Issue 175 | October 2022 | CarDealerMag.co.uk | £6 Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022 In pictures: The Queen’s automotive visits from the past 70 years MG TAKING AXE TO DEALER NETWORK WITH SMALLER SHOWROOMS IN FIRING LINE ‘WE’RE HAPPY WITH WHERE WE ARE DESPITE SLIGHT PROFIT DIP’ TOP LOOKERS EXEC DUNCAN McPHEE DASHBOARD INTERVIEW NEWS Revealed • CAZOO TO LEAVE EU • PORSCHE RAISES THE ROOF • HOLDCROFT CYBER ATTACK • REPRIEVE FOR WESTFIELD • TOYOTA COROLLA UPDATED • NEW REG DAY LOSES APPEAL FERRARI PUROSANGUE WE TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT THE PRANCING HORSE’S FIRST FOUR-SEATER – JUST DON’T CALL IT AN SUV! PLUS: WE DRIVE THE VOLKSWAGEN ID. BUZZ, LEXUS RX AND BENTLEY FLYING SPUR HYBRID
02 | CarDealerMag.co.uk Partner with us and book your first warranty before 30th September to be in with a chance to win 1 of 5 55” TVs. Scan activateto. Or visit: warrantywise.co.uk/activateTerms & Conditions apply. Full terms are available at warrantywise.co.uk/activate. Make Money. Save Time. Protect Customers. .Fixed or variable pricing .Warranty cover you can be confident in .Dedicated account managers
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FOUNDER James Baggott james@thebaize.com Twitter: @CarDealerEd CHIEF SUB-EDITOR John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk ASSOCIATE EDITOR James Batchelor james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JRRBatchelor FINANCE MANAGER Kate Gordon kate@blackballmedia.co.uk SALES MANAGER Kevin Day kev@blackballmedia.co.uk ACCOUNT MANAGER Michelle Searle michelle@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @cardealermich STAFF WRITER Jack Williams jack.williams@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JournoJack25 MULTIMEDIA MANAGER Jon Reay jon@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JonReay HEAD OF DESIGN Graeme Windell graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @graemewindell CONTRIBUTORS Jack Evans, Nigel Swan, Ted Welford Car Dealer is published by Blackball Media Ltd (company number 6473855). All rights reserved. Conditions of sale and supply include the fact Car Dealer shall not, without our consent, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated way or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to any part of a publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. Car Dealer is fully protected by copyright. Nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part without AwardsDistributionVATCompanypermission.No:6473855No:GB343704904ISSN2756-1364 Blackball Media Units 1 - 2 Warrior Court 9-11 Mumby Road, Gosport, PO12 1BS T: (020) 8125 3880 W: CarDealerMag.co.uk THE ADVERTISINGFINANCEEDITORIALBOSS Car Dealer is distributed to a database of up to 12,000 franchised car dealers, independents, service and repair sites, car manufacturers and suppliers. Advertisers are supplied with a print certificate every Winnermonth.ofBest Business Publication, Headline Auto Awards 2012 & 2014
Behind the blog though, there are rumours Ford has decreed that its 3,000 dealers must commit to investing at least $500,000 in upgrading their showrooms to sell EVs or lose the right to sell them altogether. It’s perhaps a little presumptuous or speculative to suggest that Ford of Britain will enact the same plan, but we all know that manufacturers’ relationships with their dealers could be in uncharted waters thanks to agency sales and electric vehicles.
We
Ford’s Jim Farley has used the reveal of the next-generation pony car to reiterate how important its dealers are. The Blue Oval boss took to LinkedIn to explain the brand’s future relationship with its retailers, saying: ‘Our dealer network is our secret weapon, comprised of [sic] entrepreneurs who can deliver for customers all the way through the ownership experience.’ And Farley made it clear in his social media article that there will be fixed pricing for its electric vehicles, removing the opportunity for negotiation or markups, and Ford will be simplifying its online buying processes. It’s an interesting read, to say the least.
otor shows. Remember those? Detroit is trying gamely to put on a bonanza right now, and apart from the president of the United States calling the Corvette an all-electric sports car, it seems to be going all right. Hell – there’s even a new Mustang to swoon over.
Speaking of dealer and manufacturer relationships, Car Dealer Power has now closed and we’ll be finding out how good those partnerships are in the next issue. But that’s a discussion for then; I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine. all know
Back home, we learnt this month that Jaguar Land Rover is planning to own a number of its own dealerships – again raising the issue of whether manufacturer-owned dealerships are the way to go. Meanwhile, MG – as I explain more on pages 8-9 – is renewing contracts and smaller, long-serving dealers are in the firing line, Car Dealer has been told. If the days of the dealership are dying, as some say, then nobody has told the carmakers. Furthermore, you can’t help but draw a link with Cazoo, which this month announced it would be closing its continental businesses and focusing on its UK arm; selling cars online is harder than it seems, it would appear.
vehicles.andtowatersbedealerswithrelationshipsmanufacturers’thattheircouldinunchartedthanksagencysaleselectric
WELCOME.
JAMES BATCHELOR
Associate editor Ford ShowInternationalNorthDarkrevealedwithCEOpresidentleft,chairmanexecutiveBillFord,andcompanyandJimFarleythenewlyMustangHorseattheAmericanAutoinDetroit
04 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 05 DASHBOARD FORECOURTCOMMENT DATA FILE ‘Ransomware gangs know if they don’t give the data back, people will stop paying them.’ 12 ‘The cabin of the Bentley remains as exquisitely fashioned as you’d expect a car from this brand to be.’ 40 ‘The car world has been a better place with the Prancing Horse in it over the years.’ 25 ‘August’s new car market growth is welcome, but marginal during a low-volume month.’ 56 IGNITION. CONTENTS 36 The Queen’s automotive visits 6 MG dealer closures 8 Ferrari Purosangue reveal 10 Ransomware alert 12 Duncan McPhee interview 14 Used car supply demands 17 Used Car Awards 2022 20 Car news round-up 30 News digest 32 Feedback 46 Business news 48 Car Dealer Live 50 Finance 52 Supplier news 55 COMMENT James Batchelor 25 Big Mike 26 James Litton 29 FORECOURT Volkswagen ID. Buzz 36 Lexus RX 38 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid 40 FEATURES Cars inspired by the movies 42 Cool stuff 45 DATA FILE The Statistics 56 LCV news 58 Suppliers Guide 60 Long-termers 6138 42 ISSUE 175 | OCTOBER 2022 10 6 8
ollowing the Queen’s death on September 8, tributes poured in from all over the globe.
Her Majesty went to Castle Bromwich in Birmingham, where she opened a new Jaguar plant that remains in operation to this Duringday.the October visit, she was photographed chatting to staff including group leader Dave Upton and Jaguar’s thenchairman and CEO, Nick Scheele.
TRIBUTE
1958
We hope you enjoy our own tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Six years after ascending the throne, the Queen travelled to France with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.Whilein the country, the pair went to the Renault car factory at Flins, where the monarch was pictured bringing the production lines to a stop with the push of one control panel button.
F
Car Dealer looks back at some of the automotive visits made by the Queen during her reign
The motor trade was no different, and on our website we shared some of the condolences sent from those within the automotive industry.
by Jack Williams @JournoJack25
During her 70-year reign, the monarch visited a number of motoring institutions and met countless figures from within theAfterindustry.herpassing, we delved into the archives and found a treasure trove of images dating all the way back to the 1950s.
The Queen is shown around Aston Martin. The firm shared an image from the day on social media after her death.
1998
1966
2004
In April, the Queen was abroad – this time on a state visit to South Korea.
During the second day of the trip, she and Prince Philip were shown around the Daewoo plant in Seoul.
The couple were shown engines at various stages of development and even signed the plant’s visitors book.
For many years, she served as Motability’s chief patron and handed over the keys to Motability Scheme cars on several occasions.
2001
In 2014, she took in a tour of the firm’s Wolverhampton engine plant, alongside Prince Philip.
The monarch had another brush with F1 when she was shown around McLaren’s base nearDuringWoking.the visit, she posed next to a McLaren Mercedes supercar as well as David Coulthard’s Grand Prix car.
Despite being pictured in a number of different cars down the years, it is probably Land Rover with which the Queen is most closely associated.
2013
In 2003, she attended an event for the charity at the Royal Mews and met with recipients of cars again in 2008.
2014
2003
The pair were snapped looking suitably impressed at a garishly yellow Matiz and a grey Nubira II.
During the event, she met and chatted with a Bentley craftsman who gave her a demonstration of his skills.
Such was the Queen’s interest in the automotive world that when she hosted the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace in 2013, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover were invited.
Aside from visiting car factories, the Queen also championed a number of charitable causes.
1999
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 07
Closer to home, the Queen visited the London HQ of Shell to celebrate the firm’s centenary in 2001.Company officials showed the monarch around the site – she even stopped to admire Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F1 car.
‘Now, with the company selling over 30,000 cars last year, they want to get rid of the smaller, rural dealers who are in odd places and who aren’t selling in quite such highCarnumbers.’Dealerbelieves that around 15 dealers have already lost their franchises, with potentially more to follow.
Anonymous car dealer
MG TAKING AXE TO DEALER NETWORK WITH INSHOWROOMSSMALLERFIRINGLINE
M
‘The big dealer groups are coming in now and MG wants to talk to them instead.’
Arnold Clark, the UK’s largest car dealer, opened two MG showrooms in June, taking its
‘When SAIC first bought MG, they were desperate for any dealer to take a franchise to sell the TF sports car – MG would take anyone.
Car Dealer has approached MG Motor UK for comment.
Now, with the company selling over 30,000 cars last year, they want to get rid of the smaller, rural dealers who are in odd places and who aren’t selling in quite such high numbers.
MG ZS EV
Car Dealer has heard from a number of MG dealers who have confirmed rumours that the Chinese-owned British brand put dealers on notice earlier this year and is already wielding the axe.
G is planning to slash its dealer network as it seeks to expand its brand with larger, more metropolitan partners.
One dealer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said it was ‘a sign of the times’ and some dealers were already closing their doors.
by James Batchelor @JRRBatchelor
• Dealers are currently on notice with new contracts being drawn up
They said: ‘MG wants larger dealers who have the capacity to offer an eight-car showroom, as many new models are on the way.
• Smaller, long-serving dealerships are at risk
‘The MG franchise has been a mess for a long time,’ the dealer told us.
Another dealer who spoke to Car Dealer confirmed the rumour that smaller dealers were destined for the chop, particularly those partners that had been with the brand for a decade and previously may have been Chevrolet or even MG Rover dealers in the early 2000s.
08 | CarDealerMag.co.uk DASHBOARD
• MG is believed to be favouring larger dealer groups that can manage forthcoming new models
MG has yet to confirm new contracts with its network, but smaller, more rural dealers that have been with MG since its rebirth under Chinese management are in the firing line, sources suggest.
We had
MG4 MG6
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 09
‘The company is in complete disarray and it’s impossible to get any sense from anyone in management.’
representation of the British brand to seven sites. and has sold 16,000 cars so far in 2022, taking its market share to a healthy three per cent.
Anonymous car dealer
One dealer group told Car Dealer the brand had been a ‘huge success’ for its company, delivering sales that had beaten expectations ‘threefold’.
By 2024, the MG4 that’s launching this week will be the oldest model in MG’s line-up – they’re not hanging around!
‘We’re a family business and came on board in 2012. You have to remember that back then the only product we could sell was the MG6.
The dealer added: ‘Many of the dealers facing termination are the small, family-run ones which have many loyal customers and have been with MG and MG Rover prior to that for decades.
Since publishing this story, a now-former MG dealer who lost their franchise claimed the company had been ‘very underhand’ with its network.
Our source said: ‘The news shouldn’t be a surprise to the dealers who haven’t been selling many cars.’
‘Things started to improve in 2017 with the launch of the ZS, and sales really got going in 2019 with the ZS EV.
‘We had a fantastic local reputation with many loyal and happy customers and then the franchise was taken away from us.’
The dealer added: ‘By 2024, the MG4 that’s launching this week will be the oldest model in MG’s line-up – they’re not hanging around!’
‘They’ve been ruthless and it’s been a very upsetting experience,’ they told Car Dealer.
The rumours came as MG launched its new MG4 to the press.
fromtakenfranchiseandhappymanyreputationfantasticalocalwithloyalandcustomersthenthewasawayus.
Name
It’s derived from the same engine you’ll find powering the 812 Competizione but it’s been extensively reworked for the Purosangue.
It’s a fearsome 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 that produces 704bhp and 716Nm of torque, enabling a 0-60mph time of under 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 193mph.
The Purosangue adopts an eightspeed dual-clutch gearbox. The first seven ratios have been shortened (compared with the previous eightspeed ’box) to make shifts even quicker and more progressive. That eighth gear, however, is longer to help with cruising efficiency. After all, a V12 engine in a 2.18-tonne car will struggle to achieve the best fuel economy.
errari’s Purosangueanticipatedmuch-is here.
Ferrari hasn’t done things by halves regarding the Purosangue’s engine.
Gearbox
The Prancing Horse’s first four-door, fourseater model – which Ferrari avoids calling an SUV – is said to have been designed as a sports car first and foremost, with a number of innovations to make sure it’s the fastest, most engaging car of its type on the market.
Engine
F
For a little while, it wasn’t clear whether or not the Purosangue would retain the ear-catching name when it finally went into production.
There’s a lot to talk about with this new £339,000 monster, so let’s have a look at some of its features in more detail...
takes a deep dive into Ferrari’s first four-door, four-seater model – just don’t let the Prancing Horse hear you calling it an SUV.
REVEALEDFERRARIPUROSANGUE
DASHBOARDJackEvans
However, Ferrari committed to the name plate and carried it through to the car that’ll head on to the roads. How to pronounce it? That’s pur-o-sang-whey.
Purosangue uses some of Ferrari’s latest technology. For instance, there’s a 10.2-inch display in front of the passenger, which gives them access to many of the car’s settings and controls. It’s a great-looking screen, and so long as you trust your passenger’s choice in music, it’ll make road trips even better.
Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial officer, Enrico Galliera, told us: ‘Even after we announced the V12 engine, the interest exploded. This included non-Ferrari clients, so now we have a long list of customers.
‘Then they’d say “This is your fault!”, because we don’t have a Ferrari that they can use every day with their families or to go skiing, so this is a Ferrari that they can use in all conditions.’
Technology
‘I have the pleasure to be invited by many clients to see their collections. I’m always astonished by how many there are. Every time I go to these garages they are Ferrari collectors, but then they always say “And we have this one, but to use for my family” about a different SUV or car [from another brand].
Suspension
Oh, and Ferrari has chosen to use some very rugged materials for the floor lining. In fact, it’s bullet-proof and similar to the material used in military clothing.
Ferrari has introduced its new active suspension system on the Purosangue. Created in partnership with experts Multimatic, it sees an electric motor actuator and hydraulic damper combined into each suspension arm.
‘Most of them belong to a segment where we are less visible – women and younger generations, for instance.
There’s a new rotary-style control with a screen in the middle of it for those sitting in the back, too, allowing them to control the heating and ventilation independently of the people sitting in the front.
What does this bring? Well, the car’s ride can be adjusted in milliseconds, while sensors on each suspension corner can quickly and easily adjust the setup depending on the road conditions.
What Ferrari says
Interior Ferrari designed the Purosangue to be a four-seater right from the start, so you’ll notice that in the back of the cabin there are two individual chairs. They’ve got electrical adjustment, too, and are heated. We found that there was a decent amount of space back there, but headroom could be a bit tight for taller passengers.
‘Forsystems.mostorganisations, ransomware is the big one because you lose your IT systems and people can go bust within days.
• Some ransomware gangs are so sophisticated that they even have helpdesks
by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk
That’s according to Ian Mann, founder of cyber security specialist ECSC, who spoke to Car Dealer in the wake of the major cyber attack on Holdcroft Motor Group.
• Vulnerabilities vary from business to business, according to ECSC founder Ian Mann
People make a mistake, the hackers get in, and they’re then saying ‘Right, how do I turn this into money?’
DEALERS NEED TO BEWARE OF RANSOMWARE ATTACKS RATHER THAN HACKERS WANTING TO STEAL DATA
D
ealers face far more of a threat from hackers disrupting their systems than they do from data theft.
‘Hackers spot that and exploit it,’ said Mann.
‘They’ll do that either by stealing the data and holding you to ransom because they’ve got your data and threatening to sell it or release it, or they’ll deploy ransomware that cripples your
‘The CEO of a £4bn-a-year organisation once told me that without us recovering their systems after they’d been hit by ransomware, they’d have been bust within the next 48 hours.’
‘The reality is that it’s mistakes that lead to people getting hacked.
Problems typically arise when something is opened on a computer that shouldn’t be or systems aren’t maintained properly, he said.
Data held by dealerships isn’t all that valuable to hackers, though, as it’s very basic information, he said, and to exploit it they need extra information that dealers wouldn’t have, such as identity documents.
‘So people make a mistake, the hackers get in, and they’re then saying “Right, how do I turn this into money?”
And he dismissed the line of thought that says hackers are so clever that they’ll always manage to get in.
Mann, who also worked at the government intelligence and security organisation GCHQ, said prevention was far better than cure.
Cyber attacks are a massively serious matter, with the government reckoning they cost UK industry in excess of £10bn a year, said Mann.
• Dealerships can go bust in days because of ransomware, says cyber security expert
• Impact, disruption and possible collapse are a bigger worry than fines for losing data
12 | CarDealerMag.co.uk DASHBOARD
• Tips given to help dealerships thwart cyber criminals
Ian Mann Founder of cyber security specialist ECSC
‘Compared with hospitals, where they’ve got people’s medical records, or banks, which have all your banking details and credit card details and things like that, then if I think what my car dealer has about me – my name, address and phone numbers and what sort of cars I buy – they don’t have anything I would regard as too sensitive.’
For most organisations, they’re more concerned about the impact of ransomware, the disruption and potentially going bust as opposed to any fines that may be imposed for losing data – and those fines can be substantial.
‘If you get big enough that you’ve got an IT person, or it’s outsourced, then I’d get Cyber Essentials Plus certification. That’s a really good way of dealing with the majority of things that cause breaches.’
Mann said that what works for individuals can work for very small businesses, but certification with the Cyber Essentials scheme is recommended for larger organisations.
The majority of our work is helping companies understand where their vulnerabilities are and helping fix them.
Some insurers are now refusing to cover certain sectors – not because they’re targeted more but because they have very poor cyber security.
‘If you don’t have anyone in IT, then I’d go with the advice given for home users.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 13
‘Wehackers.havemany clients who under no circumstances would ever pay because of the nature of their organisations – charities, government bodies, etc.’
Although insurance companies typically indemnify against ransomware and cover the repayment, the cost of cyber insurance is going up substantially because of the losses.
Tips for dealerships to thwart cyber criminals include back-ups that are physically removed and stored elsewhere, as well as having independent cyber security reviews plus penetration tests, which mimic the behaviour of hackers to see what can be done.
One of ECSC’s security operations centres, where its experts monitor clients’ IT infrastructure to detect, analyse and respond to cyber security events in real time in conjunction with an ECSC centre in Australia
He was keen to stress, though, that it wasn’t necessarily affordable or even ethical to pay the
It isn’t guarantee,a payingpeoplethetheygangsransomwarebutknowifdon’tgivedataback,willstopthem.
‘It’s much better and more cost-effective to stop having the breach in the first place. I’ve never heard of a breach that wasn’t preventable.’Butiftheworst comes to the worst, isn’t it wrong to give in to ransom demands, Car Dealer wanted to know.
‘So when you get your ransomware, they’ll give you a helpdesk ticket, and if you’re having trouble restoring your data from the key they give you after you pay up, you can contact them for technical support.
However, he said: ‘Everybody has to be taking it seriously, looking at and assessing their‘Wecapability.spendmore time preventing breaches than we do recovering from them. The majority of our work is helping companies understand where their vulnerabilities are and helping fix‘Thethem.main impact we see is companies crippled, nothing’s working and they just can’t do business. Everything grinds to a halt.’
‘It sounds crazy but it’s a commercial operation. They’re operating from countries where they’ve got impunity.’
‘The ransomware gangs are quite professional outfits. A couple of them actually have helpdesks.
Mann emphasised that car dealers really had to understand their vulnerabilities.
‘It isn’t a guarantee, but ransomware gangs know if they don’t give the data back, people will stop paying them,’ said Mann.
‘Your weaknesses in many ways are unique to you, because they’re unique to what IT systems you’ve got and the skills of the people that manage it.
‘I wouldn’t say that you’ll have the same weaknesses across a whole industry. It will vary according to different organisations.’
Mann wouldn’t be drawn on whether the car industry was guilty of under-investing in IT and therefore exposed to poor cyber security.
‘You saw customers coming out of Covid with quite a lot of cash in the bank, but you’re looking at the cost-of-living crisis now.
‘The H1 performance has been really, really strong and we’re really pleased with‘Aftersalesit. revenue we’re really pleased with.
‘What’s going to happen in months to come I think is they’re going to be very much dictated by the normalisation of new vehicle supply.
Duncan McPhee Lookers chief operating officer
McPhee said: ‘We’re really pleased with where we are. When you look at the like-for-like basis, last year included government support of £12.7m, so it’s a different dynamic this year.
We’re really, really excited about the future. It’s all forward-looking.about
Lookers announced on August 24 that it made £49.9m pre-tax profit for the six months to the end of June – a dip of one per cent
‘We’re happy with where we are despite slight profit dip’
But that slight drop hasn’t fazed the company.
‘We’re really pleased with the gross margins we’re achieving in both new vehicles and used vehicles.’ [They were 8.7 per cent and 7.3 per cent respectively – up by 2.2 percentage points for new cars but down by 1.3 percentage points for‘Iused.]think it’d be wrong to say all is rosy in the garden – there are cost pressures and some headwinds in and around utilities and employment costs – but in general terms we’re really pleased,’ said McPhee.
ookers is excited about the future in the face of cost pressures andThat’sheadwinds.according to chief operating officer Duncan McPhee, who spoke to Car Dealer following the release of the new and used car dealership chain’s interim results for 2022.
14 | CarDealerMag.co.uk INTERVIEW
‘Used vehicle values are starting to drop, whereas they were very much appreciating last year.
L
‘So in the current market backdrop, we’re very pleased with where we finished the half-year.
‘We’re really, really excited about the future. It’s all about forward-looking. We’re thoroughly focused on delivering on our strategic priorities, and as and when they are fully delivered, they will deliver a lot more opportunity to the business.’
He said it was planning to open its second Polestar agency-model showroom – and that used vehicle values may continue to soften but they won’t go back to where they were before the pandemic.
Turning to the topic of used car prices, he said: ‘Fundamentally, there’s been a rebasing of used vehicle values. They won’t go back to pre-pandemic levels, that’s for sure.
‘There has been some softening. Potentially, going into Q4 we might see some more softening, but I think it’ll be very, very gradual. There’ll be no cliff edges.’
Senior Lookers exec Duncan McPhee spoke to John Bowman about used car prices, agency sales, where it’s at and more.
‘So I think we’ve done a lot of good things, and our colleagues are in a good place. They’re all very positive, they’re all very engaged and focused on the job in hand.
Future plans include Lookers opening its second Polestar site at the end of this year or the beginning of 2023, depending on factors such as planning permission.
‘Some lead times are taking 14, 15, even 16 months, and I think customers are just so keen to get their car they don’t really care what month it is.
‘We’re proud of what we’ve come through and very pleased with where we are.’
I
Polestar.knowmodel,simpleIt’sfairlyisagencythemodelgoingtobepositive.areallybusinessandwethisfrom
You saw customers coming out of Covid with quite a lot of cash in the bank, but you’re looking at the cost-of-living crisis now.
Lookers
‘In terms of existing brands and the transition towards agency, we’re working closely with our brand partners to make sure that the journey’s right for the dealer network and for the customers,’ said McPhee.
‘In terms of is it as big a thing as it has been in the past, I don’t think customers really have a choice, given lead times and given new vehicle supply.
‘We’ve done a lot of work around simplification and standardisation of the way that we operate – we were quite a devolved business previously.
‘I think supply and just the availability of new vehicle stock is dictating as and when customers take their vehicle, so it becomes less important at that point.
Duncan McPhee Lookers chief operating officer is set to open its second Polestar showroom
With the 72-plate due to be released on September 1, he agreed that New Plate Day just ain’t what it used to be.
‘As long as we keep selling them and they keep coming to us, we’ll deliver them at some point!’ think
‘Margin will reduce but so will costs. And because of the direct sale element, it will probably remove some of the third parties from selling to customers, so potentially there’s a volume upside to the dealer network.’
Car Dealer last spoke to McPhee in April, and he told of what the company had been doing since then.
A Lookers home delivery truck
‘I think the agency model is going to be fairly positive. It’s a really simple business model, and we know this from Polestar.
‘We’ve done a lot in terms of digitisation of the aftersales customer journey. We’re currently doing a big standardisation and harmonisation programme of our DMS, to get us on to one platform.
It’ll be in Glasgow, and as with its Manchester site, it’ll operate using the agency model, which is something that Lookers is seeking to expand.
‘We’ve engaged the sales force on a new sales transformation programme that will join up the online experience with the in-store experience, making it truly omnichannel.
| 17
He said demand for cars may start to ease soon but a sharp drop-off of price is unlikely. Meanwhile, demand for used diesel-engined cars is reportedly on the rise on the back of with demand outstripping supply for models that are capable of over 50mpg. A softening in fuel prices in recent weeks is also believed to be tuning buyers back into the idea of diesels.
‘The overall used market is slowing down, with price increases only for the right stock,’ he said. ‘Refurbishment levels continue to rise as vendors make their used cars as attractive
Chris Knight, UK automotive partner at KPMG, said: ‘With the rate of new cars entering supply issues, consumers are holding on to their vehicles for longer, resulting in fewer used car transactions. Prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic, as consumers are
percentage for the fuel in over a decade as the number of nearly-new and ex-fleet diesel cars
according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in August. That was a 19 per cent drop against the volumes seen in the same quarter of 2021, but still seen a reduction in used car prices, though, suggesting that it’s limited supplies rather than Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘It was inevitable that the squeeze on new car
ising energy costs and increases in interest rates haven’t eased supply problems in the used car market, as demand for previously owned models is still greater than the number of second-hand models reaching the market, with a renewed interest
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We provide flexible funding based on your needs and objectives. This means we can offer you a bespoke funding package tailored to your borrowing needs that adapts throughout the year.
You’ll also gain access to our industry-first Forecourt Insight Data Tool, where your account manager will be able to provide you with invaluable insight into consumer demand in the marketplace.
Our unique offering gives you access to flexible stock funding to help your business thrive. Depending on the product you choose, you’ll be able to stock more vehicles, increase your vehicle range, upgrade your forecourt, or improve your premises. You’ll also get access to exclusive performance insight –delivered via your dedicated account manager – with our innovative and award-winning Forecourt Insight Data Tool, to help you grow your margins and improve your profits.
T
Close Brothers Motor Finance – putting you first when it comes to funding
CLICK HERE TO WATCH CAR DEALER LIVE’S INTERVIEW WITH MD SEÁN KEMPLE
We’re the only provider offering this kind of plan, because your goals are our goals.
Your package will have a clear payment model and no hidden fees or nasty surprises. As a funded partner, you will be provided with both face-to-face and telephony support by your dedicated account manager, and they’ll help you reach your business goals. You’ll also receive additional support from a head office contact plus our partner support team – both of whom will take the time to fully understand your dealership and your business needs.
For more information, visit closemotorfinance.co.uk/dealer/funding-your-forecourt
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 21 TO NOMINATE A DEALERSHIP OR SOMEONE IN A CATEGORY, SIMPLY FILL OUT THE FORM HERE Sponsored by UsedUsedUsedUsedUsedUsedUsedUsedManufacturerAWARDSMANUFACTURERCarSchemeSmallCarMid-SizedCarExecutiveCarSportsCarSUVAFVCaroftheYear Sponsored AutoProtectby Dealers’ Dealer Sponsored by GardX Service & Repair Outlet Sponsored Warrantywiseby Used EV Dealer Sponsorship available Social Media User Sponsored by iVendi Use of Video Sponsored by Visitor Chat Used Car Website Sponsored by CarGurus Used Car Online Sales Experience Sponsored Codeweaversby Specialist Used Car Dealership Sponsored by Blue Motor Finance Used Car Sales Team Sponsored by Motorway Used Car Dealer Principal Sponsored by Aston Lark Future Star Sponsored by Northridge Finance Used Car Customer Care Sponsored by RAC Dealer Network Used Car Supermarket Sponsored by Mann Island Finance Newcomer Dealership Sponsored Moneybarnby Used Commercial Vehicle Dealer Sponsored by Close Brothers Motor Finance Days To Turn Sponsored by Auto Trader Diversity & Inclusion Sponsored by MotoNovo Finance Used Car Dealership: Up To 50 Cars Sponsored by Black Horse Used Car Dealership: 51-100 Cars Sponsored by Black Horse Used Car Dealership: Over 100 Cars Sponsored by Black Horse Used Car Dealership Group Sponsored by Black Horse Outstanding Achievement Sponsored by Trade 2 Trade Lifetime Achievement Sponsored by GardX CATEGORIESAWARD If you are interested in sponsoring an award or would like to book tickets for the event on November 28, email the sales team HERE ANDSPONSORSHIPSTICKETS NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 30 Sponsorship includes all seven car categories SOLD
Great cover, great service, great price. Job done. Our motor trade team delivers the quality cover you want, when you want it. Our service is straightforward – we’ll find you the right insurance quickly, easily and at competitive prices. CONTACT US TODAY on motortrade@astonlark.com or via 0330 008 1353 to find a policy that suits your needs at the right price. We understand how busy you are, so we get straight down to business, from independent motor traders to franchise dealers, recovery operators and more. Because we believe protecting your motor trade should be easy. With us, it is. YOURwww.astonlark.comWORLDISOUR FOCUS Aston Lark Limited is registered in England and Wales, No. 02831010. Registered office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Aston Lark Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, No. 307663 AL-CS-MT-048-0822 Aston Lark Motor Trade Thestraightforwardchoice
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From there, we went through the small print of their current policy and identified a list of restrictions and limitations that had never been made clear to them. These included:
• No cover for loss of MOT licence
At Aston Lark, we believe in making everything as easy as possible for our customers. So instead of keeping our new contact on the phone, we travelled to their premises the next day to meet them in person. This meant that we could see first-hand how their business operates, have a proper chat about the types of protection they need, and see what we could do for them on price as quickly and as easily as Immediately,possible.we noticed several areas where they were underinsured – which could have caused real problems if they ever had to claim.
• Theft cover that only applied to physical break-ins
For informationmore or to get in touch click here. Alternatively, give us a call on 0330 008 1353 and speak to a member of our specialist team.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 23
One motor trader discovered this for themselves after we got in touch to offer a no-obligation quote. They were happy to see what we could do, so we cracked into action straight away.
• Tool chests only being covered when chained up
All in all, we saved our new customer more than £1,000 on cover that provides much more protection – and it only took two days from the first point of contact. They were delighted, and so were we.
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These findings came as a shock to them. The motor trader thought that their tools were covered all the time, they had no idea they weren’t insured for losing their MOT licence, and they’d been sending out drivers who weren’t named on the policy, believing they would be protected. And all this was costing them £5,500.
We knew we could do better, so they appointed us to fix the immediate issues and source a new quote for their renewal. We headed back to the office, and the day after our visit we provided a renewal price from Axa that offered a much wider range of cover while correcting all their issues – for just £3,913.
• Insurance for named drivers only, rather than open cover
hen your motor trade insurance is already in place, it’s easy to believe it provides the right level of protection for your business. But with so many moving parts to the motor trade, every business is different – and not every policy will suit what you do. Unless you have reviewed your cover recently, you may find it isn’t as effective as you think.
After years of working in this industry, we care more than ever about helping our motor trade customers. That’s why our knowledgeable and experienced team do more than simply offer quotes for existing cover – we quote on what we believe each individual motor trader needs. And because we know how busy you are, we make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible – just ask our clients.
On top of that, we sourced two additional policies to give them extra peace of mind. Now the whole team benefits from personal accident cover and the directors have directors’ and officers’ insurance to safeguard their personal assets for only £600 more.
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24 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
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While I might not have been at the official glitzy launch, sipping champagne and asking engineers intelligent questions, I still enjoy flicking through the press photos, reading what rubbish the chief designer was inspired by and loading up the configurator. I know that sounds just a little pompous but I like cars – plain and simple. Which is why I can understand the whole discussion around the new Ferrari. The internet is awash with people’s takes on the car, and most of them are of the negative kind.
JAMES BAGGOTT WILL BE BACK NEXT MONTH JAMES BATCHELOR chatBatch
BatchelorJames
By this point in this magazine, you might have read our spread detailing all the things you need to know about the Purosangue – it’s on pages 10 and 11 if you haven’t – and you’ll probably have your own opinions. I have to say I feel strangely ambivalent about it.
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.
uckily for Nationwide, I still get enough of a kick out of this job to pay my mortgage. And one of the things that never fails to get me tapping away at my keyboard or producing a ropey video for my YouTube channel is the launch of a new car.
WHILE THE CEO’S AWAY, BATCH STEPS INTO HAVEBREACHTHETOHISSAY
The car world has been a better place with years.overHorsePrancingtheinitthe
And the Purosangue’s development has been pure Italian high opera. Journalists have lobbed questions to Ferrari management for years about whether they would follow the trend of building performance SUVs, and the answer was always a firm no.
That’s odd really because it’s a Ferrari. Yes, the company does go through strange cycles of producing absolutely stunning-looking cars then ones with little artistic merit at all, but I’m always pleased the company exists. Whether the fact that I read a cracking biography of Enzo Ferrari over the summer has anything to do with this notion I don’t know, but the car world has been a better place with the Prancing Horse in it over the years.
I’m off now to spec my Purosangue on the configurator.
Fast-forward to this month and after five years the SUV is here. But to ratchet up the melodrama, Ferrari doesn’t call its SUV an SUV. Paragraph after paragraph in the official press release goes on about the Purosangue being the brand’s first four-door, four-seater in its 75-year history – it ain’t an SUV, comprendere?
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 25
Proof of that, says Ferrari, is how the engine is jammed up against the bulkhead, the gearbox is at the back for better weight distribution, and the engine itself being Ferrari’s most iconic – a naturally aspirated V12.
COMMENT
Even as recently as 2017, then-CEO Sergio Marchionne was very adamant that he wouldn’t ‘bastardise’ the brand by building a type of car that could never have the ‘driving dynamics’ of a Ferrari. No Ferrari SUV, then. But to a different group of reporters a few months later, Marchionne completely went back on his earlier pronouncement and said an SUV ‘would probably happen’. This is high Italian art, right here.
I’m not actually appalled as others are that the Purosangue exists. I was always a big fan of the GTC4 Lusso, and some owners were well known for taking their cars to the Alps or on the type of terrain where a conventional Ferrari would suffer. The Purosangue is the same concept, albeit on stilts and with an extra pair of doors. It’ll surely bring in sales by the bucket-load. Despite costing upwards of £300,000-plus, the Purosangue has both SUV desirability and practical appeal, and I think Ferrari will struggle to cap sales to 20 per cent of its overall manufacturing output (it’s apparently well on course to sell more than 12,000 cars this year). Unlike others, I don’t have a problem with a car company spotting an opportunity it can milk and make money from – they’re businesses after all.
What I like less so is the whole theatre about creating the SUV in the first place. Just call it an SUV and embrace the reason for building it, as Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin and Lamborghini have. And while I’m at it, I want Ferrari to have as much self-obsessed pomposity when it comes to the hard sell of electric supercars in the near future.
Purosangue is an SUV pure and simple so why won’t Ferrari admit it?
L
OUR MAN ON THE BUSINESSONTHOUGHTSSHARESINSIDEHISTHECAR
That’s because these days your average car thief is a technological wizard; someone who can use a computer to remotely tell the car to ‘open sesame’ and – poof! – it’s gone in seconds.
Who is Big Mike?
COMMENT
The cars would be sold off at auction and we’d have to get them ready for sale, which would mean applying for all the relevant paperwork and also, quite often, getting new sets of keys cut.
The problem was that back then, the security system in Range Rovers was different to that of any other car. Because car crime was so rife in the 1990s, some electrical wizards over at Solihull had concocted a system whereby if you didn’t have the correct key, ECU or electronic code, you’d have no fighting chance of starting the Range Rover whatsoever. That is, unless you knew how to interrogate the system and had a bit of insider knowledge.
A couple of days later, Keith turned up at our site with a couple of Range Rover key blanks and a weird black box with flashing lights on it. He managed to laser-cut the keys by using lock picks in the door barrel, which was clever stuff, but the real witchcraft began when he got his black box out.
was reading a newspaper article recently about the most stolen cars in Britain and on the top of the tree was the Range Rover Sport, which despite having a security system that the manufacturer will tell you is stronger than that of Fort Knox, is a car that appears to go missing every five minutes.
Back then, my work colleague had a very good ‘in’ with a finance and repo company and we’d frequently source vehicles that had been lifted from outside the owner’s home because in trying to keep up with the Joneses they’d failed to keep up with their repayments.
Our usual locksmith was completely flummoxed and refused to touch it, so we asked around the trade and were finally put in touch with a character called Keith, who we were told was ‘the man’ when it came to reaching the parts that other locksmiths couldn’t reach.
One of the cars that we got via this medium was an old P38a Range Rover. You know, the ones that look like those old square taxis, Metrocabs, that never really took off. The one we got was a lovely spec – a black Vogue SE with all the bells, toys and whistles – but with no keys.
I
Crafty Keith was quids in twice over with Range Rover that didn’t have key
It’s hardly the best bit of news for Land Rover, as the Range Rover Sport has been top of this particular list for the past three years. Sure, it proves that the Birmingham-built battlecruisers are still extremely desirable, but the fact that they attract the undesirables isn’t going to help your insurance premium.
MikeBig
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.
I decided I wasn’t going to go back to him with the plate of biscuits I’d set aside, and instead would sit there and eat them
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This is nothing new, though. Back in the 1990s, when car theft was as fashionable as a Global Hypercolor T-shirt (those strange ones that made your sweat patches change colour), the Range Rover badge was equally as desirable withIndeed,ne’er-do-wells.thearticle brought back an amusing memory, albeit one that wasn’t funny at the time. It would have been the early 2000s, shortly after I’d left main dealer world and was working with a business associate running an independent site on the outskirts of Birmingham.
Sadly, and unsurprisingly, the contact details given to us by Keith the thief were phoney – unlike his phone, which was far less phoney by virtue of having been smashed to pieces and later found in a dustbin in Erdington. I’d paid him in cash so had no invoice and he had pretty much ceased to exist. Yes, that’s right. I’d actually paid a man to steal my own car…
The problem was that back then, the security system in Range Rovers was different to that of any other car.
Chastened, I waddled back to the portable building and decided I wasn’t going to go back to him with the plate of biscuits I’d set aside, and instead would sit there and eat them myself, just to spite his miserable attitude.
An hour later, Keith was done. A man of few words, he gave me two keys, said ‘them ones work’ and I wiped the biscuit crumbs from my tie and gave him £150 cash. The keys did indeed work a treat – the Range Rover locked and unlocked perfectly and started first time, so that evening I took it home to make sure that it was working properly and suitable for retail.
‘Past experience,’ said Keith, rather bluntly.
Having determined that it was, in fact, a really good example, we spent the following morning giving it the full works, and by early afternoon the Range Rover was in pride of place at the front of our lot, reversed up on to our ‘Car of the Week’ podium to show it off as our star attraction.
The following morning, though, it was no longer there. Nor did my colleague know where it was, so we summoned the local constabulary, who took it upon themselves to tell us what we already knew – that Range Rovers were very popular with car thieves. They also said that the only way to steal this particular model would be if someone had access to the ECU code or key – at which point the penny dropped.
‘That’s amazing,’ I said. ‘How did you come up with such a thing?’
repayments.withtothey’dthekeepinbecausehometheliftedvehiclesfromowner’stryingtoupwithJonesesfailedkeepuptheir
new keys to take a reading from the car’s ECU feed into the black box and back out the other side. According to Keith, the black box was essentially a code trapper that would read the signals from both key and ECU and get them to talk to each other. For the technology available at the time, it was really clever.
‘Of what?’ I quipped. ‘Being a car thief?’
To which he replied – rather too tersely, it has to be said – ‘Look, do you want this bloody thing fixing or not?’
Shoreham Vehicle Auctions first EV Auction 60 ELECTRIC VEHICLES up to
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 29
TalesTrader
Car dealer groups need to take heed of what is happening to the new car distribution model. The abject failure to deliver consistent customer experiences has meant that more and more manufacturers are taking back control of new car delivery. However, car sales functionality has been nigh on impeccable when compared with that of parts departments.
It was like a scene from Stars In Their Eyes where the meek, mildmannered window cleaner goes through the smoke and emerges as Johnny Rotten. It transpires that Tucsons of this generation suffer from faulty sensors in the fuel filter housing and that once corroded they can leak fuel. Knowing that we had just replaced the fuel filter, we were absolutely bang to Yourights.can’t just buy this part from anywhere, though. It’s an OEMsupplied part only. Being the good egg that I am, I told the garage I’d order the parts as long as they promised to get the car in as soon as I got them. But as commitments go, I didn’t think buying parts was akin to committing to finding Atlantis.
It was like a scene from Stars In Their Eyes where the JohnnyemergeswindowmeekcleanerasRotten.
COMMENT
CASTING
Main dealers really must get their act together over supplying OEM parts
‘Sounds lovely, and what’s the colour combination?’ I inquired.
A couple of months ago I bought a 16-plate Hyundai Tucson. A lovely car with proper franchise service history, panoramic sunroof and low mileage. It also had the one kryptonite feature that gets me to pay more every time: beige leather.
‘Hi Mr Customer. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how to open the sunroof again?’ I joked.
‘I wish. No, the car has just pissed fuel all over my mother-in-law’s new block-paved drive.’
MOTORWORLDCHALLENGINGWIDEEYEEXPERIENCEDANONTHEANDOFSALES
In a world that sees Amazon able to deliver clothes pegs within four hours pretty much anywhere, it’s not unreasonable to expect an OEM to deliver a clutch kit within 48 hours. I’d be amazed if OEM parts distribution models aren’t completely overhauled within two years, and much like me with my Tucson, dealers only have themselves to blame.
JAMES LITTON
Having had it in stock for just a couple of weeks, I took an inquiry from a window cleaner and his wife who told me they wanted an SUV and had a Lexus to part-exchange. ‘Tell me a bit about it,’ I said.
‘It’s a lovely low-mileage car, nice specification and full service history.’
My phone rang the next morning. ‘Hi James, it’s Mr Customer.’
It’s absolutely absurd how difficult it is to buy OEM parts from a main dealer. Most have centralised call centres that are impossible to get through to. If you’re lucky enough to speak to someone, you get told ‘We don’t deliver that far, mate’ even though the distribution centre is on the other side of the trading estate.
AsBOOM!expected, the deal was concluded, and after a couple of days the buyer was ready for me to deliver their new car. After a lovely handover where we discussed everything from the weather to the football, I left them with my standard parting line: ‘In the nicest possible way, I hope I never hear from you again.’ Oh how we laughed (with me not letting on that this was only the 8,000th time I have said that).
‘Burgundy with beige leather.’
I
James Litton is an automotive retail consultant who always has something to say about the industry he loves.
t all started so well…
Updated Corolla now boasts more power
NISSAN has released its fourth-generation X-Trail, bringing a bold new design and hybrid engine setups.
Active Premium+ and Allure Premium+ replace the previously available Active Premium and Allure Premium specifications, while base-level Allure trim has been removed entirely.
Peugeot
ASTON Martin has unveiled a new roadster version of its powerful V12 Vantage.
NISSAN
Limited to 249 models globally, the V12 Vantage
Much the same as the coupe V12 Vantage, the Roadster also has carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, while the front bumper, bonnet and side sills are all made from carbon fibre to reduce weight.
V12 Vantage Roadster takes performance to new level
Active Premium+ models have received a number of upgrades, including a new Aluminium Pack that adds door sills and pedals finished in the material. Allure Premium+ models also get the Aluminium Pack. The 3008 and 5008 models are now only sold with an eight-speed automatic ’box, combined with a 1.2-litre
3008 and 5008 are updated with fresh trim levels
Arriving as the most powerful Vantage Roadster, the 5.2-litre V12 model produces 690bhp and 735Nm of torque, enabling a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200mph.
Latest X-Trail arrives with hybrid-only powertrains
Priced from £32,030, the five- and seven-seater X-Trail sits atop the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-C platform. Among the models, the e-Power hybrid mates a 1.5-litre petrol engine to a 150kW front electric motor, with the combustion engine generating electricity and the front motor powering the wheels. A mild-hybrid version is offered in two-wheel-drive layout, bringing 161bhp and 300Nm of torque, which is sent to the wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox.
Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...
Roadster has received a bespoke tune for its adaptive dampers over the hard-top version, ensuring it delivers the best possible driving dynamic.
PEUGEOT has made a number of changes to its 3008 and 5008 models, bringing them in line with similar edits made to other cars in the firm’s range.
TOYOTA’S updated Corolla is now available to order, with prices starting from £29,610. The latest generation of the British-built Corolla was launched in 2019, and has now been tweaked. Power has been increased in both the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre versions, while inside is a 10.5-inch touchscreen offering new connected services, including remote access and a new voice control service. A 12.3inch digital instrument cluster is another addition, too.
TOYOTA
PEUGEOT
30 | CarDealerMag.co.uk CAR ROUND-UPNEWS
Peugeot50083008
ASTON MARTIN
The Mulliner-built model will be limited to just 18 examples, with each costing £1.65m excluding local taxes and options.
The Mistral takes the engine first used in the Chiron Super Sport 300+, which develops 1,578bhp.
Cupra had only offered the Leon with performance engine options, including 2.0-litre petrol engines with 242bhp or 296bhp, plus a 242bhp PHEV.
BENTLEY’S new limited-run Batur has been launched, showcasing how the firm’s electric cars of the future could look.
PORSCHE has developed a roof tent that can be used on a variety of its cars.
BUGATTI has created what it believes to be the ‘ultimate roadster’ – the W16 Mistral.
CUPRA is boosting the Leon line-up by broadening the range of engines.
It arrives as the most powerful Bentley model yet, thanks to its 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 730bhp and 1,00Nm of torque. The Batur also has Bentley’s ‘most advanced chassis’, with air suspension, electric anti-roll control, an electronic limited-slip differential and four-wheel steering.
Raising the roof to provide top views
There’s also a new engine option, with this 187bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol available as an automatic.
Batur offers glimpse at styling direction of future electric cars
FIAT’S latest Doblo van can now be ordered, with prices starting from £18,855 ex VAT. As well as diesel and petrol setups, the new Doblo will also be available with an electric powertrain via the E-Doblo. Thanks to a 50kWh battery, this can deliver up to 175 miles of range, while DC rapid charging means a zero to 80 per cent charge could be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Prices for the E-Doblo start at £27,855, after the government’s plug-in grant has been applied but ex VAT.
BENTLEY
A NEW version of Mini’s Electric hatch boasts a roof with a Limiteddifference.to200 units, the Multitone Edition has been designed to ‘symbolise the diversity within the Mini community’. Priced at £33,200, it has a roof that changes from a white colour at the front to grey and then to black.
BUGATTI
A special paint process sees the three shades applied one after the other, and changing weather conditions can alter the pattern, making each model unique.
Sitting inside a hard case, it can be used on the 911, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera andTheTaycan.walls are made of a breathable cotton blend and it incorporates water-resistant zips plus a separate rain cover.
Engine expandedline-uponLeon Multitone Edition has exclusive touches CUPRA MINI
PORSCHE
Latest Doblo van goes on sale in UK
The Leon will now be available with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 148bhp, mated to an automatic or manual gearbox.
With two side windows and a roof window, the tent gives excellent views of the area outside. Both side windows can be opened to allow in fresh air, too.
Named after the powerful wind that blows from the Rhône valley to the Mediterranean, the W16 Mistral will arrive as the final road-going Bugatti to use the firm’s legendary W16 engine.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 31
W16 Mistral eyes up title of fastest roadster
FIAT
ACQUISITION MOVING
HENDY Group has completed its acquisition of West Way Nissan in Southampton for an undisclosed fee.
Porsche says more about flotation
NEW Reg Day has lost its appeal among car Accordingbuyers.tonew research for used car supermarket Motorpoint, the twice-annual festival of excitement in the UK car industry no longer has any allure among potential punters.
Director of stock and purchasing Dean Walker said a poll of 1,000 people found only 4.9 per cent could summon up any enthusiasm for the digits on their number plate. Fuel type topped the list, with 63.1 per cent saying it would sway them.
The south coast-based outfit has bought the site from Nissan GB and plans to integrate it with the group ahead of a planned move to new premises in nearby Eastleigh.
A USED car dealership in Portsmouth will be on the move soon after plans for retirement flats to go up on its site were Hampshireapproved.CarSales in Drayton is to make way for 55 homes, to be built by Churchill Retirement Living.
NEWS DIGEST
The firm already represents the Japanese manufacturer in Dorset and Wiltshire but West Way will be its first Nissan dealership in Hampshire.
I’m not exists.theothersappalledactuallyasarethatPurosangue
James Batchelor
p25 DASHBOARD
Hampshire Car Sales is bound for Bognor
PORSCHE has given more details about its proposed stock market flotation, with bosses saying they want the firm to be ready ‘as early as possible’.
It’s valued at between €60bn and €85bn, with a share sale planned for the end of September. A so-called ‘intention to float’ document just published reveals that 12.5 per cent of Porsche’s total capital will be listed, although Reuters says the timing and listing are ‘subject to further capital market developments’.
A spokesman for the dealership, which is part of the Richmond Motor Group, told Car Dealer that the showroom would be moving to a new site in Bognor Regis and it could be as soon as October.
SHARESPOLL
New Reg Day just ain’t what it was
HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
TWO dealerships hosted their first events to improve the river Ribble and its tributaries.
Staff at Bowker Mini on Preston Docks and Trident Park in Blackburn joined forces with customers to volunteer for Ribble Rivers Trust. The Preston centre focused on removing litter from the Ribble in Penwortham, while the Blackburn centre went brash-bundling along Bashall brook to protect the riverbank from erosion. Pictured from left are Bowker Mini manager Daniel Gibson, graphic designer Ben Bassett, trust volunteer Ian Blades and Bowker marketing executive Jess O’Neill
32 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Hendy completes Nissan site deal
Bowker Mini staff and customers join forces in first events to clean up river and prevent erosion
CONSERVATION
CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY
PODCAST THE TEAM FROM CAR DEALER TALK
The vast majority of the money was raised at the Causeway Coast Ford Fair, which brought in £3,647.88 for the Portrush branch of theTheRNLI.event was attended by record crowds, with the organising committee also pledging a further £1,000 to the charity fund.
A CAR dealership believes it has found an innovative way of making money – holiday lets.
In trying to keep up with repaymentsupfailedJonesesthethey’dtokeepwiththeir Big Mike p26 Advert calculated to deliver best cars Supplier News: p55
Group 1 Automotive buys Fairfield BMW
Croyde Motors, which sees tourists flock to its namesake Devon seaside village every summer, has submitted a proposal that would see it expand with another showroom as well as two ‘small-scale’ holiday lets.
Cazoo to pull out of mainland Europe
Turn
NEWSLATESTANDINTERVIEWS IN THIS PODCASTREGULARTOLISTENTOPASTEPISODESOFTHE CAR PODCASTSDEALERCLICKHERE
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 33
CAZOO is to pull out of mainland Europe to focus on the UK market.
page
SALE PROPOSAL
The sale bolsters Group 1’s 70-plus-site UK business and adds another showroom to its BMW representation, which includes numerous sites under the Barons and Chandlers names.
BRISTOL Street Motors has appointed Verity Hall as the new general manager of its Vauxhall and Peugeot sites in Sunderland.
It says that would allow it to cater for increased sales of EVs while filling a gap in the holiday market at the same time.
Forecourt: p40 WITHDRAWAL APPOINTMENT
TRUSTFORD presented a cheque for more than £4,600 to its charity partner the RNLI.
The online used car retailer had been operating in Italy, France, Germany and Spain, but following a strategic review it said there would be ‘an orderly wind-down’ in Germany and Spain, and that it was consulting with employee representatives in France and Italy.
Hall, who most recently worked as a franchise manager in Sunderland, began her career as a sales executive at Bristol Street Motors Durham Vauxhall. She replaces Jass Singh, who is retiring after several years in the post. Bristol Street Motors hopes the appointment will encourage other women seeking a career in the motor trade.
Cazoo’s withdrawal from the four EU nations means 750 more jobs will be lost on top of the 750 announced earlier this year. over to catch up on more stories ABOUT THE
Verity takes over at Sunderland sites
The deal likely includes Fairfield Mini, which sits next door to the Leigh-on-Sea-based business, but it’s unclear at this stage.
CHARITY
Driven by
Ford is the official vehicle supplier to the RNLI.
MOTOR trade giant Group 1 Automotive has acquired Essexbased Fairfield BMW.
TrustFord thousandsdonatestoRNLI
‘It’s a shame the transition in powertrain has dented the boot space, but in all other areas this is one impressive plug-in hybrid .’
Showroom looks to offer holiday lets
The celebration of all things Audi at Lookers Audi Farnborough saw owners and enthusiasts not only test-drive new cars but also put their own vehicles on show. Cars on display included the RS 3 Saloon and RS Q8 Vorsprung from Audi plus 43 vehicles fromHeadowners.ofbusiness Jo
Edmondson is seen on the left with members of the Lookers Audi Farnborough team
SWINDON dealership Pebley Beach bared nearly all when it handed over 10 new Hyundai i10s to help raise awareness of testicular cancer.
A group of young men who are university ambassadors for underwear firm OddBalls stripped to their underwear to collect the keys to the hatchbacks, which will be used around the country by the OddBalls Foundation. Pebley Beach will supply 45 Hyundai i10s over the next three years. Pictured are customer services manager Harry Threlfall, left, with OddBalls university ambassador manager Kieran Kelly
Tracks of Taunton brings down shutters
All the jobs – said to have numbered more than 50 – were lost ahead of Dudley-based Westfield Sports Cars and Westfield Autonomous Vehicles stopping trading. But now some of the staff – if not all – will be re-employed as it looks to return to production and revitalise the brands.
NEW company Westfield Chesil Ltd has snapped up all the assets of sports car maker Westfield, which went into administration in June.
A SUZUKI dealership in Somerset has suddenly stopped trading, blaming the pandemic and changes in the Tracksindustry.ofTaunton brought down the shutters on August 19, with a transporter seen taking cars away, said the Somerset County Gazette.
INITIATIVE DASHBOARD
SAVEDCLOSURE The bhp
The move by the Co Antrim business, which is celebrating its 55th birthday, will also see it create 40 more jobs, bringing the total workforce number to 70.
Westfield workers to get their jobs back
LOOKERS treated Audi fans to an exclusive event involving some of the best-performing models.
Stripping down with a difference! It’s the bare essentials for special handover at Pebley Beach
GROWTHDISPLAY
Halliday’s reveals expansion plans
High-octane treat for fans of Audi
HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY
Purosangue.Ferrari’s Feature p10
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A notice on the door says the dealership is permanently closed. Its sister dealership in Exeter is staying open and will honour maintenance plans as well as warranties. of
NEWS DIGEST
704
HALLIDAY’S of Bushmills says it plans to double its turnover to £26m within five years.
It currently represents Citroen, Peugeot and Isuzu, and managing director Lexy Halliday, pictured, said talks were under way with a number of other manufacturers. Halliday’s is also hoping to open a £57m wellness destination on adjoining land.
End of an era as Oldfields to shut
HOLDCROFT Motor Group fell victim to a major cyber attack that caused ‘significant damage’ and may have compromised staff information.
GONE: Britishvolt’s founder has quit the post of CEO of the battery cell firm. Orral Nadjar, who established it in 2019, has handed over for the time being to deputy CEO Graham Hoare. It follows leaked documents that said it was on ‘life support’.
ALLEN Motor Group has bought Milton Keynes Autorama and Delgarth Motor Group.
Dealers targeted in two-day crackdown
Husband Ron was 68 when he died in 1998.
Oldfields has been in the same family for well over 100 years, but director Peter Oldfield said increased competition from selfstyled online disruptors had left the business ‘fighting for scraps’. He told Car Dealer the business would continue until November 1.
Feature:
Holdcroft targeted by cyber attackers
The group, which has 23 sites, is understood to have lost data stretching back years. It said it had resolved most of the issues that staff had experienced, but it warned them not to access personal sites from their work computer and urged them to change their passwords for personal accounts. (See page 12)
Picturedteam’.via Google Street View is Delgarth’s Hyundai and Kia dealerships in Bletchley
It’s mainpartstodifficultabsurdabsolutelyhowitisbuyOEMfromadealer.
From Apple watches to Lotus accessories, we’ve found some really cool products to help banish the post-summer holiday blues
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 35 ‘Quote.’
TRIBUTE
STRUGGLE
AUCTION: A Ford Escort RS Turbo driven by Diana, Princess of Wales sold for a staggering £650,000 at auction. The black Escort, driven by the late royal from August 23, 1985 to May 1, 1988, went to a UK buyer at the Silverstone Auctions sale
BOSSES at a family car dealership in Southport are bringing the curtain down on more than a century of business after struggling to compete with the likes of Cinch and Cazoo.
OPERATION
RON Brooks Motor Group is mourning the death of joint founder Elsie Brooks at the age of 92.
pXX
EXPANSION: McLaren Automotive is to enter the Indian market. It’ll be the supercar brand’s 41st global territory and forms a key part of the marque’s global expansion plans, it said. The first outlet to open will be McLaren Mumbai in October.
ECO: A £20m scheme will see more than 1,000 new EV charging points built across England to help EV owners with no driveway get easy access to charging. The government will give £10m, industry £19m and £1.9m will come from councils.
BITE-SIZE
Image: Google Street View
Autorama and Delgarth bought
She had been a director of the company from the day it was founded 60 years ago. Group chairman, MD and son-in-law Kevin Slack, seen here with Elsie in 2007 when the group won Toyota’s Ichiban award, said: ‘She was a special lady with strong principles and has left a great legacy.’
Ron Brooks group co-founder Elsie dies
HACK
DEAL
The two dealership firms, which represent Hyundai, Suzuki and Kia in Milton Keynes and Bletchley, have been owned by the Turney family since they were founded in 1981 by Dave Turney, who thanked his ‘amazing
James Litton p29
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A CAR with a broken rear suspension spring that made it potentially dangerous was uncovered during a crackdown on used car dealers. Investigations into possible offences at two premises are also ongoing following the two-day Central Bedfordshire Council trading standards sting. The team visited specific car trader forecourts after reviewing complaints and other information. Other findings included illegally tinted headlights.
AXED: The Geneva Motor Show has been canned for the fourth year in a row because of ‘uncertainties in the global economy and geopolitics’. It was due to take place in February 2023, but the focus will now all be on the Qatar leg in November.
Compared with vehicles such as the (recently discontinued) Caravelle, driving the ID. Buzz feels like you’ve jumped forward not by a generation but a whole century.
WHATPowerISIT?
WHAT’S NEW?
WHAT’S UNDER THE BOOT FLOOR?
The
drives the rear wheels and produces 201bhp. ID.VolkswagenBuzzStyle Price (as tested): £61,915 Engine: Single electric motor Power: 201bhp Torque: 310Nm Max speed: 90mph (limited) O-60mph: 10.2 seconds Range: 258 miles (WLTP) Emissions: 0g/km CO2 KNOWLEDGETHE
36 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
It’s rear-wheel drive only for now, borrowing a 201bhp electric motor from the ID.4 Pro Performance. The 77kWh battery is borrowed from the ID.4 as well – meaning a quoted range of around 258 miles and the ability to rapid-recharge at up to 170kW.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this Volkswagen’s most important new car – even if it is technically a van. It’s taken more than two decades to materialise, but finally, fans of the original VW Bus can go out and buy a reimagined, 21st-century version.
It gets a helping hand from not having noisy petrol or diesel engines under the bonnet of course, but things go much further than that. Road noise is well suppressed, and while there’s the inevitable bit of wind noise that comes from being shaped like a two-metre-wide wholemeal loaf, all things considered it’s not that intrusive.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
There’s obviously a bit of the original van’s DNA in there somewhere, but you won’t find any 1950s throwbacks such as cutesy circular headlights or lashings of chrome. single electric motor
In short, everything. This is Volkswagen’s first proper stab at an electric van (after a brief flirtation with the disappointing ABT e-Transporter) and it’s not messing around. In fact, part of the long gestation period for the ID. Buzz has been spent waiting for the right technology to come along.
This is a car that could sell on its looks alone. To our eyes, VW has done a great job of reimagining its iconic people-mover for the 21st century and has skilfully sidestepped spitting out a retro-looking pastiche.
What’s most surprising is the Buzz’s inherent feeling of solidity. It even handles much better than it has any right to. The overriding feeling from driving the ID. Buzz is one of absolute ease; relaxation even.
The new ID. Buzz aims to capture some of the original VW Bus sparkle. Jon Reay went out to Copenhagen to see if it manages to achieve this.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
ID.VOLKSWAGENFORECOURTBUZZ
THE RIVALS:
WHAT’SInsideIT
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
There are only two trim levels – Life and the aforementioned Style – but even the cheaper option isn’t exactly spartan. As standard, there’s VW’s ubiquitous 10-inch infotainment screen, another ‘digital cockpit’ display in front of the driver, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, plus wireless phone charging, along with heated seats, steering wheel and windscreen.
The reimagined 21st-century VW people-mover will probably sell just on its looks.
KEY SELLING POINTS:
Mercedes EQV
LIKE INSIDE?
2. Fun and spacious interior
The one thing the Buzz majors on is interior space. Front- and back-seat occupants get acres of head and leg room to play with. Boot space is also excellent, with a typical van-like square opening and clever under-floor storage. However, of the three rear seats, only two have Isofix mountings – a strange omission for a family-focused car such as this.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 37
1. Retro-futuristic styling
coloured interior pack, some more sophisticated headlights and, of course, bigger alloys.
TARGET BUYERS:
Tesla Model X
3. Very car-like to drive
A proper 21st-century VW Bus – and the firm’s most refined and easy-to-live-with MPV yet.
The lively interior matches the Buzz’s exterior with colour options to jazz up the cabin.
Car Magazine said: ‘The ID. Buzz is a unique offering which fuses clever packaging, spoton looks, up-to-date electric propulsion and a truckload of emotional brownie points at a relatively affordable tariff.’ Auto Express said: ‘It’s not quite as practical as its van-based rivals, admittedly, but it trumps the myriad SUVs it competes with when it comes to space and family-friendly features.’
Citroen e-Spacetourer
Appearance
Go for the ‘seat styling package’ – standard on Style models – and you’ll get a lively interior to match the Buzz’s exterior. In addition to white interior plastics and fabric, there’s the choice of yellow, green, orange or navy blue accents to jazz up the seats, dash and doors.
DEAL CLINCHER:
It’s great to drive – perhaps even better to be a passenger in – and injects some real fun into what could otherwise have been a square, uninspiring MPV. It’s not cheap, though. We’d also like to have seen more interior wizardry. But the ID. Buzz is a likeable, well-thought-out bit of design that’s a worthy successor to the original VW Bus and a great electric van and people carrier in its own right.
Style models get, as the name suggests, a few choice design upgrades: namely the multi-
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Style-conscious families and EV buyers wanting more space.
There’s no seven-seat option yet either – VW says this will arrive only when a longer wheelbase version materialises.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The ID.drivingfeelingoverridingfromtheBuzzisone of absolute ease.
The RX 2.5-litre
Power: 304bhp Torque: N/A Max speed: 124mph O-60mph: 6.3 seconds MPG (combined): 235.4-256.8 Emissions: 24-26g/km CO2
pairs a
hybrid powertrains.
Lexus’s has a sharp new look plus new Ted Welford jetted to to
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Lexus has worked to make the RX into more of a ‘driver’s car’ and it certainly feels more dynamic than its predecessor, with improved feel through the corners and less body roll. But make no mistake, this SUV is at its best at a steady cruise.
Price (as tested): N/A Engine: 2.5-litre petrolelectric hybrid
WHAT’S NEW?
This PHEV pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors for a combined 304bhp. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a stepped automatic gearbox, with the sprint to 60mph taking 6.3 seconds and on to 124mph. But it’s the 40-mile electric range that will be the great attraction thanks to the large 18.1kWh battery.
WHAT IS IT?
fifth-generation RX
Using the platform GA-K, the car is 95 per cent new, says Lexus. There are three powertrains that are new or heavily reworked, plus a plug-in hybrid RX. The exterior gets a bolder and more modern look, while the interior has been overhauled with a new infotainment system displayed on a smart new 14-inch touchscreen display.
The Lexus RX has always excelled when it comes to comfort and refinement, and that remains the same with this latest generation. In fact, it’s improved thanks to the addition of this plug-in hybrid’s greater electric-only running ability, which offers scope for plenty of journeys to be completed without waking the engine – particularly around town.
Lexus’s designs have continued to get bolder and bolder in recent years, and the RX’s has too, with reworked styling that brings it in line with the firm’s latest NX and the new electric RZ. The front end is dominated by a reworked version of Lexus’s well-known ‘spindle
petrol engine with twin electric motors that pump out 304bhp.
California
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
LEXUSFORECOURT RX
check it out.
KNOWLEDGETHELexusRX450h+Takumi
The 2005 RX 400h was Lexus’s first hybrid – something the brand has built on ever since. That brings us to this fifth-generation RX, which is debuting new electrified powertrains while being overhauled inside and out as well. First deliveries will be in early 2023.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Like its predecessor, the new RX is being offered purely with hybrid powertrains in the UK, with a choice of two regular hybrid setups (one being more performance-orientated) and a new plug-in option we’re trying here.
Under the bonnet
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
The design of the Lexus is now bolder, with the front end dominated by a ‘spindlereworkedgrille’.
The overhaul in technology is most certainly welcome, as is the slightly more engaging experience.driving
Although a car’s looks will always be subjective, we can’t help but feel the rear looks a bit bland compared with the front. Yes, there’s a large LED light bar, but aside from that there are few other noteworthy details and it makes it look a bit anonymous.
Lexus seems to be on a roll at the moment, and just like the second-generation NX that arrived earlier this year, this new RX feels like a significant step forward compared with itsThepredecessor.overhaul in technology is most certainly welcome, as is the slightly more engaging driving experience. This plug-in hybrid powertrain would be our pick of the RX line-up, too, with its usable electric range and impressive refinement. If Lexus gets the price right, it could be on to a winner with this large SUV.
Regardless of what RX you pick, you’re guaranteed a very impressive level of equipment, with all versions getting electric and heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, triple-zone climate control and keyless entry.
Lexus UK is yet to announce pricing for the new RX, but we expect it to rise noticeably over the current car’s £57,865 because of the uplift in hybrid powertrains and technology.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 39 TARGET BUYERS: Loyal Lexus clientele who know and love the brand. THE RIVALS: Audi VolvoBMWQ7X5XC90 KEY SELLING POINTS: 1. Impressive refinement 2. Hybrid powertrains 3. Coveted reliability record DEAL CLINCHER: All the typical RX traits, but now with a vastly improved interior.
Upgrade to the Premium Plus version and large 21-inch alloy wheels, smooth leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a head-up display are just a few highlights. Right at the top of the line-up, the Takumi model gets pretty much any item you could think of, including adaptive suspension, a panoramic roof and an outstanding 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system that’s a must for any music lover.
Style
grille’, and when this is in gloss black, it gives the SUV a particularly imposing look. It’s an example of how to do a big grille without being over the top – take note, BMW.
Inside The thecabinbutton-clutteredinsteadtouchscreenanowinteriorhas14-inchoftheofpast.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? Auto Express said: ‘The new infotainment and the efficiency potential from the 450h+ powertrain are huge steps forward.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
It feels like a huge step up compared with the outgoing car. The button-cluttered cabin of the past is gone and in its place is an interior dominated by the new 14-inch touchscreen that debuted on the NX. It’s a vast improvement on Lexus’s old infotainment system (operated by an awkward touchpad) and immediately modernises the cabin. The quality remains as high as ever, with a feeling that the RX has been built to last, while the level of space on offer is impressive – particularly in the rear seats, where adults can comfortably sit behind someone in the front even with their seat as far back as possible.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Engine: 2.9-litre V6 petrol with electric motor and battery
WHAT’S NEW?
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The Flying Spur, despite its switch in powertrain, still has a firm focus on comfort and refinement. This new Hybrid version, it should be mentioned, doesn’t replace existing petrol-powered versions but acts as an addition to the range for now.
This luxury saloon uses a combination of petrol and electric power. What’s it like? Jack Evans has been finding out.
The 2.9-litre V6 engine is mated to a 100kW electric motor, giving 536bhp and 750Nm of torque.
There are some small ‘Hybrid’ badges on the flanks, but it’s a car that doesn’t shout loudly about its electrical assistance. Inside, you’ve got the same ultra-luxurious cabin as you’d find on the regular Spur, albeit with a few hybrid-specific driving mode buttons.
Following in the wake of the Bentayga Hybrid comes this – the Flying Spur Hybrid. It’s a version of Bentley’s luxury saloon fitted with a fuel-sipping petrol-electric setup.
But thanks to its 18kWh battery, the Flying Spur Hybrid will also manage more than 25 miles on electric power alone – and after a full charge (which takes two and a half hours on a rapid charger), we saw around 30 miles in the electric tank. Bentley also claims up to 85.6mpg combined and impressively low CO2 emissions of 75g/km.
Price (as tested): £168,300
The ability to drive on electric power alone only elevates the quiet experience that you get from the Flying Spur. It can be used at motorway speeds, too, but we found the EV power was best saved for around town, where it makes the Flying Spur even more relaxing to drive.
Power: 536bhp Torque: 750Nm Max speed: 177mph O-60mph: 4.1 seconds MPG (combined): 85.6 Emissions: 75g/km CO2
KNOWLEDGETHEBentleyFlyingSpurHybrid
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The hybrid engine definitely isn’t lacking in performance, though. In fact, with that battery fully topped up, there’s some real zip away from the line, with the petrol engine chiming in when more performance is required. But it’s all extremely well calibrated –there’s very little to showcase the transition from electric to petrol power – and once the electric energy is fully depleted, you’re still left with a very refined V6 engine.
Under the bonnet
WHAT IS IT?
With its promise of being the ‘most environmentally-friendly Bentley to date’, the Flying Spur comes with a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine that is then linked to a 100kW electric motor. Combined, you get 536bhp and 750Nm of torque, with zero to 60mph taking 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 177mph possible if you have the space and ability to do so.
BENTLEYFORECOURT FLYING SPUR HYBRID
Style
Regal on-road presence 2. Prodigious performance 3. Exquisitely made interior DEAL CLINCHER: It has the power and luxury you’d expect from a Bentley, but with the added benefit of EV driving capability.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 41 TARGET BUYERS: The incredibly wealthy and CEOs with a green-living conscience. THE RIVALS: Mercedes-Benz S580 e BMW i7 Audi A8 L TFSI e KEY SELLING POINTS:
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
There’s not a lot to distinguish the hybrid from the rest of the range apart from an extra filler cap and oval exhaust pipes.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
WHAT DO WE THINK?
Inside
The cabin of the Bentley remains as exquisitely fashioned as you’d expect a car from this brand to be. There are some clear aspects that come from Bentley’s Volkswagen Group owners – the steering wheel buttons being the most noticeable – but everything is well fitted together and easy to access. Those sitting in the rear can enjoy loads of legroom, too, alongside independent seat adjustment controls and motorised fold-out tables.
It’s a shame the transition in powertrain has dented the boot space, but in all other areas this is one impressive plug-in hybrid.
Autocar said: ‘It has the commanding performance that we expect of any Bentley, remarkable comfort, refinement and opulent luxury, too, and plenty of driver appeal.’ Car said: ‘This is unquestionably a very pleasant mode of transport. But if you’ll be spending the vast majority of your time up front, perhaps you need to give the lighter, less-stressed V8 one last shot.’
The cabin of the Flying Spur is beautifully put together – as would be expected from Bentley.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
In terms of boot space, the Flying Spur Hybrid offers 351 litres. That’s considerably down on the 420 of the petrol-powered Spur and much of the Hybrid’s boot is taken up by the charging cables. Having said that, you’re most likely to leave the large three-pin connector at home rather than cart it around with you, so this does free up more luggage space.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
It’s got the kind of performance you’d expect from a car of this type, while its ability to travel on electric-only power means the refinement levels are taken up a notch over the petrol version. It’s a shame the transition in powertrain has dented the boot space, but in all other areas this is one impressive plug-in hybrid.
Our particular Flying Spur Hybrid came in at £168,300, with the aforementioned British Racing Green paintwork, 22-inch wheels and a dual-tone cabin finished in tan and exteriormirroring green leather. Some options had been added, including Bentley’s rotating display which, although feeling awfully secret spy-esque, comes with a £4,865 price tag. The level of fit-and-finish feels more than up to the standard you’d expect from a car of this price, with the quality of screens and displays right up there with some of the best around.
1.
As we’ve already mentioned, there’s not an awful lot to distinguish the Hybrid from the rest of the Flying Spur range. You’ve got an extra filler cap to cover the charging point, of course, while oval exhaust pipes are another tell-tale feature of these battery-assisted versions. But this approach works well. The only real flag came from pedestrians looking at this more-than-five-metre-long saloon and wondering why it was moving without making a noise. ‘Our’ test car came in a particularly striking green shade with orange contrasts, but as with any Bentley, there are thousands of exterior colours and trim pieces to choose from.
Called the 911 Sally Special, she had a specific new Blue paint to match the film car, along with a bespoke set of alloy wheels and a fully bespoke interior.
epending on the film, a car can play a crucial role on the silver screen, and this product placement can be hugely important to manufacturers if done right.
D
takes a look at special-edition cars that have been inspired by the movies.
Porsche 911 Sally Special Disney and Pixar’s feature film Cars played a big part in the childhoods of plenty of young petrolheads, with one of the stars of the film being Sally Carrera – an animated Porsche 911.
But alongside the ‘film cars’, companies often like to capitalise on this by creating special or limited-edition versions of existing models, allowing customers to get their hands on a piece of film memorabilia, albeit a replica. Let’s take a look at some of the movie-inspired special editions sold over the years.
Working in collaboration with Pixar, Porsche brought the film car to life, although just as a one-off.
Aston Martin has continued to heavily support the franchise with a range of cars, but the DB5 remains the most iconic. Some 56 years after the sports car debuted, in 2020 Aston Martin announced it would build 25 ‘Continuation’ models, each with a range of gadgets just like the film car – including simulated front machine guns. The catch? It cost £2.75m and its modifications meant it wasn’t road-legal. We shudder to think how much one costs now!
LIGHTS, TRACTION!CAMERA,
Porsche auctioned the car for charity at RM Sotheby’s in August this year, raising $3.6m (£3.1m).
FEATURETedWelford
appearing in the 1964 hit Goldfinger, it’s since featured in six further films.
One of the more unusual filminspired special editions of recent years came from Hyundai, which worked with the Marvel film franchise to create an Iron Man version of its Kona crossover. A very funky edition, it came painted in a stealthy matt-grey-and-red finish in a nod to the Iron Man suit.
Another truly iconic film car is the Ford Mustang used by Steve McQueen in the ’60s movie Bullitt.
Land Rover is another manufacturer that’s worked closely with the James Bond film franchise, particularly in more recent years. The latest 007 film No Time to Die stars the firm’s Defender, which was used in filming before the car had even been revealed.
To coincide with the film’s world premiere, Land Rover created a ‘Bond Edition’. Limited to 300 units globally and just 15 in the UK, it was based on the mighty V8 Defender and brought a full black styling package like the film cars, along with special treadplates and graphics. Costing from £110,000 when new, examples are now listed for sale for almost double that figure.
Some film-inspired special editions are better than others, and one of the less-convincing efforts in recent times has been the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Edition.
Launched in 2016 to coincide with the release of the Batman v Superman blockbuster, it wasn’t much more than a dark painted Jeep with some different badging.
Limited to 500 units at £19,495 each, they came about through a partnership between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Jeep’s owner at the time) and Warner Bros Studios, with changes confined to different alloy wheels, gloss black accents and ‘exclusive Dawn of Justice black cloth seats’. They now cost from £9k.
In 2018, Ford decided to reignite the spirit by creating a new modern-day version of the Ford MustangPaintedBullitt.inaunique colour of Dark Highland Green like the original, the Bullitt also got a different exterior to other Mustangs and was introduced to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Warner Bros hit. Costing just under £50,000 when new, the model proved so popular that Ford extended the production run into 2020. They now cost from £41k.
Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Edition
The changes didn’t end there though, as it also had a unique bonnet complete with the Marvel logo and bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, while inside were leather seats with red stitching and special branding. Based on the top-spec Kona, it was also offered with a more powerful 174bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. Just 300 came to the UK in 2019 at £27,995 apiece. They now cost from £20,000 used.
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Hyundai Kona Iron Man Edition
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It even creates its own Porschebased cars from time to time.
Ruf recently teamed up with lifestyle firm Highsnobiety to create a limited run of eyecatching jackets, T-shirts and accessories.Mnyofthem have already sold out, so we’d get pretty sharpish on the ones that remain.
Lotus new accessories
The new Apple Watch Ultra is bigger than the standard model, offering a two-inch screen in a 49mm casing.
LOTUS is one of those British car manufacturers that nearly everybody knows. The Norfolk-based firm’s lightweight sports cars are famed for their sharp, direct handling and seemingly never-ending grip. Because people love tinkering on their own Lotus cars, it has just launched a new accessories platform that gives quick and easy access to a wide range of spare parts.
It’s been designed to appeal to adventure-focused people, which is why it even features a dive depth function that can show you at what ocean level you’re swimming. An upgraded battery means it should stay ‘on’ for up to 36 hours, too.
from £849
STUFFCOOLAppleWatchUltrafrom£849
Arriving as a subtle successor to the iPhone 13, the new 14 gains a faster processing chip for ‘Pro’ models, while it still retains its Lightning port – despite many critics expecting it to switch to USB-C charging.
YOU may not have heard of Ruf, but this small sports car manufacturer that tweaks and fettles Porsche models to take them even closer to perfection has a very loyal following.
Ruf x Highsnobiety
OK, so we’re going double-Apple in the feature this month, but given just how popular the firm’s watch is, we make no apologies for this entry.
As we now move towards autumn and the days start getting steadily shorter, it’s a period where a lot of people are returning to work after their main break of the year. But don’t despair – we’ve got some really cool products this month to help banish those post-holiday blues.
But it also has a great line-up of lifestyle merchandise such as
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 45 FEATURE
IF there’s one thing that you can rely on in life, it’s Apple’s yearly release of a new iPhone, and it hasn’t disappointed on that front with the reveal of the new iPhone 14.
Various prices
Various prices
Well, summer breezed by pretty quickly, didn’t it?
As before, you can expect a decent range of colours to choose from, including a new eyecatching purple shade.
iPhone 14
New car market finally rises in August
A lot of DVLA staff are still working from home. To try to get a reply from a human, I would be communicating with them by first class/signed-for registered post. How about paying one month’s road tax by cheque ‘under protest’ and request that they provide a photo? You weren’t smoking it, as I don’t think using trade plates for private journeys is allowed.
@Brian70362077
Interesting that the percentage of non-electrified petrols went up in August. Everything else apart from BEV is down. Are the rental companies buying again I wonder? They are completely welded to very manual cars still.
regarding an allegedly untaxed vehicle that I own.
They have one BEV that nobody wants as it’s too expensive and the wheels don’t stay on...
• Car is notified as being in my possession as per my trade policy
This seems very heavy-handed of them, given the fact that I had responded to the first letter. I tried to ring them yesterday, but the whole options list seems to be geared towards not talking to people and suggesting that appeals are not normally successful.
I don’t think this includes Tesla as they are not members of the SMMT etc. Apologies if I’m wrong. I don’t want to spread wrong info. But if I’m correct, then the market share for BEVs is even larger. I stand to be corrected.
The ANPR camera can’t see the plates when they are on top of the dashboard or wedged behind the back window. You should be able to get a copy of the ANPR image to substantiate your claim, but if trade plates aren’t visible then they will prosecute.
@patrickjreddy
to
Help with DVLA issue would be very much appreciated
@serichards
14.5 per cent battery-electric vehicle market share in August 2022. That’s a 3.6 per cent growth on last month. Useful commentary
• Car bought from auction with no V5 as it was a finance repossession
The Old Novice
I have an issue with the DVLA
• I completed the V62 form to apply for a V5
Good things come in small packages, so the saying goes, and we have a rather cute example this month. Burlen – which owns the J40 Motor Company – has acquired the Austin trademark, allowing it to make pedal cars, parts and accessories under the Austin name. A new company called Austin Pedal Cars has been formed and an Austin J40 prototype continuation pedal car was being launched at the 2022 Goodwood Revival, with new Austin pedal car models planned over the coming years.
@Gill_Nowell
Trade plates are only meant to be used when on trade business.
@CarDealerMagfrom
• Now received another letter from DVLA stating that I owe them £338 as an out-of-court settlement for an untaxed vehicle
I wonder how squeaky the bums are of Toyota management yet?
FEEDBACK
More and more of our readers are joining the debate – and it couldn’t be
TWEETSTOP
• I use the car on trade plates as a smoker whilst V5 arrives
• I respond to say that the vehicle was on trade plates
• A few days after the V5 arrives, I receive a letter stating that the vehicle is untaxed and I owe them a month’s road fund licence
Halfpenny
Trade vet
Any advice would be appreciated.
Your comments via email editorial@blackballmedia.co.uk
46 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
• I get no reply to that letter
monththeofPicture
The Auto Trader platform and datagathering doesn’t compare eggs with eggs. It isn’t like viewing a brand-new washing machine in London and buying the same model for less in Glasgow, as I am sure I do not need to point out.
The arrogance of manufacturers never ceases to astound me, following the news that JLR is to open some of its own stores. Has it learnt nothing from Mercedes-Benz?
And as far as BMW Park Lane making a £4.9m loss in 2021 is concerned, I would love to have a look at their accounts – selling so many units and losing money?
Data can’t be relied on because it’s only as clean as the person who’s entering it TRADER
Their own literature comes with myriad excuses as to why their valuations should be used as guide only and not a clear indication, so why rely on it or even champion it? Like all data, it is only as clean as the person entering it, and given the thousands of users on the platform, this allows for far too much error and omissions.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 47 Our website at CarDealerMag.co.uk On FollowTwitter:@CarDealerMag
Geographical location still plays a big part in valuations. Condition is of course key, and yet they are unable to confirm what that condition is within the algorithms they use, not to mention the number of owners and history, even down to whether full main dealer, independent specialist or just local garage.
I read James Litton’s piece Why Auto Trader has become far more than just a place to advertise vehicles with interest and noted the contents, yet I believe there is a misleading situation arising here.
If you opt for a higher priced valuation on a car you’re selling, you can bet that it will naturally put buyers off, almost equal to lower priced, as we are always told that if it’s too cheap there’s a reason.
easier to get involved! Sign up to our forum at CarDealerMagazine.co.uk/forum
Car
Auto Trader is setting itself in the market as more than just an advertising platform and as a data/analyst gatherer, as stated. However, speaking as a user of its platform for many years, I am acutely aware of the flaws within this data and how it should not be relied upon.
Manufacturers can be so arrogant!
Park Lane BMW is the only BMW dealership in the UK that is directly owned by BMW.
I am all for moving forward, but it is quite clear that too many dealers are being sucked into a valuation structure Auto Trader put forward, which in turn controls the market.
Highlinev8 Forum: CarDealerMagazine.co.uk/forum
In my own experience, looking at the numbers and speaking as ex-IT, their system is unable to cope with used cars which have loads of extras versus a more basic model,
AUTO
We’ve teamed up with Car Sales Memes to bring you a few of their funniest captions and slogans each month. Enjoy!
Petrol head
which is not as uncommon as you may think.
To the best of my knowledge, there are numerous dealers who load used cars on to Dealer Portal that they are considering buying but don’t in the end, as it is part of a pre-selection process. Yet Auto Trader still asks if that car is to be marked as sold. That will fudge the figures, as it considers that number within its algorithm and that can be happening thousands of times a day.
Sean McDonnell
Search for Car Sales Memes on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give them a follow!
Dealer reserves the right to edit comments
I’ve bought a few off them over the years. They don’t care about losing money. It’s a prestige thing.
While it is harsh, Auto Trader should stick to advertising and not try to tell those who have a brutal understanding of their market how to value their cars or do their job.
DEBTS
The closely followed S&P Global/CIPS flash UK composite purchasing managers index report showed a reading of 50.9 for August, declining from 52.1 in July.
Anything above 50 is considered growth. It was slightly below the expectations of analysts.
UK footfall was down 12.4 per cent in August on three years ago – a comparison made to even out Covid-related distortions – according to British Retail ConsortiumSensormatic IQ data. Scotland saw the steepest decline at 14.8 per cent.
Economic growth is dragged to 18-month low SLUMP
RETAIL
It’s designed to allow the debt-ridden chain the chance to bounce back from its current woes, caused in part by the pandemic and a lack of popular recent films. Chapter 11 bankruptcies allow firms to hold on to all their assets and trade as normal for the time being.
DEFICIT
BUSINESS
Trade gap narrows but fuel imports at highest
Shopper footfall recovery slows
BRITAIN’S trade gap narrowed to a better-than-expected £7.8bn in July, latest figures show.
THE second-largest chain of cinemas on the planet, Cineworld, has filed for special bankruptcy in the US in a bid to buy time to restructure its business.
The company said that it had filed for a Chapter 11 proceeding but its cinemas will stay open throughout the period.
DASHBOARD
Cineworld files for US bankruptcy but cinemas to stay open
A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE GLOBE
NEWS
The Office for National Statistics said the trade deficit in July eased back from £11.4bn in June. Imports of fuels hit a new record high, though, as the Russian war continued to wreak havoc on oil and gas markets, reaching more than £11bn – a record 21 per cent of all goods imported.
UK private sector growth has slowed to a new 18-month low after factories were hit by ‘waning customer demand’, according to new data.
THE post-Covid recovery in shopper footfall slowed in August as costof-living pressures discouraged consumers, figures show.
THE chairman of Russia’s largest private oil company Lukoil has died, with the country’s news agency Tass citing a source saying he had fallen from a sixthstorey Moscow hospital window in what may have been a suicide. Lukoil said Ravil Maganov had ‘passed away after a severe illness’. He had reportedly been admitted following a heart attack. Lukoil was one of a few Russian firms to call for an end to the Ukraine military operation.
Oil boss dies ‘in fall from window’ SUICIDE? Bitter taste as Patisserie Valerie to shut nine cafes CLOSURES PARTNER WITH AN AWARD-WINNING COMPANY of the Year (Sub-Prime) Thank you forvote!your 2013 WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNERWINNER
‘Demand-wise, September might be okay as customers come back from their holidays – certainly, we’ve seen an uptick over the last week or so of August.
‘It won’t be at levels of previous years, but there will be more cars coming through.
CAP
NEWS
beprobablynewknowingSeptember,buyingspeculativelyareforthatcarswon’ttothe
sed car prices continued to stay steady in August as the market was again hit by low supply and diminished demand.
Speaking on Car Dealer Live, the firm’s director of valuations, Derren Martin, said: ‘We’ve had another month of plateauing –it’s the fourth month in a row where we’ve had minimal movement.
‘Younger cars have gone up on average, so there’s a bit of a shortage of one-year-old cars – driven by people who can’t buy a brand-new car.
50 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
‘We’re still in that situation where there’s low supply, low demand and previously high prices. So those factors all combine to
buying cars from auctions and dealers because they’re starved of new cars from manufacturers.’Butwhilethe market is strong for nearlynew motors, older ones are suffering.
‘Cars of around 10 years old have been more affected – they’re down by around two per cent, or £100. Petrols and diesels of this age tend to be more thirsty and attract higher road fund licences, so they’re not as much in Lookingdemand.’aheadto September, he said: ‘I think there’ll be more cars coming through from the manufacturers as they will still want a good September – but it will be brand-specific. This will in turn generate more part-exchanges and fleet returns.
should bring more cars after fourth month in a row of minimal movement
Dealers
‘Dealers are speculatively buying for September, knowing that new cars probably won’t be to the volumes that they’ve been previously. Values might drop away a little because of supply going up and demand not being strong, but there definitely won’t be a crash.’
prices CLICKHEREDriven by THE TEAM FROM CAR DEALER TALK ABOUT THE LATEST NEWS AND INTERVIEWS IN THIS REGULAR PODCAST TO LISTEN TO PAST EPISODES OF THE CAR DEALER PODCASTS
Derren Martin Director
HPI
‘Values at three years were down by 0.3 per cent, which is less than £50 on average. It’s a benign market.
Prices dipped by 0.3 per cent, continuing a theme that’s been described as a ‘plateau’ by valuations experts Cap HPI.
INDUSTRY VIEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM CAR DEALER LIVE
U
‘There’s also the theme of rental companies
September on
Martin dug deeper into the headline figure and revealed that while demand is low across the board, it’s stronger at the
atvaluationsofCapHPI PODCAST
DASHBOARD The latest from our fleet Long-termers: p61 Watch our Car Dealer Live broadcasts as they go out or catch up on any that you’ve missed at: cardealermagazine.co.uk/live
Monday, November 28, 2022 at The Brewery, London Our glittering awards night is getting closer To book tickets or for more information call 020 8125 3880 or email sales@blackballmedia.co.uk
FLA
Dealers warned about risk of action over consumer duty
T
FINANCE
New butvolumesbusinessdownvaluerises
‘The FCA has been explicit that the new principle very much raises the bar when it comes to how customers are treated when being sold finance products – and the motor retail sector must react accordingly,’ said Tew.
FCA
CONSUMER car finance new business volumes fell in July by three per cent versus the same month in 2021, according to latest figures from the Finance & Leasing despitetoremainedsaidofbusinessandinmonthmakingwithvolumevalue,businessfinancesamefivevolumesmonthsmonthinvaluenewfinancetheincreasedvalueHowever,Association.thecorrespondingofnewbusinessbyfivepercentoversameperiod.Theconsumernewcarmarketreportedafallinbusinessoffivepercentbyand14percentbyvolumeJulycomparedwiththesamein2021.Inthefirstsevenof2022,newbusinessinthismarketwerepercentlowerthanintheperiodin2021.Theconsumerusedcarmarketreportednewup13percentbyandthreepercentbyinJulycomparedthesamemonthin2021,ittheninthconsecutiveofdouble-digitgrowththevalueofnewbusinessareturntogrowthinnewvolumes.FLAdirectorresearchGeraldineKilkellythemotorfinanceindustryinastrongpositioncontinuetomeetdemandthechallengesitfaced.
he new consumer duty announced by the Financial Conduct Authority means many dealers and motor finance firms will need to track customer journeys more closely in the That’sfuture.according to James Tew, chief executive of motor retail technology firm iVendi, who said it represented a genuine change in how the process of choosing a finance product needed to be presented and recorded.
‘Essentially, it places an onus on dealers and motor finance companies to track consumer activity every step of the way, whether that’s happening online or in the showroom.
‘The decision-making process and information placed before the consumer at every point must be recorded and auditable. Those who cannot do this – and there are quite a number of them in our experience – run the risk of potential action,’ he warned, adding that the FCA had also explicitly indicated that the move to consumer duty had a strong relationship to how personal finances would be affected by the expected forthcoming recession, as it wanted customers to receive the best possible advice, guidance and product choices.
NEWS DASHBOARD
by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk
Coming into effect over the next two years, it will comprise an overarching principle and new rules that firms will have to follow that set higher and clearer standards of consumer protection across financial services, requiring them to put their customers’ needs first.
ith so many issues in the world and so much uncertainty, the one thing that is clear is that we are paying more for our energy usage and will probably be paying even more in the not-too-distant future. At the time of writing, there has been limited news coverage of what assistance small-tomedium-sized businesses will receive, with most of the mainstream media focusing on the costs and potential assistance for consumers.
Historically, when running costs increase, these are usually passed on to customers in the form of higher prices on the forecourt. However, this may not be ideal in an economy where customers’ finances are already stretched and it could also cost sales.
A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING
Installing smart meters will also give you a very good indication of what your energy usage is. They’ll automatically update your readings and may assist with monthly budgeting. Consider replacing old and inefficient appliances such as kettles, toasters, and microwaves with newer and more efficient models, too.
You
eligibleyoucheckgrants,governmentadvantageablealsomaybetotakeofsowhatarefor.
W
Many businesses use procurement companies to get lower energy rates fixed over a longer period than is available to consumers. However, these deals are now more difficult to find for those whose fixed contracts have already expired. Some deals are still available, so if you are out of contract or have one that’s about to expire, it may be worth reviewing and contacting these companies.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
The government hasn’t yet finalised its plans for what help businesses will receive with their energy bills. So, if you haven’t already done so, you could consider conducting your own business energy audit. That way, you will know how much energy you’re using, how much it costs and where savings could be made.
PARTNER WITH AN AWARD-WINNING COMPANY
As a deterrent to theft, many dealerships leave their lights on overnight. It may be worth installing security lights and turning off the main lights at the end of the day. Also consider installing sensor lights in areas of the dealership that are frequently used but not occupied throughout the day. A considerable amount of energy is consumed by air conditioners so it’s important that they’re not blocked and that they’re serviced regularly so that they operate as efficiently as possible.
Carrying out energy audit will help you save money
RICHARD PYGOTT
TIME IS MONEY
Here are some of the key areas:
Scan the QR code to join our Dealer network and receive a Welcome Hamper* 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. *Subject to the information provided, meeting our onboarding criteria. 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
Steve Catlin made MD at Volvo finance arm
DASHBOARD You may also be able to take advantage eligiblewhatgrants,governmentofsocheckyouarefor.
AUTOMOTIVE Transformation Group has promoted Tim Smith to become its chief Effectiveexecutive.fromSeptember 1, it sees him move up from the post of chief revenue officer – a role he’d held for 15 Themonths.Automotive Transformation Group was formed in July last year following the merger of GForces and Autofutura. Smith, who replaces Christian Erlandson, was commercial director of GForces since 2005.
‘We’re confident this new campaign will drive even greater awareness.’
SUPPLIER NEWS
Tim Smith promoted to become chief exec
He joins from Volkswagen Group UK, where he was most recently director of sales, people and network development for Audi UK.
A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE COUNTRY
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 55
Eligibility tools to take on more importance
USED car marketplace Motorway has launched a TV advertising campaign in which car dealers compete to secure the best price for people’s vehicles by dancing on larger-than-life calculators.
Total Fleet aims to boost online presence
ONLINE motor finance eligibility tools that let people check how likely it is their application will be approved will become more important because of the cost-of-living crisis.
That’s according to Darren Sinclair, chief commercial officer at the motor retail tech market firm, who said that as personal finances were squeezed further over the coming months, car buyers would take greater interest in the motor finance choices available to them.
TOTAL Motion Fleet Management has teamed up with Motom in a bid to complement its vehicle remarketing activities.
The independent fleet management provider says it hopes to boost its online presence by working with the tech-backed social network for used vehicle wholesalers, dealers and traders.
Chief marketing officer Lloyd Page said: ‘With this new campaign, we wanted to focus on explaining how Motorway delivers such great results for car sellers, while celebrating the car dealers that form the backbone of our business.
Motom launched just a few weeks ago, and bosses said they were delighted to welcome Total Motion.
STEVE Catlin has been made the new managing director of Volvo Car Financial Services UK.
Catlin took up the post on September 1, following the retirement of David Baddeley, and said ‘I am looking forward to working with an amazing brand such as Volvo Cars.’
IVENDIMOTOMATG APPOINTMENT Ad calculated to deliver best cars for dealers
MOTORWAY
Richard Pygott p53
The next month will be the true barometer of industry recovery as it accelerates the transition to zero-emission mobility.
Click here to see our top 10 rolling sales charts for August 2021 to August 2022
THE LATEST REGISTRATION FIGURES
Vauxhall Crossland 1,235
Vauxhall Mokka 1,228
Volkswagen Polo 1,902
STATISTICS
CARS SOLD IN AUGUST 2022
But the industry trade body said that despite the growth, August volumes were still the weakest for the month bar 2021 since August 2013’s 65,937, as supply chain pressures continued to constrain the market.
Overall growth in the month was driven primarily by battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which recorded a 35.4 per cent increase in volumes and a 14.5 per cent market
‘With September traditionally a bumper time for new car uptake, the next month will be the true barometer of industry recovery as it accelerates the transition to zeroemission mobility despite the myriad challenges.’
DATA FILE
Citroen C3 1,140
he UK new car market went up by 1.2 per cent in August, bringing an end to five months of decline. A total of 68,858 new vehicles joined the road, figures released by the SMMT on September 5 show – the first growth since February. August is typically the second quietest month of the year as many buyers choose to wait for a ‘new’ numberplate in September.
Year to date, registrations are down by 10.7 per cent on last year at 983,099 units – more than a third (35.3 per cent) lower than during the first eight months of prepandemic 2019, which stood at 1,519,016.
The top three selling cars were the VW Polo (1,902), Ford Puma (1,875) and the Hyundai Tucson (1,739).
56 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Ford Puma 1,875
New car market finally rises after five months of decline and ahead of plate change
Volkswagen T-Roc 1,460
Large fleet registrations fell by 1.6 per cent, although that was offset by a 3.2 per cent increase in deliveries to private consumers. Business customers saw the largest increase of 26.6 per cent, but the sector is small in volume and subject to volatility.
The SMMT said that showed the scale of the challenge ahead in terms of recovery.
T
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented: ‘August’s new car market growth is welcome, but marginal during a low-volume month.
SALESSMMTDATA AUGUST/YEAR TO DATE
However,share.growth in this segment is slowing, with a year-to-date increase of 48.8 per cent, whereas at the end of Q1, BEV registrations were up by 101.9 per cent.
‘Spiralling energy costs and inflation on top of sustained supply chain challenges are piling even more pressure on the automotive industry’s post-pandemic recovery, and we urgently need the new prime minister to tackle these challenges and restore confidence and sustainable growth.
INCREASE
by John Bowman @john@blackballmedia.co.uk
Hyundai Tucson 1,739
Ford Kuga 1,281
Vauxhall Corsa 1,608
Peugeot 208 1,244
TOP
Plug-in hybrid registrations fell by 23.1 per cent to comprise 5.6 per cent of monthly registrations. As a result, plug-in vehicles accounted for one in five (20.2 per cent) of August’s registrations. Hybrid-electric vehicle registrations stayed relatively stable, falling by 0.7 per cent.
Honda 1,122 1.63 1,704 2.50 -34.15 15,694 1.60 17,159 1.56 -8.54
Abarth 7 0.01 135 0.20 -94.81 1,001 0.10 1,715 0.16 -41.63
Mitsubishi 0 0.00 72 0.11 0.00 0 0.00 5,085 0.46 0.00
GENESIS +833%-95%
Jaguar 610 0.89 604 0.89 0.99 8,550 0.87 13,746 1.25 -37.80
671
Figures supplied by SMMT
Land Rover 1,325 1.92 1,267 1.86 4.58 29,070 2.96 40,723 3.70 -28.62
Subaru 53 0.08 0.10 -22.06 656 0.07 1,014 0.09 -35.31
Volvo 753 1.09 1,200 1.76 -37.25 22,340 2.27 32,337 2.94 -30.92
Peugeot 2,308 3.35 2,106 3.10 9.59 36,808 3.74 39,456 3.58 -6.71
Nissan 2,140 3.11 1,842 2.71 16.18 38,098 3.88 42,385 3.85 -10.11
Volkswagen 7,099 10.31 6,989 10.27 1.57 73,175 7.44 104,852 9.52 -30.21
Dacia 1,691 2.46 812 1.19 108.25 17,216 1.75 9,400 0.85 83.15
Polestar 118 0.17 218 0.32 -45.87 3,139 0.32 2,169 0.20 44.72
SEAT 1.22 2,198 3.23 -61.78 15,465 1.57 32,630 2.96 -52.60
Marque % marketshare 2021 % marketshare % change % marketshare 2021 % marketshare % change
4,638
75
Lexus 293 0.43 808 1.19 -63.74 5,629 0.57 9,083 0.82 -38.03
83
3,227
Kia 3,678 5.34 4,329 6.36 -15.04 68,139 6.93 57,435 5.22 18.64
Mercedes-Benz 3,238 4.70 3,816 5.61 -15.15 55,300 5.63 69,469 6.31 -20.40
MG 1,404 2.04 1,494 2.20 -6.02 29,553 3.01 17,499 1.59 68.88
Porsche 0.63 0.44 44.48 10,299 1.05 7,284 0.66 41.39
Renault 1.15 0.99 17.73 17,723 1.80 17,687 1.61 0.20
Genesis 56 0.08 6 0.01 833.33 417 0.04 60 0.01 595.00
62
299
Other Imports 0.10 0.08 27.78 1,052 0.11 1,045 0.09 0.67
Alpine 2 0.00 10 0.01 -80.00 199 0.02 121 0.01 64.46
Tesla 946 1.37 491 0.72 92.67 22,243 2.26 15,268 1.39 45.68
Vauxhall 6.74 4.74 43.72 56,375 5.73 61,622 5.60 -8.51
Toyota 6.63 4,872 7.16 -6.32 63,640 6.47 66,188 6.01 -3.85
2022
Alfa Romeo 59 0.09 53 0.08 11.32 1,018 0.10 901 0.08 12.99
54
4,564
Hyundai 4,543 6.60 3,374 4.96 34.65 51,939 5.28 40,675 3.69 27.69
Other British 0.09 0.11 -17.33 1,394 0.14 1,512 0.14 -7.80
33
Total 68,858 68,033 1.21 983,099 1,101,302 -10.73
smart 0.07 0.05 27.03 941 0.10 971 0.09 -3.09
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 57 Worst August sales performance since 2017 LCV news: p58
AUGUST 2022 AUGUST 2021 TO DATE
Audi 4,582 6.65 5,756 8.46 -20.40 67,289 6.84 83,782 7.61 -19.69
Ssangyong 0.12 0.05 151.52 950 0.10 751 0.07 26.50
Maserati 14 0.02 31 0.05 -54.84 485 0.05 423 0.04 14.66
DS 298 0.43 97 0.14 207.22 2,044 0.21 1,190 0.11 71.76
Suzuki 700 1.02 1,749 2.57 -59.98 12,006 1.22 14,826 1.35 -19.02
Skoda 2,554 3.71 2,474 3.64 3.23 29,516 3.00 40,576 3.68 -27.26
69
YEAR
Bentley 42 0.06 72 0.11 -41.67 1,060 0.11 782 0.07 35.55
68
Mazda 1,210 1.76 1,548 2.28 -21.83 14,011 1.43 17,403 1.58 -19.49
790
37
47
Cupra 854 1.24 349 0.51 144.70 7,751 0.79 4,100 0.37 89.05
Ford 6,018 8.74 5,205 7.65 15.62 74,042 7.53 88,470 8.03 -16.31
BMW 4,830 7.01 4,427 6.51 9.10 66,202 6.73 77,614 7.05 -14.70
840
432
2022
Jeep 200 0.29 318 0.47 -37.11 1,756 0.18 2,946 0.27 -40.39
Fiat 627 0.91 966 1.42 -35.09 13,410 1.36 12,259 1.11 9.39
MINI 1,572 2.28 974 1.43 61.40 26,968 2.74 26,734 2.43 0.88
Citroen 2,387 3.47 1,203 1.77 98.42 18,536 1.89 19,955 1.81 -7.11
%
Market suffers worst August sales since 2017
18
Marque % % marketshare change % % marketshare change
by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk
Isuzu 238 1.53 220 1.07 8.18 2,447 1.37 2,611 1.11 -6.28
Fiat 353 2.27 442 2.15 -20.14 3,601 2.02 6,131 2.60 -41.27
heavy CV 292
Dacia 5
Vauxhall 0.26 0.00 0.52 0.13 240.00
LCV NEWS
Renault Trucks 0 0.00 7
18
THE LCV market fell by 24.6 per cent to 15,520 units in August, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.
DECLINE
AUGUST 2022 AUGUST 2021 YEAR TO DATE
178,626
But the trade body said the scale of the decline was artificially inflated versus last year, as August 2021’s total of 20,582 was the second-best performance on record since the introduction of the two-plate system – August 2019’s figure remains the best at 23,120. Global supply chain challenges have acted as a handbrake on 2022’s registrations, said the SMMT.
Land Rover 78 0.50 126 0.61 -38.10 1,268 0.71 2,525 1.07 -49.78
LDV 0 0.00 1
SsangYong 55 0.35 15 0.07 266.67 545 0.31 294 0.12 85.37
Mitsubishi 0 0.00 16
0
Toyota 394 2.54 981 4.77 -59.84 8,358 4.68 8,956 3.80 -6.68
Other imports 1 0.34 5
REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
58 | CarDealerMag.co.uk REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 3.5 TONNES TO 6.0 TONNES
Mercedes 1,204 7.76 2,132 10.36 -43.53 13,215 7.40 19,194 8.14 -31.15
Fuso 7 0.05 7 0.03 0.00 134 0.08 141 0.06 -4.96 0.03 0.00 0.00 63 0.04 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 75 0.03 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.00 3,005 1.27 0.00 100.00 -24.59 100.00 235,701 100.00 -24.22 -75.00 1.45 185 4.72 -74.59 1.28 -80.00 0.55 26 0.66 -30.77 1.79 0.00 0.55 103 2.63 -82.52
Figures supplied by SMMT
LESS THAN 3.5 TONNES
2022
Total light CV 15,520 100.00 20,582
Maxus 301 1.94 130 0.63 131.54 2,533 1.42 1,163 0.49 117.80
0 0.00 1
Renault 0 0.00 0
Nissan 161 1.04 453 2.20 -64.46 2,028 1.14 8,685 3.68 -76.65
Ford 5,513 35.52 8,596 41.76 -35.87 68,029 38.08 79,255 33.63 -14.16
Suzuki 10 0.06 38 0.18 -73.68 171 0.10 200 0.08 -14.50
Trucks 0 0.00 1
Renault Trucks 171 1.10 145 0.70 17.93 1,287 0.72 1,619 0.69 -20.51
marketshare 2021
2022
17
LEVC 85 0.55 4 0.02 2,025.00 280 0.16 106 0.04 164.15
Figures supplied by SMMT
AUGUST 2022 AUGUST 2021 YEAR TO DATE Marque 2022 % marketshare 2021 % marketshare % change 2022 % marketshare 2021 % marketshare % change Ford 94 32.19 39 9.95 141.03 921 28.33 486 12.39 89.51 Peugeot 58 19.86 122 31.12 -52.46 524 16.12 771 19.65 -32.04 Fiat 54 18.49 97 24.74 -44.33 577 17.75 1,102 28.09 -47.64 Iveco 37 12.67 20 5.10 85.00 191 5.88 190 4.84 0.53 Mercedes 31 10.62 71 18.11 -56.34 658 20.24 890 22.69 -26.07 Citroen 9 3.08 21 5.36 -57.14 93 2.86 77 1.96 20.78 MAN 4 1.37 0 0.00 0.00 25 0.77 71 1.81 -64.79 Maxus 2 0.68 0 0.00 0.00 141 4.34 0 0.00 0.00 Volkswagen 2 0.68 8 2.04
5
Citroen 984 6.34 1,220 5.93 -19.34 14,843 8.31 17,578 7.46 -15.56
Isuzu Trucks 73 0.47 74 0.36 -1.35 901 0.50 761 0.32 18.40
Volkswagen 1,528 9.85 2,216 10.77 -31.05 15,737 8.81 25,899 10.99 -39.24
Total 100.00 392 100.00 -25.51 3,251 100.00 3,923 100.00 -17.13
MAN 123 0.79 116 0.56 6.03 1,311 0.73 2,005 0.85 -34.61
0
DATA FILE
Renault 797 5.14 474 2.30 68.14 7,017 3.93 10,773 4.57 -34.86
Iveco 238 1.53 359 1.74 -33.70 2,380 1.33 3,067 1.30 -22.40
47
Peugeot 1,340 8.63 1,295 6.29 3.47 14,196 7.95 18,950 8.04 -25.09
It said August’s registration volumes were the lowest recorded for the month since 2017’s figure of 15,619.
%
marketshare 2021
Isuzu 0.26 0.00 13 0.40 13 0.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 8 0.25 4 0.10 100.00
Vauxhall 1,862 12.00 1,522 7.39 22.34 18,282 10.23 22,708 9.63 -19.49
0
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WE’RECupraDRIVINGBorn58kWhV3
Price (as tested): £38,955
Emissions: 0g/km CO2
We’ve just taken delivery of the bimmer and will find out if an MPV is a better bet than an SUV.
CUPRA BORN
I
didn’t try to hide my excitement when I found out that I’d be running Cupra’s new Born EV.
Mileage: 1,350
The Cupra Born is one of the newest electric cars on the block and the first electric model to come from this Spanish performance brand. Based on the widely used Volkswagen Group MEB EV-only platform, the Born is a sibling to VW’s ID.3, with the model clearly being related in terms of design, although Cupra makes its electric hatchback sportier.
BMW 2
Getting the keys to Cupra’s new EV and not having to worry about the cost of fuel!
OTHER CARS
There are also some quirks that I thought were very strange at first. For example, the gear selector isn’t in the usual place but instead is a small column-mounted shifter on the side of the digital dial display on the dashboard. You flick it away from you for drive and towards you for reverse, with the park button on the side. There’s no handbrake or parking brake at all, either. At first, I thought this was just plain odd and wondered why, but it’s amazing how quickly you adjust to it. You also don’t have to turn the car ‘on’ – just jump in, put your foot on the brake and it’s ready to go. It’s absolutely great and feels very futuristic in this respect.
LONG-TERMERSTHEKNOWLEDGEThismonth’shighlight:
With longer trips planned in the future, I’m looking forward to seeing how it copes on motorways and if it continues being as easy to live with as it has been in this first month.
Mileage: 3,314
Glitches aside, this new EV has been proving its worth for Ted Welford.
I’m not alone either, with more than 115,000 new electric cars being registered in the first six months of 2022 in the UK – more than those powered by diesel, in fact.
There’s a bold front end adorned with the firm’s trademark copper colour, wide side skirts and a cool rear diffuser. There are two battery options available – the 58kWh battery in our test car and a larger 77kWh unit designed for drivers wanting to go the distance. Even the smaller battery can manage between a (claimed) 233 and 260 miles, although we’re averaging just below that lower number.
Series Active Tourer
Engine: Single electric motor
But this is all sounding very negative when in reality that isn’t the case at all. The Born has been a treat for its first 1,000 miles with us. It’s special to look at, be in and drive, and has never ceased to impress anyone who’s experienced it. So far, most of my driving has been well within the Born’s real-world 220-mile range, and I’ve hardly charged anywhere that isn’t at home. Even though we don’t have a quicker home charger, I’m finding plugging it in with a slow three-pin socket is proving no hassle at all.
One thing that I haven’t adjusted to, however, is the electric windows. It might seem a strange thing to pick up on, I know, but bear with me. Instead of having the usual four window switches on the driver’s side there are just two, and you have to press ‘rear’ to switch to the back windows. The trouble is, the button is clunky and doesn’t always work. I just can’t get my head around why Cupra and Volkswagen thought ‘this is a better idea’.
Mileage: 3,491
Range: 233-260 miles
Ford Focus been racking up the miles in the new Focus and exploring what it’s like to live with.
Power: 201bhp
Torque: 310Nm
KY22 RYK is also a top-spec V3 model, but even entry-level cars get a 12-inch touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control. However, this V3 model comes with fantastic electric ‘Granite Grey Dinamica’ sports seats with massaging function, as well as large, intricate, 20-inch alloy wheels. The only option added here is the Geyser Silver paint, costing £565 and bringing the list price up to a not-insignificant £38,955.
The excitement was no doubt fuelled – if you’ll excuse the pun – by the Born being handed over during the week when petrol and diesel prices hit their record high, making the switch to an EV perfectly timed.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 61
0-60mph: 7.1 seconds
We’ve
First impressions? Well, I can’t pretend that I wasn’t slightly underwhelmed. I ran a Cupra Formentor for four months previously, which shares a 12-inch touchscreen with the Born. This was one of my main bones of contention with the Formentor, as it was very glitchy, so I can’t say I was overly happy to see it again in this new EV. Thankfully, though, it has proved faultless so far.
Top speed: 99mph
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