Car Dealer Magazine: Issue 171 by Blackball Media

Issue 171 | June 2022 | CarDealerMag.co.uk | £6

ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER SPORT REVEALED: WE TAKE A DETAILED LOOK AT RANGE ROVER’S SMALLER, SASSIER SIBLING – THE SPORT

LEY CONTINENTAL NT BE E TH E IV DR E W T: R U O EC R FO FA ROMEO TONALE GT SPEED, CUPRA BORN AND THE AL DASHBOARD

REVEALED: THE USED CARS WHOSE PRICES ROSE MOST IN APRIL

PLUS: THE TOP 10 USED CARS THAT TAKE THE LONGEST TIME TO SELL

MOT TESTERS HIT OUT AT TWO-YEAR GAP PROPOSALS

DON’T MISS OUT! GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW!

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THE BOSS FOUNDER James Baggott

james@thebaize.com Twitter: @CarDealerEd

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR James Batchelor

james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JRRBatchelor

CHIEF SUB-EDITOR John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk

STAFF WRITER Jack Williams

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MULTIMEDIA MANAGER Jon Reay jon@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JonReay

HEAD OF DESIGN Graeme Windell

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CONTRIBUTORS Darren Cassey, Rebecca Chaplin, Jack Evans, Nigel Swan, Ted Welford

FINANCE FINANCE MANAGER Kate Gordon kate@blackballmedia.co.uk

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ACCOUNT MANAGER Michelle Searle

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WELCOME. C

armakers like to sell customers a lifestyle. It’s nothing new and they’ve been doing it for decades. For quite a while now, the SUV has been the car industry’s cash cow, and we’re told buyers love the high-up driving position and chunky looks. New car buyers fall in love with the idea of adventure. Rock climbing at the weekends; surfing one Wednesday lunchtime – that sort of thing. It’s as far removed from reality as the people carrier ever was – another fad the carmakers pushed and buyers lapped up. Extra seats, clever cubby holes and a good view out were things Nineties families loved. But the days of people carriers, or multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), are dying out fast. Citroen recently pulled the plug on its really rather good-looking Grand C4 SpaceTourer – another casualty of the SUV’s dominance. The irony is that MPVs are still loved by used car buyers. Auto Trader released some fascinating data this month (pages 8-9) showing, above all else, that out of 974 models analysed in April, only one – yes, ONE – used car actually lost value. Impressive, you must admit, but of more interest to me was that seven of the cars to rise the most in value were MPVs. Prices for Renault Scenics, for instance, were up by more than 60 per cent year on year. Astonishing. We’re told frequently by market experts across the board that MPVs are still flavour of the month for many used car buyers. They’re relatively cheap and the market has been skewed by Covid for the past two years as families wanted space on a budget. The automotive landscape is changing at an alarming speed – probably at a pace we’ve never seen before. Putting aside the explosion in electric car sales, every week seemingly another car disappears off sale. As this magazine was being put to bed, news emerged that the fleet favourite, that cornerstone of the new car market for as long as we can all remember, the Vauxhall Insignia, is dead. Its passing is rather more than just another car disappearing from sale, though, as I describe on page 19 of this issue. Talking about things that we used to take for granted, here’s another: the manual gearbox. It was the standard type of gearbox for nearly every type of car not that long ago, but in the face of electric cars the traditional ‘stick shift’ is being cast aside. On pages 38 and 39 this month, we take a look at the cars that are clinging on to this now sacred form of driver enjoyment. Not only is the writing on the wall for the manual ’box, but the annual MOT’s days might be numbered too. Proposals appeared this month outlining plans to get rid of the requirement to have a car MOTed every year. It’s seen as a way to help with the current cost-ofliving crisis, with the government considering allowing owners to have their cars tested every two years instead, saving them nearly £55 a year. The government has dabbled with the MOT test before. In 2018, it decreed that cars registered more than 40 years ago would no longer need to have an MOT test at all, should the owner wish. At the time, the announcement was met with horror by the motor trade and garage industry, and it would seem, judging by our feature on pages 14 and 15, the same is true again. Take a look at what garage owners and experts say and let me know if you agree with them. I hope you enjoy the issue.

But of more interest to me was that seven of the cars to rise the most in value were MPVs.

JAMES BATCHELOR Associate editor CarDealerMag.co.uk | 03

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04 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

IGNITION. ISSUE 171 | JUNE 2022

10 CONTENTS

Range Rover Sport Used cars that rose the most in value in April

30 16

32 DASHBOARD

‘SsangYong’s Tivoli averaged 74.9 days to sell, making it the slowest seller overall.’ 10

COMMENT

‘The death of the saloon car is also the curtains closing on a moment in British car culture.’ 19

37 FORECOURT

‘Cupra has done well to bring some real attitude to the EV segment with the Born.’ 32

6 8

Top 10 unsellable cars MOT testing proposal Used Car Awards 2022 Car news round-up News digest Feedback Business news Car Dealer Live & podcasts Finance Supplier news

10 14 16 24 26 40 42 44 46 49

COMMENT James Batchelor Big Mike James Litton

19 20 23

FORECOURT Bentley Continental GT Speed Cupra Born Alfa Romeo Tonale

30 32 34

FEATURES Cool stuff 37 Manual gearbox resurgence 38 DATA FILE The Statistics LCV news Suppliers Guide Long-termers

50 52 54 55

LONG-TERMERS

‘It’s swallowed huge amounts of rubbish for the tip and scrubbed up rather well once I’ve finished.’ 55 CarDealerMag.co.uk | 05

DASHBOARD Lights

THE ALL-NEW

RANGE ROVER

SPORT

Range Rover Sport SE and Dynamic models get ‘pixel’ LED headlights and day-running lights as standard, but models higher up the range get Land Rover’s new ‘digital LED’ lights. Each headlight is made up of 1.3m micro-mirrors to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. The lights also have four modes – country, city, highway and adverse weather – which automatically set the correct beam pattern.

Land Rover has shown off the Range Rover’s smaller, sassier sibling – the Sport. James Batchelor reveals the details.

ust as dealers begin to hand over the new Range Rover to eager customers, the British brand has revealed the new Range Rover Sport. Sitting alongside the fullsized Range Rover as the more dynamic offering, the Sport will arrive in showrooms later this year with a selection of hybrid, petrol and diesel engines. Just like the outgoing model, the third-generation Sport uses the same platform and mechanicals as the halo Range Rover. While it might look similar at a quick glance to the outgoing car, the new Sport has a new body, platform, engines and more technology than ever. For the time being, the range comprises SE, Dynamic, Autobiography and First Edition, with prices starting at £79,125 for the D300 SE and rising to £114,990 for the P530 First Edition. Full-electric and SV models will arrive later on. 06 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Long haul In true Land Rover tradition, the Sport can tow some pretty hefty loads – up to 3,500kg with the petrols and diesels, and up to 3,000kg with the PHEVs. Customers can also choose the £385 Advanced Tow Assist package, which allows the driver to steer a trailer/caravan by using the rotary controller on the centre console. Buyers can select a twin-speed transfer box (£440) as well, and all Sports can wade in up to 900mm of water.

PHEVs The two PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) feature a 105kW (140bhp) electric motor on the back axle. In ‘EV mode’, the car runs entirely on electric, with the rear wheels powering the car. The Sport can travel at up to 87mph in pure-electric mode until the petrol engine kicks in. Land Rover claims a WLTP-tested electric range of 70 miles and a real-world figure of 54 miles, plus 18g/ km of CO2. The PHEVs can also be rapid-charged at speeds of up to 50kW.

More space

The new MLA-Flex liberates more space than the outgoing Sport, but there’s also more room thanks to the car only being offered as a five-seater. There’s now more rear legroom and boot space (835/1,860 litres). Those after a seven-seater will have to opt for the full-size Range Rover.

Inside

The new Sport pinches much of the larger Range Rover’s dashboard, but to give a sportier feel the seats are set 20mm lower, the steering wheel is smaller and the centre console is higher. All cars get a 13.1-inch curved infotainment screen, a 13.7-inch display for the dials, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Amazon Alexa as standard.

Engines

There’s a broad selection of powertrains on offer. The smallest engine size is three litres – there’s a 395bhp straight-six mild-hybrid petrol and two mildhybrid diesels, one with 296bhp and the other with 345bhp. A 523bhp BMWderived 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 tops the range for now. All these engines come with permanent four-wheel drive and an eight-speed gearbox as standard.

Electric power

The outgoing Range Rover Sport was offered as a plug-in hybrid later in its life cycle, but the new one comes with two right at launch. The P440e and P510e both use the 3.0-litre straight-six petrol along with a 105kW electric motor and 38.2kWh battery. A pure-electric Sport will arrive in 2024 and both this and the Range Rover EV will become Land Rover’s first EVs.

Rear

It’s at the back end where the new Sport differs the most from the old model. The number plate now sits in the bumper and the taillights stretch across the bootlid. The shoulder line also stretches around the entire rear of the car. Park the new car next to the old one and the third-generation Sport looks crisper and more modern than the model that it replaces.

Stormer

In a nod to the concept car that spawned the original 2005 Sport, the new car can be upgraded with the Stormer Handling Pack. This adds an electronic active rollcontrol system, all-wheel steering, an electronic active diff with torque vectoring by braking and configurable programs.

Off road

Of course, while the Sport is very much a road-based SUV, it’s still a Land Rover so it has to be good off the road, too. The Terrain Response 2 system can be configured to make the Sport just as capable as the full-size Range Rover. There’s even a new adaptive off-road cruise control as well. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 07

DASHBOARD

REVEALED: THE USED CARS THAT HAVE RISEN THE MOST IN VALUE • AUTO TRADER ANALYSED 974 MODELS IN APRIL AND HAS REVEALED THE BIGGEST PRICE INCREASES • ONLY ONE MODEL OUT OF ALL OF THEM ACTUALLY FELL IN PRICE • THE TOP 10 AND BOTTOM 10 PRICE INCREASES ARE LISTED HERE by James Batchelor @JRRBatchelor

econd-hand people carriers rose the most in price in April, new data suggests. Auto Trader analysed the pricing data of 974 models on its platform in April, and MPVs recorded the highest values in terms of price growth. Practical people-movers such as the Ford S-Max and Galaxy all rose by more than 50 per cent in price that month. Leading the chart was the Renault Scenic, which was advertised for an average price of £8,107 on Auto Trader. That means the average asking price for a Renault Scenic in April 2022 stood at a whopping 61.1 per cent higher than it did in the same month last year. The spacious French MPV was only just ahead of the Seat Alhambra in second place, which recorded an average price increase of 59.8 per cent in April. In fact, prices rose by so much on Auto Trader in April that only one car out of the 974 models analysed actually FELL in value. That was the Porsche Taycan, whose average asking price stood at £121,158 – 4.7 per cent lower than in April 2021. The figures come as Auto Trader reported the average used car price on its platform jumped by more than 32 per cent in April. The average price of a second-hand car on Auto Trader now stands at a robust £17,418. Prices of used cars on the platform are softening, though, said the firm. April’s average used car price was just 0.2 per cent higher than the numbers recorded in March – itself the 24th consecutive month where prices had risen. Commenting on the rise in the average used car price on Auto Trader, the firm’s director of data and insights, Richard Walker, said: ‘Whilst stock limitations have impacted on sales, compared to “normal” pre-pandemic conditions, consumer demand, engagement and prices all remain robust, which in turn is helping to drive strong margins. ‘Our data highlights many segments of the market are performing at varying degrees – it’s vital therefore that during this period of turbulence, retailers look beyond a national average view and adopt a strategy that is led by data to identify and to focus on those areas where they can win.’ On this page and the next, we list the 10 cars that rose and fell the most in value in April 2022. 8 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

TOP 10 PRICE INCREASES IN APRIL

RENAULT SCENIC

April 2022 average asking price: £8,107 Price change: 61.1 per cent

SEAT ALHAMBRA

April 2022 average asking price: £18,706 Price change: 59.8 per cent

BOTTOM 10 PRICE INCREASES IN APRIL 10

April 2022 average asking price: £12,745 Price change: 54.5 per cent

April 2022 average asking price: £15,636 Price change: 53.9 per cent

TOYOTA AURIS

FORD S-MAX

ASTON MARTIN DB11 April 2022 average asking price: £106,986 Price change: 5.6 per cent

PORSCHE CAYMAN April 2022 average asking price: £35,749 Price change: 5.5 per cent

MINI ROADSTER April 2022 average asking price: £8,444 Price change: 3.7 per cent

April 2022 average asking price: £16,766 Price change: 52.3 per cent

April 2022 average asking price: £16,121 Price change: 51.4 per cent

FORD GALAXY

TOYOTA PRIUS

MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS April 2022 average asking price: £93,149 Price change: 3.4 per cent

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3 April 2022 average asking price: £8,333 Price change: 2.8 per cent

BMW 8 SERIES April 2022 average asking price: £56,488 Price change: 1.7 per cent

April 2022 average asking price: £16,029 Price change: 50.8 per cent

April 2022 average asking price: £12,511 Price change: 49.8 per cent

SKODA OCTAVIA

FORD GRAND C-MAX

VAUXHALL MOKKA April 2022 average asking price: £11,983 Price change: 1.4 per cent

BMW 8 SERIES GRAN COUPE April 2022 average asking price: £59,964 Price change: 1.3 per cent

CUPRA FORMENTOR April 2022 average asking price: £35,579 Price change: 1.1 per cent

April 2022 average asking price: £10,530 Price change: 49.2 per cent

April 2022 average asking price: £12,047 Price change: 49.1 per cent

FORD C-MAX

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA TOURER

PORSCHE TAYCAN April 2022 average asking price: £121,158 Price change: -4.7 per cent

THE TOP 10 USED CARS THAT TAKE THE LONGEST TIME TO SELL P10 CarDealerMag.co.uk | 9

DASHBOARD

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 USED CARS THAT TAKE THE LONGEST TIME TO SELL by James Baggott @CarDealerEd

eet The Unsellables. These are the used cars that take the longest time to leave car dealer forecourts in the UK. Car Dealer Magazine has collated exclusive data to reveal the slowest-selling used cars across the country. eBay Motors Group assessed all used cars advertised on its website between March 2021 and March 2022 to uncover those that hung around the longest. To weed out the high-end and ultra-rare models, eBay Motors Group only looked at cars that were advertised more than 1,000 times during the year. At the top of the pile in the slowest-selling car stakes was the SsangYong Tivoli – which on average took 74.9 days to sell. To work out the average days-to-sell figure, eBay Motors Group monitors when cars are advertised on its sites and when they are removed. As a comparison, the fastest-selling used car of the year was the Alfa Romeo Stelvio – which found a new home in just 23.9 days. The second slowest was the Nissan Elgrand, with took 67.5 days to sell, while in third place was another model from South Korean car maker SsangYong – the Korando – which hung about on forecourts for 65.6 days. Dermot Kelleher, head of marketing and research for eBay Motors Group, said: ‘Although the demand for used cars was exceptionally high over the past 12 months there were inevitably some models that struggled to find buyers, regardless of price. ‘SsangYong’s Tivoli averaged 74.9 days to sell, despite being a compact SUV, making it the slowest seller overall. ‘However, it wasn’t just budget cars that struggled to find buyers. Our data shows Audi’s e-tron electric SUV was the fourth-slowest seller, averaging 63.5 days to sell, but we believe this is more a reflection of its top-end £64,634 price tag rather than its desirability. ‘Dealers worked hard to keep their stocks fresh over the past 12 months but even so, some models failed to resonate with buyers, highlighting the need to review the prices of slow sellers on a daily basis. ‘With the cost-of-living crisis impacting on the choices made by some used car buyers, this pricing agility will prove invaluable, especially if wider economic factors have a negative effect on demand.’ Okay, so perhaps the unsellables tag is a little unfair, but at least now if you have one of these models hanging around on your forecourt gathering dust, you know you’re probably not alone.

10 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Data from eBay Motors Group, which assessed cars that had more than 1,000 adverts on its sites between March 2021 and March 2022 to work out the average days to sell for each model over the year.

SsangYong’s Tivoli averaged 74.9 days to sell, despite being a compact SUV, making it the slowest seller overall. Dermot Kelleher Head of marketing and research for eBay Motors Group

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE USED CARS THAT TAKE TIME TO SHIFT VIDEO

SSANGYONG TIVOLI Days to sell: 74.9 Average price: £13,060

Days to sell: 67.5 Average price: £10,015

Days to sell: 65.6 Average price: £14,594

NISSAN ELGRAND

SSANGYONG KORANDO

Days to sell: 63.5 Average price: £64,634

Days to sell: 57.6 Average price: £16,510

Days to sell: 57.3 Average price: £26,740

Days to sell: 56.4 Average price: £6,583

AUDI E-TRON

SKODA SCALA

MERCEDES-BENZ SL

SEAT MII

Days to sell: 56.4 Average price: £4,475

Days to sell: 56 Average price: £4,681

Days to sell: 55.9 Average price: £20,695

Days to sell: 55.2 Average price: £6,520

MERCEDES-BENZ CLK

SUZUKI SX4

SKODA KAMIQ

SKODA CITIGO

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 11

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he past two years have presented big challenges for dealers – and if the struggle of navigating the post-pandemic world wasn’t enough already, the global manufacturing issues that have followed have had, and continue to have, a serious knock-on effect on the industry. Demand from consumers still remains strong, however. Our research found that almost a third (31 per cent) of car owners intend buying a new car this year, while nearly a fifth (18 per cent) will opt for a secondhand model. The challenge for dealers is twofold – ensuring they’re stocking the vehicles that customers want and getting hold of the desired stock when competition is soaring. Supporting dealers is an essential and key priority for us at Close Brothers Motor Finance. That’s why we run a quarterly dealer satisfaction survey of 200 dealers across the UK, which enables us to quickly respond to our partners’ changing needs on a continuous basis. We understand the challenges and opportunities dealers may face and that’s why we have heavily invested in our digital technology, providing dealers with the tools they need to thrive in a post-pandemic world. This includes the launch of our remote electronic signature solution, which allows customers to sign for their finance agreement from anywhere, at any time. All dealers, brokers and partners have access to the electronic signature solution, which aims to streamline processes and make buying a vehicle as flexible and convenient as possible for dealers and customers. The new process gives customers the ability to flex between both in-person and digital, which in recent years, particularly during lockdowns and government restrictions, is what many consumers have indicated they would want. As well as making the process easier, the aim is to ensure dealers remain in control of the sales process – offering in-showroom signing, distance sales and distance signing options. The convenience of this partnership also allows customers to consider their buying options before purchasing, without having to return to the dealer for the purchase. We have also launched a new underwriting platform, in partnership with Experian, to transform customer onboarding processes. It makes the process quicker and easier to get a decision for a motor finance application for UK-based customers. The enhanced platform provides rich data all in one place, making checking customer information quicker and more efficient and allowing the more straightforward lending decisions to be automated and instant. This also frees up time for underwriters to work on more complex finance proposals. Going even further to support dealers, we recently launched an industry-first forecourt insight data tool, providing dealers with invaluable insight into consumer demand in the marketplace. In partnership with Auto Trader and delivered through our team of account managers, the new innovative tool collects and analyses dealer forecourt statistics to allow dealers to manage their forecourts more successfully and achieve their own objectives. The tool combines Auto Trader’s best-in-class automotive data with our award-winning knowledge of dealer partners, to create a powerful insight tool that aims to aid better understanding of regional trends, stock inefficiencies and consumer behaviour. This knowledge allows dealer businesses to unlock their full potential for buying and selling vehicles in line with customer demand. The forecourt insight data tool is available to Close Brothers Motor Finance’s funded dealer partners and is accessible through our team of account managers. It costs our partners nothing extra – they do not have to do anything to access the tool. We believe in the importance of partnership, and giving our dealers the tools to successfully do their jobs and run their businesses is key.

Supporting dealers is an essential and key priority for us at Close Brothers Motor Finance.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CAR DEALER LIVE INTERVIEW WITH MD SEÁN KEMPLE

For more information visit closemotorfinance.co.uk CarDealerMag.co.uk | 13

DASHBOARD

MOT TESTERS HIT OUT AT TWO-YEAR TEST PROPOSALS

The government can’t expect people to have the mechanical knowledge to know if their cars are safe or not.

Ivan Street

Extending the gap between statutory inspections could have serious implications for safety as well as garages, the industry is warning.

OT testers across the UK have reacted angrily to proposals to increase the gap between inspections to two years instead of one. The move, reported by the BBC as proposed by transport minister Grant Shapps, would see a 24-month gap between roadworthiness inspections as one of the ideas put forward to counter the UK’s cost-of-living crisis. But it certainly won’t help small businesses such as local garages cover their rapidly rising costs. Ivan Street runs a town-centre garage in Chatteris, Cambs, and claims that MOT tests and associated repairs account for more than half of his business’s income. ‘It’s short-sighted and won’t help anyone, least of all local, trusted garages,’ he said. ‘A lot of our customers will bring their car in for an MOT and service once a year. These are customers running older cars who can’t afford or don’t want the expense of a new one. ‘We look after our customers and want to make sure their cars are safe for them to use, and that works both ways. They want us to. But some customers we only see once a year and realistically they’re probably not going to come back until their MOT is due. The government can’t expect people to have the mechanical knowledge to know if their cars are safe or not – we’re talking non-visible items here: ball joints, springs, brake parts, bushes. They’re critical road-safety items. ‘Plus, if we don’t get the custom then it’s going to hurt our business. And we’re already seeing big increases in our business overheads.’ His views are echoed by William Morgan, an MOT tester and partner at Morgan’s Motor Engineers in Drayton, Norfolk. He said: ‘The Covid-19 six-month extension was bad enough for seeing how some cars weren’t being kept in a good state of repair, but allowing a vehicle to potentially not be checked by a qualified person for two years is worrying, as a lot can wear or deteriorate as the cars get older. Factor into this the condition of many roads now and how this can affect suspension components and tyres and it is a big concern that these crucial components will go unchecked. ‘Nobody has to have their car serviced, and there is nothing that says by whom, but the MOT test has to be carried out to a set standard by a person of qualification and training. ‘To be blunt, if you can’t afford £54.85 once a year to ensure your car is safe and in a satisfactory condition, then you can’t afford to run a car. Car ownership is a privilege, not a right.’ Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, added that drivers would ultimately lose out, especially if they needed repairs. He said: ‘Moving the yearly £55 spend on an MOT to every two years could make costs worse for drivers with higher repair bills, make our roads more dangerous and would put jobs in the garage industry at risk. ‘Only recently, the government stepped away from switching the MOT to every two years on the grounds of road safety. 14 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

If you can’t afford £54.85 once a year to ensure your car is safe and in a satisfactory condition, then you can’t afford to run a car. Car ownership is a privilege, not a right. William Morgan MOT tester and partner at Morgan’s Motor Engineers

William Morgan, right, MOT tester and partner at Morgan’s Motor Engineers, with his dad and garage owner Keith

‘AA research shows overwhelming support from drivers who like the security that an annual health check provides.’ The move has also been lambasted by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Its chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: ‘The industry shares the widespread concern over rising prices and the squeeze on household incomes. Safety, however, must always come first, and whilst today’s vehicles are more reliable than ever, regular MOTs ensure safety-critical components such as brakes and tyres, which wear out as a result of normal operation, are properly inspected and maintained. ‘Stretching MOT intervals will undermine the safety net at a time when vehicle miles driven are increasing. To ensure the safety of our roads, drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users, inspections and maintenance must be carried out annually following their first presentation in year three.’

The industry shares the widespread concern over rising prices and the squeeze on household incomes. Safety, however, must always come first. Mike Hawes SMMT Chief Executive

Xxx Xxx

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 15

USED CAR AWARDS 2022

DON'T MISS OUT! GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW! • YOU CAN NOMINATE FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF CATEGORIES • IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO AIM FOR GLORY • CHANCE TO SEE YOUR NAME ON ONE OF OUR PRIZED TROPHIES

ave you got your entries in yet for this year’s Car Dealer Used Car Awards? These are truly the trophies to have when it comes to the used car sector – the backbone of the automotive industry. They inspire supreme confidence in customers, which can only be good for your business, so you’ve got absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving it a whirl! This year’s awards, which are once again brought to you in association with Black Horse, will be held on Monday, November 28, taking place at the fantastic venue that is The Brewery in central London and hosted by TV’s Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer. ‘Last year’s awards was an amazing event that brought the industry back together again after Covid,’ he said. ‘It was an incredible, sell-out night that saw the motor trade celebrate with a party like never before – we absolutely cannot wait to do it all over again in 2022.’ It takes just a few minutes to put your car dealership in line for an award. There are 23 dealership categories – including a new one this year for diversity and inclusion – and nominations can be made by filling out the form accessed on the next page. Car Dealer will also be handing out eight manufacturer gongs, including naming seven used cars of the year, at the 11th annual event. Dealerships wanting to be in the running should put their name forward online now. The survey asks for a few short details and you can nominate your business, your staff or anyone you think is deserving of an award. Our judges assess every entry submitted and whittle them down to a nominations list after a first round of judging. These then go forward to the mystery shopping stage, which looks at a wide variety of elements. The top five finalists are subsequently named in our shortlist, with the winners announced on the big night. So, what are you waiting for? Get your entries in now for your chance to shine in the spotlight!

Last year’s awards was an amazing event that brought the industry back together again. Mike Brewer TV’s Wheeler Dealer 16 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

KEY DATES FOR THE 2022 AWARDS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Nominations close Sep 30 Nominations list revealed Oct 10 Shortlist revealed Oct 24 Awards night November 28

AWARD CATEGORIES Dealers’ Dealer

Used Car Supermarket

MANUFACTURER

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Warranty that Delivers

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18 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

E: Sales@Safe&Sound.co.uk

W. wmsgroup.co.uk

Farewell, Insignia – Your demise spells the end of an era

One of the final chapters of that world ended this month. Vauxhall has killed off its modern-day Cavalier, the Insignia.

man parks his brand-new BMW 320i in front of an advertising hoarding in a motorway services car park. The freshly pasted billboard touts Vauxhall’s new range of fuel-injected Cavaliers with the mildly witty headline ‘The i’s have it’. Okay, it’s a script that would hardly raise Steven Spielberg’s eyebrows, but it’s one of the opening shots in a classic BBC documentary filmed in 1993. ‘From A to B: Tales of Modern Motoring’ was a series of fly-on-the-wall-style documentaries profiling Nineties UK car culture, and thanks to a certain video-sharing platform, one episode has had a cultish revival nearly 30 years later. ‘Over the Moon with the Cavalier’ is a 48-minute portrait of company car life in the early Nineties and it’s utterly mesmerising to watch. Before parking his shiny Bimmer, we see our Barry Gibb-lookalike blasting along the outside lane of an anonymous motorway, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel roughly in time to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. With his hangover-from-theEighties shades on, it’s clear he believes he’s made it in life. His voiceover chimes in, pompously exclaiming: ‘The thing about your company car is it’s a very specific sign to everybody of exactly what level you’ve reached in the hierarchy of the company. Which is why it’s very important to people if they have achieved a certain level they get the car that reflects that level. So people know.’ Those last three words act as a premise for the rest of the film. A montage of boot badges reveals the pecking order our opening man is very much a part of: 405 SRI, Granada 2.4i Ghia, Cavalier SRi, Carlton 2.0i Diplomat and Cavalier GL 2.0i. We see a high-up exec explaining why he ‘made a nuisance’ of himself in demanding he was given the keys to a top-line Merc rather than a ‘salesman’s’ Vauxhall Carlton 1.8 L. His customers now know he’s a senior manager, as do his colleagues and his competitors. After fiddling with his electronic diary, another man, with perfect hair, tells the camera why he went for a left-field choice in Nineties company car world – a Nissan Primera – but that he wishes there was an ‘I’ badge on the back. Meanwhile, another explains why he went for an Astra saloon rather than the default Cavalier, and again bemoans the ‘CD’ badge being placed on the front wing rather than the boot lid. ‘It’s difficult for someone following to know you’re driving a CD Astra,’ he tells the camera without a hint of irony. A few minutes later, we see another man, driving a Cavalier, explaining the ranking on the road in forensic detail. ‘First thing I do when someone’s up your tailgate is look at the bumpers – if they’re colour-coded it’s got to be a GL or a GLi, so you’re on a par with them. ‘If it’s got headlight washers, you think ‘Oh my god, it’s an SRi, CDi or a GSi’, so you eat humble pie and pull over. But there ain’t no way someone in a base [model with unpainted bumpers] is getting past.’ One of the final chapters of that world ended this month. Vauxhall has killed off its modern-day Cavalier, the Insignia. The decision follows similar ones from Ford with its Mondeo, and Volkswagen with the Passat saloon, and the collapse of the traditional saloon car market can be seen with the Mondeo. Total European sales were over 320,000 in 1997; last year, Ford dealers struggled to shift 13,000. Cheaper premium execs such as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, supposedly trendier SUVs and plummeting fleet sales during Covid have all but killed off the volume saloon car market, with the Mazda 6 and Skoda Superb practically being the last to wave this once-colourful flag. Perhaps Maestro Diesel Man is moaning on a motorway somewhere in a Nissan Qashqai, but I doubt it. The death of the saloon car is also the curtains closing on a moment in British car culture, and that makes me sad.

JAMES BAGGOTT WILL BE BACK NEXT MONTH

Batch chat

COMMENT

JAMES BATCHELOR

WHILE THE CEO’S AWAY, BATCH STEPS INTO THE BREACH TO HAVE HIS SAY James Batchelor James – aka Batch – started at Car Dealer in 2010, becoming editor in 2013. He then worked for Auto Express and Carbuyer, went freelance in 2020, and became Car Dealer’s associate editor in October 2021. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 19

Big Mike OUR MAN ON THE INSIDE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE CAR BUSINESS

Who is Big Mike? Well, that would be telling. What we can say is he’s had more than 40 years in the car trade so has probably forgotten more about it than we’re likely to know. 20 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

COMMENT

Bargain BMW’s sat nav proved as good as fingerprints – and fortunately mine didn’t match

ike all of you, I guess, I’m finding it pretty hard to find stock at the moment, with the shortage of new cars passing down rather annoyingly to the used car market. But you still get a gem every so often, and I thought I’d bagged one the other week. The car was a 2006 BMW 535d Touring, so getting on a bit (just like me) but with the twin-turbo diesel engine, great spec and in sell-it-tomorrow silver. I unearthed it among the usual sea of rubbish on Facebook Marketplace, priced at £1,595 for a quick sale. With prices the way they are at the moment, I imagined it in my mind with a coat of polish and a generous coating of tyre gloop looking like quite good value on my lot at £3,995, especially as it had less than 100,000 miles on the clock and a chunk of service history. So I took a train over to the Black Country, had a sniff round and bought it. I’ll admit straight away that the seller seemed a bit dodgy and he also had the car ‘in trade’, so wasn’t the official registered keeper. But as I was putting it in trade anyway and I’m not too obsessive about such things, I figured it’d be okay. In many ways, it was. It was a cracking car, no notable damage and in tidy order other than a faint whiff of weed about the interior, which isn’t uncommon in a BMW bought in the West Midlands. But it was something one of those air conditioning bomb things could sort out and leave the car smelling of spearmint gum until the turn of the next century. It cleaned up well, although I did have to buy it a new nearside front tyre as the one on the car had clearly seen a few roundabouts taken with a spot too much vigour. Nothing that Part-Worn Pete down the road couldn’t sort out for forty quid, so by the time it was looking resplendent at the front of my lot I had a nice little margin of over £2,000 to play with. It didn’t take too long for the calls to come in, and one chap said he wanted to come and view straight away. I was at work even though it was nearly home time, so I popped the kettle on and agreed to wait 45 minutes for him to turn up, which he did. Indeed, there were two of them – gentlemen in suits in a nearly-new Vauxhall Insignia, which isn’t my usual customer demographic, in all fairness. I soon found out why when he whipped out his warrant card and I realised he was a detective inspector, but with nothing of my own to hide (well, not these days, anyway) I assumed he might be looking for a car of his own, and in my experience the Old Bill like a big BMW, so when he asked if he could grab the keys and take it for a spin I was happy enough to let him go solo. Not something I’d

There were two of them – gentlemen in suits in a nearly-new Vauxhall Insignia, which isn’t my usual customer demographic.

The BMW’s sat nav had been programmed with several previous destinations, all of which had been burgled recently. normally do, but he was a copper and I try to minimise the time I spend with them in case they start asking questions about younger, smaller Mike and what I may have got up to back in the day. An hour later, the BMW still hadn’t returned, nor had the DI, nor his sidekick who had followed him off down the Hagley Road in the Insignia. And he wasn’t answering his phone, either. Somewhat puzzled, I put a call in to the local constabulary and they connected me to him on the phone. He was up in Wolverhampton, in the BMW, undertaking some covert undercover work and said he’d return the car the following day, so I went home somewhat puzzled and wondering if I’d ever see the car again. The following day, he gave me a call. But rather than talk about the car, he wanted to know what I’d been doing and where I’d been on several evenings the previous month. The reason for his interest was that the BMW’s sat nav had been programmed with several previous destinations, all of which had been burgled recently. Luckily, the landlord of The Star would prove to be a worthwhile alibi for almost all of the occasions concerned, so my innocence in the purported crimes was proved. It turned out that the BMW was kosher, too, and that it wasn’t stolen. Which means that – in the fullness of time – I will get it back. But not for a while, as the car is currently being held in the police pound, its previous destinations kept as evidence while the shady character I bought it off, who was too dim to both erase his previous destinations or provide me with a false name and address to buy it from, is currently awaiting trial. Which goes to show that if something seems too good to be true, then it more than likely is. Agreed, this one could have worked out a lot worse, and once the car comes back to me I’ll probably get some kind of payday out of it, but it’s rather annoying that it’s currently helping police with their inquiries. But rather it than me….

Luckily, the landlord of The Star would prove to be a worthwhile alibi for almost all of the occasions concerned. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 21

22 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

An open letter to all franchised dealer CEOs

I The future of car retailing is uncertain and for many specialists or small business owners such as me, it is a terrifying time.

t has come to my attention that many of you have been discussing the need to take on Cazoo with a fresh approach to used car retailing. The most cited word seems to be ‘transparency’. One insider told me that its group has now uniformly priced all its used cars purely on model group, age and mileage in order to be ‘transparent’. This is regardless of specification, ownership, service history, location or how the car came into stock. I see many of you have started new offshoot used car centres, some with snazzy new logos or names. I am also aware that many of you are changing titles of sales executives to more modern catchy names such as ‘digital champion’ or ‘experience manager’. I have a question for you: why? It will not escape your notice from the excellent Car Dealer reporting that Cazoo is in trouble. Its share price has dropped significantly and the recently leaked dossier which warned investors that they may never make money is hardly something to want to emulate. The problem is you – or, indeed, us as a wider industry. We balls things up so significantly all the time that we leave ourselves open to criticism. For example, I recently had a year-old Mercedes serviced at a franchised dealer. It was the first service the car had ever had, and as it had only covered 6,800 miles I expected it to get a clean bill of health on the VHC. I was therefore amazed when I saw the report, as the one of the tyres had been reported. I asked the service adviser what the measurement was: 4/4/5 she said. I have another example for you. A friend of a friend wanted to sell his Range Rover SVR. The owner called the supplying dealer to see if they wanted to buy it. They didn’t call him back. Given he is a good customer of the branch, he called again. Again, no reply. The owner made a further two attempts and in the end was advised to list the car with Motorway, which – to its credit – sold the car for £2,000 more than he was prepared to accept from his dealer. But guess who bought it? That’s right, folks – a group buyer for the same company he was trying to sell it to in the first place. The future of car retailing is uncertain and for many specialists or small business owners such as me, it is a terrifying time. However, I look with envy at the comfort afforded to franchised businesses. There is absolutely nothing to fear from agency sales models. Why would you not want a linear pricing model to protect your local market share? With cars becoming more technical, why would you not want the comfort of up-tothe-minute diagnostic equipment and specialist tools? The secret to used car retailing is not buying five-year-old nonfranchised cars from the auction. This is what everyone does, so why not stock a huge selection of used cars that represent the brand above the door? I know I am a nobody – who am I to criticise you and what you do? However, I don’t need to be Pep Guardiola or Jürgen Klopp to know that one thing you don’t do is score own goals…

Trader Tales

COMMENT

JAMES LITTON

CASTING AN EXPERIENCED EYE ON THE WIDE AND CHALLENGING WORLD OF MOTOR SALES

James Litton is an automotive retail consultant who always has something to say about the industry he loves. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 23

DASHBOARD

CAR NEWS ROUND-UP Manufacturers have been busy refining existing models and producing new ones. We look at 10 of the results...

BENTLEY

‘World-first wellness technology’ on Bentayga BENTLEY has revealed an extended wheelbase Bentayga SUV that promises class-leading space and luxury. The new version increases rear cabin space by 180mm via extensive updates to the construction and bodywork. Four details distinguish it from the standard

Bentayga: the extra body length, a new front grille, a new 22-inch alloy wheel design and a repositioned sunroof. Bentley says it has put an emphasis on wellness and luxury for rear passengers by introducing ‘the world’s first auto climate and advanced postural adjustment rear seat’.

Click to read our road test of the Bentley Continental GT Speed

HYUNDAI

i30 Drive-N will be limited to 800 – and just 75 for UK HYUNDAI has introduced an exclusive new version of its i30 N hot hatchback – the Drive-N Limited Edition. Limited to 800 units – of which only 75 are destined for UK buyers – the Drive-N is based on the standard i30 N, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine kicking out 276bhp and 392Nm of torque and linked to an eightspeed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The exterior has had some tweaks over the standard car, with highlights including 19-inch forged alloy wheels finished in a dark bronze matte colour, special decals on the side, front and rear and dedicated Drive-N badges. 24 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

BMW

New range-topping 7 Series is revealed alongside electric i7 BMW has revealed its new range-topping 7 Series saloon, bringing a bolder design, additional technology and an electric i7 model. The new 7 Series will be available exclusively in long wheelbase form, and will be wider and taller than the car it replaces as well. It features a two-piece split headlight design, with matrix LED lights as standard. BMW will also offer lights made from Swarovski crystals as an option, which are said to ‘create an unmistakable light graphic’. The iconic kidney grille is present and correct – and bigger – and can now light up. The new 7 Series also available in a two-tone paint scheme for the first time, too.

LEXUS

RZ 450e due here to bolster EV range

LEXUS has continued its EV offensive with the introduction of the RZ 450e. Set to arrive in the UK next year, it's based on the e-TNGA dedicated electric vehicle platform that also underpins cars such as the Toyota bZ4X. Lexus claims that thanks to a 71.4kWh battery the 308bhp RZ 450e will return up to 250 miles of range. Te firm also expects the RZ’s battery to keep more than 90 per cent of its capacity after 10 years of driving.

POLESTAR

Updates take ‘2’ further than before POLESTAR has announced a range of updates for its ‘2’ EV that see selected versions getting a range boost, as well as further efforts to reduce the model’s carbon footprint. The bulk of these updates affect the ‘Standard Range Single Motor’ car, which now uses a 69kWh battery (up from 61kWh) and sees the range increase from 274 miles to a claimed 295 miles. At the same time, power increases from 221bhp to 234bhp, while it can now rapidly charge at up to 130kW as well. These changes come as a result of ‘improved cell chemistry’, the firm has said.

JAGUAR TOYOTA

Manual gearbox option is added to GR Supra TOYOTA has introduced a manual gearbox to its GR Supra sports car. Introduced in 2019, the GR Supra saw the legendary nameplate return after a number of years. It debuted with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine before being joined by a smaller and more affordable 2.0-litre unit. Until now, Toyota only offered the GR Supra with an automatic ’box but it's now building on the success of its GR Yaris and GR86 performance models by introducing a manual transmission. This means all the Japanese brand’s sporting models can be specified as a manual either as standard or as an option. The manual gearbox is fitted purely to the six-cylinder engine. Toyota says it features an uprated clutch to deal with the additional performance. Click to read our feature Are manual gearboxes making a comeback?

FERRARI

SP48 Unica one-off supercar is bought by ‘long-standing client’ FERRARI has unveiled a new one-off supercar based on its F8 Tributo. Called the SP48 Unica, it’s one of Ferrari’s Special Projects vehicles, and while it still retains some of the appearance of the base Tributo, it also has other elements that help to differentiate it from that car. For instance, Ferrari has used 3D prototyping and new modelling techniques to completely redesign the front grille and engine air intakes, while the headlights and brake air intakes have been completely reprofiled, too. The rear windscreen has also been ditched. Although the interior retains the F8 Tributo’s ‘technical identity’, says Ferrari, it gains other features such as black laser-perforated Alcantara on the seats and polished sill covers with a laser-embossed pattern on them. It's been bought by a 'long-standing client'.

XE and XF gain 300 Sport specification JAGUAR has introduced a new 300 Sport version to its XE and XF, bringing a more dynamic exterior look as well as upgraded technology levels. Already applied to the F-Pace SUV line-up, the 300 Sport adds 20-inch dark satin alloy wheels to the XE and XF saloon and Sportbrake models. Both the XF and XE have a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 296bhp, bringing 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds in the XE, or 5.8 and 5.9 seconds in the XF saloon and Sportbrake respectively.

PORSCHE

911 Sport Classic celebrates heritage THE 911 Sport Classic model celebrates Porsche's heritage. It pays tribute to the 911 sold between 1964 and 1973 and the 1972 911 Classic RS 2.7. Featuring a wide body look usually reserved for the Turbo models, the Sport Classic gets a prominent rear ducktail spoiler and a distinctive double-bubble roof. Just 1,250 examples will be produced, too.

ABARTH

695 special edition honours rally days ABARTH is harking back to its rallying days with a new special edition of its 695. Called the 695 Tributo 131 Rally, it’s limited to just 695 units worldwide and, of those coming to the UK, each will cost from £32,325. It pays homage to the Abarth 131 Rally, which made its debut in 1976 in Group 4. Equipped with a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine with 178bhp and 250Nm of torque, the 131 Rally will hit 60mph in 6.5 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 140mph. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 25

DASHBOARD ACQUISITION

Brayleys buys Orpington Honda

HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

NEWS DIGEST CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY c

DEALER group Brayleys has acquired Orpington Honda, giving it total coverage for the brand around the M25. The dealership was purchased from Lookers for an undisclosed sum and now makes Brayleys the largest private Honda franchisee in the UK with eight showrooms and 10 aftersales centres. MD Paul Brayley, pictured, said it had been proud to partner with Honda for nearly 20 years and its recent results had given it ‘the confidence to enter 2022 with an optimistic outlook’.

EXPANSION

Lotus to open its first global store

AWARDS

Sherwoods Gateshead does the double as it hangs on to trophy for being top Citroen retailer in UK SHERWOODS Gateshead has been named Citroen UK’s top dealer for the second year in a row. It retained the trophy it won for 2020 by also scooping it for 2021 at the Citroen United By Excellence awards ceremony held at the De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre. The black-tie event recognised the success of Citroen’s retailer network and people working in it, and Sherwoods Citroen in Gateshead was named the top retailer again because of its continued strong performance during the year. Click on the picture of the Sherwoods Citroen Gateshead team for the full list of winners.

DONATIONS

Spring cheer from Swansway Group

LOTUS is to open a new London dealership as its first ‘global store’ in the autumn. The new two-storey site at 73 Piccadilly, Mayfair, will be opposite the Ritz Hotel, and will join a raft of other luxury car makers including Porsche, Ferrari and Bugatti. It’s part of the Hethel-based car maker’s plans to go from UK sports car brand to global performance business, and will see the new Eletre, Emira and Evija displayed on the ground floor of the 450m² of retail space. 26 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

SWANSWAY Motor Group’s spring charity patrol has been out in force bringing cheer to people in need. Seeing how the cost-of-living crisis was affecting people, it worked closely with its longstanding charity partners to donate items that were needed the most. Gifts ranged from craft supplies and cooking equipment to food and bedding. Donations also included books, toys, gardening items plus baby and hygiene products.

RACING

The death of the saloon car is also the curtains closing on a moment in British car culture, and that makes me sad.

James Batchelor p19

Porsche and Audi to join Formula 1 stable

PORSCHE and Audi are to join Formula 1 as the VW Group looks for fresh ways to generate income. VW chief executive Herbert Diess said the move, due in 2026, will bring in more than it costs, with the teams set to attract big-money sponsorship deals globally. Porsche’s preparations are said to be at a more advanced stage than those of Audi but Diess still said he expected both teams to be operational by 2026.

Executives promoted to board Supplier News: p49

‘It feels as though the Tonale is hamstrung by a series of issues that stop some key attributes from coming to the fore’ Forecourt: p34

DOSSIER

INVESTMENT

Cazoo admits it may Motornation brings never stay profitable jobs joy to Stockton

TAKEOVER

Marshall reveals trading stop date

T S A C D PO Driven by

CAZOO has warned investors that it has ‘a history of losses’ and ‘may never achieve or maintain profitability in the future’. The online used car disruptor made the astonishing admissions in a late report to the Securities and Exchange Commission – an independent agency of the US federal government. The dossier has 79 points that outline potential weaknesses in Cazoo’s business and is spread across more than 30 pages.

FIFTEEN jobs have been created thanks to Bristol Street Motors’ newest Motornation dealership. Some 150 used vehicles are on display at the Stockton-on-Tees site, which has been transformed following a £500,000 investment. It now has a large forecourt plus 10-ramp service centre, as well as a Kids’ Zone with a pool table, Xbox console plus other activities. The refurb also included an overhaul of the soft furnishings, new signs and a state-of-the-art service centre.

STELLANTIS

Agency sales to be norm across Europe

STELLANTIS says it will adopt an agency model in its European dealer network from next year. The group isn’t planning to renew existing contracts with its dealers from Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria when they expire in June 2023. The move will affect dealers representing all 14 Stellantis brands as the firm looks to take more control of sales and prices. An agency model will also be adopted for its van and premium brands.

THE date has been revealed for when Marshall Motor Holdings will leave the London Stock Exchange following its takeover by Constellation. It follows the news that the £325m bid by the owner of BCA and Cinch had at last been granted approval by the Financial Conduct Authority. In an announcement to the London Stock Exchange, Marshall said that it expected to stop trading on the stock market as of 7am on June 15.

OM R F M A E THE T EALER CAR DBOUT TALK ATEST THE LAAND NEWSVIEWS IN INTER EGULAR THIS R ST PODCA

RELOCATION

He was a copper and I try to minimise the time I spend with them in case they start asking questions about younger, smaller Mike. Big Mike p20

Shoppers get more at the mall with MG

E R E H K C CLI

AN MG dealer has relocated its showroom to a shopping centre. Eastbourne MG – formerly Seaford MG – has left its traditional roadside operation and moved to the nearby Langley Shopping Centre on Kingfisher Drive. It can now be found between a Tesco and a Domino’s. A car park at the back of the mall is now the dealer’s car forecourt, stocked with more than 35 used MGs. The first day of business saw staff selling four cars.

PAST O T N E T S TO LI ES OF THE EPISODEALER CAR DASTS PODC Turn over page to catch up on more stories

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 27

DASHBOARD VICTORY

Ioniq 5 scoops three top titles

THE Hyundai Ioniq 5 has scooped three gongs at the World Car of the Year Awards 2022. The online event revealed the electric Hyundai had won the overall World Car of the Year title as well as World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design categories. More than 100 automotive journalists from 33 countries were tasked with testing 28 vehicles from an initial entry list. A secret ballot then took place to crown the winner, which was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.

DEVELOPMENT

Mon Motors sets up temporary site

HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

NEWS DIGEST CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY

TRANSFORMATION

Lookers turns HQ into staff ‘collaboration hub’ for hybrid teams to reflect modern way of working LOOKERS has turned its Timperley headquarters into a ‘collaboration hub’ for its hybrid teams. The specially designed flexible workspace has creative hubs and private spaces plus a café, all of which Lookers says reflects a new, more modern way of working. Employees and visitors can use touchdown workspaces as well as ‘focus pods’, super-speed wi-fi, a technology ‘bar’ and an online meeting room booking system. A new Mini Electric is on display in the reception area, and there are 12 new electric charging points in the car park.

ADDITIONS

Fiat and Abarth join Robins & Day brands

MON Motors has opened a temporary Volvo showroom in Cardiff as work is set to begin on a purpose-built dealership. Sales, servicing, MOT tests and repairs are taking place at the Hadfield Road site, which features Volvo’s signature lounge area, including Scandinavian furniture and Swedish cakes. The new showroom is 18 months from completion and will be some 10 miles away at Cardiff Gate Business Park on undeveloped land next to the existing Audi dealership. 28 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

FIAT and Abarth have joined the Robins & Day by Stellantis &You dealership network. The brands will start with an initial placement at the flagship Sale and Birmingham Central sites, expanding across the network at a later date. The two sites will be the first within the Robins & Day network to offer models including the new fully electric Fiat 500 and performancefocused Abarth 596 and 695 ranges joining other Stellantis models..

74.9 The number of days on average over a year that it took to sell a SsangYong Tivolo – the longest among a top 10 of ‘unsellables’. Dashboard p10

TRANSACTION

Motorpoint sells and leases back branch

USED car supermarket Motorpoint has sold and leased back its Stockton branch for £5m. It has agreed a 25-year lease (with tenant-only break points) at an initial rental of £350,000 per annum. The transaction resulted in no gain or loss for Motorpoint Group, said the company. It also revealed that it had reached an agreement with its lenders to increase its available stocking facility by £30m.

From drones to phones, check out the latest cool products to hit the market!

‘Quote.’ Feature: pXX

Feature: p37

CEREMONY

Mazda marks start of CX-60 production

A CEREMONY marking the start of mass production of the Mazda CX-60 crossover SUV was held in Japan. Taking place at the Mazda Motor Corporation’s Hofu Plant No. 2 in the Yamaguchi prefecture, it saw speeches given by Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto and Mazda Workers’ Union executive committee president Satoru Harada. Employee representatives expressed their commitment and a commemorative vehicle was introduced during the event.

SALON PRIVÉ

BOOST

The future of car retailing is uncertain and for many specialists or small business owners such as me, it is a terrifying time. James Litton p23

LOCATIONS

Stratstone merges BMW and Mini sites

STRATSTONE has merged its Derby BMW and Mini showrooms following a multi-million-pound redevelopment and bringing a jobs boost. The 50,000sq ft dealership on the West Meadows Industrial Estate houses 14 vehicles inside the showroom, plus up to 150 approved used vehicles on the forecourt. A spokesperson said: ‘An estimated 15 new jobs will be created, marking a significant investment in both the local area and the BMW and Mini brands.’

CRIME

Genesis GV60 makes First Ineos Grenadier Two arrested after its European debut UK sites are named electronics burglary

THE first all-electric model from Hyundai luxury division Genesis made its European public debut at Salon Privé London. The GV60’s unveiling came as Genesis confirmed that the first UK customer deliveries will start from, June 6. The wraps were taken off the EV at the Royal Hospital Chelsea by Genesis Motor Europe managing director Dominique Boesch, left, and Salon Privé partner, co-founder and sales director David Bagley.

INEOS Automotive has revealed the locations of its first 24 UK retail sites in the UK. They’re among the first 160 in markets globally, with plans for 200 sales and service sites for the Grenadier by the end of the year. The sites will span more than 50 countries and comprise established dealer groups, 4X4 specialists and agricultural equipment dealers. Click on the image for the list of UK sites. The first ones will open in June.

POLICE arrested two men after an Audi dealership had electronic items worth thousands of pounds stolen. The Caffyns site in Eastbourne was targeted on April 19 and had iPhones, iPads and laptops stolen, said the Argus. Police later stopped a vehicle near Gatwick Airport. A 48-year-old male was detained on suspicion of drug-driving and burglary and a 58-year-old male was held soon after. Both were given conditional bail pending inquiries.

BITE-SIZE Click on the text box for the full story

SIGNING: SsangYong has added to its UK dealer network after signing up Cawdor Cars of Llanybydder, following the departure of Mitsubishi. Group operations director Wyn Evans said: ‘Teaming up with SsangYong is a great step for us.’

VOW: Transport secretary Grant Shapps has pledged to digitise the DVLA to try to clear huge backlogs drivers have faced since 2020. He says he’ll do ‘whatever it takes’. The backlog is believed to stand at 400,000, having fallen from 1.2m.

IN: Michael Leiters is to take over as CEO at McLaren Automotive from July 1. The 50-year-old succeeds Mike Flewitt, who left in December. Leiters previously held senior positions at Porsche before joining Ferrari in 2014 as chief technology officer.

OUT: Carzam CEO Kirk O’Callaghan has been removed as a director of the online used car disruptor just weeks after founder Peter Waddell also stepped back. He joined two years ago from Sytner’s CarShop car supermarket business.

END OF ERA: Ford is to scrap the three-door Fiesta in response to the global semiconductor crisis as it looks to prioritise betterselling models. The hatchback will be removed from the firm’s line-up in the summer, ending a hugely successful 46-year-run. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 29

FORECOURT

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED

The GT Speed has a range of additions over the standard Continental and Jack Evans found himself bowled over by it.

Under the bonnet The 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 pumps out 650bhp and 900Nm of torque.

WHAT IS IT? The Bentley Continental GT has become a symbol of fast, luxurious cross-country motoring. The GT Speed that we’re testing here aims to throw some added agility into the mix. WHAT’S NEW? Bentley has reworked some key aspects of the Continental to make it even more agile. So the transmission has been recalibrated to provide snappier shifts, while a new rear-wheel steering system gives extra agility. Plus, there are subtle styling upgrades such as special W12 graphics in the side grilles to reference the huge engine. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? We’ve got the full-fat 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that has cemented itself into Bentley’s history. It’s a hugely powerful unit, bringing 650bhp to the table, but it’s the torque figure that really shines through – all 900Nm of it. Sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, these outputs contribute to a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 208mph – which isn’t bad considering the GT Speed weighs just over 2.2 tonnes. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? It’s pleasing to note that right from the off the regular Continental GT’s excellent ride quality has been carried over to the Speed. There’s no jarring and no thumping through potholes, despite our test car’s huge 22-inch forged wheels. It means that the Speed can be relaxing and comfortable when you need to be. But gain a bit of pace and it’s clear to see that Bentley has seriously overhauled the GT for this new model. It turns with a crispness that you might not expect from a car of this size, while the brakes – which feature huge 10-piston front callipers – are immensely powerful but packed with feel, too. HOW DOES IT LOOK? Bentley has always maintained a great ability to create high-end, expensive cars that don’t feel over the top or grossly flamboyant. So while the GT Speed might cost north of £200,000, it isn’t treated with animosity out on the road. People like a Bentley and the style feels like part of that. In terms of ways to differentiate the Speed from the regular 30 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

THE KNOWLEDGE

Bentley Continental GT Speed Base price: £209,900 Engine: 6.0-litre twinturbocharged W12 Power: 650bhp Torque: 900Nm Max speed: 208mph O-60mph: 3.5 seconds MPG (combined): 20.6mpg Emissions: 311g/km CO2

TARGET BUYERS:

Drivers who want the most agile and engaging Continental GT available.

THE RIVALS:

Porsche Panamera Turbo BMW M5 Competition Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door

Style Design touches to the GT Speed include darkened grilles and bespoke 22-inch wheels.

Cabin The interior is the perfect blend of traditional craftmanship, materials and technology.

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Huge performance 2. Elegant good looks 3. Four-wheel-drive traction

DEAL CLINCHER:

A Continental capable of obliterating straight lines as well as corners? That’s the GT Speed!

Continental GT, there are new darkened grilles, those 22-inch wheels of a different design and discreet ‘Speed’ badges on the flanks.

It gets all the best bits of the standard Continental GT but brings so much more to the table, too.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The large central screen blends well with soft, high-end leather, while Alcantara is used throughout the cabin to give the whole car a more sporty feel. The steering wheel is particularly nice, too, with a perfectly round design acting as a refreshing contrast to the flat-bottomed versions we see on a lot of performance cars. Our only quibble is with the gearshift paddles. They’re directly from Audi and aren’t long enough or tactile enough. Because they’re quite tricky to reach, you end up leaving them, and with a car designed around driver interaction, they feel like a missed opportunity. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? All Continental GT models come with plenty of equipment and the Speed is no different. The cars get leather and Alcantara seats, as well as an impressive suite of assistance systems including traffic-sign recognition, pedestrian warning and reversing traffic warning. Our test car also came with a variety of impressive options including the Touring specification, which at £6,480 added features such as lane-keep assist and night vision, as well as the Mulliner Driving Specification, which brings quilted seats, sports pedals and a jewelled fuel filler cap, to name but a few extras. WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? Top Gear said: ‘This is a Conti that doesn’t try to talk you down from aggressive acceleration, it actively embraces it.’ Car said: ‘If to you Bentley is about Le Mans glory, immersive driving pleasure and the most genteel application of corrective lock as you give an almighty engine its head, then the Speed is the car for you.’ WHAT DO WE THINK? The regular Continental GT is a fine car indeed. It’s comfortable and refined, yet powerful when you need it. However, this Speed version dials things up one notch, adding even more adjustability and a level of poise that you don’t expect to find in a big Bentley. It really is quite startlingly agile. As far as big grand tourers go, the GT Speed is right up there. It gets all the best bits of the standard Continental GT but brings so much more to the table, too. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 31

FORECOURT

CUPRA BORN

Under the bonnet

The 201bhp electric motor with a 58kWh battery pushes the Cupra to 60mph in 7.1 seconds.

Cupra is expanding its lineup with the electric Born. Jack Evans went on the road with one to see if it poses a threat to other EVs.

THE KNOWLEDGE Cupra Born Price (as tested): £38,955 Engine: Electric motor with 58kWh battery Power: 201bhp Torque: 310Nm Max speed: 99mph O-60mph: 7.1 seconds Range: 261 miles Emissions: 0g/km CO2

WHAT IS IT? Cupra’s first electric car, which sits atop the same platform as cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Audi Q4 e-tron, aims to bring a slightly sportier character than its VW Group stablemates, as well as the more distinctive design that Cupra has become known for. WHAT’S NEW? It uses the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, which has been designed specifically for electric vehicles, rather than adapted from an existing petrol or diesel setup. That means it goes hard on making the most of the space it has to offer, while the battery is placed low to improve weight distribution and ensure that roominess isn’t impacted. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? There are a few powertrain setups available but we’re testing the anticipated best-seller, which combines a 201bhp electric motor with a 58kWh battery. With that battery, Cupra claims a range of up to 261 miles. The Born can also charge at speeds of up to 125kW, meaning a five to 80 per cent charge could be completed in as little as 35 minutes. If you’ve got a three-phase 11kW home charger, then a full top-up could take six hours, or around eight with a conventional 7kW unit. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Cupra really has pushed to make the Born feel sportier than other cars on the same platform, which is why it sits on a lower suspension setup and can even be fitted with wider tyres for improved grip and higher cornering speeds. These changes are really noticeable too, as the Born corners keenly and remains well planted through the bends. The only negative by-product of this is a really firm ride, which does tend to get pretty unsettled over poor surfaces – something exasperating when travelling at slow speeds. That said, it’s easy to pilot with relatively light controls. The instant availability of the torque also means the Born feels quite quick and far speedier than its on-paper figures would suggest. HOW DOES IT LOOK? We think Cupra has done really well when it comes to the Born’s styling. It’s definitely the most eye-catching out of the Volkswagen Group’s range of EVs, with its slim headlights, full-width rear light bar and range of copper accents really ensuring that it stands out from

32 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

the crowd. We particularly liked the contrast diffuser fitted at the rear of the car, which helps to give it even more stance on the road. There’s a good variety of exterior colours to choose from as well, but to our eyes it’s the darker shades that suit it the best. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? With the majority of controls centred in the Born’s infotainment system, there aren’t too many buttons left to clutter up the car’s cabin. It does mean it all feels quite stripped back, although a good level of fit and finish means that this doesn’t come at the detriment of quality. The front seats are comfortable and easy to adjust, too. But it’s in the back where things are really impressive. There’s loads of legroom, while headroom is also very good. In terms of boot space, there are 385 litres on offer, and you can extend this by lowering the rear seats. Our only issue is with the charging cable storage – it’s underneath the boot floor, which means that if you’re out and about and need to top up, you’ll need to take everything out of the load area to access the cables. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Our car came in V3 specification and, for its £38,390 price tag, brought a good deal of standard equipment such as 12-inch infotainment system and 5.3 digital cockpit, as well as wireless smartphone integration and adaptive cruise control. You also get 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with pneumatic lumbar support and a massage function. The infotainment system is jam-packed with features, but because it holds access to all major functions it feels a little cluttered and makes a process as simple as increasing the cabin temperature more tricky than it should be. There are slim shortcut buttons for this below the screen, but they’re very compact and aren’t lit up. Our test car did come with a single optional extra – silver paint for £565 – but, in truth, there’s very little need to go troubling the options list with the Born. WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? What Car? said: ‘The Cupra Born takes all the good bits from the class-leading Volkswagen ID.3 and adds a slightly more polished interior and an upgraded infotainment system. Car said: ‘Stylish, with more than enough power for urban environments, it also feels a touch sporty when you get past the city limits.’ WHAT DO WE THINK? Cupra has done well to bring some real attitude to the EV segment with the Born. It’s definitely got that dynamic flavour, with the kind of body control and eagerness for corners that we’d be expecting more from a hot hatch than a battery-powered model. That low-speed ride sure is firm, mind you, which might put off some people who are looking for comfort from their EV. That said, with its good value for money and high levels of standard equipment, this could be something people are happy to contend with.

TARGET BUYERS:

Style

Those who want a more sporting take on a Volkswagen Group EV.

The Born’s styling is really eyecatching, with the copper accents helping it stand out from the crowd.

THE RIVALS:

Volkswagen ID.3 Audi Q4 e-tron Renault Megane E-Tech Electric

Cabin

With few buttons to clutter the cabin it does give the interior a stripped-back feel, but it still retains quality.

KEY SELLING POINTS: 1. Striking looks 2. Dynamic to drive 3. Plenty of equipment

DEAL CLINCHER:

Cupra has done well to bring some real attitude to the EV segment with the Born.

The Born might lack the comfort of rivals, but those after a more exciting driving experience than its rivals will see that as a fair trade-off.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 33

FORECOURT

ALFA ROMEO TONALE Under the bonnet

The Tonale combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a compact electric motor and battery.

THE KNOWLEDGE Alfa Romeo Tonale Starting price (est): £35,000-£36,000 Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance Power: 158bhp Torque: 240Nm Max speed: 130mph O-60mph: 8.8 seconds MPG (combined): 44.8-49.6 Emissions: 130-144g/km CO2

The Tonale has been a long time in the making, but what’s it like now it’s finally here? Jack Evans went to Italy to get the answers. WHAT IS IT? The Alfa Romeo Tonale was first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show way back in 2019 where it arrived as a new addition to Alfa’s SUV range, slotting underneath the Stelvio. However, it has taken up until now for it to reach the public road. WHAT’S NEW? On top of the usual Alfa Romeo styling – which looks even better in the metal than it does in pictures, in our opinion – there aims to be even greater driver involvement through tuned dynamics, as well as good levels of practicality and standard equipment. It’s capable of receiving over-the-air updates, too, while Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant has been fully integrated to allow you to communicate with other compatible devices in your home. For instance, you could ask your home smart speaker to tell you the fuel level. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? For now, there’s just a single engine option coming to the UK that combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a compact electric motor and battery for improved efficiency and the ability to run on EV-only power at very slow speeds, such as when parking or in traffic. Soon, Alfa Romeo will add a full plug-in hybrid setup to the Tonale range, which will be capable of returning around 37 miles of electric-only range. All cars are front-wheel drive, sending power through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Moving off, the Tonale does well to maintain that silent electric-only propulsion that you get from larger-battery hybrids, which makes town driving very pleasant, as well as quiet. Of course, the engine soon cuts in, but the transition is reasonably smooth, with the 1.5-litre unit producing a surprisingly pleasant engine note when asked to provide more power. It feels reasonably brisk, too, and is backed by pleasant steering that feels accurate. On twisty roads, the Tonale is really composed and impressively level, in fact. However, the seven-speed gearbox lets the package down, as it’s dim-witted and at times feels a little lost in its own ratios. HOW DOES IT LOOK? It’s a great looking thing – in our eyes, at least – with a really purposeful front end and an

34 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

equally distinctive rear section. Our car was finished in a superb shade of green, too, which only helped it to stand out. It might’ve been the native Italian crowd, but wherever the Tonale went, it definitely turned heads and drew admiring glances. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? Space isn’t an issue, with great levels of room for those sitting up front and in the rear, too. It’s the latter that is particularly impressive, with loads of headroom and good kneeroom making this a practical carrier for passengers of all sizes. The 500-litre boot has a variable floor and is square and really easy to access. More of a disappointment is some of the material choices. We can’t fault the leather-type surface applied to the top of the dash, but further down are vast swathes of cheap-feeling plastic, particularly around the switchgear area, with the same story in the back. It’s a shame, as the general appearance of the cabin is good but it’s let down by these poor materials. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Official pricing hasn’t yet been announced but Alfa says the Tonale will start from around £35,000. That puts it in the region of key rivals such as the Mercedes GLA and Volvo XC40, but the Alfa definitely competes in terms of standard equipment, with its new 10.2-inch infotainment screen being a core part of this. It gets Alfa’s latest system and is a cut above those in the Giulia and Stelvio, with better responsiveness and more features, too. Equipment highlights on the entry-level Ti include wireless smartphone charging, matrix LED headlights and a reversing camera. Meanwhile, the Veloce grade adds 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and adaptive suspension. WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? Auto Express said: ‘We love the Alfa Romeo Tonale’s style and the way it handles on a good road. But there are some elements clearly holding it back from being a real threat to the best premium compact SUVs out there.’ Autocar said: ‘The Tonale is a decent car, but it lacks the home-run ability or just the oldschool charm to give us full confidence in the future of the brand.’

It feels as though the Tonale is hamstrung by a series of issues that stop some key attributes from coming to the fore.

WHAT DO WE THINK? It’s a case of peaks and troughs. The engine is noteworthy for its efficiency and decent EVrunning ability but is let down by the gearbox. The cabin looks good and is spacious but can’t hack it when it comes to material quality. In truth, it adds up to a car that feels a little muddled. Then there’s the question of rivals. Just going off the indicative starting price, the Tonale falls in the middle of other options that do things a little better and seem a little more rounded. It feels as though the Tonale is hamstrung by a series of issues that stop some key attributes from coming to the fore. It’s by no means a bad car, but with premium aspirations come premium requirements and that’s something it doesn’t quite nail.

TARGET BUYERS:

Those who want a little bit of flair from their family-sized SUV.

THE RIVALS: Interior

The quality of some materials used is disappointing but there’s plenty of space in the front and rear.

BMW X1 Volvo XC40 Mercedes-Benz GLA

KEY SELLING POINTS: 1. Strong looks. 2. Good handling 3. Decent interior space.

DEAL CLINCHER: Style

The Tonale will definitely charm those drivers who want character above all else.

The design of both the front and rear sections looks great and is a real head-turner. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 35

e know from experience that to provide the best customer service we need staff continuity. Make this happen and we know service levels remain high. At SVA employees have worked here on average for more than 8 years. That’s why we continue to offer a very personal service to high standards and why buyers and vendors use our single site in Shoreham ahead of some of the big corporates, all backed up by comprehensive reporting. We act quickly to the needs of our customers through listening and regular training. The culture at Shoreham is very much around staff wellbeing to ensure they are treated as our highest valued asset. That’s why we have announced the launch of our new health and wellbeing strategy to help and support our colleagues to cope with the challenges of modern-day Britain including fuel poverty and the rising cost of living. The result is a highly engaged and happy workforce. How many other companies have a 75-year old in their team who still loves coming to work as much as they did in their 20s?

1961

36 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

FEATURE.

COOL STUFF

Although the summer is starting to feel like it’s on the horizon, it can be easy to dwell on a lot of the more negative things going on at the moment. But without wanting to trivialise current world affairs, let’s take a brief hiatus to check out some of the latest – and very cool – products to have hit the market recently.

DJI Mini 3 Pro

£639

THE world of drones has really come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, with the unmanned aerial vehicles themselves getting smaller and easier to fly with each passing model. DJI is among the biggest names and has now released one of its highest-tech versions yet. Called the Mini 3 Pro, it gets the same type of image quality you’d expect from a much larger drone but in a smaller, more transportable body. It can even shoot in portrait, making uploads to social media that bit easier.

Urbanears Boo

£69.99

IT CAN be tough to get a decent pair of headphones without creeping into big-money territory, but Urbanears has been a firm to combat that mentality. Based in Stockholm, it has produced a range of over- and in-ear headphones that punch well above their weight. Now there’s the Boo, which at £69.99 does undercut many of its rivals, despite offering IPX water resistance so they can be used without worry when running or in the rain. Plus, they’re made using recycled materials.

Sony Xperia 1 IV

£1,299 Oakley Re:SubZero sunglasses

£201

THERE’S a real ’90s resurgence on the go currently, so it’s not all that surprising to see Oakley reviving a pair of sunglasses that were all the rage some 30 years ago. It has developed the Re:SubZero glasses, which are a lightweight way of shielding your eyes from the sun when running or training – or doing anything else active, for that matter. They weigh just 24 grams and get Oakley’s special Prizm lens technology, which boosts contrasts and enhances colours.

LOVE taking pictures but don’t want to lug a handheld camera around with you? Smartphone companies have long attempted to integrate top-tier cameras into their products, but it seems that Sony has really broken new ground with its Xperia 1 IV. It’s the first smartphone to feature a proper optical zoom, just like a full-sized camera. As well as being able to offer that telephoto lens, it also has 16mm and 24mm lenses mounted at the back, giving users a whole host of shooting options. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 37

FEATURE

SWAP GEAR

Is the manual gearbox making a last-minute comeback? Ted Welford takes a look at some of the performance cars you can still get with a manual shifter.

t’s no secret that manual gearboxes have been dwindling in popularity in recent years, with many car buyers simply not interested in changing gear themselves. And as no hybrid or electric car is likely to be offered with a traditional gearstick, the days of finding a manual gearbox in a new car are truly numbered. It’s true of performance cars, too, with very few actually being supplied with anything that isn’t an auto ’box. But it’s not over just yet, with several manufacturers in recent months saying their performance cars will still be offered with a stick shift. And none more so than Toyota, which has just revealed its GR Supra with a manual gearbox, as the brand aims to cater more to the driving enthusiast market. But what other new performance cars can you still get with a manual shifter? Let’s take a look...

Porsche 911 GT3

Toyota GR86

Toyota is really catering to the sports car market, with its GR Supra and GR Yaris getting the brand’s performance division off to an incredible start. But it’s the GR86 that really seems to have hit the nail on the head, with its sub-£30,000 pricing making it one of the most affordable sporting models on the market. Given that the entire UK allocation for the GR86 managed to sell out in just 90 minutes, it’s testament to the fact there are still plenty of buyers wanting a fun sports car with a manual gearbox.

Buying a new manual supercar in 2022 is pretty much impossible, but one exception to that rule is the magnificent Porsche 911 GT3. Coming with a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine and the choice of manual or PDK automatic gearbox, the manual is by far the better option if you really want to enjoy your GT3. The GT3 offers fierce performance and a fiery, analogue character that you don’t get from modern performance cars. But with a £131,500 starting price, it certainly isn’t a car that many will be able to enjoy. 38 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Mazda MX-5

Ford Mustang

There are few better ways of enjoying the American lifestyle here in Britain than with Ford’s Mustang. A true brutish muscle car, the Mustang has been officially imported in right-hand drive since 2015. You might expect it, by default, to come with an automatic gearbox, but Ford actually offers it with a six-speed manual gearbox, which really lets you make the most of its raucous 444bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine.

With prices starting from £26,000, new performance cars don’t get much more affordable than the MX-5, and this two-seat roadster is hugely entertaining to drive, as well as being guaranteed to bring a smile to your face whatever the weather. The vast bulk of MX-5s sold today also come with a manual gearbox, making it a fantastic choice for those who still like to change gear the traditional way. With generous equipment levels and low running costs, there’s a lot to like about this little Mazda.

Hyundai i30 N

Like Toyota, Hyundai has quickly established itself as a performance car brand to be reckoned with, and it was the i30 N that got this firm’s sporty arm off to a brilliant start. Based on what is usually quite a mundane hatchback, it’s truly transformed when the brand’s ‘N’ division gets its hands on it. Although Hyundai recently introduced an automatic gearbox option as part of a mid-life update, a conventional six-speed manual remains available and is the version to go for if you want to make the most of this hot hatch.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Lotus Emira

Lotus has been rather bold with its electrification strategy, since after the launch of the new Emira sports car later this year, every car that this British brand launches in the future will be an EV. That makes the Emira even more sacred, and undoubtedly a future classic. Using investment from Chinese automotive giant Geely (which owns Lotus), the Emira is the firm’s first new model in more than a decade, and represents a significant step forward where technology and quality are concerned. Yet purists will be pleased that Lotus will still sell you an Emira with a traditional gearstick.

These days, a DSG automatic gearbox is commonplace in pretty much every performance model from the Volkswagen Group, but for those who like a traditional manual ’box, VW still offers a six-speed manual on its legendary Golf GTI. Now in its eighth generation, this hot hatch is a seriously good option for those who want to use their performance car every day, with this latest Golf also getting a tech-laden interior and bolder styling than its predecessors.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 39

FEEDBACK TOP TWEETS

This month James Batchelor interviewed Robert Forrester about the latest Vertu results and here’s what Twitter had to say…

Your comments via email to editorial@blackballmedia.co.uk

Will Cap prices stay down or will they go back up? I’ve generally been keeping an eye on Cap prices, which have dropped by £250-£400 depending on the vehicle. Is this likely to stay where it is or will things go back up? Walsall I tend to follow auction prices more than Cap and they haven’t moved a penny. Anything half tidy still brings into book. JustinA3

Bruce J Beaton @beaton_bruce

Excellent numbers and an enjoyable interview. Bit late to the numbers today but it was worth the wait. Dividends pleasing. I can feel the warm sun of the Greek islands beckoning.

Recent pricing levels aren’t sustainable, it’s as simple as that. People have only got so much money to spend. It’s not rocket science. I’m looking at my own bills and am already starting to feel the squeeze. It’s going to be all about the timing. Don’t get stuck with a load of ugly stock. Halfpenny

PICTURE OF THE MONTH

🌞

Ashley Proniewicz @ashpron

I loved this James. Well worth the time. In future try not to ask ‘stupid questions’ though.

😉🤣

James Baggott @CarDealerEd

I’ve just watched it back in full too. A cracking interview and very entertaining. Robert on top form as always.

Totally agree, it’s a bit like playing the stock market at the min. Over the past couple of years, a mixture of lack of used stock on the market and Joe Public in a lot of cases having more spendable income due to no holidays or socialising etc have all kept the prices high. There comes a point where this will come to an end. The world has opened back up, new vehicles are getting back up to speed and now a lot of people have been pushed closer to the breadline because of rising fuel costs, etc. Lakeside

Congratulations to Dacia on its 10 millionth car! The special-edition version of its Duster crossover that rolled off the Romanian production line was resplendent in Urban Grey, and Denis Le Vot, CEO of the Renault-owned budget brand, rightly spoke of the company’s pride at passing the symbolic milestone. Here’s to your next 10 million, Dacia!

Everything has gone up and is still going up. New cars are short in supply, wait until we see the prices of new ones when they start flowing – they are not going to be cheap are they, with the build costs going up every week? New cars changing to electric isn’t going to help supply either. Electric still comes with reservations due to range, charging times and charging availability in working hours. Then of course the cost to buy for your average Joe is still out of his/her grasp, isn’t it? All push the need for used cars. My guess is prices will move upward, not down – slower upward than recently but upward they will go. Along with everything else from a bottle of milk to houses, cars are no different. This is the natural effect of inflation. Lots of 30-year-olds have never seen inflation. We older ones lived with it. It adds that other dimension in the risk factor. Doesn’t scare my age group but I see the younger ones freaking out at goods going up. Don’t panic – your wages will follow. Last off, I admit, but they will follow the upward trend. If inflation had been static since I was born, we’d all still be paying £1,200 for a new car and earning £20 a week. David Horgan

More and more of our readers are joining the debate – and it couldn’t be 40 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

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TRADE

Business seems to have taken a dip How’s everyone doing? Business has gone quiet for us up north. We’re not getting anywhere near as many leads as we were getting back in February never mind last year. How’s it going for you guys? Selling stock? Getting more stock? TM1989 You can’t be surprised! Recession looming, interest rates up (not for savers!). Everyone expected the ‘sunny uplands’ and got a ‘punch in the face’ with the cost of living. Sadly for us, the first thing to cut back on is replacing the old jalopy. It’ll just have to wait another year? Metcars Same here. Been slow since Easter holidays (selling eight-to-12-year-old cars). Sun’s out, can go places again, recession if

you believe what you read in papers, a lot of people already changed cars recently. We sell old cheap cars (that’s what I tell punters when they’re moaning about a little scratch anyway) but they aren’t cheap anymore. We’ve got 20 cars advertised but only got one for less than £6,000. BIGNIT

We’ve teamed up with Car Sales Memes to bring you a few of their funniest captions and slogans each month. Enjoy!

Also been quiet here. Funny how cars are still going above Cap, though. Samuel Welwyn But then keep getting relisted over and over again. There’s a couple of cars I’ve bid on at BCA that have been through every sale every day for a week now. I keep bidding up to my max then getting outbid, only for them to be relisted the next day. Lakeside

What do you think of Cazoo’s late report? Well done boys!! What you are saying is, you fancied playing in our pond without really understanding the business and singly ruined the market for many established and profitable companies on your way to a race to the bottom. Lyall Hazard Anyone need some stock? There might be a fair bit coming to market. Samuel Poulton Cinch will go from strength to strength with its monopoly. Chris Maddren They don’t know what they’re doing. John Alan Mildoon This was ‘apparently’ valued between £800£900 million by an article in the Manchester

Evening News last year and I always thought this was fake news. How can you put that sort of value on a company that is less than five years old? Just hope that when they go bankrupt, people don’t lose their own money, which unfortunately is usually the case with these firms! Martin Anthony O’Brien

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DASHBOARD

BUSINESS NEWS

A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE WORLD NATIONAL GRID

PROPERTY

Consumers will get £200m over two years

NATIONAL Grid will share some of the excess cash it has made from electricity cables to Europe ahead of schedule as regulator Ofgem tries to help keep bills down. The company said it will pay £200m to consumers over the next two years – ahead of the schedules originally set. Surplus power is sold to France but it is only allowed to make so much money from the sales.

House price boom expected to end THE average UK house price went up by more than £3,000 in April, marking the longest run of monthly rises since 2016. That’s according to Halifax, which said the average values rose by 1.1 per cent or £3,078. Russell Galley, MD of Halifax, said: ‘This was the 10th consecutive month that property values have increased – the longest run of continuous gains since the end of 2016.’ The typical house price was a new record of £286,079. But Andrew Montlake, MD of mortgage broker Coreco, said the boom would end soon after the stamp duty holiday and record low interest rates had led to an unprecedented surge in demand and activity.

REVENUE

Broadcaster warns of summer fall in ad cash

STREAMING

Netflix may bring in ads as subscriptions drop A SHARP drop in subscribers has prompted Netflix to consider changes to its service such as minimising password sharing and creating a low-cost subscription supported by advertising. Its customer base fell by 200,000 subscribers between January and March – the first contraction since the streaming service became available throughout most of the world six years ago. It expects the loss of another two million during the April-June quarter.

42 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

ITV has posted a surge in advertising revenues but is cautioning over a tougher summer. Total ad revenues lifted 16 per cent in the three months to March, helping lift wider external revenues 18 per cent to £834m. The group said things would get much tougher against the 2021 Euro championships as well as uncertainty in the wider economy.

2013 WINNER

WINNER

DATA

Economic growth slows with services hit hardest

THE UK economy grew at its slowest pace for three months as companies saw a marked slowdown in business in the first half of April, according to new data. The S&P Global/CIPS purchasing managers’ index flash score for the first two weeks hit 57.6 – down from 60.9 in March. Anything above 50 is seen as growth. The services sector, which includes retail, hospitality and leisure, saw the biggest slowdown, with the business activity index at 58.3 versus March’s 62.6.

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ADMINISTRATION

Morrisons rescues failed McColl’s MORRISONS has beaten EG Group in a takeover battle for the collapsed retailer McColl’s. Bosses said all McColl’s staff will keep their jobs as the firm’s shops transfer to the new owner, while Morrisons will take over the company’s two pension schemes. The convenience chain fell into administration on May 6, plunging the future of its 1,160 shops and 16,000 staff into doubt.

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DASHBOARD

INDUSTRY VIEWS NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM CAR DEALER LIVE CAP HPI

April was one of the most interesting months since I’ve been at Cap HPI – and I’ve been here for over nine years.

Derren Martin Director of valuations at Cap HPI

Prices of used cars will continue to drop but they’re not going to fall off a cliff

sed car prices fell by more than two per cent in April, Car Dealer has learnt. It was a better performance than had been predicted, though, and one that’s been described as ‘interesting’. Cap HPI’s director of valuations, Derren Martin, revealed that average prices at the three-year, 60,000-mile mark slipped by 2.1 per cent, or £370. ‘April was one of the most interesting months since I’ve been at Cap HPI – and I’ve been here for over nine years. ‘It’s been pretty mixed – we thought it was going to be heavier than that at the start of the month. ‘Prices do seem to have stabilised a little bit, but there’s no doubt that they are continuing to come

down.’ Martin explained that the start of April was ‘pretty tough’, with expectations of a four per cent fall by the month-end. A shortage of new cars, the cost-of-living crisis starting to bite and many consumers favouring an Easter break rather than buying a used car all affected prices. Prices picked up towards the end of the month, though, and finished at the 2.1 per cent mark. Looking ahead, he advised dealers to keep ‘a tight rein on things’ by reducing prices on unsold cars, and be wary of buying cars that are too expensive. He added: ‘Some dealers are telling us they can’t see how new car supply will improve, therefore prices aren’t going to come down by much. ‘But if consumer demand continues to be affected, then prices will continue to come down, as they are high. There are still used cars that are above list prices. Prices will continue to drop but not off a cliff.’

TOP CAR INVERNESS

T S A C D PO Driven by

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Starting our own ‘buy any car’ model has been a huge success and shown us where market is

op Car Inverness managing director Craig Walker spoke about what stock channels are working best for him this year. ‘I had to change my model because we were only dealing with £5,000-to-£10,000 cars. Your part-exchange really runs out there towards the end, so we had to change the model quickly. ‘We changed to up to £20,000, but £12,000 to £15,000 is what we sell the most of. That allows you to get two or three dips out of it, but we’ve started our own “We’ll Buy Any Car” model, competing in the local area, and that’s worked really well. It’s kind of pricked my ears up to where the market is because we struggled to

get stock to start with but now, in the past few months, I’ve been inundated with people asking if I’ll buy their car,’ he said. Walker also gave his view on what’s made his business a success. ‘Be easy to do business with. Have your online presence absolutely tip-top, and then when you get a lead online, react to it in a way that is timely and in detail. ‘Mirror your customer, and if your customer wants to be phoned, phone them. If they want to be emailed, email them. ‘Whatever it is, just keep it simple. You’ve just got to be mindful of every single customer and the point of the journey they’re at.’

The latest from our fleet Long-termers: p55

Watch our Car Dealer Live broadcasts as they go out or catch up on any that you’ve missed at: cardealermagazine.co.uk/live VERTU MOTORS

Record profits have meant useful injection of cash into the business

ertu Motors posted record profitability for its annual results ending February 28, 2022 and CEO Robert Forrester told Car Dealer: ‘£80.7m profit before tax is fantastic, and certainly gives an injection of cash into the business, which is always useful. ‘We’ve got a very strong balance sheet. We’ve now got net cash after used car stocking loans are taken into account, which is unique, actually, in our industry. ‘The really good thing we’ve managed to achieve is we’ve moved our technology on quite a long way. We’ve got 50 software developers working in the business and they’re doing great work. That omnichannel bricks-andclicks combination I think is going to be the proven model in the sector – I think there’s very little doubt about that. ‘We did double pure online e-commerce sales to 900 units in 12 months, and we sold 89,000 used cars, so I think that tells you something.’

That omnichannel bricksand-clicks combination I think is going to be the proven model in the sector.

Robert Forrester Vertu CEO

MOTORWAY

The picture still looks really positive, and I think that’s what the buyers are really enjoying at the moment. James Bush Sales director, Motorway

Some buyers fear being stuck with cars for too long but others can’t restock quickly enough

espite used car prices remaining strong, they can’t stay that way forever and will soften, said Motorway sales director James Bush, commenting on trends the trade auction platform is seeing from the market and its buyers. ‘I think prices will soften, and they sort of have to soften. You can’t really grow 30 per cent year on year and expect that to maintain or grow any further,’ he said. ‘If you look at it year on year rather than month on month, the picture still looks really positive, and I think that’s what the buyers are really enjoying at the moment.’ But he also sounded a note of caution. ‘All the

time there are these new car restrictions, I just can’t see it being fixed soon and certainly not this year.’ Bush added that the picture varied across the country and different businesses when it came to stock. ‘It’s a real mix at the moment. Some of our buyers are holding back because they’re a bit worried about buying stock that they might be stuck with for too long. But on the flipside, we’ve got other buyers who are busier than ever. ‘Even just over Easter for example, we had some buyers say they had hardly any inquiries and others that were falling over themselves on the Tuesday to stock up again.’ CarDealerMag.co.uk | 45

DASHBOARD

FINANCE NEWS REGULATOR

Lenders and brokers warned over ad terms

LOANS

Rise in defaults expected as the cost-of-living crisis bites

by James Baggott james@blackballmedia.co.uk

inance companies are expecting an increase in loan defaults as the rising cost of living hits consumers. The Bank of England’s latest credit conditions survey says lenders are predicting a jump in defaults on mortgages, unsecured lending and business loans. The warning comes as banks and finance companies said they saw a decrease in defaults for both secured and unsecured loans in the latest quarter to February. Finance providers also told the central bank that they planned to rein in mortgage lending by the greatest amount since the start of the pandemic. Soaring interest rates have resulted in lenders trimming back their offer of mortgages and tightening some eligibility criteria. ‘Lenders expected the availability of secured credit to decrease over the next three months to May 2022,’ the report said. However, lenders said that the availability of mortgages and other secured credit remained unchanged over the previous quarter. The Bank of England said lenders showed that demand for unsecured lending increased in the three months to February and was expected to rise further in the current quarter. Finance firms told the central bank this was driven by increased demand for credit cards and loans. ‘With inflation gathering momentum, and eye-watering price rises for many of the essentials, it has forced more of us to borrow to make ends meet,’ said Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

46 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

THE Financial Conduct Authority is warning lenders and brokers to stop using misleading terms in advertising or face action. It has written to almost 28,000 consumer credit firms telling them not to use terms such as ‘no credit check loans’, ‘loan guaranteed’, ‘preapproved’ or ‘no credit checks’ when marketing loans. Firms’ adverts shouldn’t give consumers the impression they will automatically get a loan, or that they can get a loan without the lender checking they can afford it, said the FCA. If firms fail to comply, the FCA said it may ban adverts, require firms to change or withdraw them – or even remove a firm’s permissions to engage in regulated credit activity. Sheldon Mills, executive director of consumers and competition at the FCA, said: ‘The rising cost of living means many more consumers may find themselves in difficulty. There is no excuse for adverts to make borrowing look easier or less risky than it is, and firms should be seeking to help customers through the cost-of-living crisis – not exploiting it in their marketing.’

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

TIME IS MONEY RICHARD PYGOTT

A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING

Use past experiences to make the future better

Richard Pygott is digital marketer for First Response. Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk

ike a lot of people in the motor trade, I grew up around cars, and that love for and fascination with cars (and the technology that drives them) has stayed with me ever since. I fondly recall my dad excitedly ushering me into the garage one afternoon after school so that he could unveil his new purchase: a bright red Ford Escort XR3i! But as much as I loved my dad’s Ford 1980s sports car and being taken to school in it, my imagination always contemplated what the cars of the future would look like, and what I’d be driving when I was older. A lot of my thinking at the time was influenced by pop culture in the form of movies and TV series from the 1980s through to the late-1990s. Many of them depicted what the year 2000 and beyond might look like and what technology would be available to us in our homes and on the road. There were driverless electric cars in Demolition Man, the talking Trans-Am from Knight Rider, the flying cars in Blade Runner, and even the iconic time-travelling DeLorean from Back to the Future. One of the issues with many of these films was that they set an expectation about what the future ‘could’ look like, and it was exciting to contemplate – even if some of them appeared far-fetched or impossible. While it may not be realistic to expect a flying time-travelling car, some of the concepts that appeared in these movies have very much become a reality some 20 to 30 years later. We now have driverless cars, electric motors, AI-assisted braking, touchscreen dashboards, device connectivity, onboard wi-fi and the ability to remotely diagnose a car. Some of the designs of new cars are only now matching, or even like, what was depicted in these movies that premiered so many years ago. For the most part, the problem with trying to predict the future is that hindsight truly is 20/20, and it is only hindsight that allows us to examine if our predictions were correct or not. With the many difficulties the motor trade has suffered over the past few years, and the many challenges that the future still holds for us, it is our experience gained during these tough times that will navigate us through the dark times ahead. Planning your business’s future is the best way to predict it. Continually adapting and evolving to the challenges in the here and now while also planning for tomorrow is vital. If you don’t, then you may well get left behind. We just don’t know when certain automotive advances will be introduced or if they’ll take off when they are, but without understanding the past and preparing for the future, we will never learn or grow. To quote another film set in the future – Terminator 2 – ‘The future is not set. There is no fate, but what we make for ourselves’.

Some of the concepts that appeared in these movies have very much become a reality some 20 to 30 years later.

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We could tell you all about how our customers have voted us as the UK’s number one motor finance lender, or that we were voted ‘Sub-prime Finance Provider of the Year’ for seven years by our dealer partners. But we don’t like to blow our own trumpet. Instead, we let our customers do the talking…

I have had four cars through these guys. They go out of their way to find the right deal and repayments. I will use these every time! November 2021

Scan the QR code to join our Dealer network and receive a Welcome Hamper* *Subject to the information provided, meeting our onboarding criteria. First Response Finance Ltd, 5 Regan Way Chetwynd Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6RZ. Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No 03560611. 48 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

DASHBOARD

SUPPLIER NEWS

A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE COUNTRY CAR BENEFIT SOLUTIONS

Executives promoted to management board

CAR Benefit Solutions has appointed two department heads to its management board to lead sales. Annette Whitworth and Andrew Sweeney have been made head of regional accounts and head of key accounts respectively. Whitworth was formerly operations manager for regional accounts and business development, while Sweeney had been operations manager for key accounts. They have more than 40 years’ combined experience.

JBR CAPITAL

Record £80m of loans provided in four months JBR Capital is celebrating its most successful four months after providing £80m of loans. The prestige vehicle finance provider, which lent the money between January 1 and April 30 with an average advance per loan of £81,000, said it was poised for significant growth throughout 2022. Porsche was the most popular marque with clients, followed by Land Rover/Range Rover and Audi respectively.

IVENDI

Google Vehicle Ads’ radical impact forecast

THE likely arrival of Google Vehicle Ads in the UK could radically change dealer digital strategies, says iVendi. James Tew, CEO at the connected vehicle retail technology specialist, said the development could significantly change the online journey of car buyers. ‘GVAs mean the online journey becomes more direct and leaner. ‘The customer goes straight from search engine to retailer website without any intermediary.’

EPYX

It is our experience gained during these tough times that will navigate us through the dark times ahead.

Richard Pygott p47

COX AUTOMOTIVE

Connected vehicle tech ‘No price crash on way’ prediction is made for second-hand cars

THE remarketing sector is likely to embrace new ways around connected vehicle data to deep-dive key health indicators for a car or van through its lifecycle. That’s according to e-commerce specialist Epyx, whose commercial director Debbie Fox said: ‘For example, connected vehicle technology makes “clocking” nearly impossible because mileages can be continuously monitored and any major discrepancies will be obvious.’

THE used car market is showing signs of shrinking, but a price crash isn’t on the horizon. That’s the latest from Cox Automotive which, in response to dwindling supplies of stock and declining consumer spending habits, has downgraded its used car forecasts. It predicts Q2 2022 will end on 1.91m transactions – an 11.9 per cent decrease year on year. Fullyear expectations are 7.4m – a 1.6 per cent decrease versus last year. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 49

DATA FILE

STATISTICS

THE LATEST REGISTRATION FIGURES

SMMT

SALES DATA

APRIL/YEAR TO DATE

TOP

UNDERMINED

Sales slump by nearly 16 per cent as forecast downgraded

CARS SOLD IN APRIL 2022

by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk

ew car sales in the UK dropped by nearly 16 per cent in April versus the year before, according to figures released by the SMMT on May 5. Registrations fell by 15.8 per cent to 119,167 units, with the industry body blaming global supply chain shortages – mainly of semiconductors – hampering new vehicle deliveries. That was in spite of showrooms being open for the entire month, unlike in 2021 when lockdown restrictions were in place until April 12. It said the decline was mainly driven by a 33.3 per cent decrease in large fleet registrations, as manufacturers continued prioritising private consumers because of robust demand. That helped the latter market segment see an increase of 4.8 per cent, while smaller business registration volumes fared even better, growing by 15.4 per cent. Battery-electric (BEV) registrations continued to grow, with 12,899 of the latest zeroemission cars joining UK roads – an increase of 40.9 per cent on the same month last year – and taking a 10.8 per cent market share, which was up from 6.5 per cent last year. While registrations of hybrids (HEVs) also rose by 18.3 per cent, the number of new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations decreased by nearly a third (32.8 per cent). As a result, electrified vehicles comprised 27.9 per cent of all new car registrations during April. The SMMT has now downgraded its forecast for the number of new cars expected to be sold this year by nine per cent to 1.72m – in January, it said 1.89m would be shifted. Although that’s still a 4.5 per cent rise on 2021, the SMMT said it highlighted the effect the semiconductor shortage was still having on supply as well as anticipated impacts from rising living costs. The outlook for plug-in vehicles was also downgraded, with the forecast for BEV registrations now at 289,000 units – down from 307,000 – with PHEVs at 144,000, which was down from 163,000. HEVs also saw their outlook fall from 198,000 to 193,000. This means that plug-in electric cars are now expected to account for a quarter of all registrations (25.2 per cent) during the year, with BEVs alone comprising around one in six new cars on the road. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘The worldwide semiconductor shortage continues to drag down the market, with global geopolitical issues threatening to undermine both supply and demand in the coming months. ‘Manufacturers are doing everything they can to deliver the latest low- and zeroemission vehicles, and those considering a purchase should look to place their orders now to benefit from incentives, low interest rates and reduced running costs. ‘Accelerating the transformation of the new car market and the carbon savings demanded of road transport in such difficult times requires not just the resolution of supply issues, however, but a broader package of measures that encourages customer demand and addresses obstacles, the biggest of which remains charging anxiety.’ 50 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Model

Regs

Nissan Qashqai

3,804

Ford Puma

3,318

Mini

3,088

Vauxhall Corsa

3,002

Kia Sportage

2,407

Peugeot 208

2,327

Hyundai Tucson

2,231

Audi A3

2,190

Volkswagen Polo

2,123

Ford Kuga

1,867

Click here to see our top 10 rolling sales charts for April 2021 to April 2022

The worldwide semiconductor shortage continues to drag down the market. Mike Hawes SMMT chief executive

Green vans continue rise amid decline. LCV news: p52

-54%

+164%

SEAT

Figures supplied by SMMT

APRIL 2022 Marque

2022

APRIL 2021

% market share

2021

YEAR TO DATE

% market share

% change

2022

% market share

2021

% market share

% change

Abarth

127

0.08

159

0.11

-20.13

408

0.08

700

0.12

-41.71

Alfa Romeo

101

0.02

0.07

2.02

496

0.09

415

0.07

19.52

Alpine

8.27

0.01

43.75

101

0.02

0.01

74.14

9,860

0.11

11,154

7.88

-11.60

37,059

6.90

40,557

7.15

-8.62

127

6.29

118

0.08

7.63

565

0.11

424

0.07

33.25

BMW

7,491

2.06

8,757

6.19

-14.46

35,404

6.60

40,701

7.18

-13.01

Citroen

2,451

0.81

2,641

1.87

-7.19

9,978

1.86

11,246

1.98

-11.28

Cupra

960

1.81

528

0.37

81.82

2,855

0.53

1,452

0.26

96.63

Dacia

2,155

0.10

1,136

0.80

89.70

7,502

1.40

4,412

0.78

70.04

Audi Bentley

124

1.50

0.03

163.83

828

0.15

462

0.08

79.22

Fiat

1,782

8.44

1,271

0.90

40.20

7,826

1.46

4,484

0.79

74.53

10,060

0.05

12,959

9.15

-22.37

39,798

7.41

49,031

8.65

-18.83

Ford Genesis

2.40

0.00

149

0.03

0.00

Honda

2,860

5.47

2,231

1.58

28.19

9,825

1.83

6,751

1.19

45.53

Hyundai

6,518

0.94

3,958

2.80

64.68

26,257

4.89

17,380

3.06

51.08

Jaguar

1,119

0.15

1,993

1.41

-43.85

4,430

0.83

7,121

1.26

-37.79

Jeep

180

6.37

264

0.19

-31.82

773

0.14

1,116

0.20

-30.73

Kia

7,588

3.80

7,529

5.32

0.78

39,707

7.40

27,894

4.92

42.35

Land Rover

4,523

0.43

6,374

4.50

-29.04

15,124

2.82

26,925

4.75

-43.83

Lexus

514

0.05

975

0.69

-47.28

3,655

0.68

4,368

0.77

-16.32

Maserati

1.89

0.04

16.98

256

0.05

210

0.04

21.90

Mazda

2,254

5.49

2,243

1.58

0.49

8,968

1.67

7,545

1.33

18.86

Mercedes-Benz

6,543

2.28

8,668

6.12

-24.52

31,436

5.86

40,368

7.12

-22.13

2,714

3.35

2,146

1.52

26.47

16,552

3.08

8,307

1.46

99.25

Mini

3,997

0.00

3,116

2.20

28.27

15,096

2.81

13,910

2.45

8.53

4.84

716

0.51

0.00

2,544

0.45

0.00

Nissan

5,770

4.19

5,036

3.56

14.58

21,811

4.06

26,122

4.61

-16.50

Peugeot

4,989

0.34

6,756

4.77

-26.15

21,524

4.01

22,461

3.96

-4.17

Polestar

409

0.90

318

0.22

28.62

1,847

0.34

1,240

0.22

48.95

Porsche

1,074

1.97

1,212

0.86

-11.39

5,354

1.00

4,143

0.73

29.23

Renault

2,345

1.61

2,361

1.67

-0.68

10,947

2.04

10,427

1.84

4.99

1,916

3.21

4,144

2.93

-53.76

8,743

1.63

15,604

2.75

-43.97

3,828

0.10

5,834

4.12

-34.38

14,380

2.68

20,076

3.54

-28.37

Mitsubishi

Seat Skoda Smart

116

0.15

127

0.09

-8.66

561

0.10

534

0.09

5.06

SsangYong

173

0.06

105

0.07

64.76

568

0.11

344

0.06

65.12

Subaru

1.16

128

0.09

-43.75

385

0.07

438

0.08

-12.10 29.57

Suzuki

1,383

5.12

1,315

0.93

5.17

6,761

1.26

5,218

0.92

Toyota

6,098

5.07

7,892

5.57

-22.73

33,915

6.32

31,675

5.59

7.07

Vauxhall

6,042

6.14

8,972

6.34

-32.66

29,940

5.58

33,798

5.96

-11.41

Volkswagen Volvo Other British Other imports Total

7,315

2.52

13,323

9.41

-45.09

33,732

6.28

49,542

8.74

-31.91

3,006

0.15

4,321

3.05

-30.43

14,165

2.64

18,285

3.22

-22.53

178

0.22

214

0.15

-16.82

817

0.15

822

0.14

-0.61

261

374

0.26

-30.21

16,229

3.02

7,998

1.41

102.91

119,167

141,583

-15.83

536,727

567,108

-5.36

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 51

DATA FILE

DECLINE

LCV NEWS

Sales plummet but green vans continue to rise by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk VAN registrations dropped by nearly 30 per cent year on year to 21,597 units in April, according to latest figures from the SMMT. The fall seemed worse because last April’s figure of 30,440 was the highest total for the month since records began, but this year was still 12.2 per cent below the 24,604 of pre-pandemic April 2019. Demand was strong across all segments, but supply chain pressures including semiconductor shortages hampered deliveries. Registrations of electric vans increased by 52.7 per cent year on year to 919 units – representing one in 24 new vans joining the road.

REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LESS THAN 3.5 TONNES Marque

Ford Vauxhall Citroen Volkswagen Peugeot Mercedes Toyota Renault Fiat Iveco Isuzu Nissan Maxus Renault Trucks MAN Isuzu Trucks Land Rover SsangYong Dacia Fuso LEVC Suzuki LDV Mitsubishi Total light CV

Figures supplied by SMMT

APRIL 2022

2022

8,507 2,578 2,158 1,499 1,327 1,270 1,178 821 526 338 295 278 245 171 114 106 93 52 13 11 11 6 0 0 21,597

% market share

APRIL 2021

2021

39.39 11.94 9.99 6.94 6.14 5.88 5.45 3.80 2.44 1.57 1.37 1.29 1.13 0.79 0.53 0.49

9,968 2,859 2,388 3,160 2,327 2,621 1,194 1,130 934 414 451 1,359 169 169 306 63

0.43 0.24 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.03 0.00 0.00 100.00

520 55 0 24 16 0 15 298 30,440

YEAR TO DATE

% market share

% change

2022

32.75 9.39 7.84 10.38 7.64 8.61 3.92 3.71 3.07 1.36 1.48 4.46 0.56 0.56 1.01 0.21

-14.66 -9.83 -9.63 -52.56 -42.97 -51.55 -1.34 -27.35 -43.68 -18.36 -34.59 -79.54 44.97 1.18 -62.75 68.25

36,971 10,450 9,363 7,698 8,529 6,847 4,807 2,167 1,697 1,178 1,133 939 1,280 616 507 499

1.71 0.18 0.00 0.08 0.05 0.00 0.05 0.98 100.00

-82.12 -5.45 0.00 -54.17 -31.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 -29.05

757 270 15 78 72 68 0 0 95,941

% market share

2021

38.54 10.89 9.76 8.02 8.89 7.14 5.01 2.26 1.77 1.23 1.18 0.98 1.33 0.64 0.53 0.52

43,904 12,521 9,168 12,889 10,670 10,356 5,450 5,720 3,099 1,233 1,038 5,287 357 792 1,169 364

0.79 0.28 0.02 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.00 0.00 100.00

1,276 152 0 92 37 0 68 2,154 127,796

REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 3.5 TONNES TO 6.0 TONNES Marque

APRIL 2022

2022

Fiat Ford Mercedes Peugeot Iveco Maxus Citroen Volkswagen MAN

% market share

147 132 66 40 16 12 5 5 5

APRIL 2021

2021

% change

-6.37 57.14 -48.44 -56.04 -44.83 0.00 150.00 -86.11 -50.00

305 419 354 267 72 12 67 30 16

33.64 30.21 15.10 9.15 3.66 2.75 1.14 1.14 1.14

157 84 128 91 29 0 2 36 10

28.65 15.33 23.36 16.61 5.29 0.00 0.36 6.57 1.82

2022

% change

34.35 9.80 7.17 10.09 8.35 8.10 4.26 4.48 2.42 0.96 0.81 4.14 0.28 0.62 0.91 0.28

-15.79 -16.54 2.13 -40.27 -20.07 -33.88 -11.80 -62.12 -45.24 -4.46 9.15 -82.24 258.54 -22.22 -56.63 37.09

1.00 0.12 0.00 0.07 0.03 0.00 0.05 1.69 100.00

-40.67 77.63 0.00 -15.22 94.59 0.00 0.00 0.00 -24.93

Figures supplied by SMMT

YEAR TO DATE

% market share

2021

% market share

% change

19.17 26.34 22.25 16.78 4.53 0.75 4.21 1.89 1.01

516 195 492 270 107 0 18 113 47

28.17 10.64 26.86 14.74 5.84 0.00 0.98 6.17 2.57

-40.89 114.87 -28.05 -1.11 -32.71 0.00 272.22 -73.45 -65.96 -61.70

Renault Trucks

0.92

1.46

-50.00

1.13

2.57

Renault

0.69

0.18

200.00

0.25

0.16

33.33

Vauxhall

0.46

0.00

0.31

0.11

150.00

Isuzu Trucks

0.00

0.18

0.00

0.75

0.38

71.43

Other imports

0.00

0.18

0.00

0.63

0.82

-33.33

437

100.00

548

100.00

-20.26

1,591

100.00

1,832

100.00

-13.16

Total heavy CV

52 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

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CarDealerMag.co.uk | 53

DATA FILE

SUPPLIERS GUIDE

LOOKING FOR A MOTOR TRADE SUPPLIER? YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales

Finance

Lead Management

Trade Bodies

Warranty Providers

BCA

First Response

iVendi

Ben

Momentum Warranties

Automotive Ecommerce

Finance

Legal & Compliance

Vehicle Photography

Warranty Providers

GForces

Forza Finance

Lawgistics

Dealer 360

Warranty Administration Services

W: bca.co.uk T: 0344 875 3480 E: customerservices@bca.com Info: BCA’s remarketing programmes deliver volume, choice and availability for buyers, and speed, efficiency and market-leading returns for sellers.

W: gforces.co.uk T: 01622 391904 Info: GForces delivers class-leading ecommerce solutions. We work with global vehicle manufacturers, the world’s largest dealer groups and independent retailers around the planet.

W: firstresponsefinance.co.uk T: 0115 946 6317 E: marketing@frfl.co.uk Info: First Response is an awardwinning UK finance company providing simple financial solutions. Get in touch and let us help increase your profits.

W: forzafinance.co.uk T: 01245 245678 Info: Benefit from Forza Finance’s expertise, choice of products and lenders. Their personal approach will help you achieve higher levels of finance penetration and, ultimately, sell more cars.

W: ivendi.com T: 0330 229 0028 E: tellmemore@ivendi.com Info: iVendi delivers a fully connected platform that engages consumers, converts buyers and manages transactions of vehicles online and in the showroom.

W: lawgistics.co.uk T: 01480 455500 E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk Info: The legal experts for the motor trade, giving advice and support to our industry for over 15 years. Not anti-consumer, just pro-trader.

W: ben.org.uk T: 0808 131 1333 Info: Ben is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their families.

W: dealer360.co.uk T: 01270 780855 E: nicky.spratt@ukturntables.com Info: UK makers of photo booths incorporating our turntables for car, van and motorcycle dealers. Our software controls turntable and cameras – a onestop solution.

W: momentumwarranties.co.uk T: 0330 445 0059 E: support@momentumwarranties.co.uk Info: How long does your warranty company make you wait? We pay claims into your bank within 45 minutes. The most advanced warranty programme in the UK.

W: warrantyadmin.co.uk T: 01522 515600 E: tellmemore@warrantyadmin.co.uk Info: Unlock new profit and aftersales flexibility with Crystal Clear Warranty. Ideal for franchised dealers, groups and independents.

Data

HR & People Management

Marketing, PR & Video

Vehicle Tracking

Warranty Providers

Real World Analytics

HR Manager

OnCue Communications

Meta Trak

Warrantywise

DMS

Insurance

Marketing, PR & Video

Warranty Providers

DealerDesk

Tradesure

Marketing Delivery

Autoprotect

WMS

W: realworldanalytics.com T: 0808 1890 617 E: auto@realworldanalytics.com Info: We are a SaaS-based data analytics solution provider for multisite dealers. Our business intelligence tools help customers make faster and better decisions.

W: dealerdesk.co.uk E: contact@dealerdesk.co.uk Info: Modernise your stock management, advertising, communication, sales and website. DealerDesk provides you with easyto-use tools designed to simplify your dealership management.

W: hrmanager.co.uk T: 01480 455500 E: info@hrmanager.co.uk Info: HR Manager is Lawgistics’ new digital compliance portal designed to assist employers in managing their legal obligations, responsibilities and duties.

W: tradesureinsurance.co.uk T: 0121 248 9313 Info: Providing motor trade insurance to full- and part-time motor traders in the UK, the Tradesure team are reliable professionals who know how to help you.

W: oncuecomms.com T: 020 8125 3880 Info: We are a leading provider of PR, video and events services to the automotive industry. The PR team has a proven track record of securing high-value, big-impact media coverage.

W: marketingdelivery.co.uk/ T: 01892 599911 E: get.in.touch@marketingdelivery.co.uk Info: Our SocialStock helps target prospects with tailored stock remarketing and social media advertising tools, and automated lead capture for Facebook.

W: metatrak.co.uk T: 020 8867 2340 E: enquiries@metatrak.co.uk Info: Total vehicle security. Clever tracking technology, advanced immobilisation, 24/7 monitoring and an easy-to-use app. Security. Connectivity. Peace of mind.

W: autoprotect.co.uk

T: 01279 406888 E: sales@autoprotect.net Info: AutoProtect offers a full portfolio of award-winning protection products, including GAP. We lead the market with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.

W: warrantywise.co.uk/dealer T: 0800 001 4551 E: dealers@warrantywise.co.uk Info: Warrantywise sells over 100,000 warranties per year. Quentin Willson personally designed Warrantywise to be the UK’s best used car warranty.

W: wmsgroup.co.uk T: 01844 293810 E: sales@wmsgroup.co.uk Info: Open 24/7, we offer award-winning warranty products for FCA- and non-FCA-registered dealerships.

Key Control

Oil & Lubricants

Warranty Providers

Website Design & Digital Marketing

Traka

Mobil™

Car Care Plan

Bluesky Interactive

Finance

Lead Management

Recruitment

Warranty Providers

Website Design & Digital Marketing

Close Brothers Motor Finance

GardX AD-Vantage

WeRecruit Auto

Händler Protect

Haswent

Finance

Blue Motor Finance

W: blue.co.uk T: 020 3005 9331 E: dealersupport@blue.co.uk Info: Blue is transforming the car finance market, making car ownership simple and flexible and providing motor traders with access to essential finance.

W: closemotorfinance.co.uk/ Info: Close Brothers Motor Finance are a specialist finance provider, working with over 8,000 dealer partners to offer flexible finance solutions for car, motorcycle and LCV customers.

W: traka-automotive.com T: 0333 355 3726 E: automotive@traka.com Info: Bespoke software and electronic key management cabinets to deliver the most effective solution to dealerships to manage their keys and vehicles.

W: gardx.co.uk/gardx-ad-vantage T: 01243 376426 E: goforaspin@gardx.co.uk Info: The award-winning 360 service offers an engaging display of the vehicle while additionally presenting profitable F&I products to a consumer.

W: mobil.co.uk T: 0800 0857 420 Info: Whether using Mobil 1™ or Mobil Super™, Mobil™ engine oils meet or exceed the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers.

W: werecruitauto.co.uk T: 01603 550041 Info: Permanent recruitment – here to assist businesses within the automotive sector find the best fit for their company in terms of skillset, experience and culture.

W: carcareplan.com T: 0344 573 8000 Info: Car Care Plan is a leading provider of motor protection products, trusted around the world to deliver quality protection with integrity and a customer-oriented outlook.

W: handlerprotect.com T: 0800 088 7889 E: sales@handlerprotect.com Info: Händler Protect is an exclusive dealer warranty provider. Proud to partner and represent more than 1,000-plus ‘active’ independent motor dealers across the UK each month.

W: blueskyinteractive.co.uk T: 01926 651000 Info: Bluesky Interactive drive dealer websites and digital marketing forward thanks to game-changing innovation, the latest technology and our exceptional relationships with our clients.

W: haswent.com T: 020 3920 6164 E: hello@haswent.com Info: Composer is a next-gen automotive platform. You have extensive stock management options, and you’ll gain a brilliantly responsive new website.

To have your details included email sales@blackballmedia.co.uk and ask for Suppliers Guide listings 54 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

LONG-TERMERS

AUDI Q4 E-TRON THE KNOWLEDGE Audi Q4 e-tron Launch Edition

Our Audi Q4 e-tron has made swapping to an EV a doddle, reports James Baggott

ith petrol and diesel prices costing more than frankincense and myrrh (probably), many consumers are now shopping around seriously for an electric car. Many of my friends and family have spotted the little green flash on the number plate of my long-term Audi Q4 e-tron and paid a newfound interest in what it’s like to own. While electric cars are rapidly becoming commonplace – with alternatively fuelled cars even outselling diesel cars in March this year in the UK – there’s still a lot of undecided buyers out there. For what it’s worth, I’ve found adapting to life with an electric car relatively smooth, but it certainly helps that the Q4 has a brilliant range and is easy to live with. At 305 miles (on a good day), the Q4 is more than capable of dealing with a week’s worth of my average mileage without needing a top-up. In fact, sometimes I can go two. When it does need a charge, I simply plug it into a standard plug in my garage and it slowly fills up. This isn’t really the best way to charge an electric car – you’re much better off with a dedicated home charger – but I’ve not got one and have had to make do. It works, albeit just a bit slowly. It’s essentially a 1kw charger, compared with the 7kw you can get from a dedicated charger, so it takes more than 24 hours to fully charge from empty. At the moment, if it’s plugged in overnight it gains about 30 per cent of its battery range. That isn’t great, but for what I use it for, it works. It certainly beats feeling the price pain at the petrol pumps, too. The convenience of being able to come home and plug your car in to fill it up has a lot to be said for it as well. Over the past few months I’ve grown very fond of the Q4. Yes, the ride is a little hard and it communicates the deepest potholes directly to your spine, but the premium feel to the interior and practicality of an SUV have made it enjoyable to run. This is a first-edition model and I’ve moaned in previous reports about its lack of silly things that you just assume Audis come with – keyless entry for one and front parking sensors. There have been a few quirks I’ve had to get used to as well. The multimedia system has had a few funny five minutes, but always seems to work itself out with a good old-fashioned ‘turn it off and on again’ routine. Last time I wrote about the Audi it had mysteriously locked me out of the car. While that was rather annoying, I’m pleased to report it hasn’t done it again. Hopefully that was just the e-tron having one of its ‘moments’. Now the weather has warmed up, I’m getting much better mileage from the batteries. During the depths of winter, when the heating and heated seats were getting a good workout, I was getting around 250-270 miles from a charge. Now it’s much closer to 300. While some might think that’s a bit strange – and an ‘EV thing’ – you need to remember that traditional combustion-engined cars are exactly the same: they all vary depending on how you use them. Elsewhere, I’ve been putting the e-tron to good use with my on-going house refurbishments. It’s swallowed huge amounts of rubbish for the tip and scrubbed up rather well once I’ve finished. But back to the point of this long-term update – trying to answer what’s it like living with an EV and whether I’d make the swap myself. Well, living with it is surprisingly easy, as long as you can charge at home. But would I make the swap away from combustion completely? Well, my love affair with the fuel sippers isn’t quite over yet, but it’s certainly beginning to wane.

Price (as tested): Engine: Power: Torque: Max speed: 0-60mph: Range: Emissions: Mileage:

£51,165 Electric 204bhp 310Nm 99mph 8.3 seconds 305 miles 0g/km CO2 8,327

This month’s highlight: Enjoying the convenience of charging the Q4 at home and not feeling the pain of petrol pump prices!

OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING

Nissan Qashqai Mileage: 10,335 A month of home improvements has provided ample opportunity to test ‘our’ SUV’s versatility.

Skoda Kodiaq Mileage: 3,071

We’re looking forward to spending the next six months getting to know ‘our’ new arrival. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 55

Services that make a difference At Black Horse, we support dealers with expert knowledge and insight, so you can support your customers. We underpin everything with straightforward tools and systems to simplify the finance journey and help you grow your business.

Find out how we can help you at www.blackhorse.co.uk

Car Dealer Magazine: Issue 171

Articles inside

Suppliers Guide

Manual gearbox resurgence

Long-termers

Cool stuff

Cupra Born

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Big Mike

Range Rover Sport

MOT testing proposal

Top 10 unsellable cars

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Used Car Awards 2022