Dealers are pre-registering diesel vehicles to be sold at a loss in the hope of making some money from their back-end standards or volume bonuses from their brand partner. According to Coachworks Consulting, some manufacturers are still encouraging their networks to achieve ambitious diesel targets, which have led to these “guerrilla tactics”. Demand for new… Continue reading Dealers sell diesels at a loss in hopes of volume bonuses
Author: Motor Trader Online News
CMA gives green light on eBay’s acquisition of Motors.co.uk
The CMA has cleared the acquisition of Motors.co.uk Limited by eBay Inc. On 19 October, 2018, it was announcement that Cox Automotive would sell Motors.co.uk to eBay for an undisclosed sum. The CMA announced on 13 December 2018 that it would launch a merger inquiry, by notice to the parties. The deal will see Motors.co.uk… Continue reading CMA gives green light on eBay’s acquisition of Motors.co.uk
Dealers sell more longer standard warranties on used cars
Dealer are seeing a trend towards longer standard warranties being sold on used cars The development is being brought about by dealers building stronger propositions and a general desire among consumers for longer warranty cover in less certain economic conditions, said Sean Kent, head of account management at Assurant. “The most common standard warranty across… Continue reading Dealers sell more longer standard warranties on used cars
Kia dealers see increase in fleet demand for electric vehicles
Kia UK dealers have seen an increase in demand for electric vehicles (EV) from fleet managers. In a recent Kia survey, 65% of those surveyed said their organisation’s fleet already includes both EVs and PHEVs, an increase of 27% from 2017. However, 39% said that they are too expensive, 31% think they don’t charge quickly… Continue reading Kia dealers see increase in fleet demand for electric vehicles
UK dealers in first phase of Automobili Pininfarina retail specialists
Automobili Pininfarina has announced details of the first phase of retail specialists appointed in its new global network. Europe will be served by specialists in Birmingham and London, as well as Brussels, Düsseldorf , Monaco and Stuttgart, with eight further locations currently under discussion. The company has chosen retailers that are all proven in high-performance… Continue reading UK dealers in first phase of Automobili Pininfarina retail specialists
Marshall acquires two Škoda dealerships to extend brand reach
Marshall Motor Holdings plc has acquired Škoda Leicester and Nottingham. Having gone into effect on 1 February 2019, both dealerships will be rebranded as Marshall Škoda with immediate effect. Daksh Gupta, Marshall Motor Holdings plc chief executive said: “This acquisition is in line with our strategy of growth with existing brand partners in new geographic… Continue reading Marshall acquires two Škoda dealerships to extend brand reach
UK and European mergers and acquisitions unlikely to cause a flood
A new report from ICDP has taken a close look at recent merger and acquisition transactions in the UK and Europe to find out how changes in ownership may develop in the future. Its findings show that “The UK has seen continual consolidation domestically through medium and small deals executed by the large groups. But… Continue reading UK and European mergers and acquisitions unlikely to cause a flood
Are dealers moving to a 24 hour retail environment?
In an increasingly mobile-first digital purchase process, car buyers are researching their next purchase outside of normal business hours. Buyers bounce around the internet looking at manufacturer and dealer websites, YouTube reviews and social media to inform their purchase decisions. When an enquiry comes to the dealer, it is essential that they are responded to… Continue reading Are dealers moving to a 24 hour retail environment?
Dealers boost reach through improved Facebook ads
Facebook is providing car dealerships with an improved form of advertising through its automotive inventory ads. The ads have been upgraded to allow dealerships to reach move prospective buyers by taking into account visits to other auto and dealer-related Facebook pages, website and apps. According to a recent Facebook IQ survey, 63% of car buyers… Continue reading Dealers boost reach through improved Facebook ads
SUVs hardest hit as used car values fall in January
Used car values dropped 0.7% in January as dealers saw lower retail demand for vehicles priced over £12,000. The drop was larger than the seasonal trend, where over the last five years the movement in Black Book Live for January was an average of -0.4%. A downward trend was seen for all mainstream sectors, but… Continue reading SUVs hardest hit as used car values fall in January