The latest SMMT figures show a surge in alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) registrations in 2019. Those 170,434 registrations represented a record market share of 7.4% compared to 6% in 2018. But the SMMT data also shows the UK new car fleet average CO2 rose for a third successive year, by +2.7% to 127.9g/km. This is… Continue reading Dealers have ‘pivotal’ role in driving uptake of EVs
Author: Motor Trader Online News
Dealerships jump two spots higher in Google searches
Google is now listing dealerships higher on first page searches than it has before. According to analysis by Honchō, franchised dealers could benefit from an unexpected boost in enquiries in the run-up to the March plate-change thanks to Google changing the way it delivers results for new car searches. On average dealerships are now ranked… Continue reading Dealerships jump two spots higher in Google searches
Stoneacre launches new Volvo dealership in Sheffield
Stoneacre is launching a new Volvo dealership in Sheffield at a cost of £6m. The group is holding a launch event on 28 January, which will be attended by Kristian Elvefors, managing director of Volvo Car UK. The new site features Volvo’s signature lounge area with Scandi-style furniture. Large panoramic glass walls will allow customers… Continue reading Stoneacre launches new Volvo dealership in Sheffield
Citygate buys two Volkswagen dealerships in London from Inchcape
Citygate has bought Volkswagen dealerships in Brentford and Twickenham from Inchcape. the Brentford business becomes its largest dealership with a 1.6-acre site, four floors and 28 service bays. Twickenham will undergo a refit to become a brand-new SEAT dealership offering SEAT and Volkswagen servicing. Citygate CEO, Jonathan Smith, said: “We are delighted to have completed… Continue reading Citygate buys two Volkswagen dealerships in London from Inchcape
Dealers must match online experience with dealership to succeed
Dealers must offer as good a digital experience through online as they do in the dealership if they are to continue to target and win new customers, according to a new CDK Global white paper. The first in a series of Dealership Dilemmas papers shows that an average of 10 hours is spent by car… Continue reading Dealers must match online experience with dealership to succeed
FCA approves Opteven acquisition of WMS Group
The FCA has given its approval to Opteven’s acquisition of The WMS Group. The deal was officially signed on 8 January. Opteven already has an operational presence in UK, managing the approved used warranty programme on behalf of Volkswagen Financial Services UK. The group has ambitions to continue to grow their presence throughout Europe. WMS… Continue reading FCA approves Opteven acquisition of WMS Group
New compliance solution to show areas of concern for dealers
A new compliance solution division for leasing companies, brokers, dealers and lenders has been launched by APD Global. The solution, Compliance 360, has been developed to monitor customer feedback in line with FCA guidelines to ensure suppliers proactively process responses in areas of non-compliance such as commissions, transparency and affordability. APD monitors feedback from customers… Continue reading New compliance solution to show areas of concern for dealers
Warranties become more important to dealers’ reputation
Warranties are becoming increasingly central to dealer reputation management because of the power of online reviews. According to the RAC Dealer Network the warranty provided with a used car plays a key role in how many post-sales issues are eventually resolved. It found that online reviews in which dealers and their customers tended to be… Continue reading Warranties become more important to dealers’ reputation
Pendragon sells JLR dealership in California for £31m
Pendragon confirmed today that it had sold its Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Newport Beach, California. The transaction is in line with the group’s strategy of disposing of its US motor businesses. Pendragon is currently seeking to fill the vacant role of CEO, following the departure of Mark Herbert after just three months in the… Continue reading Pendragon sells JLR dealership in California for £31m
Simonstone Motor Company’s Bristol dealership ceases trading
Simonstone Motor Company’s Bristol dealership has stopped trading. The site is a multi-brand car dealership on Bath Road, Brislington, representing Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Fiat and Jeep. Bristol Live reported that vehicles for sale have been taken away to other dealerships. The publication claims that a number of customers awaiting new cars are now unsure where… Continue reading Simonstone Motor Company’s Bristol dealership ceases trading