Author: Motor Trader Online News

Ford terminates over 50 retail dealers at start of 2025

Ford terminated more than 50 retail dealers in January as part of its restructuring of the network. All but three of the dealers have retained their authorised repairer status, Ford told Motor Trader. Back in 2020 Ford announced that it was going to reduce its network of sales outlets in half over the next five… Continue reading Ford terminates over 50 retail dealers at start of 2025

Stellantis dealers attend annual conference in Manchester

Stellantis UK has held its annual conference at Manchester Central Convention Centre with 1,000 retailer guests and employees coming together over three days to hear plans for each of the group’s nine vehicle brands. Updates were also given regarding the wider organisation with focused sessions on Leasys (Leasing), Distrigo (parts distribution) and Stellantis Financial Services. … Continue reading Stellantis dealers attend annual conference in Manchester

Majority of dealers in the US uncertain about using AI

  The majority of dealers in the US are uncertain about using AI in their business. That’s the finding of a Lotlinx which found that 78% of US car dealerships are uncertain about using predictive data, with only 5% implementing AI. Despite challenges, 80% plan to adopt AI by 2025. The survey, which involved over… Continue reading Majority of dealers in the US uncertain about using AI

Dealers brace for further ‘significant falls’ in pick-up sales

Dealers are bracing for a sharp fall in pick-ups in 2025 following the government hike in taxation announced in the Budget last year. Sales are already in decline, down -8.3% in 2024 and this looks likely to accelerate this year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, which released van sales figures today.… Continue reading Dealers brace for further ‘significant falls’ in pick-up sales

TMS Motor Group acquires Loughborough Kia

TMS Motor Group has acquired Loughborough Kia and strengthened its presence in Leicestershire. Oli Johnson hands over the keys from one family to another. The service offered by Kia Loughborough is now bolstered by the enhanced offerings and greater choice of vehicles from TMS Motor Group. Len Hallows, MD, said: “We are thrilled to welcome… Continue reading TMS Motor Group acquires Loughborough Kia

Dealers welcome consultation on ZEV Mandate

Car retailers and the motor sector have welcomed the government’s decision to launch a consultation on the ZEV Mandate. The Mandate has come under attack for the past 12 months for failing to support the manufacture and sales of electric vehicles. The consultation will look at the phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel… Continue reading Dealers welcome consultation on ZEV Mandate

Honda and Nissan hold merger talks

Honda and Nissan are reportedly in talks for a merger aimed at enhancing their competitiveness in the electric vehicle market. According to a report by the Japanese newspaper “Nikkei,” the two companies are planning to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at exploring the establishment of a new holding company. This move is seen as… Continue reading Honda and Nissan hold merger talks

Arnold Clark buys Wingrove Motor Company

UK dealer giant Arnold Clark has bought Wingrove Motor Company for an undisclosed sum. Wingrove Motor Company Limited has been serving the needs of North East motorists since 1925, when the company was founded on the West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. Wingrove has four centres in the North East, including showrooms in Silverlink, North Tyneside,… Continue reading Arnold Clark buys Wingrove Motor Company

LEGAL BLOG Motor finance, the Supreme Court ruling and dealers

Following on from the seismic changes brought on by the decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, Wrench v FirstRand Bank Ltd and Hopcraft v Close Brothers Ltd. [2024] EWCA Civ 1282, dealers and finance institutions have been holding their breath to see if the matter would proceed to the Supreme Court. In what appears… Continue reading LEGAL BLOG Motor finance, the Supreme Court ruling and dealers