Used car values fell by 1.9% in July. According to data experts at cap hpi, the fall is a larger drop than the average pre-COVID July figure of a drop of 1.2%. The largest-ever July decline was 2.2% in 2019. Cap hpi said that dealers remain cautious when purchasing stock, and it is important to remember… Continue reading Used car values down 1.9% in July, dealers purchase with caution
Author: Motor Trader Online News
Group Auto Holdings tables £504.2m takeover offer for Lookers
Group Auto Holdings has increased its takeover of Lookers offer to £504.2m. In June Canadian dealer group Alpha Auto Group, a sister company of Group Auto Holdings, tabled a £465m bid for dealer group Lookers. Shareholders rejected the previous offer. Lookers Directors intend to recommend “unanimously” that Lookers Shareholders accept the increased offer. Global Auto… Continue reading Group Auto Holdings tables £504.2m takeover offer for Lookers
Rivervale acquires leasing broker OSV
Brighton based automotive group Rivervale has acquired of Worthing based leasing broker, OSV. The acquisition is part of Rivervale’s expansion plan following the management buyout in 2022, which saw the company become fully owned by its directors. OSV, established in 1997, has a wealth of experience in the vehicle leasing industry, providing bespoke and impartial… Continue reading Rivervale acquires leasing broker OSV
Motorway acquires Total Car Check
Motorway has acquired provider of vehicle provenance checks, Total Car Check. Motorway said that the acquisition further strengthens its focus on vehicle data accuracy and transparency for its consumer and car dealer customers, and adds Total Car Check’s staff to its team. Total Car Check was founded by David James in 2009, in response to… Continue reading Motorway acquires Total Car Check
Two-thirds of dealers worried about future margin erosion
Two-thirds of car dealers (66%) are worried about future margin erosion affecting their business. Startline’s July Used Car Tracker shows the biggest concerns are high values of used cars squeezing margins (mentioned by 66%), cost of electrification such as installing chargers (52%) and rising staffing costs (52%). Other major worries include increasing difficulties surrounding compliance… Continue reading Two-thirds of dealers worried about future margin erosion
Dealers are considering exiting GAP sales, says EMaC
Dealers are considering exiting from GAP insurance sales once the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) new Consumer Duty regulations become mandatory from 31 July. EMaC has reported that some retailers have already closed their books on new GAP business. The regulations are being introduced to set higher and clearer standards of consumer protection across financial services,… Continue reading Dealers are considering exiting GAP sales, says EMaC
Fleet company rejects dealers because of EV shortcomings
Salary sacrifice specialist Fleet Evolution is now rejecting 40% of dealers who apply to join its network because of lack of EV specialists and inadequate handover procedures. The company, which has 1,400 vehicles on its books, said dealers could do a “far more effective job” in tackling the ‘knowledge gap’ around electric cars that exists… Continue reading Fleet company rejects dealers because of EV shortcomings
Dealers recognised for ‘exceptional’ customer service
Auto Trader is helping retailers showcase exceptional customer service this week, with the launch of its Auto Trader Highly Rated 2023. Dealers who have been consistently recognised by their customers as providing an outstanding experience by rating them highly on Auto Trader will receive “Highly Rated” promotional materials, including stickers and digital logos to promote… Continue reading Dealers recognised for ‘exceptional’ customer service
Consumers prefer to trade-in vehicles with dealers
Most owners would rather trade-in their vehicles with dealers when making their next purchase. That’s the finding of the latest eBay Motors Group Consumer Insight Panel research, which said this came despite the emergence of high profile online used car buying services, Polling the views of over 2,000 in-market buyers, it found 62% expect to… Continue reading Consumers prefer to trade-in vehicles with dealers
Suzuki praises dealers in customer satisfaction index win
Suzuki GB singled out its dealer network for particular mention as it became the highest rankled automotive brand in the latest bi-annual Institute of Customer Service’s UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) published this week. Suzuki is in first position in the Automotive sector and in 22nd position overall across all measured sectors from 259 organisations.… Continue reading Suzuki praises dealers in customer satisfaction index win