Car Dealer Magazine: Issue 177

FOUNDER

James Baggott

james@thebaize.com

Twitter: @CarDealerEd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

James Batchelor james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk

Twitter: @JRRBatchelor

CHIEF SUB-EDITOR

John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk

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

WELCOME.

It’s never dull in this game, is it? Used cars were back in the headlines again (when are they ever out of them?) as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders released its latest quarterly data on used car sales – or ‘transactions’, as it calls them.

Almost 1.79m cars changed hands in the third quarter – sounds sizeable, doesn’t it, but in fact it was the first time that sales had dipped below the two million mark since 2015. It was a chunky 12.2 per cent fall, with year-to-date sales totalling 5.32m – or 9.7 per cent down on the 5.89m figure of up to the same point last year.

FINANCE MANAGER

Kate Gordon kate@blackballmedia.co.uk

You can read more about this on pages 10-11, but it’s clear we are in this situation where sales of second-hand cars are down not because people are tightening their belts, but because there’s simply not enough to go around. It’s a phenomenon that continues to amaze me.

SALES MANAGER

Kevin Day kev@blackballmedia.co.uk

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Michelle Searle michelle@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @cardealermich

Jack Evans, Nigel Swan, Ted Welford Car

New car supply is coming back in dribs and drabs, but it’s brandspecific. Many of the big players are telling customers they’ll have to wait more than 12 months for their electric cars, while if you want a new Ora Funky Cat (don’t ask – it’s a story I’ll share with you next month) it could be on your driveway in a matter of weeks.

Put it this way, thankfully they don’t give away new cars on game shows any more, as there would be no star prize in the Showcase Showdown (Bruce Forsyth reference there).

All of this means the used car business continues to be in the limelight. So it’s rather convenient that as this magazine whistles its way to you, the Car Dealer team is busily getting the final preparations completed for the 2022 Car Dealer Used Car Awards.

It’s the eighth time that Black Horse Finance has sponsored this industry-leading event, and as I type this piece, the trophies are being checked and, more importantly, the free alcohol being ordered. You can remind yourself of the shortlist on pages 12 and 13, or head over to our website where you’ll find everything you need to know about this year’s awards, which are being held on Monday, November 28.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine – and if you’re at the Used Car Awards, I’ll see you there.

JAMES BATCHELOR Associate editor

Thankfully they don’t give away new cars on game shows any more, as there would be no star prize in the Showcase Showdown.

LAMBORGHINI BOSS: ‘OUR BRAND IS A COOL ONE’

It’s no secret that car firms have been battling with production hold-ups as a result of the shortage of semiconductors. Although we’re regularly told by manufacturers that ‘it will improve’, we’ve yet to see any real sign of this, with customers now facing 12-month waits for a range of rather ordinary cars.

But not all have been struggling – particularly the ‘high-value’ brands within an automotive group. In the Volkswagen empire, it’s been Bentley and Lamborghini that have been benefiting, as the group channels the semiconductors into high-margin products. Lamborghini’s sales are at record levels as a result.

We sat down with Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann at the launch of its new Urus Performante to discuss the brand and its future plans.

While other manufacturers would rather not have such long waiting lists, this Italian supercar firm seems to embrace it.

‘We have an order bank that is lasting more than 20 months for the Urus, and this is something that’s very positive. We’re keeping it very much under control, so we could do much more but we don’t want to,’ Winkemann tells us.

‘Balanced growth is paramount to the success of the future, and shortage is something that needs to be done as it’s the essence of a brand like ours. And also for the customer, it’s a benefit, because when they sell the car, they get even more money for it as it’s immediately available.’

Winkelmann has held some of the most important jobs in the industry. Born and raised in Rome, he was boss of Lamborghini between 2005 and 2016, before moving to Audi’s Sport division and more recently Bugatti. He rejoined Lamborghini as chairman and CEO in December 2020.

But challenges await him and his team – not least those relating to electrification. A replacement for the legendary V12 Aventador arrives in 2023 as a plug-in hybrid, then in 2024 the Urus will switch to being PHEV-only. The replacement for the Huracan will be a hybrid, too. Essentially, by the end of 2024, there won’t be a Lamborghini on sale without any electrical assistance.

Winkelmann says the two greatest challenges to electrification are the perceived performance and sound.

‘Outright performance and design [with electrification] will not be a problem. Instead, it will be the emotional side for which the perceived performance and sound will be the two major challenges.

‘It’s also a shift in terms of generation. It’s more difficult for older guys like me to get

It’s more difficult for older guys like me to get behind electrification.

Stephan

Winkelmann Lamborghini chairman and CEO

Lamborghini’s boss on maintaining exclusivity when sales are at record levels, the challenges of electrification and the almighty success of the Urus SUV. Ted Welford chats with Stephan Winkelmann.

obscene amounts of CO2 emissions need to come to an end, as manufacturers don’t want to look like they’re doing the ‘wrong’ thing.

On our way from our hotel in central Rome to the outskirts where the Vallelunga racetrack is – the location for the launch of the Urus Performante – we pass Italy’s version of Just Stop Oil protesters bringing the opposite side of the motorway to a standstill in rushhour traffic. It’s probably for the best that they didn’t know we were about to thrash 650bhp V8-powered SUVs round a circuit all day long.

‘It’s easy to point a finger at us, so that’s what we have to avoid. It’s more important what my neighbour thinks about driving the car than what I think myself. We need to be more in front of the wave, we don’t want to be crushed by the wave,’ Winkelmann says.

The Urus is the main pillar of Lamborghini’s current success, currently accounting for almost two-thirds of the brand’s sales. More than 20,000 have been produced since its launch at the end of 2017, and that milestone was reached in half the time it took for the Huracan to clock up the same number.

The Urus has also been key to attracting a wealth of new customers to the brand. More than 80 per cent have been sold to those new to Lamborghini, and that figure is going to grow with the Performante – a more extreme, focused version of this SUV – which is also helping to attract a different customer.

‘Lamborghini owners are getting younger and younger. Our average age is now 45, but it’s getting down to 40 in the next few years. We have more wealth all over the globe, and younger people have greater liquidity than 15 or 20 years ago for sure.

‘But also the image and awareness of the brand is increasing, which is something that is helping and giving stability, because our brand is a cool one.’

It’s more important what my neighbour thinks about driving the car than what I think myself. We need to be more in front of the wave, we don’t want to be crushed by the wave.

Lamborghini owners are getting younger and younger. Our average age is now 45.

Stephan Winkelmann Lamborghini boss

Stephan Winkelmann

Lamborghini Urus

Lamborghini Huracan

Lamborghini Aventador

END OF THE ROAD FOR THE LEGENDARY FIESTA

by James Batchelor @JRRBatchelor

Ford has confirmed it’s killing off the Fiesta as it transitions to an electric future.

The decision comes amid dwindling sales of MPVs and superminis being ditched as carmakers seek higher profit margins with SUVs and crossovers.

Ford’s Cologne factory in Germany will make the last Fiesta by the end of June 2023. When it does, that will bring the curtain down on decades of sales.

Up until the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fiesta – introduced in 1976 – was routinely the bestselling car and topped new car sales tables month after month.

It was the UK’s best-selling new car for 12 years in a row between 2009 and 2020.

In July 2014, Ford declared the Fiesta to be the best-selling vehicle ever in the UK with more than 4.1m sales since 1976.

Since then, the total has reached nearly five million.

But the Fiesta has only appeared three times in the monthly top 10 best-selling cars data collated by the SMMT in 2022.

In September, Ford shifted 4,570 Fiestas ,securing it sixth place in that month’s bestsellers chart, while in March it finished 10th with 3,890 registrations.

In October, the month Ford made the announcement, the SMMT raised industry eyebrows by revealing the supermini was that month’s best-seller.

Aside from these few and far between strong performances, the Fiesta and its hatchback brother, the Focus, have been replaced by the Puma and Kuga in the top sellers chart for most of 2021 and 2022.

Ford will now quickly roll out a raft of new electric cars, and the Fiesta doesn’t feature in that product plan.

The SMMT’s most recent used car data shows there were 71,429 sales of the Fiesta in Q2 2022 – more than for any other used car.

Auto Trader data shows there have been 43m advert views of used Ford Fiestas between September 2021 and September 2022, with the average selling price being £10,956.

It was also named Used Small Car of the Year in the 2021 Car Dealer Used Car Awards.

Commenting on the Ford announcement, Used Car Awards host and Mr Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer said: ‘I have made my career with cars like the Fiesta, Escort, Capri and Cortina, and have helped to keep these cars alive.

‘Killing off the Fiesta is heart-breaking.

‘I understand Ford has a vision and there is a race towards electric SUVs, but scrapping the Fiesta when it’s still so popular is madness – it’s a global car and you see them everywhere.’

He added: ‘No doubt we’ll see the Fiesta name again in the next decade on some pumped-up electric SUV.’

SO LONG TO THE S-MAX AND GALAXY

just the Fiesta that doesn’t fit with Ford’s future plans but also its two famous people-carriers.

The S-Max and Galaxy, beloved by families and minicab firms alike, will also follow the same path as the Fiesta in 2023. Production of the S-Max and Galaxy in Valencia will stop next April.

Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model e Europe, said: ‘At Ford in Europe, we are accelerating our efforts to go all in on electrification, with our passenger vehicles being fully electric by 2030 –and all vehicles across our Ford portfolio by 2035.

He added: ‘We will introduce three new exciting electric passenger vehicles and four new electric commercial vehicles in Europe by 2024.

‘We plan to sell more than 600,000 electric vehicles in the region by 2026.’

• Decision will bring the curtain down on decades of Fiesta sales

• Last Fiesta will be built in June 2023; S-Max and Galaxy to end in April 2023

• ‘Killing the Fiesta is madness,’ says Mr Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer

Killing off the Fiesta is heart-breaking.

Mike

Brewer

Used Car Awards host and Mr Wheeler Dealer

Fiesta I (1976-1983)

It was nearly 50 years ago when Ford began working on the car that would become known as the Fiesta, with the 1973 oil crisis adding urgency to the need for an affordable, efficient model.

Its name marked the link with Spain and the car was an instant hit.

THE HISTORY OF THE FORD FIESTA

Fiesta IV (1996-1999)

The Fiesta IV had a far more rounded shape than its predecessor, with the more aerodynamic shape further enhancing fuel economy.

A raft of new engines was introduced, while this Fiesta also served as the basis for the sporty

Fiesta II (1983-1989)

Although there might not seem a huge difference, this newer Ford was larger and more fuel-efficient.

New engines were introduced, including a 1.6-litre diesel, while the revised XR2 in 1984 brought improved suspension and brakes. An auto was launched in 1987.

Fiesta III (1989-1996)

The Fiesta III represented a major change in design and took the push for efficiency further.

Here, we saw all the hot hatches, initially the XR2i with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, followed by the quicker Fiesta RS Turbo. An RS 1800

A much more rounded Fiesta was introduced in 2008. The design was slightly softer, with Ford now targeting more female buyers.

The low running costs continued with the ‘ECOnetic’ model –becoming the UK’s most fuelefficient five-seat family car.

Fiesta V (1999 -2001)

The arrival of the fifth Fiesta really proved to be little more than a mid-life facelift. Arriving just three years after its predecessor went on sale – and replaced just two years later – it also saw the introduction of the Fiesta Sport as a racier version.

The arrival of this Fiesta was a big step forward.

As well as a boxier design, it also had a range of new engines and was fantastic to drive.

In 2005, Ford introduced a Fiesta ST. With 148bhp on tap, it was the most powerful Fiesta to date.

Fiesta VIII (2012-2017)

Introduced in 2012, this version brought a sleeker design and more technology, including a ‘MyKey’ feature that allowed parents to program a speed limiter when their children were driving the car.

Ford also introduced its clever new EcoBoost petrol engines.

Fiesta IX (2017-2023)

A smarter, more high-tech model, this was available with an extensive choice of trim levels, ensuring the model’s continued popularity as tastes evolved.

The 197bhp Fiesta ST would arrive in 2018, bringing a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine.

USED CAR SALES DROP FOR SECOND QUARTER IN A ROW – BUT PRICES ARE HOLDING FIRM

• SMMT reports used car sales for third quarter fell by 12.2 per cent

• Electric vehicles rose substantially but overall market hit by shortage of stock

• Fall in sales largely due to stock issues as used car prices hold firm on forecourts

by James Baggott @CarDealerEd

Used car sales dropped for the second quarter in a row as the shortage of stock weighed numbers down.

Latest official figures from the SMMT show used car sales for the third quarter dropped by 12.2 per cent to total 1.78m.

It’s the first time used car sales transactions for the third quarter have dropped below 2m since 2015.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, called on the government to support the motoring industry in the Autumn Statement.

He said: ‘Given the short supply of new cars due largely to sustained chip shortages, a declining used car market comes as little surprise, although it’s great to see a growing number of used buyers able to get into an electric car.

‘The demand is clearly there and to feed it we need a buoyant new car market, which means giving buyers confidence to invest.

‘[The] Autumn Statement is an opportunity for the government to make a long-term fiscal commitment to zero-emission motoring, including adequate public charging infrastructure, which, especially given the economic headwinds, would go a long way to stimulating the market and delivering both economic and net zero progress.’

Used electric car sales bucked the declining trend, rising by 44.1 per cent in the quarter, with 16,775 changing hands.

Used hybrid sales also grew by 2.5 per cent, with 41,479 finding new owners. Plug-in hybrid sales fell by 5.8 per cent, though.

The south-east region, excluding London, saw the most activity in the quarter, with 265,755 used cars changing hands.

Buyers in the north-west were second with 196,560 transactions, followed by the West Midlands in third at 178,824.

Northern Ireland saw the least activity in the quarter, with 56,563 used cars sold.

Co-founder of used car marketplace Motorway Alex Buttle said: ‘It’s not unexpected that used car sales are lower in Q3 this year versus Q3 2021.

‘Last year’s surging demand during the third quarter saw used car sales hit an all-time high as the semiconductor shortage impacted new car availability, and it was unlikely that sales were going to be sustained at that level.’

What Car? editorial director Jim Holder added: ‘The key to a buoyant used market is a healthy new car market, and the more affordable and accessible new electric cars are, the more choice there will eventually be in the used market.’

The demand is clearly there and to feed it we need a buoyant new car market, which means giving buyers confidence to invest.

Last year’s surging demand during the third quarter saw used car sales hit an all-time high as the semiconductor shortage impacted new car availability.

Mike

Hawes SMMT chief executive

Alex

Buttle Co-founder of used car marketplace Motorway

Despite the drop in sales, used car prices have remained buoyant, with a slight price drop in October according to trade price valuers Cap HPI.

Used car prices for trade buyers fell by just half a per cent last month, making it the strongest October for over a decade.

‘It’s the strongest October we’ve witnessed since 2007 or 2008,’ pricing expert Derren Martin told Car Dealer.

Retail used car price reporting from the likes of Auto Trader and Motors actually saw the price of cars selling on forecourts rise.

The latest eBay Motors Group Market View said advertised prices on Motors.co.uk went up by two per cent (£343) month on month to £17,154 in October – their highest level since May but only 0.5 per cent ahead of October 2021.

Auto Trader’s Ian Plummer added: ‘Given the current economic backdrop, one would be forgiven for equating the fall in used car sales to a similarly dramatic drop in demand from cash-conscious car buyers.

‘But whilst demand is easing on the inflated levels recorded last year, in reality the market is simply feeling the brunt of the massive dearth in available stock, fuelled by the circa 2.5 million new cars lost over the course of the pandemic.

‘Crucially, our data shows that sales are healthy in age cohorts where the stock is available, with sales of five-year-old cars up 18 per cent on 2019. Put simply, where there’s stock, there’s sales.’

Whilst demand is easing on the inflated levels recorded last year, in reality the market is simply feeling the brunt of the massive dearth in available stock.

The key to a buoyant used market is a healthy new car market, and the more affordable and accessible new electric cars are, the more choice there will eventually be in the used market.’

Jim Holder

What Car? editorial director

Ian Plummer Auto Trader

SHORTLIST IS OUT – WHO HAS GONE THROUGH TO THE GLITTERING FINAL?

The mystery shopping is now complete and the shortlist for the Used Car Awards 2022, sponsored by Black Horse, has been announced.

After two weeks of intense activity by our team in person, over the phone and online, the spreadsheets have been filled in and the numbers crunched. The names on the right are the five that will go through in each category to find out on the night if they’ve been successful in this year’s big event.

The winners will be announced at the glittering ceremony at The Brewery in London on Monday, November 28.

The names were whittled down after two rounds of judging. The first used a combination of online reviews across a variety of platforms and citations to create the Nominations List.

All the firms on that list were then mystery-shopped to cut the numbers down further for our shortlist.

Awards host and Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer said: ‘I loved the mystery shopping phase this year.

‘Every time, it’s incredibly revealing to see how dealers perform and some were truly outstanding.

‘It was a shame, though, to find many that promised great things simply didn’t respond to our inquiries. I know times are good for the used car industry but that shouldn’t lead to complacency!

‘That said, there were some brilliant car dealers out there, and I’m really excited and looking forward to naming them at our big annual bash at The Brewery.’

The eBay Motors Group will be sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks and providing an after-dinner fun casino, while GardX is hosting the official after-party, which is by invitation only.

There are just a few places remaining and last year’s event sold out two weeks before it took place, so it’s advisable to book now.

The event is black-tie and includes a three-course dinner as well as unlimited beer and wine.

Every time, it’s incredibly revealing to see how dealers perform and some were truly outstanding.

Mike Brewer Awards host and Wheeler Dealers star

Shortlist

Dealers’ Dealer

Sponsored by GardX

Jamie Caple, Car Quay

Robin Luscombe, Luscombe Motors

Neil McCue, Snows

Umesh Samani, Specialist Cars Stoke Richard Styrin, Styrin Motors

Service & Repair Outlet

Sponsored by Warrantywise

Anderson Clark Motor Repairs, Inverness

BTE Automotive, Bordon CCM, Cranleigh

Cedar Garage German Car Specialists, Worthing

Spencer’s Service and MOT Centre, Norwich

Used EV Dealer

Sponsorship available

Cleevely EV, Cheltenham

ERLS Vehicles, Brixworth

EV Experts, Guildford Just EVs, Southampton R Symons, New Milton

Social Media User

Sponsored by iVendi

Acklam Car Centre

Amari Supercars

Emerald House of Cars

Premier GT

Tom Hartley Cars

Use of Video

Sponsored by Visitor Chat

Acklam Car Centre

GVE, London

Pilote Classics Romans International Targa Florio Cars

Used Car Website

Sponsored by CarGurus

Crompton Way Motors

Fratelli Cars

Frosts Cars

Hilton Garage Wilsons of Epsom

Used Car Online Sales Experience

Sponsored by Codeweavers

Arnold Clark DCC Frosts Cars Motorpoint SUV Prestige

Specialist Used Car Dealership

Sponsored by Blue Motor Finance

Alexanders Prestige, Boroughbridge Optimum Vehicles, Bilbrough Premier GT, Pulborough Romans International, Banstead Tom Hartley, Swadlincote

Used Car Sales Team

Sponsored by Motorway

Angus MacKinnon Beck Evans Car Quay Carmotion Plympton Car Centre

Used Car Dealer Principal

Sponsored by Aston Lark Steve Dhesi, SUV Prestige

Stewart McMinn, Plympton Car Centre

Julian Stockton, Angus MacKinnon

David Trigg, Premier GT Shaun Young, Revento Motors

Future Star

Sponsored by Northridge Finance Greg Ashleigh, Emerald House of Cars

James Castleton, Spencers Car Sales

Zak Din, Apollo Prestige Vehicles

Freddy Moncur, JFM Cars

Kristian Shaw, Otter Motors

Used Car Customer Care

Sponsored by RAC Dealer Network

Angus MacKinnon

Carite

Crompton Way Motors

Grimsdyke Car Sales Plympton Car Centre

Used Car Supermarket

Sponsored by Mann Island Finance

Big Motoring World Carbase

Carshop Fords of Winsford Motorpoint

Newcomer Dealership

Sponsored by Moneybarn

Giraffe Cars, Newtownabbey

LM Motor Company, Kilmarnock MSB Car Sales, Arbroath

Rhys Edwards Motors, Glantwymyn Scuderia Prestige Automobile, Camberley

Used Commercial Vehicle Dealer

Sponsored by Close Brothers

Anchor Vans, Reading Chase Vans, Southampton

JL Vans, Warrington

Perrys Aylesbury Commercial Centre Vansdirect, Southampton

Days To Turn

Sponsored by Auto Trader

Cedar Specialist Cars G And E Motors

LS Autos Riverview Cars Trinity Motorz

Diversity & Inclusion

Sponsored by MotoNovo Finance Jardine Motors Mazda Motors UK Sytner TrustFord Vantage Motor Group

Used Car Dealership: Up To 50 Cars

Sponsored by Black Horse Car Brothers, Newtownabbey Crompton Way Motors, Bolton Jim Reid Vehicle Sales & Service, Inverurie Pescara, Tonbridge

Top Car Inverness

Used Car Dealership: 51-100 Cars

Sponsored by Black Horse

Chico’s Of Plymouth Motoroo, Romford

Plympton Car Centre, Plympton

RS Car Sales, Sandbach Your Car Supermarket, Birmingham

Used Car Dealership: Over 100 Cars

Sponsored by Black Horse

Beck Evans, Sidcup

Carmotion, Mexborough

Prestige Cars Kent, Orpington Saxton 4×4, Chelmsford Windmill Motors, Bourne

Used Car Dealership Group

Sponsored by Black Horse Arnold Clark Hendy Snows Swansway Sytner

Manufacturer Used Car Scheme

Sponsored by Auto Protect Audi

Ford Mercedes Nissan Volvo

Used Car of the Year categories

Sponsored by G3 Vehicle Auctions Used Small Car Used Mid-Sized Car Used Executive Car Used Sports Car Used SUV Used AFV Used Car of the Year No nominations revealed

Outstanding Achievement

Sponsored by Trade To Trade Underwriting No nominations revealed

Lifetime Achievement Sponsored by GardX No nominations revealed

Sponsored by

The Used Car Awards 2022 will be held at The Brewery in London on Monday, November 28

Close Brothers Motor Finance – Putting dealers first when it comes to funding

The ongoing global shortage of semiconductors used in car production, as well as other materials such as copper, aluminium and cobalt, has led to fewer new vehicles rolling off production lines, which has severely limited dealers in their recovery after forecourt closures due to Covid-19.

And with turbulent economic times ahead, dealers looking to grow their margins and improve their profits could consider how a stock funding plan could improve the outlook for their businesses.

Close Brothers Motor Finance offers flexible funding based on the preferences of its dealer partners, with options tailored to their business goals, a clear payment model and no hidden or nasty surprises.

A Close Brothers Motor Finance stock funding plan is a unique offering that combines access to stock funding to help dealers’ businesses thrive. As a funded partner, dealers are able to stock better vehicles, upgrade their forecourt, improve their premises and will have access to exclusive performance insight –delivered through a dedicated account manager with Close Brothers Motor Finance’s innovative, awardwinning Forecourt Insight Data Tool.

Gain Access to Award-Winning Data

Close Brother Motor Finance’s Forecourt Insight Data Tool helps dealers grow their margins and improve their profits. The tool combines Auto Trader’s best-in-class automotive data with Close Brothers Motor Finance’s award-winning knowledge of dealer partners, creating a powerful insight dashboard that aims to aid better understanding of regional trends, stock inefficiencies and consumer behaviour. This knowledge allows dealers to manage their forecourt and the price of stock effectively, and unlock their full potential for buying and selling vehicles in line with customer demand.

The data the tool can analyse is vast. Consider this: in just one month, Auto Trader saw more than 65 million visits to its marketplace. It works with 13,500 retailer partners and lists more than 400,000 vehicles. These stats, combined with the input of Close Brothers Motor Finance’s knowledge of its own dealer partners, means the tool can analyse 900,000 vehicles across the market every day.

Dealerships using this tool have been able to increase desirable stock. This means they can sell vehicles more quickly, as highly coveted vehicles typically take 32 days to sell – almost half the 63 days on average to sell less-desirable vehicles. We tried out the tool with some partners and they were impressed. One had been taking an average of 82 days to sell a vehicle in October and November 2021. However, in January, after they started using the tool, this fell to 59 days – a reduction of 28 per cent.

The Forecourt Insight Data Tool is only available to Close Brothers Motor Finance’s funded dealer partners and costs them nothing extra – they don’t have to do anything to access the tool either. Close Brothers Motor Finance believes in the importance of partnership, and providing dealers with the tools to successfully do their jobs and run their business is key. Close Brothers Motor Finance is the only provider offering this kind of plan alongside its award-winning Forecourt Insight Data Tool.

What dealers are saying

The stocking facility has allowed us to supply a wider range of vehicles, maybe something we wouldn’t normally stock, enabling our customers to have a bigger selection.

Martin Nixon Director, New Vehicle Solutions

We couldn’t have done it without Close Brothers’ funding – we used it to build our stock and we’re now looking to enhance our own site and possibly open up a second site.

Colin McNab

Director, Car Brothers NI

The Forecourt Insight Data Tool has helped us already. I had a BMW X5 that was in stock for just over 100 days, but as soon as we adjusted the price we sold the car within a week. This is an invaluable tool that will help us in the future, as we are such a growing business.

Mohammad Usman Director,

Cars4You

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY CLUBS TOGETHER TO DESTIGMATISE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Businesses and charities across the automotive sector are working together to break down barriers around mental health problems, which have a major effect on people working in the industry.

According to the automotive industry charity Ben, in 2021 mental health issues represented 52 per cent of its helpline inquiries, with 53 per cent of its survey participants saying that mental health and well-being issues had the biggest impact on them in the past 12 months.

But companies large and small are working to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues in an industry that in many areas is male-dominated, with young men in particular singled out as the most common victims of suicide and self-harm.

A breakdown and recovery company in Somerset is one of the less well-known companies that is leading the charge for better mental health, with the formation of Rusty Road 2 Recovery (RR2R).

Founded by mechanics Vince Davies, John Goss and Scott Goldsmith, RR2R is a mental health and well-being care in the community scheme operated on a not-for-profit basis.

John and Scott were both carers for Vince, who has struggled for most of his life with mental health challenges. While the day-to-day business involves roadside recovery and vehicle repair, Vince’s thinking in forming RR2R was that people suffering with mental health illness feel as if they have ended up on the scrapheap themselves. His vision was to create a spin-off of the business to restore classic cars alongside people suffering with mental health problems.

‘When you look at national statistics, one in four people have suffered from mental health problems and suicide is responsible for the deaths of three times as many men under 50 as those killed on our roads. A truly shocking statistic,’ he said.

‘We do what we do because we are passionate about helping people with their mental health and well-being, and it’s not about the money, although we do need it to pay the rent, energy bills and so on. Every penny that comes into Rusty Road 2 Recovery is used to help people with their mental health.

‘We have a policy to never say no to anyone, and as you can imagine, this is very difficult, especially in the current financial climate.’

Since its inception, RR2R has worked on a range of classic cars from a Mini to a Dodge Ram pick-up. It often gets referrals from the NHS and GP surgeries for the help it offers, as well as from youth groups and self-referrals.

A much higher-profile advocate of mental health support is online used car marketplace CarGurus, which in 2020 created its online Driving The Difference support centre to help people in the industry who are facing mental health challenges, in association with Ben.

Wendy Harris, vice-president of European sales at CarGurus, said: ‘We’re proud to be working with Ben to provide important resources to help our dealer partners and their staff that might be struggling with stress and anxiety. It is also critical to raise awareness of the amazing work that Ben does.’

Earlier this year, Car Dealer spoke to Lewis Warren, founder of clothing and car culture brand Takona. The 28-year-old from Hertfordshire believes that the car industry, from the sales floor to head office level, is uniquely placed to drive change against what he refers to as the ‘toxic culture’ endemic in certain workplace structures.

‘Our mission is to change the culture around conversation, making it okay to talk when things get tough,’ he said. ‘It really is okay to talk, but only if the right people accept that they can – and should – listen.’

Important work is being done to stop people feeling as if they’ve ended up on the scrapheap themselves.

One in four people have suffered from mental health problems and suicide is responsible for the deaths of three times as many men under 50 as those killed on our roads.

Vince Davies

Rusty Road 2 Recovery

The Rusty Road 2 Recovery team

Lewis Warren, founder of clothing and car culture brand Takona

What’s in a name? Quite a lot – so car makers really ought to pay heed

I’m not going to start this column by talking about the Ford Fiesta and adding my tiny voice to the cacophony of eulogies we’ve all been subjected to recently. So, I’m going to talk briefly about another Ford. A nice man dropped off a Mustang Mach-E to me this week. It’s the GT model so has twin electric motors, four-wheel drive, big red Brembo brake callipers plus the small matter of 480bhp. And when everything is all primed, ‘Untamed’ mode selected and your spleen braced, this rather large crossover/SUV can cover 0-60mph in the same time as a Porsche 911 Carrera S.

I’ve only driven it a few miles to Waitrose and back as well as to the hall in the next village for rehearsals of a play that I’m appearing in, and happily so far the GT seems to fix quite a few of the complaints I have with the regular Mach-E.

Quite why you need a family car that can accelerate to the national speed limit in 3.7 seconds, however, is beyond me, but that’s a discussion for another day.

It’s the names ‘Mustang’ and ‘GT’ that are interesting here, because let’s face it, there’s nothing remotely Mustang-ish about the Mach-E.

And quite frankly, it’s impossible to make an electric 2.2-tonne SUV feel like a 5.0-litre V8 muscle car, yet Ford still named its first bespoke EV after arguably its most famous car.

When it comes to car names, no-one has a better back catalogue than the Blue Oval.

Thunderbird, Capri, Escort, Sierra, Ka, Falcon, Cortina, Zephyr and Zodiac have been part of many people’s motoring experiences for decades. And then, of course, there’s Fiesta.

I’m not going to spout the cliched line that ‘everyone has been in a Fiesta at some point in their lives’, but like Mini, Beetle and Defender, it’s a name that really does mean something.

Removing the Fiesta name hurts. Slapping the Fiesta badge on the back of a new small electric car always seemed to be the natural thing that Ford would do, but it’s not going to happen.

Why? Probably because the Fiesta represents the cosy, familiar, dealer-on-every-streetcorner shape of Ford, while the electric era offers the chance of reinvention. If the BBC is known as ‘Auntie’, the Fiesta is your nan.

Ford has a history of wiping the slate clean, of course. The Sierra ushered in a new, bigshouldered vision in the 1980s, while the razor-edged Focus made the Escort look as exotic as steak and kidney pudding. ‘Mustang’ is having another chance because, well, it’s cool.

Just like every other legacy carmaker, Ford is deep in the throes of the painful shift to mass electrification. The current period of change is arguably the greatest since the dawn of the motorcar, and with that comes tough decisions.

The death of the Fiesta name is bad enough, but the bigger point is the impending demise of the type of car that it was attached to.

Let’s face it, most people don’t need a car that’s larger than a Fiesta and yet they’re encouraged – and more recently forced – into larger ones. A growing band of people are being pushed out of small, economical and affordable superminis, and therefore being priced out of the market.

It’s a scandal that the low-cost petrol car is being put to sleep while a like-for-like electric version for the same price is years away.

The fading away of much-loved names will inevitably carry on. Ford’s electric car alliance partner Volkswagen is, funnily enough, undergoing the same predicament with its ID range of EVs, and it’s only a matter of time before the names ‘Golf’ and ‘Polo’ die forever.

But I think this electric reinvention and deletion of things that are familiar risks losing customers’ allegiances.

Names come and go, but so too can buyers’ loyalties in a world of oh-so-similar EVs.

Batch chat

JAMES

BATCHELOR

James Batchelor

James – aka Batch –started at Car Dealer in 2010, becoming editor in 2013. He then worked for Auto Express and Carbuyer, went freelance in 2020, and became Car Dealer’s associate editor in October 2021.

WHILE THE CEO’S AWAY, BATCH STEPS INTO THE BREACH TO HAVE HIS SAY

Big Mike

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

Locked out of boot – and then I made life even harder for myself when key to problem was easy

Hands up if you’ve ever wasted half a day of your life attending to a problem with a car that wasn’t a problem!

Right then. If you’ve not got your paw in the air, I don’t believe you, as after four-plus decades in the motor trade, I’ve done this at least once a year, often making a right tit of myself in the process (which I believe is the official term).

As of last week, I can add another stellar performance to the list – and it goes like this…

Like many of you, I expect, I’ve had to diversify in recent times as the car market has got ever-more challenging. For me, the money at the moment is in ‘future classics’, or in other words, one person’s old banger that is another’s cherished treasure.

The ‘treasure’ on this occasion was a 23-year-old Jaguar S-Type 3.0, owned by an old boy from new until 2020 and by a bloke since who just wanted a big old Jag to smoke around in. But with prices at the pump not getting much smaller, he chopped it in at my lot a few weeks back for a Kia Rio – hardly a modern classic, but to his mind a safe bet at £2,995. I’d beg to differ, having had my head beneath a few 11-year-old Korean cars over the past few years, but he left happy and I gave him £600 part-ex for the old Jag, which was its Cap trade-in value plus a few quid on top for it being a seemingly good, low-mileage example.

I’m no fool, though, and having owned and worked on old Jags over the years, I knew that its low mileage of 85k and fully stamped service book up until the first owner popped his clogs wasn’t necessarily a guarantee of a good car. After all, from the mid-1990s, Jaguar was ruled by Ford accountants, and they weren’t especially forthcoming when it came to spending money on underseal.

Still, the gawky S-Type, once described by Jeremy Clarkson as looking like a ‘startled pufferfish’, does actually have a pretty good following among enthusiasts. I’m guessing this is because as they get older and their eyesight starts to fail them, it begins to look more and more like a classic Mk 2 but without the high five-figure price tag.

Who is Big Mike?

Well, that would be telling. What we can say is he’s had more than 40 years in the car trade so has probably forgotten more about it than we’re likely to know.

I figured, then, that even if it needed a tickle with Wayne the Welder’s sparky stick, it would still be worth punting on, with a fresh MOT and a gushing description on one of the specialist classic car sales sites.

Like all skilled car dealers, I parked it in Poo Corner with all my other part-exers and forgot about it for a bit, until such time as I was low on stock and needed to find something to sell in order to pay this month’s instalment of my exploding mortgage, which has gone up like Notre Dame did when someone dropped a fag end on the balcony.

The S-Type seemed like easy money, so I booked it in for a test to see the potential extent of my welding bill and went to go and get it started, as the

Much swearing and faffery ensued and I had the arch liner off and the old trick worked.

battery was as flat as Liz Truss’s popularity ratings after the mini-Budget.

That’s when I hit a snag. Like most Jaguars built since the 1980s, the battery isn’t conveniently located next to the engine it’s supposed to start, but is instead buried deep inside the boot, under the spare wheel carrier and itself a feat of mechanical skill to access. I’d allowed myself half an hour to disassemble the boot floor, but in the event, I needed longer than that.

You see, when I went to attach my trusty jump pack to the car, my intention being to further pollute Birmingham by leaving it running for half an hour to whack a decent charge back into the battery, I went to open the boot only to find the key wouldn’t turn in the lock.

No amount of wiggling, jiggling or enthusiastic squirting of WD40 would free it, and with the central locking firmly, erm, locked, there was no way in without giving the car some form of electricity. The back seats don’t fold, so while I could open the driver’s door and turn the ignition, getting into the boot was a dead loss.

Luckily, I remembered my days of selling the things nearly new and I know there’s a ‘secret’ positive terminal buried deep inside the front wheel arch. Attach one jump lead to that and another to a part of the chassis (if, indeed, there is any of it remaining) and you’ll have just enough power to blip the central locking and open the boot. The downside is that to get to it you have to jack the car up, remove the wheel and then unscrew the wheel arch liner, which will undoubtedly be welded in place by screws that have seized solid with 20 years’ worth of road grime over them.

Much swearing and faffery ensued and I had the arch liner off and the old trick worked. I was able to get in, attach the jump pack and fire the old girl up –whereupon the central locking promptly activated itself and locked the car shut with the engine running.

I knew that in the office I had the spare key, though, so back into the Portakabin I went to retrieve it – except there were two…

The key I’d been using all along wasn’t actually one of the Jaguar’s two main keys but the valet key that was kept with the service history, and would only ever have opened the driver’s door and turned the ignition. The main key? Yes, you guessed it. I went round the back of the car, popped it in the hole and it opened the boot first time…

On the plus side, it sailed through the MOT, the tester describing it as the best S-Type he’d seen ‘since about 2008’. I’ll include that in my sales patter, I think.

The battery isn’t conveniently located next to the engine it’s supposed to start, but is instead buried deep inside the boot.

The S-Type seemed like easy money, so I booked it in for a test to see the potential extent of my welding bill.

CAR NEWS ROUND-UP

PORSCHE

HYUNDAI 911 Carrera T revealed as lighter, purer sports car

Electric Ioniq 6 arrives in top-level First Edition trim

PORSCHE has revealed the 911 Carrera T as the lightest and purest version yet of this latest-gen sports car.

Based on the entry-level Carrera, the T – standing for ‘touring’ – is the more driver-focused choice.

The ‘T’ gets the standard Carrera’s 380bhp 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol engine but – unlike the Carrera – it comes with a seven-speed manual gearbox, which makes it

35kg lighter than the standard car, weighing 1,470kg in total. A PDK automatic gearbox is offered, too. This engine is able to take the 911 from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 181mph.

The rear seats from the standard 911 are also removed, while there’s reduced noise insulation, lighter glass and a lightweight battery.

ROLLS-ROYCE

HYUNDAI has kicked off the arrival of its new Ioniq 6 with a high-spec First Edition model.

Arriving before ‘standard’ Premium and Ultimatespecification cars, the First Edition Ioniq 6 comes with a high level of equipment and tech.

Priced from £54,995, the electric Ioniq 6 First Edition boasts a range of up to 320 miles and is underpinned by Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform which helps to provide a spacious interior and plenty of assistance technology.

The First Edition receives 20inch wheels in matt black, while gloss-black mouldings feature on the front, rear and side and combine with the mirror caps to provide a sleek overall design.

There’s a black interior while exclusive leather seats feature a grey tartan fabric.

ROLLS-ROYCE has revealed its first electric car with the Spectre – a sleek two-door coupe.

Positioned as a spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupe, the Spectre was first announced last year, with Rolls-Royce covering more than 1.5 million test miles since then, which the firm says simulates more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce.

Described as an ‘ultra-luxury electric super coupe’, the Spectre gets a particularly elegant silhouette, while the grille is the widest fitted to a Rolls-Royce and is also ‘softly illuminated’ with 22 LEDs. The Roller can be equipped with 23-inch alloys.

VAUXHALL has widened its performance electrified GSe line-up with the introduction of the Grandland GSe.

Following the Astra GSe, the Grandland GSe brings a similar theme to the latest entry into Vauxhall’s electrified performance sub-brand.

It uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to two electric motors to bring 296bhp, alongside fuel economy of up to 217.3mpg and CO2 emissions of between 29 and 31g/km.

GSe range broadened with new Grandland

VAUXHALL

Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...

Spectre will be spiritual successor to Phantom

MAZDA

DACIA

Duster Extreme SE rejoins line-up

Eletre to cost from £89,500 and reach up to 373 miles

MAZDA’S new diesel CX-60 is available to order now, with prices starting from £42,990.

Joining the existing plug-in hybrid model in the range, it’s a 3.3-litre six-cylinder unit that incorporates Mazda’s distribution-controlled partially pre-mixed compression ignition, which helps it to be cleaner and more efficient than traditional diesel engines.

It’ll be available with either 197bhp and front-wheel drive or 250bhp and all-wheel drive.

Both receive Mazda’s 48volt mild-hybrid assistance.

DACIA has reintroduced the special-edition Duster Extreme SE to its range.

It builds on the top-spec Journey model, with standard features including heated front seats, keyless entry, a multiview camera and an eightinch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Extreme SE also benefits from visual changes, including gloss-black 17-inch alloys and orange accents.

Inside are orange contrast stitching on the seats and satin chrome air vent surrounds.

LOTUS says its new Eletre electric SUV due next year will be priced from £89,500 and available with two powertrains. First revealed in March, it’ll form part of a new range of electric SUVs from Lotus. Eletre and Eletre S will bring 593bhp and 710Nm of torque as well as a range of up to 373 miles. A more powerful Eletre R will sit at the top of the range, bringing 893bhp and 985Nm but a shorter range of 304 miles. The Eletre and Eletre S will bring a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds, while the R shaves this down to under three seconds.

Enyaq iV vRS is added to performance car range

SKODA’S vRS performance car range has swelled to include another electric model with the release of the Enyaq iV vRS.

Following the Coupe iV vRS, the standard-shape Enyaq does away with the Coupe’s heavily raked roofline in favour of a more conventional SUV design. It’s equipped with a two-motor setup bringing 295bhp, while the 82kWh battery can return up to 310 miles per charge. The battery can be taken from 10 to 80 per cent in 36 minutes when using a rapid charger, and Skoda claims the Enyaq iV vRS will also manage 0 to 60mph in 6.3 seconds.

MAZDA

Latest MX-5 gains updated trim levels

refreshes

MAZDA’S popular MX-5 will gain renamed trim levels and new exterior colours when the latest model arrives next year. Available to order now ahead of delivery in March, the 2023 MX-5 will ditch the Convertible name in favour of Roadster.

It keeps the 1.5- or 2.0-litre engine, while a Retractable Fastback (RF) variant also stays in the range and can be matched with either powertrain as before. The 2.0-litre RF is also available as a manual or automatic.

ALFA Romeo has unveiled updated versions of its Giulia saloon and Stelvio SUV, helping to bring the products in line with its new Tonale.

The fronts of the two cars get a new look, taking styling cues from the Tonale. These include a new grille pattern along with the same ‘3+3’ headlights, which themselves take their inspiration from classic Alfa Romeo models.

The lights have also been upgraded to more efficient matrix LEDs, moving away from the bi-xenon bulbs.

Giulia and Stelvio receive

ALFA ROMEO

CX-60 diesel will start from £42,990

SKODA

LOTUS

DEBT

Carzam’s founders are owed millions

HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

NEWS DIGEST

CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY

FAILED online used car business

Carzam owes its founders more than £12m.

The company – established by Big Motoring World owner Peter Waddell, left, and entrepreneur John Bailey, right, in 2020 with an initial £50m investment from them both – went into voluntary receivership on June 1 this year.

Now the joint administrators have released a statement of affairs that includes a list of creditors, among whom are Waddell and Bailey. The total debt is just over £18.9m.

WITHDRAWN

Kia Stinger makes way for EV6 GT

The

Bolloré quits JLR CEO post out of the blue

Rats’ nest found under car bonnet

THE Kia Stinger has been withdrawn from sale in the UK as the new high-performance EV6 GT is set to appear later this year.

The high-performance, rearwheel-drive sports saloon was officially removed from sale on November 10.

First customer deliveries of the all-electric EV6 GT will take place before the year is out.

Its 77.4kWh battery offers a claimed driving range of 265 miles and takes the Stinger’s acceleration crown – sprinting from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds.

THE CEO of Jaguar Land Rover has shocked the automotive industry by resigning for ‘personal reasons’ just days after the firm announced improved financial results.

Thierry Bolloré is stepping down at the end of the year, having been with the company since joining from Renault in 2020. He will be replaced in the interim by Adrian Mardell, currently the chief financial officer, while parent company Tata Motors considers its next move.

Batchelor p19

RATS were found nesting under a car bonnet when trading standards officers swooped on various used car dealerships.

They checked 12 showrooms in Wokingham and West Berkshire after a large number of complaints, said The Reading Chronicle.

At one unnamed dealership, they discovered that rodents had eaten the bonnet lining of a car being sold for £1,895 and chewed their way through its coolant tube.

RESIGNATION

SWOOP

SEVEN Bristol Street Motors employees completed a heart-stopping skydive to raise money for charity.

The group, from Ford Transit Centres and led by David Lee, pictured, commercial vehicle sales director at Bristol Street Motors’ Ford division, leapt from a plane at 15,000ft in aid of The Lighthouse Club. The charity, which gives support to the construction community, has received £2,475 so far as a result of the skydive.

challenge took place at Old Sarum Airfield, with the team jumping out of a Cessna 208 aircraft.

Bristol Street Motors workers take the plunge from 15,000ft to raise thousands for charity

It’s a scandal that the lowcost petrol car is being put to sleep while a like-for-like electric version for the same price is years away.

James

Employees now own where they work

A PEUGEOT dealership in Yorkshire is now owned by its employees after its founder agreed to a sale.

Peter Ambrose (Castleford) Ltd was set up in its founder’s name in 1999 following a management buyout from the brand. He will remain involved with the firm, but ownership has now transferred to the newly formed Peter Ambrose (Castleford) Trustee Ltd.

The business sells around 1,300 vehicles a year and has an annual turnover in the region of £25m.

Britishvolt

battles on with cash injection

BELEAGUERED battery firm

Britishvolt has found short-term funding to keep it afloat for now.

The company, which has been developing a £3.8bn gigafactory at Cambois, near Blyth, in Northumberland, has secured money – understood to be in the singledigit millions of pounds – from an unnamed investor to take it through to early December.

Employees also agreed a voluntary salary cut for November to help keep costs down.

NEW Chinese entrant GWM Ora says it won’t adopt an agency sales model in the UK, and instead plans to appoint around a dozen dealers in the next 12 months.

The brand, backed by the IM Group in the UK, has already signed up Peter Vardy, Lookers and Wessex Garages and intends to increase the size of its network in line with growing customer interest.

GWM Ora UK sales and marketing director Toby Marshall told Car Dealer: ‘Retailers are important.’

HELPING HAND CONCERNS

Swansway donates £8,000 to foodbanks

Sale of chips firm to Chinese is blocked

SWANSWAY Motor Group has given £8,000 in food and monetary support to various foodbanks so far this year as it looks to refresh its approach to charitable causes.

The dealer group said it had made it a key aim to help families in need so spoke to foodbanks to find out their specific requirements and tailored its response accordingly.

Volunteers from Sandbach Foodbank are pictured packing food parcels

THE sale of British semiconductor firm Newport Wafer Fab to a Chinese-owned company has fallen through after the government stepped in to block the deal.

In July 2021, Nexperia, a firm said to be linked to the Chinese Communist Party, sealed a £63m deal to take its total shareholding to 100 per cent. However, business secretary Grant Shapps has now put the buffers on the sale, amid concerns about national security.

Driven by

GWM Ora affirms its belief in dealers

‘All

QUALITY OF LIFE

Burrows opts to close on Sundays

NEWS DIGEST

CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY

BURROWS Motor Company is to close its dealerships on Sundays to give sales staff a better quality of life.

MD Steve Burrows made the announcement, saying it would take effect from October 30.

The Car Dealer Top 100 firm took the decision after consulting staff, who gave the idea ‘an overwhelming positive reaction’.

Burrows said: ‘We proposed the idea of closing the business on a Sunday to further enhance the work-life balance we offer our sales teams.’

TRIAL

GRIDSERVE has installed the UK’s fastest public charger that can add some 100 miles of range in less than five minutes.

The ABB E-mobility 360kW charger, which is being tried out at Gridserve’s Electric Forecourt in Braintree, has two connectors and is suitable for all EVs.

It means that 36 EVs can now be charged at the Braintree forecourt at the same time, and if it proves to be a success, the Terra 360 charger could be rolled out elsewhere in the Gridserve network.

HENDY has delivered a 78-car fleet of new Skoda Superbs to Cox Automotive as part of an ongoing partnership between the two firms.

The vehicles will be used across Cox’s UK brands, including Manheim Inspection Services and Money4YourMotors – its car-buying business. Alan Barratt, group supply chain director at Cox Automotive Europe, said: ‘We chose to purchase these vehicles from Hendy Group due to our long-standing close relationship, plus they offer excellent customer service to our fleet team.’

MONAGHAN Bros has become the latest UK dealership to join the Isuzu network.

The Enniskillen business takes the number of UK Isuzu dealers to 108, with six now in Northern Ireland.

It’ll be offering the D-Max range to County Fermanagh and the surrounding areas.

Pictured are sales director John Armitage, left, and aftersales director Tommy Armitage, who is his brother

ARNOLD Clark is believed to have snapped up Cars 2 Limited.

The purchase is a bold move south of the border for the Scottish group, which made £263m profit in 2021. Cars 2 is a new and used car dealership group predominantly based in Yorkshire. Staff at the showrooms have been told the deal has been done, and employees at two of the Cars 2 sites confirmed to Car Dealer Magazine the rumours were true when we called.

Arnold Clark said to have bought Cars 2

Bros signs up to Isuzu

Fastest public EV charger installed

Feature:

IMPORT ACQUISITION

Clive Sutton boasts UK’s first Hummer EV

Remaining West Way Nissan sites bought

BITE-SIZE

Click on the text box for the full story

LUXURY and performance vehicle specialist Clive Sutton has imported the UK’s first GMC Hummer EV from the USA.

The fully electric pickup pairs more than 350 miles of zeroemission range with supertruck performance.

Boasting 1,000bhp and 1,627Nm torque, the electric Hummer can hit 60mph in just 3.3 seconds.

It measures two metres high, 2.34m wide and more than 5.5m long and can move diagonally.

TAX

DUBAI-based conglomerate AW Rostamani Group has bought the remaining nine West Way Nissan dealerships and its head office.

Nissan didn’t disclose the cost of the acquisition, which was completed at the end of October.

The sites comprise showrooms in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Rochdale, Stockport, Altrincham, Coventry, Stourbridge (pictured), Oldham and Manchester, plus West Way’s head office. Yeomans, Glyn Hopkin and Hendy bought the rest.

OPENING CLOSURE

Mercedes officially back in Fife region

Kerridges shuts for good after 116 years

AXE: Electric black cab maker LEVC is shedding some 140 jobs. The West Midlands-based manufacturer blamed the Covid pandemic for having to make the decision, and said it would be seeking voluntary redundancies, according to the BBC.

SALE: Cazoo has sold its Italian business less than nine months after buying it. The Stellantisowned Aramis Group has acquired the Italian division and immediately changed its name back to Brumbrum. The amount paid hasn’t yet been released.

PREDICTION: Polestar’s boss says he sees no end in sight to the ongoing supply chain issues affecting the industry. Thomas Ingenlath says he believes the problems are likely to stretch into 2023 as factors such as the war in Ukraine rumble on.

ELECTRIC vehicles will no longer be exempt from vehicle excise duty from April 2025, the chancellor has announced.

As part of his Autumn Statement, Jeremy Hunt said the change would make the UK’s motoring tax system fairer, as it was forecast that half of all new vehicles will be electric by 2025. However, the news was roundly criticised by automotive bodies, which described the decision as ‘unhelpful’.

EASTERN Western Motor Group has opened a Mercedes dealership in Dunfermline.

It came just days after the opening of a Volkswagen Van Centre at Newbridge, Edinburgh, and is the first new official Mercedes retail site in the Fife region for 15 years. Marketing area director Graham Affleck said it would be predominantly aftersales but would also offer a range of approved used cars.

A FAMILY-RUN used car dealership in Suffolk has closed after well over a century in business.

Kerridges of Needham Market can trace its roots back to 1906.

But directors John, Stephen and Pete Kerridge have decided to close the doors for good. The great-grandsons of founder Dan left a note on the door, saying: ‘The last few years have been particularly challenging, and sadly Kerridges have been left with no other option.’

EXPANDING: Dealership Autolab UK which specialises in selling vehicles to the rich and famous has sealed a deal for a new site. It has agreed to buy a prime plot of land on Carl Fogarty Way in Blackburn as part of a multimillion-pound expansion.

BREAK: Senior Suzuki GB exec Dale Wyatt is taking a break from his post to look after his wife who has terminal cancer. The director of automobile said: ‘I am stepping back from one of the things I love to do most to take care of the person I love most.’

From super-bikes to stylish shades – cool stuff out now!

Vauxhall has finally managed to add a bit of spice and style to the Astra.

Electric cars to lose exemption from VED

BMW i7

THE KNOWLEDGE

BMW i7

xDrive60

Price (as tested): £112,805

Engine: Electric

WHAT IS IT?

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has taken a swipe at the UK government for its poor charging infrastructure and moving too fast with a ban on combustion-engined models by 2030, but despite the grumbles, his firm is charging ahead with its introduction of electric cars. This is the latest: the tech-laden, gadget-toting i7 – an electric version of its flagship 7 Series.

WHAT’S NEW?

Firstly, there’s a new look to contend with – a gaping front kidney grille and refreshed headlights that can certainly be described as, well, distinctive. Elsewhere, there are plenty of talking points, including a £7k optional 31-inch rear cinema screen that folds down from the roof lining and turns the back seats into a movie theatre.

The powered doors can be opened or closed with a touch of a button, and the interior features a striking new ‘interaction bar’ for some of the controls. But it’s what’s driving the wheels that’s really of interest, as this is the first fully electric option for the 7 Series.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

While the new 7 Series is available with two plug-in hybrid options, the big talking point is really the electric unit. With a range of up to 388 miles, the car boasts 544bhp and a whopping 745Nm of torque. It’s an incredible unit that offers a huge range thanks to massive batteries buried in the floor.

Fast charging can be carried out at up to 195kW – which will give the car 106 miles of range in just 10 minutes. At home, where most people have 7kW chargers, a full replenishment of the batteries will take 16 hours.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

It’s incredibly smooth to drive, and the power delivery is linear and rapid. With several different driving modes, piped-in sound via the 36 speakers ranges from Hans Zimmer-like cinema scores to growling roars. It’s all rather dramatic.

The 7 Series has active steering and suspension that help to offer the smoothest ride possible, even reducing roll to keep occupants comfortable. There’s a brilliant head-up display and augmented reality sat nav built into the dash that projects arrows on to a live video feed of the road ahead.

The car is full of clever tricks, too. In countries that allow it, fully autonomous driving

BMW is bringing out an electric version of its flagship 7 Series and James Baggott was given a sneak preview of it.

Style

The i7 gets a new nose and other additions to make it more aerodynamic, plus there’s the option of two-tone paint.

available on motorways up to 85mph and it can even park itself. It’ll remember 10 parking spaces in underground garages or similar and can take over and park for you.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The looks are a little controversial, but BMW likes to make a statement with its design. The new nose is the focal point but there are lots of additions to make it more aerodynamic and maximise its range. BMW describes the new look as its ‘luxury class face’. For the first time, there’s an optional two-tone paint – with one colour above the doors and another below them. It’s all rather regal, but probably won’t be chosen by very many buyers.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Inside it’s rather classy, too. The new interior has had a lot of thought put into it, including spacious and comfy reclining rear seats and that cinema screen to entertain executives.

Although the screen is rather close to your face, the 8K quality is stunning. It works thanks to Amazon Fire TV software and a 5G internet connection from the car, which owners will have to pay for separately.

In the back, speakers are buried in the seats to really give a cinematic bass-filled experience and the 2000W Bowers & Wilkins sound system does sound incredible.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

There’s lots of kit included as standard, like a clever security system that records images around the car if it detects a break-in. The entry=level Excellence specification has niceties that include 19-inch alloys, illuminated kidney grille, front and rear heated seats, adaptive LED headlights, head-up display, wireless mobile phone charger and much more. An M Sport spec (starting at £112k), which adds things such as larger wheels, is also available.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Electrifying.com said: ’ The BMW i7’s looks are controversial to say the least. But the interior is just gorgeous, and the massive cinema-like screen for rear passengers is a really cool party trick to offer VIP chauffeur passengers. It’s incredibly quiet and comfy, too.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

Just nine per cent of global BMW 7 Series sales will head to Europe and in the UK a little over 1,000 were bought in 2021. Add in the fact Brits have fallen out of love with saloons and it doesn’t really matter how many tricks the i7 has up its sleeves, as it’s unlikely many retail buyers will shell out for one. Most i7 models will find their way into the hands of chauffeurs. That said, the tech making a debut on the i7 is fascinating and (mostly) very well executed. What will be of real interest is just how quickly much of that trickles down to more affordable cars in BMW’s range.

Inside

The classy interior includes reclining rear seats and a 31-inch 8K cinema screen.

It’s incredibly smooth to drive, and the power delivery is linear and rapid.

BMW X7

The X7 has been given a refresh, bringing a striking new design and more interior features.

James Baggott finds out what it’s like.

THE KNOWLEDGE

BMW X7

xDrive40i

Price (as tested): £82,450

Engine: 3.0-litre petrol

The xDrive40i has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit that develops 380bhp and 540Nm of torque.

WHAT IS IT?

This is BMW’s largest off-roader, the seven-seat X7, now with a fresh new face and mild hybrid powerplants. The luxury SUV, which joined the firm’s range in 2019, has been treated to a mid-life facelift that brings its looks in line with the forthcoming new 7 Series and i7 and its interior tech bang up to date with its siblings.

WHAT’S NEW?

Externally, BMW has implemented its latest look, which mostly means a big, bold kidney grille that’s now illuminated. There are also striking new daytime running lights and LED adaptive headlights.

At the back, there’s a new design for the rear lights, while owners can opt for whopping 23-inch alloy wheels – the largest ever on a BMW.

Inside, the highlight is the curved driver display that’s more focused towards the driver, while mild-hybrid technology has been added, too.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Two petrol models and a diesel are available in the UK. The xDrive40i has a 3.0-litre sixcylinder unit that develops 380bhp plus 540Nm of torque and will hit 60mph in 5.8 seconds.

Top of the range is a 4.4-litre petrol V8 – dubbed the M60i xDrive. It has 530bhp, 750Nm of torque and can reach 60mph in 4.7 seconds. The 3.0-litre diesel xDrive40d has 340bhp, 720Nm of torque and will crack 60mph in 6.1 seconds. The diesel will do around 32.5mpg while the range-topper will return closer to 21.2mpg.

All setups now come with new 48V mild-hybrid technology, which assists the engine in improving efficiency at higher speeds and can even drive the car electrically at very low speeds. The energy is created by braking regeneration and stored in a battery in the engine compartment.

For such a large car, the X7 offers a relaxing drive. Adaptive air suspension soaks up the bumps, and clever driver-assistance systems that can help keep you in your lane and even park the car for you are a help rather than a hindrance.

We tried the 40i, which had a quick turn of pace for its proportions and was quiet, too. An eight-speed automatic transmission and electric power steering are fitted as standard.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Whatever your take on BMW’s new design language, few would describe it as boring. The massive kidney grille might not be to everyone’s taste, but we think the new headlights soften the look and the subtle tweaks are rather effective.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The new curved screen is a masterstroke. It’s clear and user-friendly, thanks to the latest iDrive infotainment software. A 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel includes clever touches such as augmented navigation directions that overlay arrows over a live video feed of the road ahead.

The 14.9-inch control display is easy to manipulate and you can operate it via gesture controls as well as voice and touch. Owners will be able to choose between 15 interior light colours, and the dashboard materials are even vegan-friendly.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The specification is high to start with, including 21-inch alloys, a panoramic glass sunroof, illuminated kidney grille, ambient lighting and metallic paint. Inside, you get electric memory heated front seats, a sports steering wheel, four-zone air con and acoustic glass.

A Harmon Kardon stereo, Apple CarPlay and wireless charging tray for your mobile are also included, while M Sport specification models get extra badging and some additional design tweaks.

Several different packs are available, including a technology upgrade for £5k that gives owners a Bowers & Wilkins stereo. Comfort Plus Pack adds extras such as rear window blinds, ventilated seats plus heated and cooled cup holders for £3,750. And if you’re really feeling flush, the £16k Ultimate Pack adds, among many other things, 22-inch alloy wheels and an M Sport exhaust.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Car magazine said: ‘For a car that’s easy to dislike on account of its sheer bulk and those frankly monstrous kidney grilles, there’s actually a lot to enjoy once you’re aboard the BMW X7, and there’s no doubt its mix of luxurious refinement, seven-seat versatility and dynamic ability is unmatched by any rivals for comparable money.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

BMW sells fewer than a thousand X7 models a year, but it’s still a vital part of its SUV armoury. While rivals, like the new Range Rover, have pushed themselves further upmarket and increased prices as a result, the BMW offers relatively good value for money.

The size helps mask the huge controversial grille and the other new design touches bring it nicely up to date. It’s packed with tech, humongous inside and comfortable to drive. If you’re in the market for the largest of SUVs, it’s definitely worth a look.

On the road

The X7 offers a relaxing drive with adaptive air suspension to smooth out the bumps.

1. This is BMW’s biggest SUV 2. It has a bold new look with an illuminated grille 3. The interior is refreshed with a huge new infotainment screen DEAL CLINCHER:

It’s a lot cheaper than a Range Rover.

The curved screen is a masterstroke – clear and user-friendly, thanks to the latest software.

The size helps mask the huge controversial grille and the other new design touches bring it nicely up to date.

Inside

VAUXALL ASTRA

The Mk8 Astra promises to be better than ever –James Batchelor sees if it can really succeed.

WHAT IS IT?

While the Astra has been Vauxhall’s bread and butter for the past four decades, it’s fair to say that for the majority of those 40 years it’s been an earnest but not exactly outstanding offering. But now there’s a new one and it’s the first to be built under the guiding hand of Stellantis, not General Motors.

WHAT’S NEW?

Everything – only the name has been carried over. Being Stellantis-owned, Vauxhall gets access to the car giant’s parts bin, so under the handsome body lies the same platform as used for the new Peugeot 308, plenty of familiar technology and a suite of up-to-the-minute engines. Speaking of powertrains, this is the first Astra to come as a plug-in hybrid and there’s even a fully electric Astra-e coming along next year.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Vauxhall is offering a power type for every customer, with pure petrols, petrol plug-in hybrids and a diesel option. As well as the electric Astra-e next year, there’ll also be a mildly hot Astra GSe with a 221bhp 1.6-litre petrol plug-in hybrid. But until that arrives, the most potent Astra is the plug-in hybrid (confusingly badged simply ‘Hybrid’) with up to 43 miles of electric-only range.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Vauxhall has worked hard to make the Mk8 Astra more exciting but also more refined. On the latter element, this has been a success for the most part, with the bulk of road and wind noise prevented from entering the cabin. It’s also pretty good to drive, with accurate steering (via a normally sized steering wheel – take note, Peugeot) and decent body control. We did, however, find the ride in this plug-in hybrid a little on the hard side – no doubt a by-product of the added weight brought on by the electric motor, batteries and stiffened suspension used to accommodate them.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

This is one seriously good-looking car and, along with the Mokka, was designed to wear the brand’s ‘Vizor’ front end from the outset. It’s a wedgy, daring design that makes a Focus look dull and a Golf just plain frumpy.

Power

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The bold exterior styling is mostly carried over to the interior, which features a nicely designed dashboard – we just wish it was a bit brighter and not quite so black in there. That said, there’s decent room up front and our car’s super-comfy front seats (which have been certified by a German back specialist) were a treat to sit in.

The same can’t be said for the back seats, though, as knee and headroom are both in short supply, and the plug-in hybrid’s boot (352 litres) is smaller than in the petrol and diesel Astras (422 litres). There’s always the Sports Tourer estate if more space is needed.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Our test car came in high-end Ultimate specification, with all the bells and whistles a buyer could want. At £39,115 after options, our Astra model certainly sat at the more premium end of the spectrum, although features such as dual-zone climate control, a heated leather steering wheel and a 10-inch driver display go some way to justifying this price tag.

The 10-inch infotainment system on the latest Astra isn’t the most intuitive to use, but it’s handy to have physical shortcut buttons for many of the functions. Some areas of the cabin were let down by cheaper-feeling plastics, mind you, which did contrast with the overall

Cabin

The interior isn’t the brightest, but the dash is well designed and the front seats are comfy.

Style

The design of the latest Astra makes it a seriously good-looking car.

premium feeling that it seems Vauxhall is aiming for with the Astra. But for the most part, the interior quality is good enough.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Top Gear said: ‘It’s decent to drive, smart looking and finished to a high standard. Besides, Vauxhall has clamped down on ownership costs, so it’s accessible too. The Astra’s not a car to set your heart on fire, or your pants, but it feels satisfyingly well sorted.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

Vauxhall has finally managed to add a bit of spice and style to the Astra, and while it will appeal to new buyers, it’ll likely still be favoured by Vauxhall die-hards, too.

The PHEV will probably be best suited to company car drivers, as these models look rather expensive – our car’s near-£40,000 price tag is way too much. Cheaper models make more sense, but while the Astra doesn’t stand out in any particular area, there’s a lot to like about it and the new version certainly sits among the top branches of the hatchback tree.

Vauxhall has finally managed to add a bit of spice and style to the Astra.

NISSAN X-TRAIL

THE KNOWLEDGE

Nissan X-Trail

Price (as tested): £33,705 Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine with dual-electric motors

WHAT IS IT?

Arriving with a bold new look and a completely hybrid setup – as well as all-important seven-seater versatility, this fourth-generation X-Trail looks to pick up where its very successful predecessor left off.

WHAT’S NEW?

Underpinning the new X-Trail is a CMF-D platform created by the wider Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi Alliance. This lightweight platform promises improved refinement and ride comfort over the previous X-Trail. Elsewhere, we’ve got some of Nissan’s latest in-car technology, as well as an upgraded version of its ProPilot assistance technology designed to make the X-Trail as safe – and simple – to drive as possible.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The new X-Trail has been equipped with Nissan’s latest e-Power setup, which we’ve already seen in the Qashqai. It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine – which effectively works as a generator – to power an electric motor on the front wheels. The X-Trail is available with a new e-4orce setup, which adds a second electric motor to the rear axle, giving it fourwheel drive, although that engine is never used to directly power the wheels.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The X-Trail rides away in a typically silent manner, with the engine largely playing second fiddle to the electric motors. That continues throughout most types of driving, with even highway motoring seeing the petrol engine remain mute in the background. Only during really heavy applications of the throttle is it really called into play, where it can be a little noisy. It’s very much the minority of the time, mind you.

Elsewhere, things are good. The X-Trail is large but it’s pleasantly resistant to roll and pitch through the bends. The ride can feel a little firm, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary for the segment. That e-4orce system, meanwhile, gives the X-Trail a healthy dose of traction, and even taking it on some rutted, sweeping gravel tracks saw it remain settled.

Those who like the idea of a Qashqai but need a little extra space.

DEAL CLINCHER:

The X-Trail takes the Qashqai’s foundations and elevates them with a more premium interior finish and extra space.

Under the bonnet

The 1.5-litre petrol with dual-electric motors produces 210bhp and 330Nm of torque.

between arch and tyre has been increased for the X-Trail to help it with a more upright stance. The front end has been given a squared-off look, too – not by blunting off the ‘nose’ but with upright air intakes that give the impression of a more angular appearance. Around the back, there’s a similar blocky appearance.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Prices for the new X-Trail start from a smidge over £32,000 – around a £5,000 premium over an equivalent Qashqai – but you really can’t fault the quality for this. The main dashboard is quite different to the Qashqai’s, but it’s the robust fit and finish that really shine through. There are plenty of storage options, too, with large cubbies and deep bottle-holders aplenty.

There’s good space for those in the middle row as well, while that final row can definitely only be seen as ‘occasional’. Adults aren’t really going to be awfully comfy back there. With that rearmost row folded flat, you’ve got 575 litres of boot space which, though not bad, is considerably less than the 700 litres you’d get from a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

All X-Trail models get plenty of equipment as standard, with entry-level Visia-grade cars coming with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and a suite of safety systems as standard. You’ll have to step up to the Acenta Premium – priced from £33,705 – to be able to specify this e-Power hybrid setup as well as the e-4orce all-wheel-drive.

The N-Connecta trim seems like the sweet spot. Priced from £36,530, it gets Nissan’s latest in-car tech, with a 12.3-inch central display mated to a digital dashboard of the same size. The former is clear and easy to use, but the latter is a touch cluttered, thanks to a variety of readouts and graphics. A simpler setup might be easier to use.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Auto Express said: ‘Overall, the X-Trail is a roomy car with plenty of space for passengers and their luggage.’ Top Gear said: ‘It isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it has been pretty carefully crafted to offer as close to all things to all family members as any car in this class could hope to.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

In a market awash with options, the X-Trail does well to stand out. It’s got a little more character than its Qashqai stablemate, thanks to its added practicality and versatility. The new e-Power setup works well in its application here too – as does the new e-4orce setup – although we’d argue that many drivers might naturally lean towards the two-wheeldrive version unless added capability is what you’re after. The seven-seat option, although slightly limited in terms of outright spaciousness, adds another string to the X-Trail’s bow.

All in all, it feels like a very credible family car and a welcome addition to the segment.

Inside

The X-Trail’s interior has a robust fit and finish with plenty of storage options.

All in all, it feels like a very credible family car and a welcome addition to the segment.

COOL STUFF

Where has the time gone? It feels as though we were only just basking in the summer sun and now we’re already rocketing towards Christmas. Needless to say, it’s a busy time on the products front, with plenty of exciting new things coming out. So let’s take a look at what’s on offer at the moment.

LG Stretchable Display £tbc

IT FEELS a little like something out of science fiction, but LG Display – the manufacturing arm of tech giant LG – has just created the world’s first 12-inch stretchable display that can be extended, folded or twisted without any damage whatsoever.

It’s made with the same sort of material as contact lenses and fitted with micro LEDs, with that stretchiness meaning it could be used in all sorts of places such as cars, planes or even furniture.

CANYON isn’t one to rest on its laurels, which is why it’s kitted out its Spectral CF 8 mountain bike with new Keep It Stable (K.I.S.) technology to take its handling up to a new level.

It uses custom springs and clever polymer fibre bands that actively centre the handlebars while you’re riding. What’s the benefit? Well, it means you’ll be able to turn more smoothly, making your rides faster and more controlled.

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 headphones

THE wireless headphone segment is a fast-moving one to say the least, with cutting-edge technology being released with each new model. The snappily titled ATH-TWX9 from Audio-Technica are some of the latest earpods to come out, and they get up to six hours of battery life plus a further 18.5 hours of power stored in the handy case.

Cleverly, there’s also a ‘deep-UV’ LED sterilisation system that takes away bacteria and viruses from the surface of the headphones

Oakley Hydra

IT MAY well be darker for longer now, but there’s still plenty of low-level sunlight to warrant popping on a set of sunnies. Oakley’s new Hydra glasses take their inspiration from ’90s surf culture, using old-school design with very modern lens technology.

So, while they might have the look and feel of a ’90s set of shades, they’ve got Oakley’s very clever Prizm Lens Technology that helps to boost colours and contrasts.

Picture of the month

Car Dealer readers with long memories may recall our story in 2020 about the Hyundai Serra showroom in Brazil that adopted a stray dog

Quickly named Tucson Prime, he became the dealership’s canine ambassador and mascot, with Hyundai Brazil even granting him official sales dog status!

Fast-forward two years and according to the pooch’s Instagram account (yes, he’s on Insta – with 186,000 followers!) Tucson Prime is now looking forward to the World Cup – with just a tinge of envy.

In one of his latest posts, he poses with an official World Cup tournament football and says: ‘Who’s excited for the cup? I confess that I get very excited watching the ball run from one side to the other. Looks like a great run on that huge field with lots of room to run.’

We bet he’ll be even MORE excited if Brazil win!

I need to find plenty of decent stock but have lost faith in BCA

After starting up a few months ago, I’ve really got the hang of this trade and am now doing quite well, thanks to the help and advice from you guys. But the issue I’m having of late is the cars listed on BCA don’t seem to be of the same quality that they were a couple months back, and anything decent in there is going for retail money. It means I’m wasting hours of my time researching cars that I ultimately don’t win. How do you find a large amount of stock with an OK margin while making sure that what you buy isn’t a complete dog?

Samuel Welwyn

You need to have varied methods of obtaining stock, rather than just auctions. There is no secret stock that you don’t know about; it is just sometimes eight hours in front of a laptop to purchase one or two vehicles.

Blenheim Car Sales

Many of us (myself included) rely too much on BCA/Manheim. We need to realise there are more ways of gaining stock. Recently, I’ve seen cars fetching more at BCA than I could have bought privately advertised on Auto Trader/eBay and I could have viewed those in person and had a test drive.

One person researching all day, every day. No one just bids on anything for long, as they go out of business like lightning. Private purchases are a very slow way, in my opinion.

David Horgan

Yes, it’s very slow, especially when you do it part-time. You need to put some time in – I do about two hours a day making a shortlist. There is always a risk element, but you are minimising the risk or accounting for it when you bid.

Lakeside

Slademotors

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

BUSINESS NEWS

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

DELAYS

EXPANSION

Apple says iPhone supplies hit by virus curbs in China

APPLE has warned customers they will have to wait longer to get the latest iPhone models after coronavirus restrictions were imposed on a contractor’s factory in central China.

The company announcement on November 6 gave no details but said the factory operated by Foxconn in Zhengzhou was working ‘at significantly reduced capacity’.

It added: ‘We now expect lower iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max shipments than we previously anticipated.

‘Customers will experience longer wait times to receive their new products.’

Barclays makes £2bn profit for third quarter

Asda finalises deal

to

buy Co-op forecourts

ASDA has completed its circa £600m deal to buy the Co-op’s petrol forecourt business.

It said the deal, which is part of its plans to rapidly expand into the convenience market, will see 2,300 workers move over to the supermarket group. The Co-op revealed its plans to sell its 132 petrol stations and attached convenience stores in August.

BARCLAYS has overtaken market expectations and reported pre-tax profits of £2bn for the third quarter.

Its profits jumped by six per cent on last year’s £1.9bn, beating the consensus of £1.8bn for the period.

The uplift has largely been a result of a fixed income boom, which surged by 63 per cent to £4.7bn for its international division, as its clients upped trading.

EARNINGS

Gender pay gap wider but below pre-Covid level

UPLIFT

THE gender pay gap for UK workers widened to 8.3 per cent this year, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics revealed that the difference in average earnings for full-time male and female employees struck the figure in April, rising from 7.7 per cent in April 2021. Nevertheless, it was down from nine per cent in April 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic heavily affected the UK labour market.

ECONOMY

Warning over interest rate rise impact

UNIONS have warned that workers will suffer fresh financial hardship as a result of the interest rate hike to three per cent.

TUC head of economics Kate Bell said: ‘Workers are paying a high price for the Conservatives crashing the economy.

‘[The] interest hike will increase the risk of a bleak recession this winter, and it will hammer businesses and people paying a mortgage.’

Service sector shrinks for first time since Feb 2021

THE UK’s service sector shrank in October for the first time since February last year as businesses said they were hit by higher borrowing costs following the fallout from the mini-Budget.

The S&P Global/CIPS UK services PMI survey showed a reading of 48.8 in October – down from 50 the previous month. Any reading above 50 is considered growth; below that means the sector is shrinking.

INDUSTRY VIEWS

NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM CAR DEALER LIVE

New Car Dealer Live video series goes behind the scenes of selling supercars

Asupercar dealer has revealed how his most memorable deal was to a group of employees who clubbed together to buy their boss a Bugatti Veyron.

Romans International director Tom Jaconelli revealed the deal in an interview as part of our new Selling Supercars video series, which you can watch by clicking on this story.

Jaconelli said the staff of the unnamed firm each put in to buy the Veyron. The model currently sells for around £2m.

‘The most memorable deal for me was something very unique – it was to a good customer of ours, who has bought cars from us before, but he didn’t know about this.

‘Some of his employees – it was a big company with, I think, hundreds, if not

thousands, of employees – all pulled together money from all the employees and bought the boss a Bugatti Veyron.

‘That is pretty special, but it was as a thank-you to the boss because they’ve all been looked after.’

The video is the first in a four-part series that delves behind the scenes at some of the UK’s most exclusive car dealerships.

When we visited Banstead-based Romans, it had more than £100m-worth of stock, including a LaFerrari, three Porsche

918 Spyders, a Ferrari 488 Pista plus a stunning Bugatti Veyron.

In the video, the team explain what it’s like selling cars to the rich and famous –and how they can never assume anything about the people who walk into the showroom – such as one buyer who turned up on a moped to buy a supercar.

‘He turned up and we just thought this can’t be serious. But yeah, it came good. And it’s pretty cool, I think, that he did that. Sometimes you just don’t know.’

COLLECTING CARS

If Cazoo

must change how it sells cars to customers by using dealer groups

Cazoo will need to pivot its business model to let customers buy cars via dealer group networks in future if it’s to survive.

That’s the view of Edward Lovett, founder and CEO of the global online auction platform Collecting Cars.

He took a swipe at the online used car business, saying it wasn’t currently offering anything different, and that the business’s future will be a ‘painful journey’ for investors.

‘Apple recently launched its “pay later” product, which is all funded in-house, and the likes of Klarna and other pay-later services have all had their share prices tank.

‘Now, with Cazoo, yes you purchase the car online as a consumer, but it’s not really an online business – it’s just a car dealer.’

He added: ‘I believe Auto Trader is about to launch its competitive product to Cazoo and I think Cazoo, if they do anything, will need to pivot.

‘They need to use their platform for people to buy cars through the dealer network that already exists, is well funded and very profitable.

‘They’re going up against some very successful and very well-run businesses that work and function perfectly well. They need to use their platform, their technology and their marketing skill to rebuild their business model.’

is to survive, it

ROMANS INTERNATIONAL

Romans International director Tom Jaconelli

Used car prices drop by just half a per cent in their strongest performance for 14 years

Used car prices fell by half a per cent in October, making it the strongest October for more than a decade.

At the three-year mark, prices dropped by 0.5 per cent on average for secondhand cars. The combination of the small drop, September’s surprising 0.3 per cent rise and no sign of normal new car supply levels returning any time soon has led one expert to believe a price crash won’t be around the corner.

Speaking exclusively to Car Dealer in a video that you can watch by clicking on this story, Cap HPI’s director of valuations, Derren Martin, declared October’s market to be ‘strong’. He said: ‘The headline figure of a 0.5 per cent decrease at the three-year point is mirrored across most of the age points, especially on younger ages,

which were around 0.4/0.5 per cent.

‘That’s a strong October. We’re not used to seeing massive drops because of what happened last year [where values rose by 30 per cent], and that 0.5 per cent drop is what we’ve seen at various months throughout the year. It’s a bit of a continuation of that.

‘It’s the strongest October we’ve witnessed since 2007 or 2008.’

He added: ‘It’s been quite mixed for retailers. For the wholesale side, October has performed pretty well.

‘Within that, there’s obviously lots of moving parts, but we’ve worked really hard to move values around and reflect what’s happening in the market. But at the end of the day, the figure is a very small movement down.’

Boss is preparing group for recession

WAYLANDS Automotive CEO John O’Hanlon is preparing his car dealership business for a recession.

The boss of the Volvo and Kia group said that as the UK heads towards a contraction in growth, he is busy laying the groundwork to see his firm through it.

His comments came as the Bank of England warned that the UK faced its longest recession in history, although it added that it wouldn’t be as deep as the downturn that followed the 2008 financial crash.

O’Hanlon is working hard with his teams to ensure his marketing messages are now on point and that customers know there are cars available to buy.

‘We’ve got to actually make sure our businesses are best placed,’ he said.

PETER VARDY

Automotive industry must do what it can for its workforce as the cost-of-living crisis bites

The automotive industry really needs to look out for all its workers as they grapple with the cost-of-living crisis, says Peter Vardy’s CEO.

Peter Vardy’s comments followed a survey that said many drivers would be looking to take on more debt to stay on the road.

‘You’ve got people struggling with the cost of living balloting for pay rises, and you just worry that some of those people balloting for pay rises are sat next to a colleague who’s going to lose their job because there’s not enough money to go round to pay everyone the pay rises they need and employ the same workforce.

‘There isn’t an easy answer to all of this.

‘We will have to, as an industry, look after our colleagues in terms of pay rises and try to get the balance right as best we can.’

And he highlighted how the Car Dealer Top 100 firm was helping staff, such as offering budgeting lessons. Other initiatives that Peter Vardy has introduced are free meals once a week plus interest-free loans.

‘We can only influence what we can influence. So long as each of us takes responsibility for what we can influence and do something about it, that’s probably as much as we can do.’

Vardy also touched on the group’s future plans, which include branching out to Australia.

You can watch all our

We will have to, as an industry, look after our colleagues in terms of pay rises and try to get the balance right as best we can.

Peter Vardy Peter Vardy CEO

CAP HPI

WAYLANDS AUTOMOTIVE

COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

Motor finance firms urged to help borrowers in squeeze

by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk

Motor finance firms need to focus on key areas to help people who are struggling because of the cost-of-living crisis. That’s according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which has taken a look at the post-pandemic performance of motor finance lenders plus others in the finance industry, including credit card providers, mortgage lenders, pawnbrokers and those dealing with asset finance.

In a newly published report, the FCA said it had found examples of firms in the finance sector delivering good outcomes for customers – but others must do a lot better to support borrowers who are in financial difficulty.

Just 30 per cent of finance firms (15 out of 50) that it reviewed explored customers’ specific circumstances sufficiently, which meant repayment agreements were often unaffordable and unsustainable. No firms were named, but the FCA said it had already told 32 of them across the entire finance industry to improve how they treat customers and so far seven of them have agreed to pay £12m in compensation to almost 60,000 struggling customers.

In its study of 509 companies across the board, the FCA found that 26 per cent of motor finance firms were monitoring customers’ susceptibility to financial difficulty. It also discovered some motor finance firms charging more than £40 as a late payment fee and nearly £40 for unpaid direct debits and arrears. The FCA said that to improve matters for borrowers in financial difficulty, lenders must focus on engaging with customers, the effectiveness of conversations with customers, helping customers to consider and access money advice and not-for-profit debt advice, plus fees and charges.

FLA

New business volumes fall by five per cent

LATEST figures from the Finance & Leasing Association show consumer car finance new business volumes fell in September by five per cent versus the same month in 2021.

The corresponding value of new business in September was at a similar level to the same month last year.

In the first nine months of 2022, new business volumes were four per cent higher than in the same period in 2021.

The consumer new car finance market reported a fall in new business of six per cent by value and 13 per cent by volume in September compared with the same month in 2021.

In the first nine months of 2022, new business volumes in this market were seven per cent lower than during the same period in 2021.

The consumer used car finance market reported new business up seven per cent by value and one per cent by volume in September compared with the same month in 2021.

In the first nine months of 2022, new business volumes in this market stayed 10 per cent higher than in the same period in 2021.

TIME IS MONEY

A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING RICHARD PYGOTT

We must all work together to tackle stress around us

It was World Mental Health Day on October 10, with the goal of raising awareness for mental health issues worldwide. A similar comparison can be made between the engines in the cars on the forecourt and our mental well-being. To ensure they run correctly, they require routine checks and maintenance; if they don’t receive regular maintenance; they will break down.

Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis have both contributed to a global mental health crisis, which affects people of all ages and backgrounds. As a result, many mental health charities have seen a huge increase in demand for their services.

The mental well-being of our employees is one of our highest priorities at First Response Finance. Leaders within our organisation receive mental health training to be able to recognise signs that their employees may be struggling. In addition, our staff have access to private health care and free private counselling services.

Over the past few years, the automotive industry has experienced what often feels like one crisis after another. Many in our industry run their own businesses and are exposed to increasing stress daily because of their day-to-day operations and keeping their heads above water.

Although many mental health charities are active in the UK, Ben is one of very few, that are specifically focused on helping people who work in the automotive industry.

Our company was very happy to support one of the participants in October’s Bangers4Ben fundraising rally, where members of the trade took part in a James Bondthemed journey across Europe.

At the time of writing, Bangers4Ben had raised more than £32,000! While this is clearly a huge positive, a recent survey by Ben makes for some alarming reading for all of us in the industry: ‘Stress is the most common health and well-being issue in the UK automotive industry (55 per cent). Stress is more common in the automotive industry than other sectors in the UK (55 per cent vs 48 per cent).’

Richard Pygott is digital marketer for First Response.

Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk

These statistics should make us all sit up and take note that whilst charities like Ben do some fantastic work in raising awareness of mental health in the automotive industry, it is a challenge we must all accept and work together on. Over the course of our lives, we will all need extra support from time to time, to successfully navigate many of the challenges that life throws at us. We need to keep on top of our own mental health and ask for help when we need it. We also need to recognise the well-being of our employees, colleagues and friends. This way, we can all contribute towards the discussion around mental health and ensure that mental health becomes a normal part of our everyday conversations in this fantastic industry we work within.

Our company was very happy to support one of the participants in October’s Bangers4Ben fundraising rally.

WE’VE DONE IT AGAIN THANKS TO YOU!

Within two months we’ve won not one, but three awards- an achievement that we are all very proud of.

Our customers voted First Response Finance as the ‘Best Car Finance Provider’ in the Consumer Credit Awards 2022 for the second consecutive year. In addition to that, we’ve won the prestigious ‘Firm of the Year’ award!

The second recognition came from our dealer partners who voted us ‘Finance Provider of the Year (Sub-Prime)’ in the Car Dealer Power Awards. We are honoured to have won this award 8 times!

Vans, cars, motorbikes - it doesn't matter what type of vehicle we’re financing, our award- winning service remains the same.

SUPPLIER NEWS

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

Webzone subsidiary is sold for £26m

More tables released for flagship fundraiser

The Ben Ball is taking place at Old Billingsgate Market in London on December 7, and Matt Wigginton, director of partnerships, engagement and income, said: ‘Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event for us. Not only does it bring in vital donations, but it also gives us the chance to thank those who have helped us achieve so much during the year, and to show how we use their donations to change people’s lives.’ Tickets can be booked via this link

AUTO Trader has sold its Webzone business to Mediahuis Ireland for €30m (£26m).

Webzone trades in Ireland under the Carzone brand, and was one of Auto Trader’s subsidiaries.

Auto Trader said the sale was part of its primary strategy to focus on the UK market. Xavier van Leeuwe, CEO of Mediahuis Marketplaces, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome the Carzone team into the Mediahuis group.’

Key £1bn milestone in advances is reached

Deal with leasing arm of energy firm signed

G3 and RAC strike deal for ‘takeover’ auctions

EVOLUTION Funding is celebrating reaching a key milestone figure of £1bn in motor finance advances, with total platform transactions now standing at more than £1.5bn. The achievement comes just months after the firm, which was highly commended in this year’s Car Dealer Power, posted a record month in March of £117.4m in advances. CEO Lee Streets said: ‘Reaching this £1bn milestone is a proud moment for everyone.’

MOTORWAY has partnered with Octopus Electric Vehicles to become its exclusive car selling partner.

The move will make car valuations and sales inquiries much easier, says the used car marketplace. The deal with the EV-leasing arm of green energy provider Octopus Energy aims to make it simpler for people to sell their petrol or diesel vehicles before leasing an electric alternative, and is part of a strategy to raise owners’ awareness of Motorway.

Richard Pygott p43

A NEW partnership agreement has been struck between the 1,200-strong RAC Dealer Network and Car Dealer award-winning G3 Remarketing, built around the vehicle auction specialist’s physical sales and new technology products.

It will see a series of ‘takeover’ auctions next year at G3’s site in Castleford, where RAC dealers will be able to access exclusive offers on buyers’ fees as well as meet their account managers.

AUTOMOTIVE industry charity Ben has released more tables for its flagship black-tie fundraiser.

Many in our industry run their own businesses and are exposed to increasing stress daily.

Third consecutive month of growth but SMMT warns over chargepoints

by John Bowman @john@blackballmedia.co.uk

The UK new car market enjoyed a third month of growth in October, with registrations rising by 26.4 per cent to 134,344 units, according to figures released on November 4 by the SMMT.

Fulfilment of strong order books helped deliver the bounce-back, it said, but in the year to date, the market is down 5.6 per cent on the same period in 2021, when deliveries fell by 24.6 per cent, and still a third below pre-Covid levels.

Last month’s growth was mainly driven by large fleet registrations, which grew by 47.4 per cent to 67,911 units, while those by private buyers rose by 7.4 per cent to 62,714. Smaller businesses recorded a 108.6 per cent increase, although at 3,719 units this is a small segment of the market.

Zero-emission-capable car deliveries continued to grow in volume, with batteryelectric vehicle (BEV) registrations increasing by 23.4 per cent to 19,933 and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) by 6.2 per cent to 8,899.

However, BEV uptake grew by less than the overall market for the first time since the pandemic, meaning October was the first month to see BEV market share fall year on year since May 2021, mainly because of supply challenges.

Deliveries of hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), meanwhile, rocketed by 81.7 per cent to account for more than one in 10 new cars, as supply was prioritised for a raft of popular new models.

Overall, electrified vehicles accounted for one in three registrations, while more than a fifth (21.5 per cent) came with a plug.

The top-selling car was the Ford Fiesta – shortly to be axed – with 4,230 registrations. It was closely followed by the Nissan Qashqai at 4,228.

Ongoing supply chain shortages, surging inflation and a growing cost-of-living crisis have led the SMMT to revise its market outlook for the year downward by 2.2 per cent, with 1.566m registrations now expected. It puts 2022 on course to be the market’s toughest year since 1982.

More positively, however, demand for EVs is expected to result in a plug-in market share of 21.9 per cent. Overall market recovery is anticipated to continue through 2023, with an outlook of 1.808m units and plug-ins accounting for 26.7 per cent of registrations next year.

Such growth underlined the importance of increasing public chargepoint availability, said the trade body, adding it was unlikely the government’s ambition for 300,000 public chargers by 2030 will be met. Chief executive Mike Hawes said: ‘The models are there, with more still to come; so must the public chargepoints.’

The models are there, with more still to come; so must the public chargepoints.

Mike

Hawes SMMT chief executive

Marque

JEEP +1,100% -63.5%

OCTOBER 2022 OCTOBER 2021

YEAR TO DATE

2022 % market share 2021 % market share % change 2022 % market share 2021 % market share % change

Abarth 313 0.23 114 0.11 174.56 1,413 0.11 2,135 0.15 -33.82

Alfa Romeo 105 0.08 146 0.14 -28.08 1,408 0.10 1,300 0.09 8.31

Alpine 13 0.01 19 0.02 -31.58 238 0.02 163 0.01 46.01

Audi 10,193 7.59 6,841 6.44 49.00 90,238 6.72 102,948 7.24 -12.35

Bentley 141 0.10 92 0.09 53.26 1,384 0.10 1,064 0.07 30.08

BMW 9,199 6.85 7,778 7.32 18.27 88,844 6.62 101,139 7.11 -12.16

Citroen 2,781 2.07 2,290 2.15 21.44 25,588 1.91 26,552 1.87 -3.63

Cupra 1,543 1.15 753 0.71 104.91 12,016 0.89 6,181 0.43 94.40

Dacia 1,773 1.32 1,318 1.24 34.52 23,053 1.72 14,585 1.03 58.06

DS 539 0.40 100 0.09 439.00 3,134 0.23 1,826 0.13 71.63

Fiat 2,504 1.86 1,318 1.24 89.98 17,900 1.33 17,377 1.22 3.01

Ford 13,295 9.90 6,829 6.43 94.68 108,072 8.05 106,085 7.46 1.87

Genesis 72 0.05 6 0.01 1,100.00 638 0.05 93 0.01 586.02

Honda 2,245 1.67 1,629 1.53 37.81 21,689 1.62 24,177 1.70 -10.29

Hyundai 5,663 4.22 5,447 5.13 3.97 69,757 5.20 58,378 4.10 19.49

Jaguar 375 0.28 605 0.57 -38.02 10,520 0.78 16,195 1.14 -35.04

Jeep 100 0.07 274 0.26 -63.50 2,136 0.16 4,113 0.29 -48.07 Kia 6,041 4.50 7,436 7.00 -18.76 89,146 6.64 81,532 5.73 9.34

Land Rover 3,275 2.44 1,610 1.52 103.42 37,120 2.76 47,685 3.35 -22.16

Lexus 767 0.57 672 0.63 14.14 7,937 0.59 12,696 0.89 -37.48

Maserati 42 0.03 81 0.08 -48.15 618 0.05 619 0.04 -0.16 Mazda 2,179 1.62 1,322 1.24 64.83 20,827 1.55 23,225 1.63 -10.33

Mercedes-Benz 6,022 4.48 6,856 6.45 -12.16 71,371 5.32 85,108 5.98 -16.14 MG 4,749 3.53 2,339 2.20 103.04 43,061 3.21 25,290 1.78 70.27 Mini 3,700 2.75 4,289 4.04 -13.73 35,929 2.68 35,141 2.47 2.24 Mitsubishi 0 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 5,125 0.36 0.00 Nissan 6,817 5.07 4,887 4.60 39.49 59,625 4.44 57,152 4.02 4.33 Ora 42 0.03 0 0.00 0.00 42 0.00 0 0.00 0.00

Peugeot 5,642 4.20 5,106 4.80 10.50 48,449 3.61 51,369 3.61 -5.68 Polestar 1,069 0.80 658 0.62 62.46 4,994 0.37 3,083 0.22 61.99 Porsche 1,207 0.90 1,650 1.55 -26.85 13,155 0.98 9,686 0.68 35.81 Renault 2,768 2.06 2,123 2.00 30.38 24,948 1.86 25,101 1.76 -0.61 Seat 1,532 1.14 2,487 2.34 -38.40 18,463 1.38 40,099 2.82 -53.96 Skoda 4,130 3.07 2,290 2.15 80.35 39,979 2.98 48,805 3.43 -18.08 Smart 57 0.04 148 0.14 -61.49 1,112 0.08 1,242 0.09 -10.47

SsangYong 166 0.12 152 0.14 9.21 1,373 0.10 1,276 0.09 7.60 Subaru 168 0.13 130 0.12 29.23 1,056 0.08 1,766 0.12 -40.20

Suzuki 1,001 0.75 1,274 1.20 -21.43 15,078 1.12 19,189 1.35 -21.42 Tesla 11 0.01 16 0.02 -31.25 32,229 2.40 22,164 1.56 45.41

Toyota 8,341 6.21 5,122 4.82 62.85 87,279 6.50 88,250 6.20 -1.10

Vauxhall 7,710 5.74 6,099 5.74 26.41 73,758 5.49 78,340 5.51 -5.85

Volkswagen 12,804 9.53 9,052 8.52 41.45 104,975 7.82 130,338 9.16 -19.46 Volvo 2,941 2.19 4,606 4.33 -36.15 29,024 2.16 41,027 2.88 -29.26

Other British 181 0.13 175 0.16 3.43 1,817 0.14 1,942 0.14 -6.44 Other imports 128 0.10 126 0.12 1.59 1,319 0.10 1,318 0.09 0.08 Total 134,344 106,265 26.42 1,342,712 1,422,879 -5.63

REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LESS THAN 3.5 TONNES

Market tumbles as short supply hits deliveries

by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk

THE LCV market dropped by 18.4 per cent last month to its lowest October level for 10 years, according to latest figures released by the SMMT.

A total of 22,386 of the latest vans joined Britain’s roads, but in spite of what the trade body called ‘robust demand’, registrations were at their lowest level for October since 2012, when 17,794 units were recorded.

It was also some 16.5 per cent below the pre-pandemic five-year average for October of 26,799 units as supply shortages continued to restrict production and availability.

But battery-electric van numbers rose by 52.5 per cent on last October to take 7.6 per cent of the market – up from 4.1 per cent in the same month last year.

Ford 7,262 32.44 9,638 35.15 -24.65 88,647 37.57 100,789 34.21 -12.05

Volkswagen 2,552 11.40 1,758 6.41 45.16 22,066 9.35 30,076 10.21 -26.63

Peugeot 2,152 9.61 2,207 8.05 -2.49 18,867 8.00 23,226 7.88 -18.77

Vauxhall 1,966 8.78 2,830 10.32 -30.53 24,166 10.24 27,743 9.42 -12.89

Mercedes 1,812 8.09 2,229 8.13 -18.71 16,911 7.17 24,948 8.47 -32.22

Renault 1,593 7.12 1,637 5.97 -2.69 10,884 4.61 14,550 4.94 -25.20

Citroen 1,113 4.97 2,488 9.07 -55.27 17,902 7.59 21,483 7.29 -16.67

Toyota 896 4.00 863 3.15 3.82 10,375 4.40 11,765 3.99 -11.81

Maxus 464 2.07 658 2.40 -29.48 3,455 1.46 2,157 0.73 60.18

Iveco 429 1.92 365 1.33 17.53 3,247 1.38 3,820 1.30 -15.00

Isuzu 418 1.87 216 0.79 93.52 3,434 1.46 3,204 1.09 7.18

Fiat 388 1.73 858 3.13 -54.78 4,444 1.88 7,888 2.68 -43.66

Land Rover 328 1.47 295 1.08 11.19 1,945 0.82 3,125 1.06 -37.76

Nissan 324 1.45 750 2.74 -56.80 3,081 1.31 10,141 3.44 -69.62

Renault Trucks 208 0.93 238 0.87 -12.61 1,754 0.74 2,007 0.68 -12.61

Isuzu Trucks 176 0.79 126 0.46 39.68 1,273 0.54 1,017 0.35 25.17 MAN 174 0.78 177 0.65 -1.69 1,795 0.76 2,433 0.83 -26.22

SsangYong 84 0.38 22 0.08 281.82 857 0.36 435 0.15 97.01 Fuso 22 0.10 39 0.14 -43.59 200 0.08 195 0.07 2.56 Suzuki 13 0.06 13 0.05 0.00 293 0.12 327 0.11 -10.40 LEVC 7 0.03 6 0.02 16.67 289 0.12 140 0.05 106.43 Dacia 5 0.02 0 0.00 0.00 77 0.03 0 0.00 0.00 LDV 0 0.00 7 0.03 0.00 0 0.00 119 0.04 0.00 Mitsubishi 0 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 3,068 1.04 0.00

-71.56 Vauxhall 2 0.73 0 0.00 0.00 25 0.62 7 0.14 257.14 Citroen 1 0.37 53 14.13 -98.11 98 2.44 143 2.90 -31.47 Other imports 1 0.37 0 0.00 0.00 20 0.50 27 0.55 -25.93

Isuzu Trucks 1 0.37 1 0.27 0.00 17 0.42 15 0.30 13.33 Renault 1 0.37 2 0.53 -50.00 9 0.22 6 0.12 50.00 MAN 0 0.00 16 4.27 0.00 26 0.65 99 2.01 -73.74 Total heavy CV 273 100.00 375 100.00 -27.20 4,010 100.00 4,937 100.00 -18.78

Figures supplied by SMMT

Figures supplied by SMMT

Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales

BCA

W: bca.co.uk

T: 0344 875 3480

E: customerservices@bca.com

Info: BCA’s remarketing programmes deliver volume, choice and availability for buyers, and speed, efficiency and market-leading returns for sellers.

Automotive Ecommerce

GForces

W: gforces.co.uk

T: 01622 391904

Info: GForces delivers class-leading ecommerce solutions. We work with global vehicle manufacturers, the world’s largest dealer groups and independent retailers around the planet.

Data Real World Analytics

W: realworldanalytics.com

T: 0808 1890 617

E: auto@realworldanalytics.com

Info: We are a SaaS-based data analytics solution provider for multisite dealers. Our business intelligence tools help customers make faster and better decisions.

DMS DealerDesk

W: dealerdesk.co.uk

E: contact@dealerdesk.co.uk

Info: Modernise your stock management, advertising, communication, sales and website. DealerDesk provides you with easyto-use tools designed to simplify your dealership management.

Finance Blue Motor Finance

W: blue.co.uk

T: 020 3005 9331

E: dealersupport@blue.co.uk

Info: Blue is transforming the car finance market, making car ownership simple and flexible and providing motor traders with access to essential finance.

Finance

Close Brothers Motor Finance

W: closemotorfinance.co.uk/

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

Finance

First Response

W: firstresponsefinance.co.uk

T: 0115 946 6317

E: marketing@frfl.co.uk

Info: First Response is an awardwinning UK finance company providing simple financial solutions. Get in touch and let us help increase your profits.

Finance

Forza Finance

W: forzafinance.co.uk

T: 01245 245678

Info: Benefit from Forza Finance’s expertise, choice of products and lenders. Their personal approach will help you achieve higher levels of finance penetration and, ultimately, sell more cars.

Lead Management

iVendi

W: ivendi.com

T: 0330 229 0028

E: tellmemore@ivendi.com

Info: iVendi delivers a fully connected platform that engages consumers, converts buyers and manages transactions of vehicles online and in the showroom.

Legal & Compliance

Lawgistics

W: lawgistics.co.uk T: 01480 455500

E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk

Info: The legal experts for the motor trade, giving advice and support to our industry for over 15 years. Not anti-consumer, just pro-trader.

Marketing, PR & Video

OnCue Communications

Trade Bodies

Ben

W: ben.org.uk

T: 0808 131 1333

Info: Ben is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their families.

Vehicle Photography

Dealer 360

W: dealer360.co.uk

T: 01270 780855

E: nicky.spratt@ukturntables.com

Info: UK makers of photo booths incorporating our turntables for car, van and motorcycle dealers. Our software controls turntable and cameras – a onestop solution.

Vehicle Tracking

Meta Trak

Warranty Providers

Momentum Warranties

W: momentumwarranties.co.uk

T: 0330 445 0059

E: support@momentumwarranties.co.uk

Info: How long does your warranty company make you wait? We pay claims into your bank within 45 minutes. The most advanced warranty programme in the UK.

Warranty Providers

Warranty Administration Services

W: warrantyadmin.co.uk

T: 01522 515600

E: tellmemore@warrantyadmin.co.uk

Info: Unlock new profit and aftersales flexibility with Crystal Clear Warranty. Ideal for franchised dealers, groups and independents.

Warranty Providers

Warrantywise

W:

Info:

W: oncuecomms.com

T: 020 8125 3880

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

Marketing, PR & Video

Marketing Delivery

W: metatrak.co.uk

T: 020 8867 2340

E: enquiries@metatrak.co.uk

Info: Total vehicle security. Clever tracking technology, advanced immobilisation, 24/7 monitoring and an easy-to-use app. Security. Connectivity. Peace of mind.

Warranty Providers

Autoprotect

W: warrantywise.co.uk/dealer

T: 0800 001 4551

E: dealers@warrantywise.co.uk

Info: Warrantywise sells over 100,000 warranties per year.

Quentin Willson personally designed Warrantywise to be the UK’s best used car warranty.

Warranty Providers

WMS

W:

Info:

Key Control

Traka

W: traka-automotive.com

T: 0333 355 3726

E: automotive@traka.com

Info: Bespoke software and electronic key management cabinets to deliver the most effective solution to dealerships to manage their keys and vehicles.

Lead Management

GardX AD-Vantage

W: gardx.co.uk/gardx-ad-vantage

T: 01243 376426

E: goforaspin@gardx.co.uk

Info: The award-winning 360 service offers an engaging display of the vehicle while additionally presenting profitable F&I products to a consumer.

W: marketingdelivery.co.uk/ T: 01892 599911

E: get.in.touch@marketingdelivery.co.uk

Info: Our SocialStock helps target prospects with tailored stock remarketing and social media advertising tools, and automated lead capture for Facebook.

Oil & Lubricants

Mobil™

W: mobil.co.uk

T: 0800 0857 420

Info: Whether using Mobil 1™ or Mobil Super™, Mobil™ engine oils meet or exceed the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers.

Recruitment

WeRecruit Auto

W: werecruitauto.co.uk

T: 01603 550041

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

W: autoprotect.co.uk

T: 01279 406888

E: sales@autoprotect.net

Info: AutoProtect offers a full portfolio of award-winning protection products, including GAP. We lead the market with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.

Warranty Providers

Car Care Plan

W: carcareplan.com

T: 0344 573 8000

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

W: wmsgroup.co.uk

T: 01844 293810

E: sales@wmsgroup.co.uk

Website Design & Digital Marketing

Bluesky Interactive

W: blueskyinteractive.co.uk

T: 01926 651000

Info: Bluesky Interactive drive dealer websites and digital marketing forward thanks to game-changing innovation, the latest technology and our exceptional relationships with our clients.

Website Design & Digital Marketing

Haswent

W: haswent.com

T: 020 3920 6164

E: hello@haswent.com

Info: Composer is a next-gen automotive platform. You have extensive stock management options, and you’ll gain a brilliantly responsive new website.

BMW 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER

The whole reason why we test cars over an extended period of time is to discover exactly what that particular car is like in the real world.

Sounds a bit pompous, I know, but I’ve been reminded exactly why we put our longtermers through gruelling real-life chores. You see, on the face of it, the 2 Series Active Tourer is just another car in BMW’s seemingly endless range of cars. It’s also one of the German brand’s newest cars so it’s packed with the latest tech, and it’s an MPV in a world of supposedly more fashionable SUVs. But there’s a lot more to it than that.

Since taking custody of the 2 Series Active Tourer, I’ve been ploughing through the miles, and naturally, I’ve been using all of the car’s technology features.

The dashboard and single piece of curved glass that houses the digital dials and touchscreen infotainment system are very similar to what you’d find in BMW’s flagship electric car, the iX SUV. Not quite the same level of glitz and fancy trim, granted, but essentially the same set-up.

The whole dashboard looks super smart, and the single piece of glass certainly gives the Active Tourer not only a very modern feel but also a surprisingly luxurious one in what is, essentially, a family bus. But what looks good is not always the best.

In my mind, BMW has been the master of infotainment systems since it launched its iDrive in 2001 on the E65 7 Series limo. The combination of crystal-clear screen quality and an easy-touse (and safe to use when driving) rotary wheel on the centre console was genius. You could flip between menus with just a flick of your wrist – it just worked beautifully.

Curiously, the new BMW i4 electric saloon (and, indeed, the iX) still has a rotary wheel on the centre console, but the 2 Series Active Tourer doesn’t. Sounds like a bit of a privileged thing to moan about, but now the only way to select icons and cycle through menus (and there are many, many menus in the latest iDrive 8 system) is by using the touchscreen.

The icons in the main menu screen are simply too small and the home button to flick between Apple CarPlay and the main system – which I use all the time – is smaller than the fingernail on my pinky finger. It means that when you’re driving you have to lean across, take your eyes off the road and start prodding at the screen, which I just find too dangerous.

Couple this with a jostling ride from the car’s firm M Sport suspension, and finding the right bit of the screen to press at that crucial time is harder than it should be. I just think the removal of the iDrive rotary wheel is a backward step and one that wasn’t necessary.

It’s a shame, because the latest iDrive 8 system looks and works very well. The Technology Pack is an option well worth ticking to get the best from the system, as among a whole plethora of fancy features it has Parking Assistant Plus.

No, it’s not a valet who jumps in and parks the car for you, but a 360-degree camera that makes parking a breeze. More than that, though, you can swipe between different camera angles, and with a CGI version of the car on the screen, it means kerbing an alloy is a very difficult thing to do. So when you factor in other features in the pack such as wireless phone charging and adaptive LED headlights (which allow you to drive with your full beams on at night without dazzling other drivers), its £1,150 price tag seems like a relative bargain.

This car is the 223i version, meaning it’s the most powerful 2 Series Active Tourer until the plug-in hybrid versions arrive in a few months’ time. Its on-paper stats are impressive – 215bhp from a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 0-60mph taking just 6.8 seconds. I have a few big trips planned before BMW comes and takes the car off me, and I look forward to telling you more about how it drives.

THE KNOWLEDGE

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 223i M Sport

Price (as tested): £41,489

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol

Power: 215bhp Torque: 360Nm

Top speed: 150mph Fuel economy: 44mpg 0-60mph: 6.8 seconds Emissions: 137-149g/km CO2 Mileage: 4,387

This month’s highlight: Loving the interior but wishing the rotary wheel controller would make a comeback!

OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING

Nissan Qashqai

Mileage: 7,673

The newest addition to the fleet is certainly eye-catching and is coping well with family duties so far.

The 2 Series Active Tourer is one of BMW’s latest models and comes with fresh technology – but there’s good and bad news. James Batchelor reports.

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