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Issue 188 | November 2023
REVEALED: FULL NOMINATIONS LIST PLUS: HOW TO GET YOUR TICKETS
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WE TEST-DRIVE THE ALL-NEW FIAT 600e, BYD SEAL, VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK AND BMW M3 CS NEWS • LOOKERS GOES PRIVATE • ROLLS-ROYCE CEO TO RETIRE INVESTIGATION • BECKHAM ADDS LAUNCH GLITZ • DEALER SALARY GROWTH DIPS • NO BRINDLEY SUNDAY SALES • SHOWROOM PLAN ANGER • PENDRAGON TAKEOVER LATEST
WILL USED CAR PRICES FALL IN 2024?
PLUS: WE TRY OUT NEW CHINESE BRAND ZEEKR
DASHBOARD
CAR DEALERS ON 2030 BAN BEING PUSHED BACK
PLUS: BIG MIKE – THE BX ENGINE THAT KEPT ON GIVING
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WELCOME.
J
ust as Strictly Come Dancing starts to heat up with the best celebrities being voted through to the next stages, so the Car Dealer Used Car Awards moves up a gear. This month, the judging panel has waded through the hundreds of entries for the most prestigious awards in the used car industry, and has named the businesses and individuals to make it through to the next round. We revealed the names online earlier this month, but if you haven’t caught up on the news yet then turn to pages 18 and 19 for the full run-down. The panel analysed the nominations forms of a really diverse pool this year, and in many categories it was hard to select 10 names to go through. One thing’s for sure, though – there are some seriously impressive businesses out there, and if you’re one of the names that didn’t make the cut this year, then don’t be upset; if we could have voted through more than 10 we would have done! Speaking of used cars, we return to the topic that has dominated the headlines since Covid struck more than three years ago – yes, it really has been that long. We’ve chatted to some of the best experts in the business and have taken a deep dive into what could happen to used car prices in 2024. We also take a look at things at play in the new car market. The 2030 ban on the sale of new petrols and diesels was dramatically kicked down the road by five years in September, and it was clear there were plenty of unhappy voices in both the motor industry and motor trade. We explain more on pages six to nine, while on page 23 I talk about how ridiculous the whole political saga is. Aside from this, we’ve got the latest drives and our Ted Welford takes an interesting look at Zeekr – another Chinese car brand. Until next month, I hope you enjoy this issue.
The judging panel has waded through the hundreds of entries for the most prestigious awards in the used car industry.
JAMES BATCHELOR Associate editor CarDealerMag.co.uk | 03
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We operate in 9 European markets Our mission is to help people with their mobility, facilitating their travels and helping them take care of their car
IGNITION.
12
ISSUE 188 | NOVEMBER 2023
CONTENTS
2030 ban pushed back 6 Will used prices fall in 2024? 12 Dealership brain scanners 16 UCA 2023 nominations list 18 Rising cost of spare parts 21 New car news 26 News digest 28 Business news 44 Car Dealer Live & Podcast 46 Finance 48 Supplier news 51
34 X
16
6 18
DASHBOARD
‘I always knew that was a deadline we could never meet. It’s an impossible deadline.’ 6
40
BIG MIKE
‘Unfortunately for the owner, the BX had suffered a spectacularly catastrophic engine failure.’ 24
FORECOURT
‘A very likeable all-rounder that’s practical, comfortable, well priced and potentially very easy to live with.’ 32
COMMENT James Batchelor Big Mike
23 24
FORECOURT Fiat 600e BYD Seal Volkswagen Amarok BMW M3 CS
32 34 36 38
FEATURES Thrill Zeekr Cool stuff
40 42
DATA FILE The Statistics LCV news Suppliers Guide Long-termers
52 54 56 57
38
DATA FILE
‘With tougher EV targets for manufacturers coming into force next year, we need to accelerate the transition.’ 52 CarDealerMag.co.uk | 05
DASHBOARD
CAR DEALERS ON 2030 BAN BEING PUSHED BACK • Car dealers including Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer speak out on 2030 ban delay • Used car dealer Brewer says he doesn’t think the ban will ever come into force • Franchised and independent dealers speak exclusively about PM’s announcement by James Baggott @CarDealerEd
C
ar dealers have said the government’s decision to push back the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel car sales by five years has caused ‘a headache’ for the industry. Speaking exclusively to Car Dealer, a mixture of some of the biggest franchised and independent car dealers have issued a mixed reaction to the news. They include Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer, who runs two used car dealerships. He said he can’t ‘ever see’ the ban coming into force and believes it will be ‘kicked down the road’ by politicians for years to come. Speaking to Car Dealer in a video interview, Used Car Awards host Brewer said: ‘I predicted this several years ago when they first announced the ban on the sale of ICE cars. ‘I always knew that was a deadline we could never meet. It’s an impossible deadline. ‘Electric cars aren’t the future – and I say that as an electric car owner and user myself. I struggle with it almost on a daily basis.’ On October 20, prime minister Rishi Sunak announced that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars would be delayed until 2035. He said the government now thinks it has to ‘do things differently’. Most car manufacturers said the decision will not alter their plans to push electric vehicle sales, especially as the government’s targets for each manufacturer to sell at least 22 per cent electric cars from next year will remain unchanged. Darren Ardron, managing director of national franchised dealer group Perrys, told Car Dealer he was ‘concerned’ at the timing of the announcement. He said: ‘OEMs have geared their business towards this and in some cases carry levels of stock in readiness for this.’ Neil McCue, director of Snows Motor Group, which represents brands including BMW, Seat and Volvo, said he also felt sorry for the manufacturers that have worked hard on plans for 2030. ‘Can you imagine the conversations they’re having in boardrooms?’ he said. ‘They have to be able to plan properly, and decisions like this just don’t help.’ He wasn’t the only franchised car dealer concerned by the announcement. Peter Vardy, who represents car makers including Porsche, BMW and JLR in Scotland, said the decision ‘complicates’ matters for the industry. Speaking to Car Dealer, he said: ‘The sector is being tossed about by politicians. Who knows if this next change of policy will last when elections aren’t far away? 06 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
I always knew that was a deadline we could never meet. It’s an impossible deadline. Mike Brewer Wheeler Dealers star and Used Car Awards host
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO WITH MIKE BREWER
The sector is being tossed about by politicians. Who knows if this next change of policy will last when elections aren’t far away? Peter Vardy ‘It’s incredibly complicated for manufacturers to plan and for retailers to react.’ Others, such as Peter Smyth, a director of family-run dealer group Swansway, think it’s ‘too early’ to guess what impact the announcement will have. Smyth said he was waiting for the dust to settle before predicting what it means for the market. Tony Roberts, of Magna Mazda, told Car Dealer he thought the decision was ‘challenging’ for everyone in the motoring industry. ‘I can understand the moving of the ICE ban to 2035 to mirror mainland Europe – it appears to be an admission that the UK doesn’t as yet have the infrastructure to meet the demands to charge EVs,’ he said. ‘But that is disappointing. Manufacturers have invested enormously and were working towards 2030. I imagine many feel let down by this, and it may dissuade further investment in the UK.’ The delay came just two weeks after Mini confirmed it will build its new electric models in Oxford. The government is believed to have supported the deal to the tune of £75m. Roberts said he thinks the current 16-17 per cent of car sales that are currently electric indicates that consumers don’t have the confidence to buy EVs.
SPANNER IN WORKS
Tony Denton, boss of Batchelors Motor Group, which represents Suzuki, Renault, Dacia and Nissan in Yorkshire, said the PM’s decision had ‘thrown a spanner in the works’. He told Car Dealer: ‘Good old internal combustion – in some guise – will be around for a long time, if it ever even disappears at all. ‘I think 2030 was never going to be achievable and I couldn’t understand why the government couldn’t see that. ‘Motor dealers and manufacturers can’t help but be a little annoyed about this, but we are an agile bunch. Let’s dust ourselves off – we’ve now got another five years to plan for it, or do we?’ Sean Kelly, managing director of BMW and Mini dealer group Vines, based in the southeast, said he also can’t see the announcement derailing manufacturers’ current plans. ‘Ignoring the vested interests of the political parties in footballing this in the press, I think the move will not slow down the OEM switch to EV production. The consumer adoption of EVs and, you could argue, the ZEV mandate next year has more influence on EV adoption than a transition date five, or now 10 years, into the future. ‘The widespread adoption of electric vehicles requires market-driven forces – supply, demand, ease of use, value, etc – and while massive strides have been
Good old internal combustion – in some guise – will be around for a long time, if it ever even disappears at all. Tony Denton Boss of Batchelors Motor Group
I can understand the moving of the ICE ban to 2035 to mirror mainland Europe. Tony Roberts Magna Mazda CarDealerMag.co.uk | 07
DASHBOARD
achieved in this area, there is still a long way to go to achieve full market adoption.’ Kelly pointed to higher prices for EVs and poor charging infrastructure as two factors currently putting off car buyers. He added: ‘The majority of EV market share is driven by consumers where the transition is a no-brainer – like business users, company car drivers and retail drivers with easy home-charging access. ‘This delay suggests to me that the government considers its prior strategy isn’t aligned with voter inclination and, as such, it was an easy, low-risk decision to make within an agenda for their re-election ambition.’
INCENTIVES
Stuart Mustoe, CEO of Ford-owned dealer network TrustFord, said he would like to see incentives for buying an electric car introduced again to give the market a boost now. He told Car Dealer: ‘We all need to support the consumer on the powertrain transition – whether that is infrastructure, product, or total cost of ownership. ‘In my view, the government should be reviewing the vehicle grant scheme and pace of growth on public charging in the UK to support our industry.’ Used car dealers were equally bemused by the government’s decision. Umesh Samani, chairman of the Independent Motor Dealers Association, said ‘no one thought 2030 was achievable’ and added he didn’t think the announcement would change car makers’ current plans. Daniel Sager, 31, who runs Forecourt E, a specialist dealer selling used electric cars in the New Forest, said he also didn’t believe the delay would change car manufacturers’ global plans. He added: ‘It will, though, lead to more doom and gloom for EVs. I’m really disappointed with the decision.’ Bournemouth-based Norman Motors boss Neil Helliwell said he wasn’t surprised by the news at all and that he was expecting it. He told Car Dealer: ‘I think most people in the motor trade probably don’t think we’re ready for that switch over the next six or seven years. I don’t think the infrastructure is there yet. ‘We should be given a choice. It shouldn’t be thrust upon us – let people choose if they want to buy petrol, diesel or electric.’ Ben Harrison Automotive’s Harrison White said he also believed the decision was more of a political one. ‘It’s coming up to election time and I think they’re trying to get people on their side,’ he said. ‘This gives people the confidence to go and buy a petrol or diesel car again and not be up in arms about being pushed into electric cars they didn’t want to buy.’ What do you think of the ban? Let us know your thoughts by emailing the Car Dealer team via editorial@cardealermagazine.co.uk. Additional reporting: Cameron Richards 08 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
It was an easy, low-risk decision to make within an agenda for their re-election ambition. Sean Kelly Kanaging director of Vines
We should be given a choice. It shouldn’t be thrust upon us – let people choose if they want to buy petrol, diesel or electric. Neil Helliwell Boss of Norman Motors
It’s coming up to election time and I think they’re trying to get people on their side. Harrison White Ben Harrison Automotive
REACTIONS
MANUFACTURERS ‘WILL NOT CHANGE’ PLANS DESPITE PETROL AND DIESEL CAR BAN BEING PUSHED BACK
T
• Auto makers tell Car Dealer they’re standing firm on their deadlines for phasing out ICEs • PM’s announcement about pushing ban on new ICE sales back to 2035 causes shockwaves • Toyota is the only car manufacturer in the UK to welcome the move
he UK’s automotive manufacturers have said they ‘will not change’ their product plans, despite Rishi Sunak’s announcement that the ban on selling new petrol and diesel vehicles is being pushed back from 2030 to 2035. Many car firms have already announced strict deadlines for when they’ll produce purely electric models and phase out internal combustion engines, working towards the previous 2030 deadline the government had set. Mini told Car Dealer that it ‘had already announced that it will become a purely electric brand from 2030 globally and this will not change’. Similarly, a statement from Vauxhall and Peugeot’s parent company, Stellantis, said the company was ‘committed to achieve 100 per cent zero-emissions new car and van sales in the UK and Europe by 2030’. A Stellantis spokesman added: ‘Our range will progressively move towards 100 per cent electric, ahead of current legislation – for example, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and DS Automobiles becoming fully electric by 2027 and Vauxhall by 2028.’ While sports car maker Morgan might not build in as great numbers as other firms in the UK, it nonetheless remains an important part of the automotive industry and has said the announcement ‘will not delay’ its plans.
by Ted Welford @CarDealerEd Speaking to Car Dealer, Matt Hole, Morgan’s chief technical officer, said: ‘Morgan has the agility, expertise and partnerships to comply with all future global emissions legislation. ‘We will continue to offer our customers petrol engines in markets that permit them, but the UK’s new shift in policy will not delay us rapidly developing alternative powertrains for the long-term future of our business.’ The only UK car manufacturer that has welcomed the deadline being pushed back is Toyota, which currently makes its hybrid Corolla in Britain. Uncertainty had surrounded the Derbyshire plant’s future owing to the government previously not determining if the ‘selfcharging’ hybrid powertrain that most Toyota vehicles use could be sold between 2030 and 2035. A Toyota spokesperson said in a statement: ‘The government announcement is welcome as it provides the clarity the industry has been asking for and recognises that all low-emission and affordable technologies can have a role to play in a pragmatic vehicle transition. ‘Toyota fully shares the prime minister’s key goal of zero carbon and is committed to achieving the government’s target of zeroemissions vehicles from 2035 in the UK.’
Toyota fully shares the prime minister’s key goal of zero carbon and is committed to achieving the government’s target of zero-emissions vehicles from 2035 in the UK. Toyota spokesperson
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 09
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INVESTIGATION
WILL USED CAR PRICES FALL IN 2024? • Car Dealer speaks to panel of used car pricing experts about what will happen next • Will used car prices rise in 2024? Why are used car prices so high? • We ask our experts for their thoughts on the complicated used car market by James Baggott @CarDealerEd
W
hat’s going to happen next to used car prices is becoming harder than ever to predict. In this special investigation, Car Dealer spoke to a wide cross-section of experts – from pricing specialists to advertising gurus – who were asked for their thoughts on the used car market. But what was clear was that unusually there’s no common consensus as to when used car prices will go down. Our panel members were asked whether they thought used car prices will drop in 2023 and to predict how the second-hand car market might perform in 2024 too. One of those closest to used car pricing is Derren Martin, director of valuations for Cap HPI. His firm looks at the trade prices in the market – the amount dealers pay each other for used cars. Martin told Car Dealer that he thinks 2024 could see used car prices actually finish the year HIGHER than where they will end up in 2023. ‘As we go through the second half of 2024 into 2025, we will start to see the full effect of more than 2.3 million missing cars from the reduced new car registrations through the pandemic – and the later supply issues – translating into significantly reduced used car supply,’ he told Car Dealer. He predicts used car prices in 2024 could end the year around one to two per cent higher than where they finish in 2023. ‘It should be noted that further market adjustments, slightly more than normal seasonal expectations, are expected between now and the end of this year, though,’ he added. In short, Martin predicts slight drops this year before used car prices rise again in 2024. While many think the cost of living and rising interest rates have had a detrimental impact on consumer confidence, it hasn’t translated into fewer people shopping around for used cars. In an interview with Car Dealer, Auto Trader’s chief executive, Nathan Coe, said the advertising marketplace hadn’t seen consumer interest drop off. ‘We’ve had 14 per cent more people on Auto Trader in August than what we had last August, and that was already busy. So demand feels really good. And dealers are selling cars slightly quicker than they were last year, so it feels like it’s holding up well.’ With inflation and interest rate rises appearing to have peaked – and subsequently 12 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Demand feels really good. And dealers are selling cars slightly quicker than they were last year, so it feels like it’s holding up well. Nathan Coe Auto Trader’s chief executive
CLICK HERE TO WATCH MIKE BREWER ON USED CARS AND ULEZ
The used car market has shown remarkable resilience over the past few years. Derren Martin Director of valuations for Cap HPI
If the economic outlook remains positive and there are no major shocks, we anticipate a gentle upward trend in used car prices.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR USED EV PRICES?
Karen Hilton Heycar CEO
the mortgage market improving too – crucial factors that affect consumer confidence are starting to ease. Martin added: ‘The used car market has shown remarkable resilience over the past few years. Inflation should be reducing through 2024, and although interest rates may be slow to come down, they will have passed their peak and are likely to be moving down the news agenda.’ He predicts that used car prices will drop back into a more normal pattern in 2025 when the market gets used to the reduced supply it will have to cope with next year. Phill Jones, chief operating officer at eBay Motors Group, agrees the supply issues seen during Covid and directly after the pandemic will have a big impact next year. The reason used car prices are so high can be directly linked to how car production was scaled back drastically during 2020. In the years that followed, a semiconductor crisis saw far fewer new cars made and sold, and those combining factors have seriously reduced the number of vehicles in circulation. Those new cars eventually become used cars, and the shortage that affected the new car market is soon to have knock-on ramifications in the second-hand market. Auto Trader predicts there will be nearly 40 per cent fewer three-to-five-year-old cars in circulation at the end of 2024 compared with the end of 2019, all as a direct result of the cars not made during the pandemic. Jones said: ‘Although we have seen used car prices stabilise, with some slight reductions in 2023, we do not think that this will lead to major price reductions in 2024. ‘The supply constraints that have propped up younger used car prices in the last two years are set to continue as we start to feel the real pinch from the lower car production in 2020 and 2021.’ Heycar CEO Karen Hilton is also bullish. ‘If the economic outlook remains positive and there are no major shocks, we anticipate a gentle upward trend in used car prices,’ she said. Like Cap HPI, Hilton is also predicting rises in used car pricing next year ‘somewhere between the 1.5 to 2.5 per cent range’.
ARE USED CAR PRICES COMING DOWN IN THE UK?
Not everyone agrees used car prices are going up in 2024, though. Other experts Car Dealer spoke to think next year could result in slight falls. Mark Oakley, director of AA Cars, said the market was ‘finely balanced’ but he is confident the huge price rises seen in the past few years will not be repeated. These rises were caused by demand for used cars far outstripping supply, while
WHILE our panel had mixed predictions for used car prices in general, when it came to the value of EVs they were broadly in agreement: They’ll continue to fall. The used electric car market has seen huge drops in the past nine months, with some cars falling by as much as 50 per cent in just nine months. With few incentives to buy a used electric car, worries about public charging and increases in home energy prices have resulted in fewer buyers being tempted to make the swap to a used EV. The AA’s Mark Oakley said that as more used EVs hit the market, the price falls could accelerate further. He said: ‘Our data shows CONTINUES OVER PAGE CarDealerMag.co.uk | 13
INVESTIGATION
Older-age cars should see strong levels of demand and, with supply restricted, prices are likely to remain robust. Richard Walker Auto Trader data guru many new car buyers who weren’t content with waiting for a new model that could take months to arrive turned to the used market instead. ‘We’re unlikely to see a repeat of the big price rises recorded over the past two years,’ said Oakley. AA data shows the average price of the most popular used cars in the UK fell nearly two per cent in the first and second quarters of 2023. He expects those falls to continue. Auto Trader data guru Richard Walker, who studies the retail prices of used cars – the price dealers advertise their cars to consumers for – said the firm was still recording ‘modest’ growth in values. However, he said that was ‘beginning to slow’ and predicts 2024 used car pricing will ‘look flat’. Walker explained the devil is in the detail, with three-to-five-year-old cars seeing stronger price growth as these are the models made during Covid and the ones in short supply. ‘Older-age cars should see strong levels of demand and, with supply restricted, prices are likely to remain robust,’ he told Car Dealer. ‘It’s also worth remembering that supply levels in this age group are still a long way off pre-pandemic levels.’ Walker and his team are positive, too, that the used car market will remain strong and, despite the economic headwinds, consumers will still be buying used cars. He added: ‘With what we know today, demand looks robust and, although there are conflicting macroeconomic data points – both positive and negative – there’s no data to lead us to believe that demand will falter in the year or two ahead.’ When household incomes are under pressure, many turn to the used car market when they need a vehicle and this often keeps prices relatively firm. Walker added: ‘Demand levels have been encouraging – up seven per cent year to date and 15 per cent in September – and better than expected, given the economic climate. ‘Specifically, older, cheaper cars have seen the strongest levels of demand, and we expect this to continue if household incomes remain under pressure.’ Rupert Pontin, director of data specialists One Auto API, thinks used values will fall next year. ‘Used car prices in 2024 are likely to see a return to pre-pandemic depreciation with gentle monthly downward movements,’ he said. He’s not as bullish as others and thinks the cost-of-living crisis – especially interest rate rises – will hit consumers’ wallets hard and consequently their desire to change their car. Pontin, who appeared recently on the Car Dealer Podcast, added: ‘The impact of the cost-of-living crisis is yet to be fully understood with the mortgage time bomb about to hit consumers. Average used car pricing in 2024 will drop in the region of 2.5 per cent a month during 2024 in my opinion.’ 14 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE that prices of used EVs and hybrids have been falling faster than the market as a whole this year. ‘Looking ahead, this trend is likely to continue as the surge in new EV and hybrid sales seen over the past 18 months translates into increased supply of used models.’ Auto Trader’s Richard Walker thinks used EV prices are close to bottoming out – but he’s also concerned about more EVs hitting the market. ‘The electric market is still fragile, and it’s likely prices will continue to be volatile in the years to come as the market matures,’ he explained. ‘We expect values [for EVs] to improve in the year ahead after they bottomed out in 2023, but it’s possible an influx in supply could undermine this.’ Electric cars aside, the used car market has proved itself to be pretty resilient to economic pressures – and that’s largely due to the fact most buyers are changing cars out of necessity, not choice. eBay Motors Group’s Phill Jones added: ‘The used car market is primarily driven by people who need to change their cars. As such, it is less volatile than the new car market for overall volume changes. That said, we see a likely change in the composition of used car demand. We believe consumers will continue to be pushed to older, cheaper cars. ‘This is due to the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis, higher interest rates and higher prices for younger cars, because of the lack of supply. ‘Used car buyers are also more likely to sacrifice age and mileage than body shape. ‘We think dealers will need to remain highly tactical and responsive to the latest trends to ensure they have the right stock profile for their customer base.’
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Introducing EV Drivers Club from Car Care Plan
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he transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is already well under way. Battery-electric vehicles now account for more than 16% of the new vehicle market, with hybrids and plug-in hybrids sharing over 19% in 2023 so far, according to the SMMT. At the end of August, there were around 850,000 fully electric cars on UK roads and a further 530,000 plug-in hybrids, according to Zapmap. Those figures are growing rapidly. The zero emission vehicle mandate requires vehicle manufacturers to ensure that at least 22% of their new car sales are emission-free in 2024. This will rise incrementally each year to 80% in 2030 and 100% by 2035. There have been predictions that EV sales could overtake petrol and diesel sales as early as 2025, when well over a million motorists will be travelling on UK roads in fully electric vehicles.
Impact on aftersales
For car retailers and their aftersales departments, the EV transition is already impacting on the sustainable-income generation, according to Chris Strong, head of product innovation and strategy at Car Care Plan – an industry-leading provider of warranty and add-on insurance solutions, which includes EV-specific products and services. ‘Many EV servicing programmes are no longer annual, they are “on demand”, or up to every two years,’ he explained. ‘Many features and vehicle updates can be completed remotely, and there is also inconsistency on what is included within EV servicing events across providers and OEMs. ‘Due to fewer servicing event requirements, aftersales income for dealer groups and OEMs will be greatly reduced, reportedly already as much as a third. Some OEMs are indicating aftersales income reduction could be as high as 75% once the full transition to electric vehicles has finalised.’
EV Drivers Club
In response to the changing marketplace, Car Care Plan has launched its EV Drivers Club membership programme to support its dealer and manufacturer partners and their customers. The programme has a wide range of benefits for members, while providing retailers with a new route to market and an opportunity to provide ongoing support to their customers. Car Care Plan is also piloting a service called EV Switch to assist customers in their transition to EVs by providing independent advice and guidance. This is planned for general release by the end of 2023. Strong added: ‘We will continue to innovate and bring products and services to the changing market to support customers over the coming years, as we all strive to meet net zero targets.’
EV Drivers Club benefits include: Vehicle health check A comprehensive annual assessment.
EV Drivers Club Assist A breakdown and recovery service.
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Various charging benefits and discounts.
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Dent Wizard Ventures discount 10% off cosmetic and alloy wheel repairs.
Retailers and manufacturers interested in EV Drivers Club and EV Switch should email chris.strong@carcareplan.co.uk CarDealerMag.co.uk | 15
DASHBOARD
BRAIN SCANNERS COMING TO A DEALERSHIP NEAR YOU We take a look at Nissan’s plan to help customers understand their new cars as tech gets increasingly complicated. by Jon Reay @JonReay
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ant to feel old? Well, forget Googling what Macaulay Culkin looks like now – simply hop into any 73-plate car and try to work out how to defrost the windscreen. Over the past 20 years, the technology within our cars has changed at a pace the like of which we’ve never seen before. It is, of course, ultimately for our benefit, but the sheer amount of learning required when hopping into a new car means it doesn’t always feel that way. For car makers, this is a colossal problem. Customers and legislators want cars to come stuffed with even more technology, be it for comfort or safety – but if owners can’t get to grips with the systems in the first place, then what’s the point? Nissan reckons it has the answer, though, and it sounds decidedly more science fiction than the average new car handover. Over the past two years, the Japanese car maker has been running a rather unusual training programme for its Formula E drivers. In addition to the usual racing driver physical fitness routines, it’s been – quite literally – zapping its drivers’ brains with electricity. Before you write in, this isn’t some Clockwork Orange homage, though, but a clinically recognised – and safe – new method for stimulating brain activity, called direct-current stimulation. It’s already being researched for use in treating depression, recovery after brain injuries and more, 16 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
PICTURES: NISSAN but in Nissan’s case, the intended use was simply to help its drivers be the best they could be. The programme is the pet project of Dr Lucian Gheorghe, senior manager for innovation in Nissan’s user experience team. In his 18 years at the firm’s technical centre in Japan, he’s pioneered the use of brain-scanning tech to help guide everything from safety technology to the design of in-car systems. ‘The first thing that we worked on was actually a version of the around-view monitor,’ Dr Gheorghe tells us. ‘Then later on, my mission was to design driving support systems. But we didn’t have tools to say why is this system better than this other system? So that’s how I went towards… okay, let’s look at how our brains work.’ Having invested in this brain-scanning technology – and applied it to the development of everything from head-up displays to Nissan’s ProPilot ‘self-driving’ systems – Gheorghe was called upon to help with the firm’s burgeoning Formula E team. With assistance from the University of Essex, Nissan set up a research programme into brain training: Could this fledgling, low-current stimulation tech help its drivers become faster than the competition? The results were impressive – drivers given electrical brain stimulation learnt the layout of new tracks 50% faster than those who tried without. These ‘brain-trained’ drivers also improved their car control skills 50% faster and managed to retain those improvements for 22% longer. Since then, the programme has been officially rolled out across Nissan’s Formula E drivers. Each are given an anonymouslooking grey headset to wear on their heads
I want to have some sort of user research study running in dealerships, to understand a need for this kind of thing. Dr Lucian Gheorghe Senior manager for innovation in Nissan’s user experience team
Dr Lucian Gheorghe (right) demonstrates the brainscanning tech on Formula E driver Sacha Fenestraz
Simulator driver Luca Ghiotto (right) has been trying out brain stimulation technology to improve his performance for a few minutes per day, and although research is still ongoing, Gheorghe is already looking for uses beyond motorsport. ‘During 2024, I want to have some sort of user research study running in dealerships, to understand a need for this kind of thing,’ he tells us. ‘And if we get positive feedback and there’s enough to say look, this is something you want to have, you could have more people coming to your dealership compared with other ones because you have this.’ How fitting customers with the braintraining headset would all fit into the dayto-day operations of a dealership still needs ironing out, but Gheorghe remains excited about the possibilities. ‘It’s becoming complicated to drive now. You have more things that you can take care of,’ he says. ‘The systems can help you out, but you also need to learn how the systems work. The easier we make that learning
Nissan hopes the tech can also be used outside Formula E
process, the more likely our customers are to enjoy our products.’ However, even Gheorghe doesn’t see this technology as a silver bullet. There’s still work to be done on making evermore-complicated cars less daunting for customers in the showroom. ‘When you design a system, the automotive industry is more prone to design based on long-term usage, not first-time accessibility,’ Gheorghe admits. ‘So we expect our customers to say, “Okay I bought this, and now I’m going to use this.” There’s still a bridge to be crossed for this first thing.’ It could be some time before we see braintraining devices turn up in Nissan dealers on these shores, of course – the initial trial is likely to take place nearer to Nissan’s tech partners in Silicon Valley. But Gheorghe also hints that brain-monitoring tech could even start to materialise within Nissan’s cars themselves before too long. ‘There are many things that we worked on – for example, simple things like fatigue: If you can predict that you will be losing attention because something is a simple or boring task,’ he explains. ‘If we can monitor stress and understand stressful roads, we could go back to the municipality and say, “Everybody’s angry at this intersection”. ‘Before I retire, most probably we’ll have technology like that available, but the question is what do you do with that? ‘And our philosophy is improving the experience, and keeping the driver engaged, and providing a positive driving experience, rather than providing a good bed to sleep on.’
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 17
Here’s who is in the running for this year’s Used Car Awards:
EVENT NOMINATIONS
Dealers' Dealer Sponsored by AutoProtect Group Craig Applegate, Carite Jamie Caple, Car Quay Davie Cordner, Fords of Winsford Steve Dhesi, SUV Prestige Sam & Daniel Evans, Beck Evans Eddie Hawthorne, Arnold Clark Nigel Hurley, CarShop Sean Kelly, Vines Group Umesh Samani, Specialist Cars Stoke Smyth Brothers, Swansway
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NOMINATIONS LIST
HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN NAMED? he firms that have made the Nominations List for the Car Dealer Used Car Awards 2023, headline-sponsored by Black Horse, have been revealed. The list – published here – contains the names of those who will go through to the tough mystery shopping phase of the awards, with the winners announced at the glittering awards ceremony at The Brewery in London on Monday, November 27. Our judging panel – which includes event host Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer – have trimmed down the thousands of nominations by using a combination of online reviews across a variety of platforms as well as citations. The businesses on this list will now be mystery-shopped by our panel of experts before our judges draw up the awards shortlist, which will be revealed on October 23. Brewer said: ‘We’ve had a cracking set of nominations this year – as always, it has been really tough narrowing them down. ‘It’s clear many businesses have really focused on their performance when it comes to online reviews and we are really looking forward to starting the mystery shopping phase of the competition.’ Mystery shopping can happen remotely, on the phone or on a nominated firm’s website or in person. Brewer added: ‘Make sure you and your teams are on top of your game, because you never know when our mystery shoppers may be inquiring.’ The Car Dealer Used Car Awards, headline-sponsored by Black Horse, will be held on Monday, November 27 at The Brewery in London. It is highly advisable to book your table now as places are running out fast. Last year, the event sold out. For table bookings, please email sales@blackballmedia.co.uk or call 020 8125 3880. The event is black tie and includes a three-course dinner plus For table bookings unlimited beer and wine. please contact sales@ eBay Motors Group will be sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks blackballmedia.co.uk and providing an after-dinner fun casino.
or call 020 8125 3880
Service & Repair Outlet Sponsored by Warrantywise BS Motors Carite Cleevely Electric Vehicles Grimsdyke Service Station Humphries & Parks Redgate Lodge Snows Accident Repair Centre Spencers MOT & Service Centre Thame Cars Uckfield Motor Services Used EV Dealership Sponsored by Santander Consumer Finance Cleevely Electric Vehicles Drive Green ERLS Vehicles EV Experts EVHERO Go Green Autos R Symons The Electric Vehicle Company The Independent Tesla Specialists Wisely Automotive Social Media User Sponsored by iVendi Acklam Car Centre Amari Supercars Car Quay Emerald House of Cars GVE London Hilton Garage Plympton Car Centre Premier GT Romans International SUV Prestige Use of Video Sponsored by Autoguard Warranties Acklam Car Centre Alexanders Prestige Amari Supercars Fratelli Cars GVE London Premier GT R Symons
18 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Romans International Snows Motor Group Wisely Automotive Used Car Website Sponsored by EMaC Beck Evans Crompton Way Motors Culloden Cars Fords of Winsford Frosts Cars Pershore Motor Group Romans International Roy Humphrey Prestige Cars SUV Prestige The We Love Car Group Used Car Online Sales Experience Sponsored by Codeweavers Bristol Street Motors Car Quay Fermanagh Auto Sales Imola of Bristol Jardine Motors Motoroo Snows Motor Group Thame Cars Wilsons of Epsom Yeomans Specialist Used Car Dealership Sponsored by Automotive Transformation Group Alexanders Prestige Amari Supercars Fratelli Hilton & Moss Hot Hatches Mercland Phantom Motor Company Redline Specialist Cars Romans International SUV Prestige Used Car Dealer Principal Sponsored by Heycar Ryan Dhesi, Driven of York Satinda Dhesi, SUV Prestige Kaoma Ermini-Jones, Sidegate Motors Samuel Evans, Beck Evans Will Lee-Kemp, AutoSportiva Jay Manek, Mercland Stewart McMinn, Plympton Car Centre Craig Vladimirovs, Car Quay Craig Walker, Top Car Inverness Muhammad Yousaf, Motoroo Future Star Sponsored by Northridge Finance Michael Bibby, MSB Car Sales Alex Carroll, AutoSportiva Matthew Couper, Beck Evans Antonio Leitao, Steven Eagell Toyota
Canterbury Bailey McMinn, Plympton Car Centre Kieran Price, RS Car Sales Kavan Sidhu, Car Quay Callum Thelwell, Wirral Cars Jade Walton, Fords of Winsford Shaun Ward, Otter Vale Motor Services
Lookers Mazda UK Pendragon Snows Motor Group Steven Eagell Group Sytner Group TrustFord Volkswagen Group
Used Car Customer Care Sponsored by RAC Dealer Network CarBrothers NI Crompton Way Motors East Devon Automotive Ellahi Motors GKS of Ivybridge Mount Vernon Motors Redrose Cars Rubber Duck Cars Spencers Car Sales SUV Prestige
Car categories Sponsored by G3 Vehicle Auctions Small Car Mid-Sized Car Large Car Sports Car Commercial Vehicle AFV Used Car of the Year No nominations list revealed
Used Car Sales Team Sponsored by Motorway Acklam Car Centre Big Motoring World, Blue Bell Hill Browns Car Company Car Motion CarShop, Nottingham Philip Paul Car Centre Pine Lodge Cars Sidegate Motors Thame Cars Wessex Nissan Cardiff Days to Turn Sponsored by Auto Trader Alexanders Prestige Marshall Volvo Milton Keynes M Motors Porsche Centre Leeds Powerlease Pro Drive Cars Quality Cars and Commercials Reliable Autos Silverleaf Sports & Prestige Thompson and Smith Used Commercial Vehicle Dealer Sponsored by Close Brothers Motor Finance Amlin Motors Anchor Vans Beechwood Autos Fairwater Van Sales Frosts Chichester Ideal Commercials JL Vans Loads of Vans Otter Vale Motor Services VanStar Wakefield Diversity & Inclusivity Sponsored by MotoNovo Finance AvailableCar Jardine Motor Group
Manufacturer Used Car Scheme Sponsored by Visitor Chat Audi BMW Ford Hyundai Mazda Nissan Skoda Suzuki Toyota Volkswagen
Grimsdyke Car Sales PGI Garage RSJ Sports Cars Thame Cars The Premium Car Collection View Automotive Used Car Dealership: 51-100 Cars Sponsored by Black Horse ASK Motors Carpoint, Newport JMV Cars Matt Johnson Prestige Mount Vernon Motors Optimum Vehicles Plympton Car Sales Rangebrook Solo Car Sales Your Best Car
Newcomer Dealership Sponsored by Moneybarn Biggleswade Car Sales Car Planet Car Plug MCR Newport Motor Company Pinnacle Cars Rubber Duck Cars V12 Automobil We Love Car Group Whizz Autos Wink Cars
Used Car Dealership: Over 100 Cars Sponsored by Black Horse Car Quay Car Motion DCC Ellahi Motors Pershore Motor Group Phantom Motor Company Pine Lodge Cars RW Cars Saxton 4×4 Tenby Car Supermarket
Used Car Supermarket Sponsored by eBay Motors Group Arnold Clark Motorstore Big Motoring World Car Planet Carbase CarShop Fords of Winsford Hendy Car & Van Store Motorpoint Premier Car Supermarket Motor Match
Used Car Dealership Group Sponsored by Black Horse Arnold Clark Hendy Snows Group Steven Eagell Group Swansway Motor Group TrustFord Vertu Motors White Dove Motor Group Wilsons Yeomans
Used Car Dealership: Up To 50 Cars Sponsored by Black Horse Actons Motor Company Alyn Brewis Car Brothers Newtownabbey Grashion Automotive Solutions
Outstanding Achievement Sponsored by Howden No nominations list revealed Lifetime Achievement (10+ years) Sponsored by GardX No nominations list revealed
Sponsored by CarDealerMag.co.uk | 19
Let’s drive…
better lending outcomes Success for dealers during the cost of living crisis means having the right lending panel, with a range of motor finance providers meeting the needs of different customers. For more than half of the UK’s top 50 franchise and independent dealers, Startline plays a crucial part in this mix, being the first option when a prime lender declines. Our flexible approach to finance uses a market-leading scorecard, sophisticated technology and human insight to offer thoughtfully constructed products, outstanding service standards and highly competitive terms.
Working together, we can drive better lending outcomes.
enquiries@startlinemotorfinance.com startlinemotorfinance.com 20 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
DASHBOARD
HOW BREXIT AND THE COVID HANGOVER ARE AFFECTING THE PRICE OF SPARE PARTS Customers are having to dig deeper as garages face increasing operational costs, finds Craig Cheetham.
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arages are being forced to pass on increased parts prices to customers, with Brexit and Covid a double-edged sword Mercedes-Benz against a backdrop of cost-of-living rises. The prices of vans are among some components have more than doubled in the past two the ones that have years, with European brands the most affected. seen parts price William Morgan of Morgan’s Motor Engineers in Drayton, Norfolk, increases says that he’s unfortunately having to pass costs on to customers, as he doesn’t fit non-OEM parts to cars in his care. On one occasion, Morgan’s had to wait several weeks for some Honda suspension parts to enter the UK supply chain, even though the company still has its European headquarters in the UK at Bracknell. The delay was a hold-up at customs while Brexit checks were concluded and duties determined. ‘We tend to source most of our parts and consumables through the main dealership networks, as the quality is known and far less likely to have problems than some other sources we choose not to entertain,’ he said. ‘If it’s not good enough for one of our own vehicles, it’s not good enough for our customers – that’s how we have always operated. ‘Because of supply and demand, prices for oils and parts most definitely have increased and these increases are continuing all the time. It may be coincidental but since being bought by PSA, Vauxhall parts have most definitely increased in cost.’ Morgan believes that Brexit is a key factor, not just because of the additional duties levied on parts imported from mainland Europe but also because of increased labour costs caused by driver shortages in the supply chain – a problem exacerbated since Brexit, thanks to a number of European drivers no longer working in the UK. ‘The cost of living, Covid, Brexit and the war in Ukraine are all factors that are causing prices everywhere to increase, unfortunately,’ he added. ‘Operational costs have increased due to fuel and energy costs shooting up, and as a result parts prices have been pushed up. When things will settle down again, I truly don’t know.’ His views are echoed by Bob Chittenden from Peterborough, who is an independent repairer specialising in vans and light commercial vehicles. ‘My business model is to buy vehicles that are non-runners and repair them for resale and I tend to only do Ford Transits now,’ he said. ‘Previously, I used to do quite well with Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, which have always had a good following, but these days they’re much more expensive to repair – I can’t get new parts at sensible prices and the lead times for getting them are much longer. ‘With Transits, there’s always a good parts supply locally so they’re much easier to get parts for quickly, which is what you need when you have to get a vehicle back on the road.’ The issues aren’t just being experienced by mechanics. In a survey of its members earlier this year, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) reported that 90 per cent of them – many of whom are fleet managers – had seen costs go up as a result of Brexit and Covid. ‘For the fleet and mobility services sector, there really is no such thing as “business as usual” any more,’ said BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney. ‘Hampered by Brexit, Covid-19, inflation and carbon reduction targets, the global automotive supply chain continues to lurch from one crisis to another, with BVRLA members bearing the brunt. The sentiments shared in our latest Industry Outlook Survey highlight this, but they also tell a story of optimism and remarkable resilience. ‘Green shoots are appearing with vehicle supply and most of our members are seeing growing sales. We are not out of the woods, but we have every reason to believe that businesses in our sector are on the right path.’
For the fleet and mobility services sector, there really is no such thing as ‘business as usual’ any more. Gerry Keaney BVRLA chief executive
It may be coincidental but since being bought by PSA, Vauxhall parts have most definitely increased in cost. William Morgan Morgan’s Motor Engineers
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 21
22 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
What will happen next with the 2035 ban? It’s a confusing mess
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Will dealers have to actively sell EVs to customers who want a petrol? I just don’t know.
olitics. It’s a subject I don’t like to talk about, especially on my own social media and in this column, as it’s a private thing. But this month I have to break my charmingly quaint rules because I’ve been mulling over a few things for the past few weeks and I’m a bit cross. The government has finally done something that many in our industry thought it would, not least by most of the Car Dealer editorial staff, and delayed the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrols and diesels. It’s a ‘proportionate and pragmatic decision’, Rishi tells us. The can has been well and truly kicked down the road, let’s face it, but to dampen down the embarrassing racket as the can clatters along, the government has decided to ramp up strict EV sales targets between now and 2035 with its ‘ZEV mandate’. So, the ban won’t come into play until 2035, but that also means it won’t be a switch that suddenly turns off new ICE sales. By 2030 – the original date of the ban don’t forget – 80 per cent of all new cars sold in the UK (and 70 per cent of vans) will have to be pure-electric, or ‘zero emission’, before representing 100 per cent of new car sales in 2035 – the year the beaten-up can finally comes to a rest on the Tarmac. Let’s just dwell on that for a moment. Eighty per cent is practically the market isn’t it, which means that the remaining 20 per cent will likely be super-high-end cars and Britain’s fantastic cottage industry of micromanufacturers. And they really will be high-end, because the volume carmakers that make exotic stuff such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz will either be completely electric by 2030 anyway or will deem developing new models powered by petrol for a short five-year period a massive waste of time. Effectively, the UK will have a purely EV market in 2030, but not technically because the PM believes the original 2030 deadline would affect hard-working families. It’s a ‘proportionate and pragmatic decision’, don’t forget. What worries me, though, is how we get to that 80 per cent share in 2030. It starts next year, when 22 per cent of all new car sales will have to be zeroemission. This hasn’t changed with the recent announcement, but it’s the sudden spike. For instance, in 2027, the figure is 38 per cent and then jumps by a whopping 14 percentage points the year after to 52 per cent. And if carmakers don’t meet those targets they’ll be fined, or they can buy ‘credits’ from other carmakers, so the likes of Tesla, Polestar and MG will be in the pound seat in selling off their tokens. For dealers, though, it means that from next year the targets to sell EVs will be higher than ever. The OEMs will likely slash the prices of new EVs and heavily incentivise sales, but are the buyers ready? Will dealers have to actively sell EVs to customers who want a petrol? I just don’t know. You can tell the carmakers are hedging their bets, too, as a number of new models that were originally launched as pure-electrics will now come with a petrol engine. Models such as the Jeep Avenger will be available in EV and petrol flavours. But perhaps I’m worrying unnecessarily because, hilariously, all of this could change with a general election next year. Bookies’ favourite Labour has pledged that it’ll reverse the 2035 ban and reinstate the 2030 deadline, meaning there will be even more change on the way. A confusing mess? I think that just about sums it up.
Batch chat
COMMENT
JAMES BATCHELOR
CAR DEALER’S ASSOCIATE EDITOR HAS HIS SAY James Batchelor James – aka Batch – started at Car Dealer in 2010, becoming editor in 2013. He then worked for Auto Express and Carbuyer, went freelance in 2020, and became Car Dealer’s associate editor in October 2021. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 23
Big Mike OUR MAN ON THE INSIDE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE CAR BUSINESS
Who is Big Mike? Well, that would be telling. What we can say is he’s had more than 40 years in the car trade so has probably forgotten more about it than we’re likely to know. 24 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
COMMENT
Ignorance was bliss when it came to BX engine that kept on giving
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’m getting to the age now where I appear to be going to an awful lot of retirement dos, which on the one hand is quite depressing, but on the other is the perfect opportunity to reminisce. The latest of my former colleagues to hang up his trade plates was a chap called Roy Spanners – not his real name, of course, but ‘Spanners’ was his nickname when he ran the service department at the Citroen main agent I used to sell cars for. Naturally, during his retirement drinks, stories were told and some of Roy’s finest hours were remembered. Among these, the all-time classic was when we had a Citroen BX in for some warranty work. Unfortunately for the owner, the BX had suffered a spectacularly catastrophic engine failure, so the car sat down the side of the workshop for several weeks while we waited for a new engine to arrive from France. After almost two months and several irate phone calls from the customer, who wasn’t really enjoying our AX courtesy car, a crate turned up containing a new engine, so in order to get things sorted as quickly as possible, Roy authorised some overtime, with two of the lads volunteering to work all day on a Saturday to fit the engine. Roy only worked Monday to Friday, so he arranged for the engine to be put on a hoist and left instructions for it to be ‘fitted to the red BX’. Imagine his surprise, then, when he returned to work on Monday expecting to call the customer with some good news, only to find their car was still exactly where it’d been sitting for the past seven weeks. Furious, Roy called the two mechanics into his office, which adjoined the main workshop. ‘Did you forget about the overtime this weekend, then?’ he demanded. The two mechanics looked at each other, rather confused, and proceeded to tell Roy that no, they hadn’t forgotten and that they were really quite pleased with themselves for having swapped over the engine and all of its ancillaries in less than six hours, meaning they could spend the rest of the afternoon in the pub. Slowly, the penny dropped. What Roy had forgotten to do was specify which red BX the new engine was destined for, and on the Friday we’d had an older model dropped off for an MOT on Monday morning. It passed the MOT with flying colours, but that was hardly surprising because under the bonnet was a brand spanking new engine that it shouldn’t have had. The customer had then picked his car up and driven home, completely unaware that his 90,000-mile engine had just been superseded by a new one, fresh from the factory. Of course, the ethical thing to have done would have been to order a new engine again from the factory, swallow the cost and apologise profusely to the customer for the further delay. But Roy was a sly old fox and he didn’t want to incur the wrath of our dealer principal. What followed was two evenings of extra overtime for our two mechanics, the first of which
After almost two months and several irate phone calls from the customer, who wasn’t really enjoying our AX courtesy car, a crate turned up containing a new engine.
Unfortunately for the owner, the BX had suffered a spectacularly catastrophic engine failure.
was spent extracting the older BX’s engine from the skip, cleaning it all up and painting it so that it looked like it was fresh out of the box. The second was spent fitting it to the moribund car down the side of the workshop. By Wednesday afternoon, the customer had their BX back on the road, completely unaware that their ‘new’ engine, fitted under warranty, had actually circumnavigated the globe. Twice. When the original went bang, it had only done 28k, so we were fully expecting to see the car back in the workshop soon afterwards, the customer more worked up than ever after exposing our malpractice. But in the end, it wasn’t Roy who saw the red BX again, it was me… Two years later, the owner chopped it in for a new XM and it was yours truly who brokered the deal. Apparently, the BX had run like a Swiss watch ever since the engine was replaced, and that was enough to not only restore the customer’s faith in our cars and our garage, but also make him buy a shiny, new and rather expensive one. As for his old BX, by the time it crossed our threshold on ‘J-reg’ day – August 1, 1991 – and the owner drove off in his new XM, I calculated that it had covered at least 170,000 miles on somebody else’s original engine. So, I did the decent thing and threw it through the auction. I saw it again as well, about six years later, sitting at a taxi rank outside Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre with a ‘For Hire’ light on the roof. Some cars, it seems, simply don’t want to die…
In the end, it wasn’t Roy who saw the red BX again, it was me… Two years later, the owner chopped it in for a new XM and it was yours truly who brokered the deal.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 25
DASHBOARD
CAR NEWS ROUND-UP Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results... NISSAN
Concept 20-23 hatchback celebrates 20 years of design centre NISSAN has revealed a concept car to celebrate 20 years of its UK-based European design centre. T|he Concept 20-23 was unveiled by Nissan president and CEO Makoto Uchida on a floating barge moored on the Grand Union Canal outside Nissan Design Europe in Paddington.
It’s a city car-based design concept and follows on from other so-called ‘Pike’ Nissan cars, such as the Be-1, Pao, Figaro and S-Cargo. Nissan says the hatchback ‘brings a 21st-century twist to this small-car tradition’. The ’23’ part not only reflects the current year
but also the Japanese carmaker’s traditional number – 2 (ni) and 3 (san). Nissan says the three-door hot hatch takes key design themes from its online racing and Formula E activities and features dramatically styled bodywork and wings to aid cooling and cut drag.
AUDI
Charging improved on Q4 e-tron SUV
AUDI has introduced a range of updates for its Q4 e-tron compact electric SUV. The upgraded range is priced from £49,915, with all versions getting a 77kWh battery. However, Audi has optimised the battery so that quattro models can now accept a charge of up to 175kW – up from 135kW. Because of this, quattro models can now go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in around 28 minutes when hooked up to a suitably rapid charger, says Audi. The on-board navigation also prioritises high-power charging stations along a chosen route. 26 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
RENAULT
FIAT
Pure-electric 600e can get to 80% in less than 30 minutes FIAT’S new 600e has been priced from £32,995. Billed as the brand’s return to the B-segment hatchback market, the pure-electric is being positioned as the bigger brother to the 500e and will take on other electric crossovers such as the Kia e-Niro, Hyundai Kona and Volvo’s EX30. Fiat claims a WLTP-tested 250-mile combined range and a 375-mile range in the city. The 600e can also be charged at speeds of up to 100kW, meaning a 20 to 80% top-up from a suitable rapid charger will take less than 30 minutes.
READ OUR REVIEW OF THE FIAT 600e ON PAGE 32
Scenic name rises from MPV ashes
RENAULT has rebooted its Scenic name. The nameplate was first used on a popular compact MPV launched in 1996 but disappeared in 2020 due to the falling popularity of people-carriers. The model name was then shelved – until now. The new Scenic E-Tech isn’t an MPV though, but a pure-electric SUV. It’ll sit above the Megane E-Tech when it arrives next year, to be joined by the new Renault 5 electric supermini, also launching in 2024.
VOLKSWAGEN
FORD
New look and more tech for Tiguan
Ranger claims first as plug-in hybrid pick-up
THE third generation of the Tiguan is due to arrive in the UK in the first half of 2024 but with few similarities between the old and new car. The front end gets a bolder and wider look courtesy of a new radiator section, with the firm putting a special emphasis on aerodynamics. New technology will include self-parking with a memory function. The highlight will be the plug-in hybrid, though – said to be able to drive for up to 65 miles purely on electricity.
FORD has revealed a new plug-in hybrid version of its Ranger pick-up – the first vehicle of this kind to be offered with such a setup. The latest generation of the best-selling Ranger arrived earlier in 2023 with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, but the firm always promised an electrified version. This will arrive in 2025 in the form of a plug-in hybrid. It pairs Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with an electric motor and battery. No power figure has been given, but it’s likely to be some 300bhp.
SKODA
Scala and Kamiq models get facelifts and technology boosts SKODA has updated its Scala hatchback and Kamiq crossover, both of which are set to reach UK roads in 2024. They’re two of Skoda’s smaller models, with the Scala being a Ford Focus-sized hatchback while the Kamiq is a compact crossover that rivals the Nissan Juke. Both were introduced in 2019 and have now had a light facelift with newly shaped grilles and headlights, along with interior quality improvements and technology enhancements. They only come in a choice of petrol engines but automatic DSG gearboxes are available on the two most powerful ones.
Skoda Kamiq
LOTUS
Emeya said to be one of the fastest electric GTs in world LOTUS is expanding its line-up again with the reveal of the Emeya – an electric saloon car going on sale in 2024. This striking new electric four-door GT car is set to rival the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S, and gets a sporty silhouette with prominent side sills plus bold front and rear lighting. The Emeya will come with a dual-motor powertrain, with several versions available producing up to 892bhp. It’s said to be ‘one of the fastest electric GTs in the world’, with Lotus claiming a top speed of ‘more than 155mph’ and a 0-60mph acceleration time of ‘under 2.8 seconds’.
PEUGEOT
BMW
Range of 435 miles claimed for e-3008
Plug-in hybrids added to 5 Series line-up
PEUGEOT has unveiled its new 3008 SUV, boasting a bold fresh design and electric versions for the first time. Three iterations of the e-3008 are set to be available, with the 230bhp Long Range offering a standout claimed range of 435 miles. Peugeot will also offer the 3008 with a 1.2-litre mildhybrid petrol engine, as well as a plug-in hybrid. The new 3008 is set to go on sale in February 2024, with prices to be announced nearer then.
BMW is introducing plug-in hybrid versions of its popular 5 Series. There is the option of the 530e, which uses a fourcylinder petrol engine, or the new 550e xDrive, which uses a six-cylinder petrol unit. Combined with an electric motor, the 530e produces 295bhp in all, while the 550e kicks out a healthy 482bhp, allowing for a 0-60mph time of just 4.1 seconds. Each model can travel at up to 87mph in purely electric operating mode, too. Prices start from £59,455. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 27
DASHBOARD SUPPORT
GWM Ora opens test-drive centres
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GWM ORA has opened test-drive centres to support its UK dealer network. Eight of them have opened here, offering ‘the same lively and colourful corporate identity as the main retailer sites, just on a smaller scale’, the firm said. The centres will be managed by a mix of GWM Ora’s existing dealer network and take its customer service points to 26. As well as the test drives, they’ll also offer sales and service support. An EV expert will be on hand to help customers.
AWARDS
Yeomans wins two Honda titles
YEOMANS is celebrating a victorious evening at this year’s Honda UK Dealer Awards that saw it bag two titles and a second place. Not only was it named Honda UK’s Dealer Group of the Year but its Bognor Regis branch was awarded the trophy for Dealer of the Year and its Worthing showroom took second place among the Top 5 Performers.
Pictured are Honda UK head of automobile Rebecca Adamson, left, and head of communications and digital commerce Olivia Dunn with Yeomans chairman and md James Smith
28 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
BACK OF THE NET!
Sell it like Beckham! Football legend helps to launch Maserati’s premier UK new store concept FOOTBALLING legend David Beckham added star quality to Maserati’s first UK new store concept opening. The manufacturer’s global brand ambassador arrived at the H.R. Owen showroom in Hatfield in a black GranTurismo, where he joined more than 100 guests for the official launch. He said: ‘I’m delighted to be here to support the opening of Maserati’s first new store concept in the UK. ‘These are exciting times for the brand and this store reflects Maserati’s commitment to great design and innovation.’ Maserati chief commercial officer Bernard Loire and H.R. Owen CEO Ken Choo were also there.
ANGER
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Residents protest over showroom plan
Brindley Group halts sales on Sundays
PLANS to turn an empty commercial unit in a residential area into a car showroom have sparked protests. Kazim Properties wants to turn the site in Grove Street, Peterborough, into a car dealership with parking for 19 vehicles. But the plan has sparked objections from nearby residents who fear problems with traffic congestion, noise pollution and parking. Pictured via Google Street View is the site now permanently closed
Will dealers have to actively sell EVs to customers who want a petrol? I just don't know.
James Batchelor p23
BRINDLEY Group has become the latest car dealer to announce it is closing showrooms on Sundays. The move aims to promote a healthier work-life balance for employees, and in a statement Brindley Group said it recognises ‘the importance of rest, family time and personal well-being’. Managing director Che Watson said: ‘We want our employees and customers to relish their weekends to the fullest.’
EV technicians shortfall warning Supplier News: p51
‘The Amarok is a big beast so driving it takes a little getting used to.’ Forecourt: p36
DELISTING
RALLY
APPOINTMENT
Lookers leaves stock Nicole taking over as Irish eyes smile on market in Global deal MD at Volvo Car UK Bangers4Ben teams
T S A C D PO Sponsored by
LOOKERS has fallen into the hands of new Canadian owners after its shares were delisted from the London Stock Exchange. Global Auto Holdings’ improved 130p per share offer – from the bidding vehicle of Canadian firm Alpha Auto Group – valued the business at £504.2m and had been approved by the High Court as well as shareholders and the FCA. Lookers' shares were finally delisted on October 9, bringing to an end a saga that began in June.
NICOLE Melillo Shaw is being promoted from her current position as Volvo Car UK’s commercial operations director to lead the company as its managing director. She will replace Kristian Elvefors, who is leaving Volvo after four years in the post. Melillo Shaw, who takes over on November 1, said: 'It has been hugely rewarding to work closely with Kristian during the past few years. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.'
CARS from across the motor trade had a successful adventure taking on a four-day trip around Ireland for Bangers4Ben. The annual charity rally saw 42 teams take part in the madcap event, and Andy Entwistle, CEO of Automotion, which organised it, said: ‘The teams did a fantastic job with their cars and certainly attracted plenty of attention.' All the cars are now heading for auction and Entwistle said the final total was set to be a record amount.
NOMINATION
PENDRAGON
Darranʼs in line for humanitarian title
Shareholders set to vote on takeover bid
ALAN Day Motor Group’s marketing boss has been nominated for a humanitarian award for his work helping to evacuate and rehouse Ukrainian refugees. Darran Clarke is in the running for the title in the South Kesteven Community Awards, taking place on October 27, but he said: ‘I really do not feel I deserve the nomination. I am just trying to show my children what it means to be a good person and to have compassion.'
We were fully expecting to see the car back in the workshop, the customer more worked up than ever after exposing our malpractice. Big Mike p24
ROM F M A E T THE EALER CAR DBOUT TALK ATEST THE LAAND NEWSVIEWS IN INTER EGULAR THIS R ST PODCA
E R E H K C CLI
PENDRAGON’S shareholders will vote on Lithia’s takeover offer on October 25. That’s when the dealer group will be holding a general meeting in London for its shareholders. It’s also the deadline for AutoNation to submit an increased bid. Resolutions will be proposed for Pendragon’s shareholders to approve the deal. Lithia increased its initial offer to the equivalent of 35.4p per share – the one most likely to be accepted.
PAST O T N E T S TO LI ES OF THE EPISODEALER CAR DASTS PODC Turn over page to catch up on more stories
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 29
DASHBOARD REDUNDANCIES
Jobs go in wake of £3.7m discrepancy
A CAR dealership that fell into administration after finding a £3.7m stock discrepancy has failed to find a buyer and is now making staff redundant. CMS Kidderminster called in professional advisers and then administrators after directors found the unexplained discrepancy. Most of the 46 jobs have now been made redundant after the sales and fleet operations stopped trading. A maintenance and repairs service was still running for a short time. Picture: Google Street View
SURVEY
Dealers’ salary growth declines
NEWS DIGEST
HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY
PREMIERE
Luscombe’s Leeds becomes first car dealership in the world to showcase new MG Cyberster LUSCOMBE’S Leeds has become the first car dealership in the world to show off the upcoming MG Cyberster as the sports car kicks off an eight-month world tour. The much-talked-about electric sports car went on display at the Yorkshire showroom on September 13, with punters flocking to the site to catch a glimpse. Bosses say the response was ‘overwhelmingly positive’, with two customers traveling more than 100 miles to get a look at the vehicle in the metal. Despite final pricing not yet being confirmed, the dealership has already taken deposits from 15 Cyberster customers.
RETIREMENT
Rolls-Royce CEO to step down at 62
SALARIES at car dealer groups rose by 7% on average during the past 12 months – down on the previous year’s record figure. That’s according to the latest Motor Salary Survey from BDO LLP, which said it was much less than 2022’s record year-on-year increase of 16% that was fuelled by a post-Covid surge in profits. The figure doesn’t include management positions and is broadly in line with the UK average. Parts, service and administration departments saw the biggest increases at 8-9%. 30 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
ROLLS-ROYCE CEO Torsten MüllerÖtvös is to retire from the luxury car firm at the end of November. The 62-year-old made the announcement on LinkedIn, saying that leading the company for nearly 14 years ‘has been the greatest privilege and pleasure of my professional life’. Current BMW UK CEO Chris Brownridge will replace him. Müller-Ötvös said he was looking forward to new professional challenges – and more fly fishing.
542 THE BRAKE HORSEPOWER OF THE BMW M3 CS
Forecourt p38
PANEL
SMMT joins taskforce for battery strategy
THE SMMT has joined a government taskforce to help develop the UK’s first battery strategy for EVs. The UK Battery Strategy Taskforce brings together industry experts and academics from across the battery ecosystem. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes is part of the 17-strong panel that also includes automotive industry expert David Bailey, who is professor of business economics at Birmingham University’s Birmingham Business School.
Bikes and trikes are among ‘Quote.’ this month’s cool products Feature: p42
TAKEOVER
PRESENTATION
APPOINTMENT
Holden Group buys Cecil & Larter site
Doing the double with Ford award
Jules Tilstone to lead Alfa Romeo and DS
HOLDEN Group has completed a deal to acquire Cecil & Larter in Bury St Edmunds as part of a major programme of growth. The agreement sees the 95-yearold firm take over the dealership as its third Volvo site in East Anglia. All 35 members of staff at Cecil & Larter will transfer to Holden Group and continue working at the newly rebranded Holden Bury St Edmunds. Bosses say they are looking forward to seeing the group’s staff numbers top 220 for the first time.
STAFF at Bristol Street Motors Kings Norton Ford have been celebrating after the dealership won the prestigious Ford President’s Award for the second year running. The prestigious gong was also awarded to Cheltenham Ford, Stoke Ford and Glasgow Ford. David Howe, general manager of Kings Norton Ford, pictured at front with colleagues, said: ‘We are delighted to receive the award, which reflects our unwavering dedication to our customers.’
STELLANTIS UK has appointed Jeep boss Jules Tilstone to head up its premium brands Alfa Romeo and DS Automobiles. He will take on the role of MD on November 1 after current incumbent Julie David elected to retire from the car maker, and means the former UK boss of DS will be in charge as Alfa Romeo and DS Automobiles switch to agency sales. The move to the haggle-free fixed-price model is believed to be taking place next year.
ADDITION
EXPANSION
SsangYong partners with Purbeck Motors
Spencer Flint takes the bespoke road
SSANGYONG has added to its UK dealer network after partnering with Purbeck Motors in Dorset. The dealership, which forms part of the Wool & Bovington Motors Group, is in Wareham. Richard Custard, general manager of Purbeck Motors, said: ‘Our partnership with SsangYong is a fantastic opportunity. We join at an exciting time, just as the brand launches a facelifted Musso, Rexton and Tivoli, as well as the new Torres.’
USED car dealership Spencer Flint Automotive has launched another business offering to give customers a more personal experience. The family-run firm, which specialises in prestige, luxury and sports cars, was established two years ago, mainly for trade to trade, Now co-directors Phil Johnston and Natalie Flint have opened a bespoke retail arm of the business in Tadcaster, offering an appointmentonly, one-to-one experience.
Feature: pXX
BITE-SIZE Click on the text box for the full story
PLEDGE: Nissan boss Makoto Uchida has said all the vehicles it launches in Europe will now be electric. The CEO was speaking at its design studio in London, where he unveiled its Concept 20-23, and said: ‘The world needs to move on from ICEs.’
RELIEF: Hyundai Motor Group is donating $1.1m (circa £900,000) to earthquake and flood recovery efforts in Morocco and Libya. The money has been sent via the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies through the Korean Red Cross.
DROP: UK car production fell by 9.7% in August after six months of growth in a row, as 45,052 models rolled off lines, said the SMMT. Output was partly affected by extended pauses at some plants for planned maintenance and upgrades.
AXE: Volkswagen is cutting more than 200 jobs at its main electric car factory in Germany because of falling EV sales. The carmaker won’t be renewing the 12-month contracts of 269 temporary workers at its Zwickau plant when they expire.
DEVELOPMENT: Toyota says EVs should be capable of driving for up to 620 miles on one charge in just a few years and they’ll be cheaper, too. That’s thanks to a breakthrough in electric car battery tech that the manufacturer says it’s made. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 31
FORECOURT
Power
The single-electric motor paired with the latest 54kWh battery pack gives the 600e a claimed 252-mile range.
FIAT 600e
Fiat is taking on the electric family hatchback market with the 600e. James Batchelor went to Italy to see if it sets a new standard. WHAT IS IT? Designed to be a bigger brother to the all-electric 500e, the 600e is a family hatchback but with a slightly rugged, crossover look just like its sibling, the Citroen e-C4. WHAT’S NEW? Well, everything on the outside to be frank. The 600e doesn’t replace an existing model but it does revive a model name last used in 2010 on an Italy-only model (formerly the Seicento). WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The 600e pretty much pinches the Jeep Avenger’s electric powertrain entirely. So, there’s the same 154bhp electric motor powering the front wheels only and Stellantis’s latest 54kWh battery pack. For the 600e, Fiat claims a WLTP-tested electric range of 252 miles combined and a maximum charging speed of 100kW, which means a 20 to 80 per cent topup at a suitable roadside charging point will take less than 30 minutes. Fiat is also expected to bring a petrol version of the 600 to the UK next year. The 128bhp 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol will be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The most impressive aspect is ride comfort as the 600e shrugs off potholes and imperfections in the road with impressive ease. We tested the car on crumbling roads in Turin and lumpier, more undulating stretches of asphalt high in the hills above the city and the 600e felt very polished. Hitting a pothole is transmitted to the cabin more by the sound of the wheel hitting the hole rather than the car’s body shaking. The 600e isn’t what you’d call a sporting electric hatchback to drive, but there’s more than enough performance for pottering around town and normal everyday driving. HOW DOES IT LOOK? As with the 500e and Mini’s new Cooper hatchback, chrome is out and cleaner surfaces are in, with just a sprinkling of bright work added around the 600’s windows and along the bottom of the doors. It’s an attractive shape, particularly at the rear, but the heavy-lidded headlamps, slitty upper vent beneath the ‘600’ badge and fussy grilles at the bottom of the bumper are just a bit too ungainly, we feel. 32 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
THE KNOWLEDGE Fiat 500e La Prima
Base price: £36,995 Engine: Single-electric motor
Power: 154bhp Torque: 260Nm Max speed: 93mph O-60mph: 9.0 seconds Range: 252 miles Emissions: 0g/km CO2
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The interior is very Jeep, too, as the 600e poaches a lot of the Avenger’s dashboard. The centre console with its quirky iPad-like cover, 10.25-inch touchscreen, and upper and lower elements are all carried over. The La Prima models add an ivory-painted panel across the centre of the dashboard and ‘Fiat’-embossed seats for some retro flair, but the interior is more pleasant than special. One reason for this is the quality – the dashboard and doors are covered in hard plastics. It all feels well put together but lacks a plush feeling. The infotainment system works well enough, there’s tonnes of storage in the centre console and it feels roomy upfront. Boot space, meanwhile, stands at 360 litres. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The entry-level 600e (RED) comes in at £32,995 and features 16-inch steel wheels with ‘bi-colour’ covers, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The (RED) also comes with Fiat-monogrammed seats made from recycled fabric and plenty of red detailing in keeping with Fiat’s partnership with (RED) – an organisation that fights global health emergencies. The rangetopping La Prima is priced at £36,995 and comes in four bright colours. Along with the
TARGET BUYERS:
Cabin
KEY SELLING POINTS:
Young families and first-time EV buyers.
THE RIVALS:
Jeep Avenger Volkswagen ID.3 MG4 1. Well priced 2. Good specification 3. Decent range
The interior is well put together but the hard plastics mean it lacks a plush feel.
DEAL CLINCHER:
A very likeable all-rounder that’s practical, comfortable, well priced and potentially very easy to live with.
If the 500e is too small, buyers will love the extra space and cutesy looks of the 600e.
Style
It’s got an attractive shape, but the front is ungainly with fussy grilles and heavy-lidded headlamps.
bold colour palette, La Prima cars get 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, a reversing camera plus a six-way electric driver’s seat with a massaging function. The MG4 is cheaper than the 600e but frankly it undercuts pretty much all of its rivals. The Fiat is cheaper than its Avenger and E-2008 siblings, reasonable value for money and well equipped for this segment WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? Autocar said: ‘It’s no sports hatch, and others have longer range and more engaging handling, but as a compact, longish-range family EV, the 600e is a very complete package.’ WHAT DO WE THINK? The dinky 500e bowls you over with charisma and has the ‘buy me’ factor in spades, but as the 500X and 500L models have shown in the past, it’s harder to translate this into a larger model. Admittedly, the 600e is competing in a tougher environment than its junior, where more rational considerations are the order of the day, but you get the sense that the 600e’s character is just a little skin-deep. That said, the 600e is a very likeable all-rounder that’s practical, comfortable, well priced and potentially very easy to live with. We can imagine many Brits liking the styling and the car’s easy-going nature. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 33
FORECOURT
BYD SEAL Power
Dual-electric motors and an 82.5kWh battery give the Seal 523bhp and a 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Chinese car firm BYD is expanding its line-up with the Seal saloon. Ted Welford went for a spin in one in Munich.
BYD Seal Excellence AWD Price (estimated): £50,000+ Engine: Dual-electric motors with 82.5kWh battery Power: 523bhp Torque: 670Nm Max speed: 112mph O-60mph: 3.6 seconds Range: 323 miles Emissions: 0g/km CO2
34 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
WHAT IS IT? Joining the Dolphin (you can see what BYD is doing with its marine-themed names) and Atto 3 crossover, the Seal is this Chinese firm’s answer to the Tesla Model 3 – a car that has dominated the electric saloon market since its introduction. WHAT’S NEW? BYD is fairly new to the UK market but it’s a big deal globally as the largest maker of ‘new energy’ vehicles, including plug-in hybrids and EVs – more than Tesla, in fact. With BYD starting life in 1995 as a battery manufacturer, it’s almost unique in the automotive world in making all its EV batteries itself, so isn’t restricted by parts shortages. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? You’ll be able to choose the Seal in two guises – a rear-wheel-drive model or an all-wheeldrive. Both share the same 82.5kWh battery. With the rear-wheel-drive model, known as the Design, it comes with a single motor producing 309bhp and a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds. But the headline-grabbing version is the all-wheel-drive Excellence, which gets a second motor and takes the power up to an impressive 523bhp, allowing for a 0-60mph time of just 3.6 seconds. When it comes to charging, the Seal can DC rapid-charge at up to 150kW, meaning a 30 to 80 per cent charge can take just 25 minutes. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Things get off to a relatively conventional start in the BYD Seal. Unlike some rivals, there’s a typical starter button, a relatively conventional gear selector and there’s even a normal key. It’s easy to get comfy, with plenty of electric adjustment for the seats and steering wheel. Our drive was primarily in the all-wheel-drive model, known as the ‘Excellence’. This rides on semi-adaptive suspension, and it’s generally quite comfy, though can it feel fidgety over certain road imperfections. What can’t be faulted is the refinement. Even by EV standards, the Seal is unbelievably quiet. We didn’t get much chance to push the Seal as the weather on our German route was definitely more suitable to seals of the sea than the car world, but it seemed to handle tidily with little body roll to report. With more than 500bhp, it’s suitably brisk as well, though has a very smooth pick-up, and doesn’t physically launch you back into your seat like other EVs with this kind of power do.
Style
We think it’s a smart-looking car with good proportions and stylish lights giving the Seal real presence.
HOW DOES IT LOOK? At first, the Seal can look a bit like a mash-up of other products, albeit not deliberately. The rear looks quite similar to a Model 3, while the front definitely has a bit of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 about it. It’s overall a smart-looking car to our eyes, though, with good proportions and stylish lights giving it a noticeable presence. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? There’s a huge 15.6-inch touchscreen in the middle, which has a party trick of being able to rotate. It might seem gimmicky at first but works remarkably well both ways round, with certain features (navigation, for example) best in the portrait position. The cabin quality is generally very good and certainly feels a notch above the Tesla Model 3, with soft-touch materials largely used throughout. In terms of space, treat the Seal as a four-seater and there’s more than enough room for four adults, but because the middle rear seat is raised, many adults will find themselves with their heads uncomfortably against the glass roof.
The Seal is without doubt the best car we’ve seen from BYD yet. It’s a car that brings real promise.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? You’ve got plenty of high-end features, such as quilted leather seats that are heated and ventilated, large 19-inch alloy wheels and the stunning glass roof. There’s also a great deal of driver-assistance technology, although this is perhaps our biggest bugbear. While working fine on motorways, it’s downright annoying on more ‘normal’ routes, with traffic sign recognition constantly saying ‘you’re over the speed limit’ when it’s relying on road signs you’ve gone past several hundred metres ago. The aggressive lane assist is bordering on dangerous too, almost swerving us into an oncoming car at one point. We’d default to turning this all off. BYD is yet to confirm pricing for the Seal, but we’ve been told it’ll be ‘very competitive’ next to the Tesla Model 3. Given that starts from £42,995, we’d expect it to marginally undercut it and cost north of £50,000 for the flagship all-wheel-drive model. WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? Auto Express said: ‘Impressive though its earlier offerings have been, this definitely feels like BYD’s most mature offering yet.’ WHAT DO WE THINK? The Seal is without doubt the best car we’ve seen from BYD yet. Unlocking a new level of quality and performance, it’s a car that brings real promise. Taking on a car as good and popular as a Tesla Model 3 will always prove a challenge, especially with BYD not having that firm’s network of EV chargers on its side. With a similar level of tech to the Tesla, as well as a higher-quality interior, we suspect it might make a few think of choosing something different. But it’ll ultimately come down to the price in a segment that is dominated by business customers.
TARGET BUYERS:
Tesla Model 3 drivers looking for a change.
THE RIVALS: Tesla Model 3 BMW i4 Polestar 2
KEY SELLING POINTS: Inside
The quality of build in the cabin is generally good with plenty of soft-touch materials used throughout. Plus it has a rotatable touchscreen!
1. Impressive technology 2. Generous equipment next to established premium brands 3. Long electric range
DEAL CLINCHER:
BYD’s most convincing car yet feels like a real premium player.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 35
FORECOURT
Power
VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK
The 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel gives the Amarok 236bhp and 600Nm of torque.
The new pick-up arrives with a Fordshared platform – but what’s it like? Jack Evans tested one.
THE KNOWLEDGE Volkswagen Amarok Price (as tested): £56,631 Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel Power: 236bhp Torque: 600Nm Max speed: 112mph O-60mph: 8.8 seconds MPG (combined): 28mpg Emissions: 265g/km CO2
WHAT IS IT? The original Amarok was a huge hit for Volkswagen. It completely reinvented the pick-up segment and showed that trucks needn’t drive like agricultural vehicles without shying away from a hard day’s work. But the motoring landscape is tricky to navigate alone, which is why VW has teamed up with Ford on this latest Amarok, with it now being built alongside the Blue Oval’s best-selling Ranger. WHAT’S NEW? Uou’ll find many similarities between the Amarok and Ford’s Ranger, but VW has done plenty to make sure it’s not a cookie-cutter-type setup. The exterior design, for example, is a little closer to the previous Amarok, while inside we’ve got screens that run Volkswagen’s own software – even if the displays themselves are from Ford. Volkswagen hasn’t forgotten that for many the Amarok will be a working tool, which is why all models get a variety of chunky, robust features and all-wheel drive as standard. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Only the entry-level Amarok comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, whereas the rest – including ‘our’ Panamericana version – uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged Ford V6 diesel. It’s linked to a 10-speed automatic gearbox as standard, too, while all versions get selectable four-wheel drive as well. It’s also rated to tow up to 3,500kg of braked trailer, which is one of the best among the pick-ups on sale today. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The Amarok is a big beast so driving it takes a little getting used to, particularly when it comes to parking. However, when you’re acclimatised, the Amarok isn’t that tricky to drive around. The low-speed ride is very harsh, mind you, and unladen it thuds and spikes through potholes. But at greater speeds, this reduces and refinement isn’t bad. The 10-speed automatic feels like it has far too many cogs, though. Press the accelerator hard and it’s left floundering as it decides which of the many gears it needs. HOW DOES IT LOOK? It could be argued that the Volkswagen Amarok is even larger than life in its second incarnation. The first one was hardly a mosquito of a thing, but this latest version feels
36 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
even brasher and more like the über-large pick-ups that you’d find in America. The front end is really upright and strong, while the various chrome elements give it a similar colour scheme to before. The Amarok can only be specified in a double-cab layout, too, whereas the Ranger can be had in a more work-focused single-cab setup. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The previous Amarok was a landmark moment for pick-up interior quality, so it’s a big thing to try to carry this over for the new version. For the large part, though, it’s successful, as there are some nice finishes to the dashboard sections while the switchgear has a pleasantly robust feeling to it. There are rotary dials for the four-wheel-drive modes, but everything else is located within the screen, so changing the heating while you’re wearing gloves in cold weather is going to be pretty much impossible. Rear-seat space isn’t too bad, although there’s quite a chunky transmission hump in the middle. You do get plenty of charging options in the back, too, with USB-C and nine-volt plugs available. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Amaroks in entry-level Life trim kick off from £40,791 including VAT, which brings a pretty bare-bones setup with steel wheels and manual air conditioning – although standard-fit cruise control is a helpful touch. It’s the one to go for if you want a true workhorse. Switch up to the Panamerican like ‘our’ Amarok – which is one off the top-spec Aventura – and you’ll get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, alongside a Harman Kardon sound system and leather seats. It bumps the price up considerably, however, pushing it to £56,631. You also get a huge 12-inch infotainment system – shared with the Ranger – which has all of the media and navigation functions included, as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? What Car? said: ‘The Amarok is a very fine pick-up that’s strong, practical and good to drive by class standards. Its biggest downfall is that the closely related Ford Ranger offers much of the same for less money.’ Top Gear said: ‘A posh pick-up that pretty much nails the brief. Bigger and better than before, with fewer rivals, too.’
The Amarok is a big beast so driving it takes a little getting used to.
WHAT DO WE THINK? The partnership between Volkswagen and Ford appears to have been a success if the new Amarok is anything to go by. It definitely continues where its predecessor left off, polishing the idea of a premium pick-up while throwing in some clever technology. We’d like the ride to be a little more comfortable – and it’d be great to have some more physical controls inside, too – but as an overall prospect, the Amarok is just as attractive as its predecessor.
Style
Only available as a double cab, the new Amarok has an überlarge pick-up look much like you’ll find in America.
TARGET BUYERS:
People who want a pick-up that doesn’t drive like a pick-up.
THE RIVALS:
Isuzu D-Max Ford Ranger Ineos Grenadier
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Solid build quality 2. Plenty of new technology 3. Robust engine
DEAL CLINCHER:
Inside
The dashboard sections have some nice finishes, while the back isn’t too bad when it comes to space.
The Amarok might not feel quite as polished on the road as before, but it’s boosted by far better in-cabin tech and overall quality than before.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 37
FORECOURT
THE KNOWLEDGE
BMW M3 CS BMW’s limited-edition M3 CS is packed with go-faster features and Jack Evans couldn’t wait to try it out. WHAT IS IT? You could call it the ‘baby brother’ to the M5 CS. It follows the same hardcore process as its larger stablemate and aims to eclipse the success of the previous M3 CS – a star in itself. WHAT’S NEW? There’s loads of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic to help drive down the limited-edition car’s weight, while the chassis and steering have been tuned specifically. The outside is pretty daring, too, playing on the standard M3’s distinctive design and taking it right the way up to 11. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? You’ll find the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine underneath the bonnet of the CS as you would in the regular M3, but BMW has upped the power from 503bhp to a heady 542bhp. You still get BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, too. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? It’s hard, unfiltered and uncompromising but feels like a regular M3 that has been freed and allowed to run a little faster, and is superb in the corners. HOW DOES IT LOOK? The M3 CS definitely isn’t a shy and retiring performance car. Our test car, finished in white with contrasting black stripes and gold wheels, really took this whole effect one step further and you can’t fault it for the way it turns heads. We like the four-door layout, too.
BMW M3 CS
Price (as tested): £123,250 Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol Power: 542bhp Torque: 650Nm Max speed: 188mph 0-60mph: 3.2 seconds Economy: 28mpg Emissions: 230g/km CO2
TARGET BUYERS:
Drivers who want an even leaner and meaner M3.
THE RIVALS:
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm Mercedes C63 S Jaguar Project 8
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Seemingly endless grip 2. Hugely rewarding powertrain 3. Driver-focused cabin
DEAL CLINCHER:
The M3 CS is a fine example of what happens when BMW pushes things to extremes.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The huge bucket seats – with their illuminated CS badges – hold you snugly in place, while the adjustment of the steering wheel means you can pull it right up and into your chest. The CS hasn’t been put on a full diet, however, so you still get very usable rear seats and a large boot. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The large curved infotainment display is really easy to use and intuitive. BMW’s rotary controller remains, too. ‘Our’ car came in at £123,250 – an awful lot of money – but the list of standard equipment was comprehensive. Features such as Harmon Kardon stereo, the carbon bucket seats and cruise control all came included as part of the car’s standard price. WHAT DO WE THINK? With the M5 CS setting such a fearsome reputation, this new breed of M3 CS had quite an uphill battle to begin with. However, given the way it drives and how involving it is from behind the wheel, we’d say it’s done a great job of climbing out of the large shadow cast by its bigger brother. The effort that BMW has gone to in order to make this CS significantly better to drive than the regular M3 can’t go unnoticed – this is one special edition that genuinely feels special. 38 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Inside The M3 CS means business with huge bucket seats and steering wheel adjustment allowing you to position it close to your chest.
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What I think makes Close Brothers different is that we have a relationship built on trust. It feels like a real partnership - they truly care about my business. David Wilson
Henson Motor Group
An award winning partnership For over 30 years we’ve built an established reputation as a flexible and trusted finance provider, and have supported our dealer and broker partners through both good and challenging times.
closemotorfinance.co.uk Finance Compliance Funding Insight
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 39
FEATURE
THRILLZEEKR Our man Ted Welford tries out the new Chinese electric car brand that could soon be coming to the UK.
A
t least once a month I open my emails to news of a new Chinese car firm looking to broaden its horizons by expanding into Europe. Already in the UK, we’ve got BYD, GWM Ora and MG originating from this corner of the world, and soon there will be Nio, Omoda and Xpeng to name just a few. To most, with the exception of MG, these names will mean absolutely nothing. Now there’s another firm trying to successfully enter Europe – Zeekr. It’s one that shows quite a lot more promise than some others, too, because it’s got the powerhouse that is Geely behind it. Geely owns Volvo, Lotus, Polestar and LEVC – the firm that makes the hybrid London taxis you see buzzing around the capital. Zeekr, which like many up-and-coming Chinese car firms is focusing purely on EVs in Europe, is launching now in Sweden and the Netherlands – two of the most advanced countries when it comes to electric cars. It wants to be in most western Europe countries by 2026 but won’t say when it’ll enter the UK market, other than it’s ‘actively looking at it’. But given that Zeekr was happy to fly me and a few other British journalists out to Stockholm, you can make the safe assumption that it won’t be too long. You don’t get much more hot off the press than Zeekr. It was only formally announced as a car firm in March 2021, with production of its first car – the 001 – beginning in October of that year. Despite this, it’s already sold 150,000 cars in China and is on track to deliver 140,000 cars in 2023 alone. Zeekr has bold ambitions, too. Spiros Fotinos is the firm’s European boss, previously spending 24 years at Toyota and Lexus. I ask him what Zeekr’s success in Europe will look like. Laughing at first, he says: ‘If I take the pure-EV premium players, we want to be on the podium by the end of the decade.’ That means it’d be ahead of Audi, BMW or Mercedes. At this stage, I can’t help but feel it’s something of a pipe-dream. In Stockholm, there are two of Zeekr’s three current cars for me to drive – the 001 and new X. (The third is the Zeekr 009, which is an MPV.) Billed as a shooting brake, the 001 is a cool-looking thing to my eyes. Several people replied to my Instagram story about it, saying it looked like a ‘Porsche Panamera crossed with a Fiat Coupe’. I can’t disagree, and I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing either. I tried out the 001 in the top-spec dual-motor powertrain, which develops 538bhp and allows for a range of up to 360 miles. It’s a promising package, too. Performance, as with virtually any ‘hot’ EV’, is strong, but there’s substance to back up the 001. It’s no Porsche Taycan but it handles well and is impressively refined. The cabin and the quality are stunning as well – far from the ‘Chinese knock-off’ image you might have in your head. Costing from €59,490 (circa £51,565) in the Netherlands, it seems well priced, and I can see it doing well if it has a similar tag when it goes on sale in the UK. The second car is the Zeekr X. As is almost mandatory if a brand is to have any chance of success, it’s a compact(ish) electric SUV. It certainly stands out, if perhaps not for the right reasons. There are lines and angles all over the place, and for me, it doesn’t work as a package. Given how cool the 001 looks, I’m not sure how Zeekr ended up with a car like the X. I compare it to being a superstar’s sibling: they get the attention; you get nothing. Behind the wheel, I was also a touch disappointed with the X. My test car felt a bit unfinished, with various rattles around the cabin and massively under-damped, as the car was completely unsettled over bumps in the road. Zeekr said some of the Xs were ‘more developed than others’, and although I suspect that this car was one of the earlier ones, it doesn’t bode all that well. One thing the X most certainly isn’t lacking is technology. There 40 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Zeekr 001
If I take the pure-EV premium players, we want to be on the podium by the end of the decade. Spiros Fotinos Zeekr’s European boss
Zeekr X are external touchscreens, speakers in the front bumper that can tell pedestrians to cross the road at the press of a button and interior cameras that can take selfies (when parked) – all likely to appeal to the growing younger audience that sees a car as a tech showcase as much as a mode of transport. When it comes to selling its cars, Zeekr won’t follow the likes of BYD in using the traditional dealer model; instead, it’ll use agency sales. Fotinos doesn’t rule out doing things differently in the future, but says Zeekr has to ‘define’ what the customer experience looks like, and he ‘can’t give that to a third party’. He said: ‘It’s very important that apart from the business benefits that it [agency sales] may have, as a new brand it’s very important for us to set the baseline for what the experience should be. I can’t give that to a third party to define it for us, so in this phase at least, we have to define that. ‘The mission of the brand is to accelerate the shift to electrification. If you’re true to that, you need to deliver an experience which removes the barriers of why people aren’t making that shift. We’ll never achieve that by outsourcing the experience before it’s even defined. ‘That’s why we’re very keen on the direct-to-consumer model, especially in this first stage of the brand. Moving forward, we’ll look at different opportunities in terms of representation.’ Pigeonholing Zeekr is a tough one, not least in Geely. It’s not as classy as Volvo, as cool as Polestar, as sporty as Lotus. Even Fotinos seems to struggle when I ask him where it sits, replying: ‘Zeekr is its own kind of thing’ and ‘Clearly more in the tech territory’. He adds: ‘I’m not going to say Zeekr is “more premium than that brand” – that’s something you should judge and a customer should judge.’ These comments leave me a touch flummoxed. I (largely) like Zeekr’s cars, I like the technology, and I like what Geely has done with Volvo and Polestar and is doing with Lotus. But a car brand needs a purpose, and Zeekr’s line of ‘we want to accelerate electrification’ could be used by virtually any car brand that wants to exist post-2035. Given that Geely already has a significant presence in Europe and has proved it can both turn around brands (Volvo) and launch new brands (Polestar) to fanfare, Zeekr certainly has more of a fighting chance than most. But the proof of the pudding will be in the eating when it does indeed launch in the UK – whenever that may be.
I’m not going to say Zeekr is ‘more premium than that brand’ – that’s something you should judge and a customer should judge.’ Spiros Fotinos CarDealerMag.co.uk | 41
Specialized Creo 2 – from £5,000
FEATURE.
COOL STUFF
WITH the weather likely to get more damp as we continue towards the winter, it’s a great time to get out on a gravel bike, and the new Creo 2 from Specialized is shaping up to be one of the best. It’s an e-bike, too, so you’ve got that great level of assistance pushing you along when you need it. It’s got loads of tyre clearance so you can fit some chunkier rubber, plus you can even connect your smartphone to the bike’s electric motor to get readouts and make sure it’s kept up to date via over-the-air upgrades.
Where is the year going? It feels like only two minutes ago that we were talking about the start of summer, yet here we are now at the beginning of autumn! However, the world of cool products hasn’t taken its foot off the gas despite the changing seasons. This month, we’ve got some big reveals from the likes of Apple, so there’s more than enough to get stuck into with this latest set of must-have items.
Apple iPhone 15 – from £799
Bentley Mulliner Tricycle – £595 IF YOU fancy letting your little one learn to cycle in tip-top luxury, then this new tricycle from Bentley is for you. It’s a six-in-one design, too, which means that it can ‘grow’ alongside your kid and be adapted as their skills develop. Not only that but in classic Bentley fashion it’s got loads of high-end touches, such as a quilted seat and even special ‘Bentley’ centre caps for the wheels.
42 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
IT’S not long after Apple unveils one iPhone than it soon releases another and now we’re on to the latest – the iPhone 15. It follows the usual recipe that we’ve come to expect from new iPhones – it’s slightly slimmer, has a better camera and features improved processing power. But the big changes come in how the iPhone is charged up, as it’s now switched to USB-C power instead of the Lightning port that has been such a feature on these phones for decades.
Sennheiser Accentum – £160
SENNHEISER has one of the best reputations in the headphones business but, more commonly than not, its products command quite a premium. The new Accentum wireless headphones are here to make things a little more affordable, though. Costing a still-chunky £160, they get full wireless capability and active noise cancellation. The in-built microphone also has wind reduction incorporated, so you should be able to chat away even in the breeziest of situations.
6
ANNIVERSARY
1961 - 2021
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Vehicle Solutions
LOCAL COUNCILS
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 43
DASHBOARD
BUSINESS NEWS
A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE UK
ANALYSIS
HS2 high earners are on at least £150k
EMPLOYMENT
Poundland offers jobs lifeline to ex-Wilko staff POUNDLAND has offered jobs to more than 200 former Wilko workers as it continues to open stores bought from administrators for the collapsed retailer. It bought 71 Wilko stores from administrator PwC last month following the collapse of the high street chain. No workers were directly transferred as part of the rescue deal, but the discount chain encouraged former staff to apply for roles and said it would ‘prioritise’ them for positions.
DOZENS of people working for HS2 Ltd earn at least £150,000 a year. PA news agency analysis of Cabinet Office figures shows 44 people at the taxpayer-funded company were at that level at the end of September last year. Their combined pay was up to £8.8m. Outgoing CEO Mark Thurston, pictured, earned the most at £676,763.
BANKING
Chase to ban crypto payments in UK
UK CUSTOMERS of Chase are no longer able to make a cryptocurrency payment, as the bank clamps down on rising levels of fraud. JP Morgan’s consumer bank has told its customers that it will block any transactions related to crypto assets from October 16 in a bid to help keep people’s money safe amid a rise in reported crypto scams.
44 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
INVESTMENTS
Firm fined £6.5m over financial crime failures AN investment company that failed to do proper checks on its customers despite being given two years to get its house in order has been fined £6.5 million by the City watchdog. The Financial Conduct Authority said that despite warning ADM Investor Services International in 2014 that its systems weren’t up to scratch, the company hadn’t made sufficient improvements by 2016. The FCA said its 2014 review found concerns about ADM’s anti-money laundering systems.
2013 WINNER
FOOD
Supermarkets bakery firm deal agreed A BAKERY firm that supplies Britain’s supermarket giants has agreed to be taken private in a deal worth £143.4m. Finsbury Food Group is set to be bought by Isle of Man-based asset management company DBAY Advisors, with investors in the baking firm getting 110p in cash for each share. DBAY says it believes Finsbury’s current listed status inhibits its ability to pursue growth opportunities to boost its scale and reach.
LOSS
Co-op takes £33m hit as shoplifting goes up
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE! Finance Provider of the Year (Sub-Prime)
THE Co-op Group says its food business has lost £33m to ‘leakage’ costs including shoplifting and fraud this year. Releasing its results for the six months to July 1, it called for more action in the UK as it said the vast majority of offenders got away. The group reported a £200m dip in revenue to £5.43bn versus the same time last year, citing the sale of its petrol forecourts to Asda as well as the cost-of-living squeeze, and an underlying pre-tax loss of £9m.
PARTNER WITH AN AWARD-WINNING COMPANY 0115 946 6260
enquiries@frfl.co.uk
frfl.co.uk/car CarDealerMag.co.uk | 45
The latest from our fleet Long-termers: p57
DASHBOARD
INDUSTRY VIEWS NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM CAR DEALER LIVE
You can watch all our Car Dealer Live broadcasts by clicking here: cardealermagazine.co.uk/live AUTO TRADER
Demand is holding up very, very well, which some people might be surprised about. Nathan Coe Auto Trader CEO
Demand for used cars remains strong despite cost pressures on households
D
emand for used cars has stayed firm in spite of inflationary pressures and rising interest rates, says Auto Trader boss Nathan Coe. The advertising marketplace’s chief executive said that despite the cost-of-living crisis, consumers were still shopping for used cars. He explained that Auto Trader’s platforms saw 14 per cent more consumers searching for used cars this summer than they did last year. ‘Demand is holding up very, very well, which some people might be surprised about as we have seen consumer confidence dented, with many of us paying a lot higher interest rates on mortgages and the cost of everything going up. ‘But actually, we had just over 14 per cent more people on Auto Trader in August than we had last August, and that was already busy. So demand feels really good.’ Coe said that when he spoke to car dealers they currently reported a mixed picture in terms of sales performance and many were now trading older used cars than they had in the past.
This was a result of a reduced supply of nearlynew vehicles after the production issues the industry faced in the past few years. In fact, many experts believe the knock-on impacts of those fewer new car sales during Covid could actually cause used car prices to rise again next year. Coe also said he was ‘disappointed’ by the government’s decision to delay the ban on new petrol and diesel sales from 2030 to 2035. ‘I’ll be careful in terms of saying I’d be shocked when politicians change their position on what you would have thought were pretty landmark policies – but I think it’s disappointing. ‘The problem with something like that is I don’t think it takes account of the manufacturers. It feels as though it’s a consumer-driven thing and it’s definitely something that’s trying to endear the current political party to the public. ‘Moving the ban back only makes a transition that is definitely going to happen slower. And for most manufacturers, they’re already so far down the planning route.’
EBAY MOTORS GROUP
Pendragon needs stability as it heads towards buy-out
T
here was an embarrassment of news riches when Phill Jones, chief operating officer of eBay Motors Group, was our guest. The many major stories included the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars being pushed back by five years, ructions involving the Pendragon buy-out, and Cazoo arranging a
ST
PODCA
Sponsored by
46 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
debt-for-equity swap deal with its bondholders. Jones said: ‘The summer wasn’t quieter and then it’s cranked up a notch. It’s like inflation, where nothing seems to come down in price, it just seems to get busier and busier.’ Commenting on the Pendragon situation, he said the company needed
stability right now. ‘There are some really good people in Pendragon, some amazing locations, some really smart stuff, but I haven’t really heard anything particularly multi-year from them in the last couple of years – and I say that with sympathy because I’ve been in a similar situation – and the team there deserve that certainty,’ said Jones.
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WE’RE AWARD-WINNING
THANKS TO YOU! This year 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.
First Response Finance Ltd, 5 Regan Way Chetwynd Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6RZ. Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct CarDealerMag.co.uk | 47 Authority. Registered in England No. 03560611.
DASHBOARD
FINANCE NEWS EXPANSION
Close Brothers acquires finance firm in Ireland POLL
Four in 10 don’t understand car finance, survey finds by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk
N
ew research has found that a large proportion of consumers across the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain are confused by car finance packages – unable to understand and differentiate between the details of finance products. According to JATO Dynamics’ findings, more than four in 10 (43 per cent) of the 2,504 consumers polled don’t understand the details of car finance, such as the impact of APR percentage on payments, despite growing interest in what car finance has to offer. Across the countries, the majority of people view car finance as an important way to buy a vehicle, with almost half (48 per cent) stating that they were more likely to consider a car finance option now than they were 12 months ago. Citing a new number of key benefits, 56 per cent of people said they believe that car finance allows them to buy a better car, while more than half (51 per cent) state that car finance gives them more options, and 49 per cent agree that without car finance they couldn’t go ahead with their intended car purchase. Despite this, the widespread lack of awareness when it comes to car finance is linked to a number of additional worries. When asked what their biggest concerns were about car finance, the highest was a lack of transparency in fees and charges at 43 per cent, while almost a quarter (24 per cent) cited difficulty with understanding the terms and conditions. Mike Bennett, product manager at JATO Dynamics, said: ‘There’s no doubt that consumers see the clear benefits of being able to finance their cars, but people are looking for greater clarity where complexity and confusion is all too prevalent. Consumers need to easily access and understand the right information in a clear way before they’ll be able to view car finance as a strong route for purchasing their vehicles.’
48 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
CLOSE Brothers has reached an agreement to acquire Bluestone Motor Finance in Ireland. The Dublin-based motor finance specialist, which was established in 2014, has a distribution network of more than 650 dealer partners. Seán Kemple, CEO of Motor UK and Retail Finance Ireland at Close Brothers, said: ‘Investing further in the motor finance market in Ireland has been a strategic priority for Close Brothers. ‘We’ve been carefully considering our re-entry options to acquire a business that fits with our values, is forwardthinking and offers a stand-out level of service. ‘Bluestone Motor Finance is the right business.’ Bluestone MD Donal Murphy added: ‘Today we join a company with deep history and experience in the Irish and UK motor finance industry, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead of us in the Irish market.’ Bluestone’s staff will transfer to Close Brothers with no job losses on either side, Car Dealer was told by a Close Brothers spokesman.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
TIME IS MONEY RICHARD PYGOTT
A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING
Let’s get social! Here’s how to build trust and engagement
I
Richard Pygott is digital marketer for First Response. Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk
n 2010, when I joined First Response Finance, social media advertising played a small role in most dealerships advertising. However, in 2023 it’s clear that social media has evolved into one of the main ways for dealers to attract customers. It’s not just about selling cars any more, though, it’s also about building relationships and trust, as well as engaging with potential customers. When I first took on the role of managing First Response Finance’s Twitter (now X) and LinkedIn channels, it felt like I was navigating uncharted waters. So I want to share some of the tips and tricks I’ve learnt over the past few years to help dealers avoid my mistakes. A few hours into the job, I learnt that customers like it when you reply to their comments and messages as soon as possible. When I did, they were more engaged with what I was posting. The same principle applies when a customer messages about buying a car: how fast you reply can be the deciding factor in whether they choose to buy from you or go elsewhere. I also realised that posting regularly and in a steady manner is crucial, and it’s best to avoid posting everything at once or in quick succession, so I created a content calendar to help me plan more long term and mix up the types of content I was posting. If anyone would like a copy of this content calendar, look me up on LinkedIn and I will be more than happy to share a copy. Even though I had a calendar to plan what I was posting on what day, I still didn’t know what times of the day I should post. I found research online that suggested social media users are more active during the early morning, particularly between 8am and 9am, as well as in the afternoon, from 1pm to 3pm. I therefore scheduled my posts at the times of day that people were most active, and I saw a big increase in engagement. Bear in mind, though, that some social platforms have different active times, so you’ll need to test each one. Since First Response Finance sponsored the TCR-UK 2022 champion Chris Smiley, our brand awareness and engagement on our social media has improved. I have spoken with quite a few dealerships that have had similar results by working with influencers and YouTube vloggers, most of which specialise in motor trade-related topics. These partnerships are an excellent way of expanding your online reach and engaging with a wider audience. As many YouTube vloggers are eager for content, they may be open to collaboration at little or no cost, making it a budget-friendly approach, too. I have learnt all this through experience, so if there are any areas that you would like to chat to me about, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
A few hours into the job, I learnt that customers like it when you reply to their comments and messages as soon as possible.
PARTNER WITH AN AWARD-WINNING COMPANY 0115 946 6260
enquiries@frfl.co.uk
frfl.co.uk/car CarDealerMag.co.uk | 49
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DASHBOARD
SUPPLIER NEWS
A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE UK CAR CARE PLAN
EBAY MOTORS GROUP
Verex acquisition seen as ‘great strategic fit’
WARRANTY provider Car Care Plan has completed a deal to buy the assets of insurance broker Verex. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, sees Verex’s team, customers, systems and processes brought within the fast-growing Car Care Plan (CCP) group. It was described as ‘a great strategic fit’ by Car Care Plan CEO Ben Russell, who welcomed the Verex team. ‘We’re so happy they’ve joined the CCP group,’ he said.
2030 ban delay sees cooling towards EV buying THE government’s decision to delay the ban of new ICE car sales until 2035 has cooled the appetite to switch to EVs among in-market car buyers, according to research by eBay Motors Group. Its latest Consumer Insight Panel poll of 2,004 car buyers, held straight after the U-turn, found 40% currently searching for or planning to buy an electric vehicle within the next six months will now either delay purchasing, buy an ICE car instead or only transition when forced to.
GARDX
WARRANTYWISE
STARTLINE
New system aims to aid value-added sales
Warning over shortfall of EV technicians
Used car dealers tell of optimism for 2024
GARDX has launched a new system that is aimed at increasing sales of value-added products. Called GardX Connect, it’s also dedicated to boosting customer engagement. GardX says it serves as a datadriven enabler for performancefocused strategy and decisionmaking, with core supporting services such as marketing, analytics and optimisation all key foundational facets.
THE automotive industry is facing a major shortage of technicians capable of working on EVs, according to a new report. Warrantywise says that despite the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars being pushed back, the number of technicians is still well below what’s needed. Chief executive Lawrence Whittaker has described the issue as the ‘elephant in the room’ and is calling for more to be done.
A few hours into the job, I learnt that customers like it when you reply to their comments and messages as soon as possible. Richard Pygott p49
MORE than half of the 60 dealers quizzed for Startline’s September Used Car Tracker – 55 per cent – expect 2024’s used car market to be better than this year’s. CEO Paul Burgess said: ‘There is definitely a growing and welcome sense of optimism.’ He added: ‘This positivity seems to be based more on an expectation that we’ll see structural changes rather than a general improvement in economic conditions.’ CarDealerMag.co.uk | 51
DATA FILE
STATISTICS
THE LATEST REGISTRATION FIGURES
SEPTEMBER/YEAR TO DATE
GROWTH
TOP
‘Carrots’ are needed to entice sales of EVs to private buyers despite boom, says SMMT
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SMMT
SALES DATA
CARS SOLD IN SEPTEMBER 2023
by James Batchelor james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk
egistrations of 73-plate cars boomed in September with latest figures showing the new car market grew by 21 per cent. However, while registrations of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) soared again, the growth was driven entirely by fleets, prompting the SMMT to call for private buyer support. The latest data from the organisation showed that 272,610 cars were registered in the new 73-plate month – a 21 per cent increase on the same month last year and the 14th consecutive month of growth. It was also the best September since 2020, although the market is still down by nearly 21 per cent on pre-pandemic levels. The growth was driven by large fleets, the data revealed, which rose by 40.8 per cent to 143,256 units to reach a market share of 52.5 per cent. The SMMT said this represented a ‘market rebalancing’ after constrained supply last year, restricting fleets and business customers. Private sales were up by 5.8 per cent to 122,944 units. Registrations of plug-ins were up 50.9 per cent to take a 6.8 per cent market share. Hybrid-electric vehicles were up by 30.7 per cent to account for 13.9 per cent of all registrations, while BEVs recorded their 41st consecutive month of growth with 45,323 units – an 18.9 per cent uplift. However, the SMMT said that since this growth was less than the overall recorded by the market, BEV market share slipped back slightly to 16.6 per cent from 16.9 per cent a year ago. The BEV volume increases were ‘driven entirely’ by fleets, said the SMMT, and increased by 50.6 per cent. Private BEV registrations fell by 14.3 per cent, with less than one in 10 private new car buyers opting for electric during the month. The SMMT remarked that this decline ‘underlines the importance of providing these motorists with purchase incentives and other mechanisms to stimulate demand’. Chief executive Mike Hawes said: ‘A bumper September means the new car market remains strong despite economic challenges. ‘However, with tougher EV targets for manufacturers coming into force next year, we need to accelerate the transition, encouraging all motorists to make the switch. ‘This means adding carrots to the stick – creating private purchase incentives aligned with business benefits, equalising on-street charging VAT with off-street domestic rates and mandating chargepoint rollout in line with how electric vehicle sales are now to be dictated. The Autumn Statement is the perfect opportunity to create the conditions that will deliver the zero-emission mobility essential to our shared net zero ambition.’ The Puma continues to be the year-to-date best-seller with 37,312 units, while the Tesla Model Y, despite being ranked fourth overall with 28,177, is currently the UK’s most popular EV. 52 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Model
Regs
Nissan Qashqai
8,565
Ford Puma
8,087
Kia Sportage
5,739
Ford Kuga
4,638
MG ZS
4,613
Hyundai Tucson
4,546
Vauxhall Corsa
4,485
Volkswagen Polo
4,427
Nissan Juke
4,411
MG HS
4,030
Click here to see our top 10 rolling sales charts for September 2022 to September 2023
A bumper September means the new car market remains strong despite economic challenges. Mike Hawes SMMT chief executive
Ninth month of growth in a row LCV news: p54
-55%
+177%
DS
SEAT
Figures supplied by SMMT
Marque
SEPTEMBER 2023
2023
% market share
SEPTEMBER 2022
2022
% market share
% change
YEAR TO DATE
2023
% market share
2022
% market share
% change
Abarth
288
0.11
99
0.04
190.91
687
0.05
1,100
0.09
-37.55
Alfa Romeo
189
0.07
285
0.13
-33.68
1,129
0.08
1,303
0.11
-13.35
Alpine
40
0.01
26
0.01
53.85
250
0.02
225
0.02
11.11
Audi
18,783
6.89
12,756
5.66
47.25
104,068
7.17
80,045
6.62
30.01
Bentley
147
0.05
183
0.08
-19.67
1,062
0.07
1,243
0.10
-14.56
BMW
12,522
4.59
13,443
5.97
-6.85
78,215
5.39
79,645
6.59
-1.80
BYD
232
0.09
0
0.00
0.00
445
0.03
0
0.00
0.00
Citroen
4,808
1.76
4,271
1.90
12.57
23,722
1.63
22,807
1.89
4.01
Cupra
4,062
1.49
2,722
1.21
49.23
18,675
1.29
10,473
0.87
78.32
Dacia
3,399
1.25
4,064
1.80
-16.36
21,456
1.48
21,280
1.76
0.83
DS
250
0.09
551
0.24
-54.63
1,986
0.14
2,595
0.21
-23.47
Fiat
3,116
1.14
1,986
0.88
56.90
14,232
0.98
15,396
1.27
-7.56
Ford
20,650
7.57
20,735
9.20
-0.41
111,775
7.70
94,777
7.84
17.93
Genesis
119
0.04
149
0.07
-20.13
1,039
0.07
566
0.05
83.57
GWM Ora
209
0.08
0
0.00
0.00
668
0.05
0
0.00
0.00
Honda
3,200
1.17
3,750
1.66
-14.67
20,370
1.40
19,444
1.61
4.76
Hyundai
12,388
4.54
12,155
5.40
1.92
69,300
4.77
64,094
5.30
8.12
Ineos
155
0.06
0
0.00
0.00
738
0.05
0
0.00
0.00
Jaguar
2,008
0.74
1,595
0.71
25.89
10,179
0.70
10,145
0.84
0.34
Jeep
516
0.19
280
0.12
84.29
2,396
0.17
2,036
0.17
17.68
Kia
16,906
6.20
14,966
6.64
12.96
89,953
6.20
83,105
6.88
8.24
Land Rover
6,117
2.24
4,775
2.12
28.10
39,575
2.73
33,845
2.80
16.93
Lexus
3,351
1.23
1,541
0.68
117.46
11,974
0.82
7,170
0.59
67.00
Maserati
84
0.03
91
0.04
-7.69
722
0.05
576
0.05
25.35
Maxus
4
0.00
0
0.00
0.00
12
0.00
0
0.00
0.00
Mazda
5,507
2.02
4,637
2.06
18.76
24,859
1.71
18,648
1.54
33.31
Mercedes-Benz
14,486
5.31
10,049
4.46
44.15
66,901
4.61
65,349
5.41
2.37
MG
12,616
4.63
8,759
3.89
44.03
61,660
4.25
38,312
3.17
60.94
Mini
5,528
2.03
5,261
2.34
5.08
33,035
2.28
32,229
2.67
2.50
Nissan
15,794
5.79
14,710
6.53
7.37
69,556
4.79
52,808
4.37
31.71
Peugeot
9,331
3.42
5,999
2.66
55.54
46,371
3.19
42,807
3.54
8.33
Polestar
1,136
0.42
786
0.35
44.53
10,118
0.70
3,925
0.32
157.78
Porsche
2,457
0.90
1,649
0.73
49.00
17,752
1.22
11,948
0.99
48.58
Renault
8,080
2.96
4,457
1.98
81.29
30,120
2.07
22,180
1.84
35.80
Seat
4,066
1.49
1,466
0.65
177.35
24,340
1.68
16,931
1.40
43.76
Skoda
8,678
3.18
6,333
2.81
37.03
53,243
3.67
35,849
2.97
48.52
Smart
106
0.04
114
0.05
-7.02
354
0.02
1,055
0.09
-66.45
SsangYong
274
0.10
257
0.11
6.61
1,264
0.09
1,207
0.10
4.72
Subaru
552
0.20
232
0.10
137.93
1,821
0.13
888
0.07
105.07
Suzuki
4,588
1.68
2,071
0.92
121.54
20,794
1.43
14,077
1.16
47.72 23.31
Tesla
6,427
2.36
9,975
4.43
-35.57
39,729
2.74
32,218
2.67
Toyota
16,333
5.99
15,298
6.79
6.77
85,023
5.86
78,938
6.53
7.71
Vauxhall
13,434
4.93
9,673
4.29
38.88
75,953
5.23
66,048
5.47
15.00
Volkswagen
22,313
8.18
18,996
8.43
17.46
123,333
8.49
92,171
7.63
33.81
Volvo
6,617
2.43
3,743
1.66
76.78
37,167
2.56
26,083
2.16
42.50
Other British
517
0.19
242
0.11
113.64
2,519
0.17
1,636
0.14
53.97
Other imports
227
0.08
139
0.06
63.31
1,368
0.09
1,191
0.10
14.86
21.02
1,451,908
Total
272,610
225,269
1,208,368
20.15
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 53
DATA FILE
DEMAND
LCV NEWS
New van sales grow for ninth month in a row by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk SALES of new LCVs grew for the ninth consecutive month in September – rising by more than 28% with 44,760 joining UK roads. Latest SMMT figures show robust demand rounded off almost 21% of growth in the year to date, with 257,979 units registered in the first nine months. Demand for batteryelectric vans continued to be boosted by the plug-in van grant, competitive running costs and increasing model choice, with deliveries up by nearly 86% to 2,882 units. That accounted for one in 16 new vans registered in the month. As a result, said the SMMT, a record figure of 14,296 electric vans have been registered in the UK since January, commanding 5.5% of the overall market.
REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LESS THAN 3.5 TONNES Marque
Figures supplied by SMMT
SEPTEMBER 2023
2023
Ford Volkswagen Vauxhall Peugeot Renault Citroen Toyota Mercedes Nissan Land Rover Isuzu Fiat Maxus Iveco Suzuki MAN SsangYong Renault Trucks
13,710
Isuzu Trucks Ineos Fuso Dacia LEVC Total light CV
% market share
SEPTEMBER 2022
2022
% market share
% change
YEAR TO DATE
2023
% market share
2022
% change
30.63
13,356
38.21
2.65
79,483
30.81
81,385
38.11
-2.34
4,722
10.55
3,777
10.81
25.02
25,190
9.76
19,514
9.14
29.09
4,586
10.25
3,918
11.21
17.05
25,881
10.03
22,200
10.39
16.58
3,958
8.84
2,519
7.21
57.13
20,167
7.82
16,715
7.83
20.65
3,268
7.30
2,274
6.51
43.71
20,988
8.14
9,291
4.35
125.90
3,155
7.05
1,946
5.57
62.13
22,087
8.56
16,789
7.86
31.56
2,979
6.66
1,121
3.21
165.74
14,113
5.47
9,479
4.44
48.89
2,144
4.79
1,884
5.39
13.80
14,953
5.80
15,099
7.07
-0.97
1,404
3.14
729
2.09
92.59
5,464
2.12
2,757
1.29
98.19
741
1.66
349
1.00
112.32
4,235
1.64
1,617
0.76
161.90
727
1.62
569
1.63
27.77
4,119
1.60
3,016
1.41
36.57
540
1.21
455
1.30
18.68
4,916
1.91
4,056
1.90
21.20
521
1.16
458
1.31
13.76
3,125
1.21
2,991
1.40
4.48
439
0.98
438
1.25
0.23
3,410
1.32
2,818
1.32
21.01
396
0.88
109
0.31
263.30
884
0.34
280
0.13
215.71
386
0.86
310
0.89
24.52
2,485
0.96
1,621
0.76
53.30
333
0.74
228
0.65
46.05
1,152
0.45
773
0.36
49.03
328
0.73
259
0.74
26.64
2,640
1.02
1,546
0.72
70.76
212 150 43 16 2 44,760
0.47 0.34 0.10 0.04 0.00 100.00
196 0 44 9 2 34,950
0.56 0.00 0.13 0.03 0.01 100.00
8.16 0.00 -2.27 77.78 0.00 28.07
1,618 601 222 174 72 257,979
0.63 0.23 0.09 0.07 0.03 100.00
1,097 0 178 72 282 213,576
0.51 0.00 0.08 0.03 0.13 100.00
47.49 0.00 24.72 141.67 -74.47 20.79
REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 3.5 TONNES TO 6.0 TONNES Marque
% market share
SEPTEMBER 2023
2023
Ford Mercedes Peugeot Fiat Maxus Iveco Citroen MAN Volkswagen
332 124 114 92 62 31 30 5 5
Renault Trucks Other imports Vauxhall Renault Isuzu Trucks Total heavy CV
% market share
SEPTEMBER 2022
2022
% change
56.58 5.14 7.00 17.70 0.82 8.02 0.82 0.21 1.65
20.73 396.00 235.29 6.98 1,450.00 -20.51 650.00 400.00 -37.50
1,542 1,165 417 699 344 202 87 39 36
275 25 34 86 4 39 4 1 8
1 1
0.13 0.13
0 1
0.00 0.21
0.00 0.00
0 0 0 797
0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00
6 0 3 486
1.23 0.00 0.62 100.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 63.99
54 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
YEAR TO DATE
% market share
41.66 15.56 14.30 11.54 7.78 3.89 3.76 0.63 0.63
Figures supplied by SMMT
2023
% market share
2022
% market share
% change
32.00 18.28 14.93 17.74 3.88 6.15 2.60 0.70 1.47
28.93 70.57 -25.27 5.43 137.24 -12.17 -10.31 50.00 -34.55
33.62 25.40 9.09 15.24 7.50 4.40 1.90 0.85 0.78
1,196 683 558 663 145 230 97 26 55
7 1
0.15 0.02
18 19
0.48 0.51
-61.11 -94.74
35 8 4 4,586
0.76 0.17 0.09 100.00
23 8 16 3,737
0.62 0.21 0.43 100.00
52.17 0.00 -75.00 22.72
MARCH 7, 2024
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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.
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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.
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W: dealerdesk.co.uk E: contact@dealerdesk.co.uk Info: Modernise your stock management, advertising, communication, sales and website. DealerDesk provides you with easyto-use tools designed to simplify your dealership management.
W: blue.co.uk T: 020 3005 9331 E: dealersupport@blue.co.uk Info: Blue is transforming the car finance market, making car ownership simple and flexible and providing motor traders with access to essential finance.
W: firstresponsefinance.co.uk T: 0115 946 6317 E: marketing@frfl.co.uk Info: First Response is an awardwinning UK finance company providing simple financial solutions. Get in touch and let us help increase your profits.
W: forzafinance.co.uk T: 01245 245678 Info: Benefit from Forza Finance’s expertise, choice of products and lenders. Their personal approach will help you achieve higher levels of finance penetration and, ultimately, sell more cars.
W: hrmanager.co.uk T: 01480 455500 E: info@hrmanager.co.uk Info: HR Manager is Lawgistics’ new digital compliance portal designed to assist employers in managing their legal obligations, responsibilities and duties.
W: tradesureinsurance.co.uk T: 0121 248 9313 Info: Providing motor trade insurance to full- and part-time motor traders in the UK, the Tradesure team are reliable professionals who know how to help you.
W: traka-automotive.com T: 0333 355 3726 E: automotive@traka.com Info: Bespoke software and electronic key management cabinets to deliver the most effective solution to dealerships to manage their keys and vehicles.
W: ivendi.com T: 0330 229 0028 E: tellmemore@ivendi.com Info: iVendi delivers a fully connected platform that engages consumers, converts buyers and manages transactions of vehicles online and in the showroom.
W: lawgistics.co.uk T: 01480 455500 E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk Info: The legal experts for the motor trade, giving advice and support to our industry for over 15 years. Not anti-consumer, just pro-trader.
W: oncuecomms.com T: 020 8125 3880 Info: We are a leading provider of PR, video and events services to the automotive industry. The PR team has a proven track record of securing high-value, big-impact media coverage.
W: marketingdelivery.co.uk/ T: 01892 599911 E: get.in.touch@marketingdelivery.co.uk Info: Our SocialStock helps target prospects with tailored stock remarketing and social media advertising tools, and automated lead capture for Facebook.
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W: Your website address T: 020 8125 3880 (that’s us!) E: sales@blackballmedia.co.uk Info: The Suppliers Guide lets dealers find the companies they need to help them with their business. Make sure you’re here. Contact us via the above number or email address.
W: autoprotect.co.uk
W: handlerprotect.com T: 0800 088 7889 E: sales@handlerprotect.com Info: Händler Protect is an exclusive dealer warranty provider. Proud to partner and represent more than 1,000-plus ‘active’ independent motor dealers across the UK each month.
W: warrantywise.co.uk/dealer T: 0800 001 4551 E: dealers@warrantywise.co.uk Info: Warrantywise sells over 100,000 warranties per year. Quentin Willson personally designed Warrantywise to be the UK’s best used car warranty.
W: wmsgroup.co.uk T: 01844 293810 E: sales@wmsgroup.co.uk Info: Open 24/7, we offer award-winning warranty products for FCA- and non-FCA-registered dealerships.
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W: closemotorfinance.co.uk/ Info: Close Brothers Motor Finance are a specialist finance provider, working with over 8,000 dealer partners to offer flexible finance solutions for car, motorcycle and LCV customers.
W: 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: 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.
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W: spidersnet.co.uk T: 01273 837749 E: hello@spidersnet.co.uk Info: Websites that are designed to increase the number of customers for dealers. We have solutions for all budgets and needs. All solutions include our DMS Autopromotor.
To have your details included email sales@blackballmedia.co.uk and ask for Suppliers Guide listings 56 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
LONG-TERMERS
AUDI RS 6 James Baggott easily packed fellow crew from his local lifeboat station and their kit into the RS 6 estate for a series of call-outs.
E
mergency services vehicles come in all shapes and sizes – but you certainly don’t see many Audi RS 6s called into rapid response action. However, after the failure of our lifeboat station’s usually trusty Land Rover Defender, that’s exactly what I’ve been asking of my long-term super-estate. As well as writing about cars for a living, I volunteer as a coxswain for my local independent lifeboat station, Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, or GAFIRS as it’s known locally. Operating in the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour, the service delivers the same front-line search-and-rescue service to the UK’s coastguard as does the RNLI but unfortunately without the enviable funding the national charity enjoys. During our recent spell of early September sunshine, the lifeboat was called into action frequently and with it being moored in the local marina away from station for a while, we’d usually use our station Defender to get us there – but just when it was needed, the S-reg model suffered a breakdown. Enter stage left a stand-in from Germany. While it might not have the off-road capability of the Land Rover, the RS 6 more than swallowed our crew, dressed in their bulky and rather hot dry suits, along with all their kit in the cavernous boot for a series of incidents. We don’t have dispensation to speed to incidents in cars (on the water it’s a different matter), so we couldn’t really utilise the RS 6’s 591bhp, or test out the 3.6 second 0-60mph sprint time. However, I can report the freezing air con is great at helping cool four crew sweating in their boil-in-a-bag drysuits. My colleagues all remarked how nice the interior was. I can’t disagree with them, as after a few months behind the wheel of the Audi I really have no complaints. While other long-term test cars over the years have had little niggles that increase in annoyance as my time with the car increases, the RS 6 has given me nothing to moan about. It’s wonderfully comfortable to drive and equally thrilling when you do get the opportunity to stretch its legs. For me, at least, it’s pretty much the perfect car. It hasn’t just been lifeboat call-outs the RS 6 has been helping out with either. Over the past few months a continuing house renovation saga has called it into DIY action, too. At the wood merchants, it easily helped cart some 2.4m lengths for a new ceiling I was building. I was impressed that it managed it with the rear seats down and the lengths poked between the front seats. We’ve also been on holiday recently and I was delighted that the boot took four large suitcases and a pushchair without the need to put any seats down when we travelled to the airport. I’ve struggled to get as much in some SUVs. Without wanting to open up old internet arguments, I noted the huge debate that raged recently following Volvo’s decision to axe estates, such as the V90 and V60, from its line-up in favour of SUVs. Some people bemoaned the decision, while others said they preferred offroaders. You can probably guess which camp I sit in – firmly on the estate’s side. While I can appreciate the driving position of an SUV, I much prefer the driveability of an estate and I’ve never struggled with their practicality. Add in a monstrous engine such as the RS 6’s and, in my book at least, you’ve got an absolute winning formula. It’s pretty safe to say I’m thoroughly enjoying my time with the Audi so far. Whether I can convince my colleagues at the lifeboat station that it’d make a ‘sensible’ replacement for our Defender is another matter altogether.
THE KNOWLEDGE Audi RS 6 Price (as tested): Engine: Power: Torque: 0-60mph: Top speed: Fuel economy: Emissions: Mileage:
£106,020 4.0-litre V8 591bhp 800Nm 3.6 seconds 155mph 22.4mpg (combined) 286g/km CO2 14,561
This month’s highlight: Our RS 6 proved its credentials at being an ‘emergency response vehicle’ for GAFIRS.
OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING
Mazda CX-60 Mileage: 3,290 Following a successful trip across the Channel, ‘our’ Mazda was hit with tyre troubles back in the UK.
Volvo XC40 Recharge Mileage: 4,151
Apps have helped to transform ‘our’ Volvo XC40 Recharge experience for the better. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 57
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