SMTA Monthly Bulletin May 2024

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Announcing this year’s Females in Focus 2024 panel

JILLIAN SHEDDEN Managing Director at Knockhill Racing Circuit

An Inspiring Gathering

NICOLA GILDA Managing Director at Peoples Automotive Group

The Scottish Motor Trade Association is excited to announce the return of the Females in Focus lunch on Friday, 20th September 2024, at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. This highlight event celebrates and supports women’s achievements in the motor trade, showcasing the diverse career paths available.

JULIE VILJOEN Aftersales Performance Manager at Toyota (GB)

Engage with Inspirational Business Leaders

This year’s lunch will feature an inspiring panel of businesswomen who will share their journeys, challenges, successes, and insights into their careers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain inspiration, advice, and perspectives from those who have made significant strides in their fields.

Friday, 20th September 2024 Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow

The approved insurance broker to the Scottish Motor Trade Association

BULLETIN
MAY 2024
Your monthly news round-up of the Scottish Motor Industry
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Drinks Reception Sponsor Supporting Sponsors

FCA gives firms the green light to resume selling GAP insurance

The UK financial watchdog has moved to allow a ‘significant’ number of firms to resume offering Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance, following its action to improve fair value for customers.

An original March 31 deadline given by the the FCA was extended in April by a month to give it sufficient time to review all online providers’ fair value submissions.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that once firms can demonstrate that their GAP products provide fair value to customers in line with its rules, they can restart selling the insurance product.

Historically GAP insurance, also known as return-to-invoice (RTI) insurance, had been a high margin add-on product for motor retailers at the point of sale.

In its latest announcement, the FCA noted that products are now being sold at ‘materially lower levels of commission being paid out to those selling GAP, improving value for customers’, add ing that customer would also receive better outcomes.

Sheldon Mills, executive director of consumers and competition at the FCA, said: “We took action when our data showed that customers were not getting a fair deal. “I’m pleased that, following constructive engagement with industry, a significant proportion of the market is now able to restart sales.

GAP insurance can provide a useful

service to customers and we continue to work with the rest of the market to address our concerns.”

The FCA has agreed that the following firms can recommence selling GAP insurance: y Fortegra Europe Insurance y

Current rates

These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.

Apprentices

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

y aged under 19

y aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

2
Motors
Amtrust Europe
Financial & Legal Insurance
Insurance y
y
Read the full article at AM Online
and National Living Wage rates Find out more here 21 & OVER 18 TO 20 UNDER 18 APPRENTICE APRIL 2024 £11.44 £8.60 £6.40 £6.40
Reminder: National Minimum Wage

FEMALES IN FOCUS 2024

Over the next few months we will be turning the spotlight on this year’s F2F inspiring panel. This month we focus on Nicola Gilda, Managing Director at Peoples Automotive Group.

Nicola Gilda’s journey in the automotive industry is remarkable, reflecting her dedication to business, family, and community. Starting at Peoples while still in school and studying at the University of Strathclyde, Nicola has held various roles over 30 years, culminating as Managing Director of the Peoples Operational Board. She has shaped the company into one of the largest independently owned Ford dealers in Europe while also securing its position as one of the UK’s first BYD and OMODA dealers.

Under Nicola’s leadership, Peoples has achieved significant financial success and industry recognition, including the only Ford dealer group in the UK or Ireland to be honoured in all three categories of the prestigious Ford Presidents Award. In the same year Peoples went on to win both the UK Dealer Marketing Team of

the Year and the inaugural Ford UK and Ireland Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award – testament to the fact that DEI is not just a part of what they do; it’s the heartbeat of their strategy, influencing every campaign, every message and every engagement they create.

Nicola’s strategic initiatives include the creation of the Peoples Group Customer Experience Centre, inspired by Ford Global’s “Own the Customer Strategy.” She transformed Peoples into an omnichannel retailer with a clicks & bricks strategy, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Embracing cutting-edge technology, Nicola has positioned Peoples at the industry’s forefront by harnessing data and insights.

Her dedication to talent development is evident through the ‘Peoples Pathways Programme’ and the ‘Grow Your Own’

apprentice initiative, which significantly contribute to the workforce. Nicola’s influence extends globally, as she is the only European representative on the Ford Global Dealer Roundtable, representing 2,250 dealerships across Europe.

Beyond the boardroom, Nicola is a single mother to her 11-year-old son, Ethan, balancing her professional responsibilities with family life and community service, such as volunteering with Homeless Project Scotland. Nicola Gilda’s achievements have transformed Peoples and made a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

Drinks Reception Sponsor Supporting Sponsors

Friday, 20th September 2024

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Grand Central Hotel,
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Glasgow

Cox Automotive highlights importance of car dealers despite ‘seismic’ industry changes

That’s the verdict of ICDP managing director Steve Young, who says that shifts have only ‘underpinned the crucial role dealers continue to play’.

Writing in Cox Automotive’s Insight Quarterly, Young pointed to consolidation, shifting manufacturer strategies, and the ongoing agency model debate, as areas which could have impacted retailers.

However, he says that dealers continue to play a key role in the have only underpinned the crucial role dealers continue to play in the sector’s ‘evolution’.

He wrote: ‘What these stories highlight is both the opportunities and challenges in automotive retail.

‘A simplistic approach adopted (with expensive external ‘expert’ advice) by some OEM brands and disruptors like Cazoo towards retail has ignored the critical support provided by dealers to keep the wheels turning.’

Young added that some manufacturers

have mistakenly thought that the ‘customer journey’ and all buyer needs can be managed by a few ‘rigidly defined processes. He added: ‘In reality, there are probably more types of customer journey out there than we could ever imagine.’

Also writing in the latest report is Phillip Nothard, Cox Automotive’s insight director. He echoed Young’s thoughts that dealers still have a crucial role to play, despite a changing marketplace.

He said: ‘Despite challenges from manufacturers and online retailers, dealerships remain essential due to their customer-facing role and core functions like aftersales support. ‘The key to success lies in adapting to changing customer needs while proving value to manufacturers.’

Read the full article at CarDealer Magazine

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Used car sales fell by over 5% in April as UK’s Top 200 dealers suffer difficult month

Used car sales for the Top 200 dealers in the UK fell by over 5% in April, new figures show.

Data from our data providers CarCondor.co.uk show the group sold 174,174 used cars last month, a 5.73% fall on March – that month was 2.01% up on February.

The sales netted revenue of £3.55bn, which represented a 4.78% fall on the month before.

The data also showed the amount of new used car stock acquired by the Top 200 dealers came to 172,016 – a 13.4% fall on March. This could be further proof that large dealer groups and

used car operations are struggling to source second-hand cars to fill out their forecourts.

All types of dealers saw declines in April, with supermarkets recording the largest fall of 14.49%.

Dealers with stock size between 1,000 and 4,999 saw a tiny uplift, though, of +0.08%. Bar this, all other dealers (0-499, 500-999 and 5000+) saw declines of between 4.69% and 14.17%.

The data also showed that dealers with 10-99 locations saw sales improve by 0.44% in April, while others (Single location dealers, 2-9 locations, and 100+ locations) experienced a drop in used car sales of between 4.02% and 12.17%.

Arnold Clark remained the most stocked dealer in the Top 200 list, with an average stock inventory of 19,156 cars in April.

Evans Halshaw was second (8,063) and Constellation-owned Marshall Motor Group jumped Sytner into third place with 7,316 cars in stock.

The fastest-selling used car for the Top 200 dealers was the Skoda Karoq, while the top-selling was the perennial Ford Fiesta.

Survey throws doubt on consumer appetite for shift to EVs

Price is by far the most important consideration for buyers when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, according to motor dealers.

The latest Forecourt Foresight research from Close Brothers Motor Finance reveals that over three quarters (77%) of motor dealers see price as the key consideration for their customers.

In sharp contrast just one in ten dealers (11%) say fuel type is important, while the same number (11%) say miles per gallon is key.

This it said potentially reflected low interest among UK drivers for making

the transition away from internal combustion engines and towards electric and alternative-fuel vehicles

The research, which asked motor dealers what their customers look for when making a vehicle purchase, found that, in addition to the question of finance, almost six in ten (59%) dealers say the mileage on the clock is a key consideration. Less than half (45%) say the manufacturer and model of the vehicle is most important.

Bringing to light the impact that governmental initiatives and schemes are having on the behaviour of motorists, almost a third (30%) of dealers say

their customers take compliance with schemes such as ULEZ into consideration when making a vehicle purchase. A similar number of dealers (29%) say the biggest consideration for their customers is the vehicle’s running costs, such as servicing the vehicle and road tax.

At the lower end of the priority list for drivers are the cosmetic considerations, with vehicle size and colour at 8% and 3% priority respectively, according to dealers.

5
the
article at Motortrader
CarDealer
Read
full
Read the full article at
Magazine

MOT FORECAST VOLUMES JUNE 2024

courtesy of DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)

TRADE SNIPPETS

Aston Barclay offers insight into used pickups following HMRC fiasco

Cazoo enters into administration as voluntary liquidation looms

Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine

Used BEV values in decline for 21 consecutive months Article courtesy of AM Online

Article courtesy of Motortrader

Self-driving cars could be on UK roads within two years as Bill becomes law

Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine

UK Garage and Bodyshop Event gears up with motortrade training and savings

Motor industry’s ‘job vacancy crisis’ continues

Article courtesy of Motortrader

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Article courtesy of AM Online POST TOWN FORECAST TO EXPIRE EXPIRED –TYPICAL CHANGE FROM TYPICAL (TESTS) CHANGE FROM TYPICAL [%] ABERDEEN 20451 21479 -1028 -4.79% DUMFRIES 5842 6258 -416 -6.65% DUNDEE 10682 10793 -111 -1.03% EDINBURGH 31798 32630 -832 -2.55% FALKIRK 11030 11356 -326 -2.87% GLASGOW 39484 40751 -1267 -3.11% HEBRIDES 1019 1248 -229 -18.35% INVERNESS 11058 11758 -700 -5.95% KILMARNOCK 13493 14416 -923 -6.40% KIRKCALDY 14117 15068 -951 -6.31% KIRKWALL 2019 2329 -310 -13.31% LERWICK 1018 1152 -134 -11.63% MOTHERWELL 13164 13000 164 1.26% PAISLEY 11239 12133 -894 -7.37% PERTH 7596 7967 -371 -4.66% TWEEDDALE 5166 5114 52 1.02% TOTAL 199176 207452
Figures
7 Figures courtesy of the SMMT (Scottish Motor Manufacturers and Traders) Diesel 4,650 10,411 Petrol/Electric
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YEAR TO DATE TOP 10 CARS YEAR TO DATE Strathclyde 1,340 Lothian 4,516 1,082 Grampian 1,009 Central 770 Tayside 582 Fife 546 Highlands 236 Dumfries & Galloway 133 Borders REGISTRATIONS BY REGION FUEL TYPE YEAR TO DATE Petrol 35,512 Electric 5,379 Diesel/Electric 5 Petrol/LPG 219 UK YEAR TO DATE: SCOTLAND YEAR TO DATE: SCOTLAND MONTHLY: 679,822 56,176 10,214 CAR FIGURES APRIL 2024 Vauxhall Corsa 1,736 Volkswagen 5,123 (9.12%) BMW 1 Series 1,566 Vauxhall 4,141 (7.37%) MG ZS 1,482 BMW 3,865 (6.88%) Kia Sportage 1,454 Kia 3,447 (6.14%) Volkswagen T-Roc 1,064 Ford 2,984 (5.31%) Volkswagen Polo 1,132 MG 2,821 (5.02%) Nissan Qashqai 1209 Audi 2,778 (4.95%) Renault Captur 956 Nissan 2,665 (4.74%) Ford Puma 1,525 Renault 2,393 (4.26%) Volkswagen Golf 949 Hyundai 2,229 (3.97%)
TOP
MARQUES

SMTA Annual Dinner 2024

IN FOCUS 2024

Join us for a special evening of

Recognition and Inspiration

The Scottish Motor Trade Association is thrilled to invite you to one of the most anticipated events in our industry’s calendar, the SMTA Annual Dinner 2024. This prestigious evening will be a celebration of excellence, achievement, and community spirit within the Scottish motor trade industry.

Special Guest Speaker: Ben Collins, aka “The Stig”

We are honoured to announce that this year’s guest speaker will be none other than Ben Collins, renowned for his enigmatic presence as “The Stig” on the iconic television series, Top Gear. Ben’s insights and stories from behind the wheel promise to be an enthralling highlight of the evening.

Spaces for the SMTA Annual Dinner 2024 are limited. Secure your attendance at this prestigious event and be part of an evening dedicated to excellence, inspiration, and community spirit within the Scottish Motor Trade Industry.

Tickets Now On Sale

Book your tickets online –scan the QR code on the left or visit events.smta.

Thursday, 24th October 2024

at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow

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C.A.R Star Award Sponsors Programme Sponsor Executive Sponsor Headline Sponsor President’s Award Sponsor Sponsorship
are available please email wendy.hennessy@smta.co.uk for information
items
SMTA EVENT
9 The small print; no purchase necessary, free to enter draw, no alternative prize will be offered. Closing date for entry is 30 days after magazine is published. Prize provided by Niall Farmer of GES Scotland and Gemco. Competition entry only open to those businesses in current membership of the SMTA. SIMPLY EMAIL YOUR CONTACT DETAILS TO: norman.stirling@smta.co.uk Need help? Please call Niall Farmer of GES Scotland on 07483 827734 WIN COMPETITION TIME!! SIMPLY EMAIL YOUR DETAILS TO ENTER! © GEMCO 2023 All Rights Reserved. GEMCO and the GEMCO globe device are trade marks of GEMCO UK Limited. *Warranty is subject to proof of maintenance and excludes accidental damaged, vandalism or acts of nature. Contact Us: 0345 872 2400 / Email: sales@gemco.co.uk / Website: www.gemco.co.uk 098013 AUTOPSTENHOJ Maestro 2.35 F Sport 3.5 Tonne Two Post Lift (Baseless) 3.5 tonne lifting capacity 70mm – 95mm minimum height 1970mm – 1995mm maximum lifting height Electro-mechanical operation 35 seconds lifting & lowering time 707/1443mm arm length min-max 2 x 2.8kW motor size 3 phase 3 YEAR WARRANTY The AUTOPSTENHOJ 098013 Maestro 2.35 F Sport two post lift is the ultimate for lifting of low profile sports cars! This lift features a low arm pad height of just 70mm and the arm profiles on the final extension are very low profile so that they do not foul on the sill. This lift is suitable for all types of repair and maintenance work on small and large passenger cars, sports cars, 4×4 and vans (excl LWB). ALL AUTOPSTENHOJ two post lifts are led through a sling purifying plant (according to SA2.50 – ISO-Norm 8501-1:2007), dipped in primer and finally led through an electrostatic powder bake plant. Ultra low 70mm pad height OPTIONAL LED lighting kit (2 tubes) with magnetic fixings Baseless with overhead portal Hybrid and EV wheel adaptors availble Made In Denmark Niall Farmer 07483 827734 More Jacket Prizes by popular demand

OUT NOW! SMTA SCOTS AUTOSCENE ISSUE 17

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

SMTA CONTACTS

ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES:

Telephone – 0131 331 5510

Email – accounts@smta.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES/ TRADING PARTNERS:

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

Wayne Lindsay – 07729 045666

Support Services Consultant

APPRENTICE TRAINING ENQUIRIES

Fraser Miller – 07789 264229

Apprentice Training Manager

EMPLOYMENT LAW ENQUIRIES

Moira Gaynor – 0131 331 5510

Company Secretary/Finance Manager

SCOTSURE WARRANTY:

Claims and Enquiries – 0131 331 5512

MEMBERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS:

Karen Thompson – 07922 079889

Membership Communications Manager

EVENTS ENQUIRIES:

Email: events@smta.co.uk

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

This bulletin is kindly supported by SMTA is proud to support: WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR GARAGE TO FEATURE IN SMTA’S MAGAZINE?
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. DOWNLOAD HERE READ IT HERE DVLA –UPDATED VERSION OF RAV RETAILER GUIDE The document has now been updated to include the new versions of the V750 Certificate of entitlement and V778 Retention Document. THOMSON COOPER COX AUTOMOTIVE MEMBER PROFILES SMTA Education Programme Launch ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Used Car Forecast Funding Options for Your Business Knockhill Racing Circuit & Bridgend Motor Group ISSUE17 SUPPOR The Magazine for Scottish Motor Professionals brought to you by

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