The September plate-change new car market was tough. Consumer confidence was hit, demand for new cars declined and dealers pre-registered cars to meet quarterly targets. New car registrations rose 1.3% to 343,255 units. The SMMT said it was a below-par performance following the -20.5% decline in the same month in 2018, when new emissions regulations… Continue reading New car demand down, dealers use pre-registrations to meet targets
Author: Motor Trader Online News
Dealers see falling consumer demand in October
Dealers had a tough market in October with a slowdown in demand and lower footfall compared to a year ago. Modix, the digital marketing arm of Cox Automotive, said October was a “challenging” month. Its monthly dealer sentiment survey found that 55% of dealers believed demand was down year on year and 59% reported that… Continue reading Dealers see falling consumer demand in October
MG Motor UK opens new dealership in Hemel Hempstead
MG Motor UK has opened a new site in Hemel Hempstead. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Palmers Motor Company represent eight manufacturers across two independent sites. Dan Branch, operations director at Palmers Motor Company, said: “We’re always striving to work with developing brands and, with MG’s commitment to bring a… Continue reading MG Motor UK opens new dealership in Hemel Hempstead
Dealers pass through Electric Vehicle Approved scheme
The number of dealers who have passed through the Electric Vehicle Approved scheme has now reached 50. The scheme, endorsed by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), was launched by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) in May. The scheme aims to recognise expertise in the electric vehicle sector and promote industry standards for… Continue reading Dealers pass through Electric Vehicle Approved scheme
Physical dealerships to remain important to used car retail
A “clicks and mortar” dealership model appears set to dominate used car retail in the immediate future. New research for Startline Motor Finance indicates that although 64.3% of dealers plan to invest in online finance in the next 12 months, 84.2% of dealers believe it is important that the customer visits their showroom. Similarly, 55.3%… Continue reading Physical dealerships to remain important to used car retail
Waylands installs defibrillators at all of its dealerships
The Waylands Group has defibrillators installed on all its sites. It is also offering their use to neighbouring businesses and residents, should they find themselves in need of lifesaving first aid equipment in an emergency. John O’Hanlon, CEO of Waylands, said: “We place strong emphasis on ensuring the first aid training provided to our team… Continue reading Waylands installs defibrillators at all of its dealerships
Dealers see a rise in online inquiries as consent rates increase
UK car dealers experienced a pronounced rise in online inquiries during Q3 of 2019. Marketing Delivery reports that more than 162,000 inbound online inquiries received by car retailers throughout the UK, a 20% increase in total enquiry volumes compared to Q3 2018. Email remains customers’ most preferred method of contact, and capture rates on email… Continue reading Dealers see a rise in online inquiries as consent rates increase
Dealers target EV and hybrid stock as average prices rise
The used car market gained significant momentum during Q3. Demand was strong and conversion rates rose to the mid 90% during September according to the latest market insights report from Aston Barclay. Average prices of used EVs and hybrids reached their highest since the insights report was launched in 2017 at £14,012, while sub 24-month… Continue reading Dealers target EV and hybrid stock as average prices rise
FJ Chalke to open new eco-friendly Kia and Nissan dealerships in Yeovil
FJ Chalke Limited will open a multi-million pound Kia and Nissan eco-dealership at Fusion Park, Yeovil in November. The new state of the art showroom will have space for up to 20 display vehicles and 150 vehicles on the external forecourt. The site also features 10 charging points. The showroom has been fitted with a rain… Continue reading FJ Chalke to open new eco-friendly Kia and Nissan dealerships in Yeovil
New car buyers stick to franchised dealers despite online trend
Franchised dealerships are the first choice for 93% of new car buyers. The NFDA Consumer Attitude Survey revealed that 75% of car purchases, for cars under seven years old, are made at franchised dealers, 14% are made at independent garages, 5% at used car supermarkets and 5% from private sellers. It also found that 50%… Continue reading New car buyers stick to franchised dealers despite online trend