Digital was transformed during the pandemic when dealers, carmakers and systems providers transformed the customer journey in buying cars. Consumers went through a series of digitally enabled steps, starting with the website, video chat, configuration of the car online, a VR rest drive through do digital finance quote, signature and taking deposits online. It was… Continue reading Dealer Focus 2024: Digital profitability
Author: Motor Trader Online News
Close Brothers targets dealers in Ireland with Bluestone rebranding
Following its acquisition by Close Brothers, Bluestone Motor Finance (Ireland) has now completed its rebranding. Over 650 motor dealers and partners will now offer motor finance under the Close Brothers Motor Finance brand name. They will also have access to a broader lending appetite and a wider product and technology portfolio. Managing Director Donal Murphy,… Continue reading Close Brothers targets dealers in Ireland with Bluestone rebranding
Dealers see 52% surge in pre-registrations year-on-year
Dealers are seeing a surge in pre-registrations as the market reverts to a pre-pandemic push market with big incentives to shift stock. According to Auto Trader, the number of pre-registrations last month in the March plate-change rocketed 52% compared to March 2023. Auto Trader uses the criteria of under 100 miles on the clock… Continue reading Dealers see 52% surge in pre-registrations year-on-year
Dealers treat consumers ‘fairly’ in motor finance transactions – SURVEY
October 2013 Dealers have turned in a strong performance in a consumer motor finance satisfaction survey carried out by technology firm iVendi. The survey of 1,000 car buyers asked a series of questions about the online motor finance process with 87% saying it was fair and transparent, 82% that they felt in control and 85%… Continue reading Dealers treat consumers ‘fairly’ in motor finance transactions – SURVEY
Dealers hammer carmakers for lack of on-site EV charging support
Lack of support from carmakers on dealer electric vehicle charging infrastructure is the biggest bugbear for dealers. The latest Dealer Attitude Survey from the National Franchised Dealers Association found dealers worried about on site charging and carmaker support. The question got a score of 5.2 out of 10, the lowest returning score for the entire… Continue reading Dealers hammer carmakers for lack of on-site EV charging support
Dealers encouraged to monitor stock in light of ICE ban delay
Almost a third of motorists welcome the petrol and diesel ban delay as it will allow more time for EV infrastructure improvements and technology advancement, according to Close Brothers Motor Finance. The research finds 28% of motorists expect this will give manufacturers time to improve EV technology and extend battery range while 27% expect initial… Continue reading Dealers encouraged to monitor stock in light of ICE ban delay
BCA reports stable February used car values
Used car values at BCA remained stable in February as a result of increasing buyer engagement and strong competition for vehicles. Used car values averaged £7,564 at BCA in February, down by £33 (0.4%) compared to January. However, used car values are still 9.4% ahead of the December 2023 low point. Buyer appetite for stock… Continue reading BCA reports stable February used car values
Norton Way MD spells out data and systems challenges for dealers
Dealers need a business strategy for a digital world to beat the challenges of fragmented data and inadequate legacy systems. That’s the view of Jason Cranswick, managing director of Norton Way Motors, expressed during a special webinar organised by The Lead Agency Cranswick, who has held senior roles at Cinch, Audi and Jardine Motor, said:… Continue reading Norton Way MD spells out data and systems challenges for dealers
Dealers get access to fleet stock on ‘Dealer Showroom’
Dealer who use the epyx 1link Trade Buyer Platform can access the 1,200 fleet cars on its books. Dealers can present vehicles being sold by major fleets alongside their own stock thanks to a new feature introduced recently. Called Dealer Showroom, it is designed to be used when a consumer has approached a dealer looking… Continue reading Dealers get access to fleet stock on ‘Dealer Showroom’
Read Motor Group buys TL Darby
Family run Read Motor Group has acquired the TL Darby Volkswagen dealership for an undisclosed sum. The dealership will convert to Hyundai while retaining the Volkswagen aftersales side of the business as an authorised repairer. Read Motor Group was formed in the 1980s by owner Mike Read. It is based in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire… Continue reading Read Motor Group buys TL Darby