Alan Gall to take the helm as new SMTA Chief Executive
Sandy Burgess to step down after a decade of visionary leadership; Alan Gall brings 35 years of industry experience.
At the end of this year, Sandy Burgess will be stepping down as Chief Executive of the SMTA. Over the past ten years, Sandy has guided the association with remarkable vision and leadership, consistently prioritising the needs of our members. With a lifelong passion for the motor industry, Sandy’s journey from apprentice to leader has been marked by his unwavering commitment to adding value and fostering growth within the association.
We are pleased to announce that Alan Gall will be succeeding Sandy as our new Chief Executive. Alan brings with him 35 years of extensive experience in the motor industry, having worked with Arnold Clark and internationally with Toyota and Rolls-Royce. We look forward to the wealth of knowledge and industry insight Alan will contribute as we continue to support and advocate for our members.
The approved insurance broker to the Scottish Motor Trade Association
John Clark hit £1bn turnover in 2023, secures spot as top 20 dealership.
Family-owned John Clark Motor Group (JCMG) has topped £1 billion turnover milestone in its latest figures for 2023 with net profits placing it in the upper quartile for return on sales.
The dealership group with locations in north, east and central Scotland, said the results underline continued positive momentum towards the company’s strategic objectives and cement its position as one of the top 20 automotive groups in the UK.
The company said it attributed its success to a sustained focus on operational efficiencies and agility in responding to market changes.
Despite significant adverse pricing changes in the used car market during
the latter part of the year, the business enjoyed strong trading performance and maintained a robust cash position during the year.
As part of its commitment to employee welfare, JCMG converted its temporary cost-of-living support measures from 2022 into permanent wage increases in 2023.
Investment in apprentice programmes, colleague development and staff benefits continued with the average headcount rising to 1,355 and staff retention rates improving to below the industry average turnover ratio.
Used hybrids outpace all other fuel types in July according to INDICATA’s latest Market Watch report.
The used car market is witnessing a significant shift towards hybrids away from petrol according to the latest INDICATA Market Watch report.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for almost one in three (30.8%) of July’s sales of used cars up to four years old.
This came at the expense of petrol cars whose market share has fallen by over
10% in just 19 months from 59.8% in January 2023 to 49.4% in July 2024.
The market share of EVs meanwhile rose to 9.4% in July as falling prices continue to entice consumers to buy used EVs. That means more than four out of every 10 (40.2%) used cars purchased in July were either a hybrid or an EV.
Further reinforcing the growing appeal of EVs in the current market, the Audi e-tron and MG ZS EV headed up
INDICATA’s list of the fastest-selling used cars in July,
Diesel market share meanwhile continues to fall – it was 10.3% in July, the lowest on INDICATA’s record and by the end of the year it is likely to be in the minority as EVs look set to overtake them.
the full article at Garage and MOT
July new car pre-registration figures
The SMMT released figures for July pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in July 2024 that were defined as pre-registrations.
The Supply of New Cars Order 2000 requires motor manufacturers to publish the number of pre-registered cars supplied and the gross income received by suppliers from selling those pre-registered cars. This information is published on a monthly basis.
Issued by SMMT on 23 August 2024
SMTA EVENT
SMTA ANNUAL DINNER 2024
THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER
HILTON HOTEL, GLASGOW
Join us for a Special Evening
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.
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.
Drinks Reception Sponsor
Females in Focus 2024
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.
Drinks Reception Sponsor Supporting Sponsors
Friday, 20th September 2024 Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow
MOT FORECAST VOLUMES SEPTEMBER 2024
TRADE SNIPPETS
John Clark expands with new MG dealership in Perth
Millennials most likely age group to spread costs of car repair
Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine
Eastern Western Motor Group acquires two new Honda sites Article courtesy of AM Online
Article courtesy of Motortrader
BMW topples Tesla as it leads European BEV market for first time
Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine
Hyundai to double hybrid lineup, plans extended-range models
Used car buyers willing to pay for paint protection finds survey
Article courtesy of Motortrader
SMTA CONTACTS
ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES:
Telephone – 0131 331 5510
Email – accounts@smta.co.uk
SCOTS AUTOSCENE
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
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 Sutherland – 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
