the used car market in the UK. In the strategic report accompanying accounts filed at Companies House it said values were “precariously high”. “The used… Continue reading Trade body RMI raises issue of ‘precariously high” used car values
Hedin Automotive buys Stephen James BMW and Mini dealerships
Hedin Automotive, a subsidiary to Hedin Mobility Group, has entered an agreement to buy Stephen James Alliance. The deal takes in the group’s BMW and MINI business, including new and used car sales and aftermarket operations. Stephen James Group employs 400 people and sells 6,000 new and used cars annually from its London dealerships. It… Continue reading Hedin Automotive buys Stephen James BMW and Mini dealerships