Your monthly news round-up of the Scottish Motor Industry
MAY 2023
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND CUT APPRENTICE FUNDING
The impact of these cuts is being felt across the country with young people being turned away from colleges and private training providers, businesses unable to secure the funding required for the training and development of the individual concerned.
In short, there are “no places and no additional apprentices” for a sector that is driving to embrace changing technologies and the subsequent banning of ICE powered vehicles. We as a country have an urgent need to be training the technicians of the future now!
The skill gap in our sector will simply grow and grow and everyone who has tried to recruit technicians will fully understand the ultimate outcome of this growing critical situation.
SMTA is looking for support across the spectrum of the sector as we must take this to the Scottish Government
to ensure that funds are released to provide the training and support the next generation of staff looking to come into our industry.
If you have been impacted by staff shortages or indeed the current situation with regards trainees, we would appreciate a quick email that Sandy Burgess, SMTA CEO can seek up some supporting responses for future use.
Please send an email headed up ‘Employment Issues’ to sandy.burgess@smta.co.uk and we will get back to you over the next few weeks.
SMTA NEEDS YOUR INPUT AS WE REALLY NEED TO ADDRESS THIS TO SUPPORT ALL OUR FUTURES!
BULLETIN
The approved insurance broker to the Scottish Motor Trade Association
NEW EVS ON SALE NOW ARE NEARING 300 MILE AVERAGE RANGE
available as a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says that's around three times the average distance driven per week. Within the latest launches, some new electric vehicles (EVs) are available with ranges in excess of 450 miles.
The average range for all available electric cars, including those models launched in recent years, is now 236 miles.
However, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes told AM this week that the growing choice of
electric vehicles won't be enough to reach UK Government aims if the UK doesn't get more incentives for private buyers and charger investment doesn't accelerate.
The SMMT says that drivers in Britain have seen their choice of battery electric cars quadruple over the past five years.
There are now around 80 EVs available across every vehicle segment – compared with just 21 in 2018.
As result, almost one in four car models is
The SMMT says that on top of the huge number of available BEV models, drivers looking to cut their carbon while on the move can also choose from 94 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and 42 hybrid (HEV) models –meaning electrified vehicles comprise almost two-thirds of all models available.
There are also now 23 models of electric van, 14 models of zero emission buses powered by electric or hydrogen, and 20 electric truck models now available in the UK.
NEW CAR SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS ARE EASINGS, SAYS BLOOMBERG INTELLIGENCE
European new car supply constraints are starting to ease, just as consumers are curbing spending amid high inflation, rising interest rates and falling property prices, according to a new report by Bloomberg.
However, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Europe Midyear Autos Outlook 2023 report shows that the negative macroeconomic backdrop won't translate into lower 2023 sales, given 2022 matched prior European and US recession lows.
Taking a global view, China has the scope to outperform after a strong sales recovery following H1 2022 lockdowns due to Covid-19.
One risk is that geopolitical unrest weighs on sentiment for German automakers, which rely on China for at least one-third of earnings.
Michael Dean, senior industry analyst - autos, Bloomberg Intelligence, said: “Reduced consumer confidence and rising interest rates point to fewer orders and declining prices for EU automakers just as semiconductor constraints ease, with crisis-level valuations reflecting uncertainty about high 2023 earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) expectations and geopolitical risk.
“The industry is also being buffeted by the transition to battery-electric vehicles (BEV), and the weak execution of ambitious salesmix targets and escalating battery costs is driving down multiples.
“Other risks include BEV sales held back by an inadequate charging infrastructure, and battery supply becoming the industry's next bottleneck.”
Dean said the race for BEV supremacy only has two participants in his mind, with Volkswagen the sole contender for Tesla's crown until at least 2026.
He believes other legacy brands could gain critical mass on their next-generation of digitalized platforms “in the latter part of the decade”.
Bloomberg Intelligence said EU automakers' combined 2023 consensus EBIT has increased 8% since September as fears of a global recession receded; however, pricing discipline remains a key risk, and a 1% top-line decline suggests a 10% earnings downgrade, based on BI analysis.
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The average official full range of a new electric car coming to the market for the first time in 2023 has neared 300 miles, SMMT analysis suggests.
Read the full article at AM Online Read the full article at AM Online
DVSA MOT ANNUAL TRAINING & ASSESSMENT 2023/24
THE SMTA IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE CONTINUED AVAILABILITY OF ONLINE LEARNING AND EXAMINATION FOR MOT TESTERS FOR DVSA’S 2023/24 TRAINING YEAR.
SMTA & IMI is offering new and existing customers an integrated eLearning package for both CPD and Annual Assessment for 2023/24.
Some of the areas you will need to study for Groups A and B:
Registering a vehicle for a test
Use of equipment
Test procedures
The MOT inspection manual for motorcycles and cars (Group A)
The MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles (Group B)
SMTA MEMBER PRICE
£53.00 PLUS VAT
NON-MEMBER PRICE
£61.00 PLUS VAT
YOUR TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT MUST BE COMPLETED BY 31 ST MARCH 2024
A log-in code and full instructions will be given once payment is received.
Testers registering for Group A and Group B Training & Assessment at the same time will qualify for our Two for One offer and will get both registration codes (one for each group) for the price of one.
Contact: accounts@smta.co.uk / 0131 331 5510
With
you will be able to complete the annual assessment and CPD package at a time and place that suits your business and print out a certificate as proof of completion.
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SMTA & the IMI
MOT FORECAST VOLUMES JUNE 2023
TRADE SNIPPETS
Used car stock supply “number one concern” for retailers, says Startline
Article courtesy of AM Online
Bangers4Ben Rover to be auctioned to fundraise for charity
Article courtesy of Motortrader
Women put off electric cars by poorly targeted ads as gender gap widens
Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine
The top 10 fastest-selling used cars in May revealed
Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine
Government advised to apply pay as you go road tax for EVs
Article courtesy of AM Online
Opportunity for dealers from Low Emission Zone sales
Article courtesy of Motortrader
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POST TOWN SUM OF FORECAST TO EXPIRE SUM OF EXPIRED TYPICAL SUM OF CHANGE FROM TYPICAL CHANGE FROM TYPICAL [%] ABERDEEN 17032 21479 -4447 -20.70% DUMFRIES 5163 6258 -1095 -17.50% DUNDEE 8989 10793 -1804 -16.71% EDINBURGH 26696 32630 -5934 -18.19% FALKIRK 9390 11356 -1966 -17.31% GLASGOW 32509 40751 -8242 -20.23% HEBRIDES 869 1248 -379 -30.37% INVERNESS 9132 11758 -2626 -22.33% KILMARNOCK 11563 14416 -2853 -19.79% KIRKCALDY 11950 15068 -3118 -20.69% KIRKWALL 1701 2329 -628 -26.96% LERWICK 840 1152 -312 -27.08% MOTHERWELL 11255 13000 -1745 -13.42% PAISLEY 9254 12133 -2879 -23.73% PERTH 6465 7967 -1502 -18.85% TWEEDDALE 4465 5114 -649 -12.69% TOTAL 167273 207452 Figures courtesy of DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)
FUEL TYPE
TOP 10 MARQUES
TOP 10 CARS
5 Diesel 4,523 8,980 Petrol/Electric
YEAR TO DATE
YEAR TO DATE Strathclyde 1,310 Lothian 7,099 995 Grampian 1,005 Central 759 Tayside 1.059 Fife 558 Highlands 218 Dumfries & Galloway 153 Borders REGISTRATIONS BY REGION
YEAR TO DATE Petrol 33,722 Electric 5,594 Diesel/Electric 5 Petrol/LPG 144 UK YEAR TO DATE: SCOTLAND YEAR TO DATE: SCOTLAND MONTHLY: 627,250 52,968 12,693
Vauxhall Corsa 2,507 Vauxhall 5,250 (9.91%) Vauxhall Mokka 1,523 Volkswagen 4,311 (8.14%) Volkswagen T-Roc 1,252 Audi 3,528 (6.66%) Nissan Qashqai 1,105 Kia 3,334 (6.29%) Mini Mini 994 Ford 2,883 (5.44%) Kia Sportage 917 Toyota 2,718 (5.13%) Nissan Juke 889 Nissan 2,518 (4.75%) Audi A3 815 Peugeot 2,289 (4.48%) MG ZS 812 BMW 2,289 (4.32%) Hyundai Tucson 810 MG 2,272 (4.29%) Figures courtesy of the SMMT (Scottish Motor Manufacturers and Traders)
CAR FIGURES APRIL 2023
SMTA CONTACTS
ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES:
Donna Ruck – 0131 331 5510
Accounts & Admin Team Leader accounts@smta.co.uk
MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES/ TRADING PARTNERS:
OUT NOW! SMTA AUTO INSIGHT ISSUE 13
SMTA produces a quarterly magazine to all our members, if you haven’t got one yet our Territory Account Managers will be visiting your garage soon with a copy for you.
If you’d like your garage to feature please contact: karen.thompson@smta.co.uk
DINNER & AWARDS
This year's event will be held on Thursday 26th October 2023 at Hilton Glasgow.
We are delighted to announce that this year's guest speaker is Mike Brewer from TV's Wheeler Dealers.
Norman Stirling – 07917 095014
Membership Development Manager
Marcus Lawrence – 07375 057561
Territory Account Manager, Western Region
Stuart Kennedy – 07375 057560
Territory Account Manager, Northern Region
MOT QMS ENQUIRIES
David Innes – 07789 264228
Operations Manager, Support Services
Gordon Laing – 07799 732124
Support Services Consultant
Peter Stuart – 07729 045666
Support Services Consultant
APPRENTICE TRAINING ENQUIRIES
Fraser Miller – 07789 264229
Apprentice Training Manager
Kevin Millar – 07593 800386
Kickstart Gateway Project Manager
EMPLOYMENT LAW ENQUIRIES
Moira Gaynor – 0131 331 5150
Company Secretary/Finance Manager
SCOTSURE WARRANTY:
Claims and Enquiries – 0131 331 5512
EVENTS & MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Karen Thompson – 07922 079889
Events & Media Manager
ADVERTISING/SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES:
Wendy Hennessy – 07974 380140
Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd., Palmerston House, 10 The Loan, South Queensferry EH30 9NS Telephone: 0131 331 5510
www.smta.co.uk
SMTA is proud to support:
Magazine Scottish Professionals brought you by Supported Incorporating ISSUE13 MEMBER PROFILE PICK-UPS FOR PEACE – DELIVERING 4WDS TO EASTERN UKRAINE CAR STAR WINNER –ANDERSON CLARK
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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to ensure the information in this bulletin is up to date and correct, we make no representations of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability and suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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