News

Ron Brooks has expanded with Suzuki for the second time in 12 months. Its latest Suzuki showroom is expected to be operational in early March. Last year, Ron Brooks took on the Derby territory. The dealer already has a 10 year relationship with Suzuki through its Manfield showroom. Tom Slack, group manager Ron Brooks Holdings, said: “Our strategy is clear, ...

Steven Eagell has renewed its contract with BCA to pump 8,000 part exchange vehicles though the online auction house each year. Steven Eagell uses the BCA Dealer Pro platform to improve the customer part-exchange experience and all vehicles are offered through the BCA Assured programme.  The group also uses AutosOnShow to support retail presentation on the Steven Eagell website. Steven ...

As I head to the US for the annual NADA Show, the headlines are full of President Trump’s ‘shock and awe’ first 24 hours in office. I’m certain that I will meet many card-carrying Republican US dealers over the next few days who are highly supportive of what is unfolding in Washington, and I’m not going to comment here on ...

The decline in the BEV-ICE price gap has led to greater uptake of EVs in Europe as models become more accessible and affordable. But despite this, the high cost of Western BEVs remains a barrier to entry for consumers, while Chinese manufacturers now offer electric cars for as little as €3,250 in China, according to the latest figures from Jato ...

Stoneacre profits took a hit in 2024 as the group grappled with a tough used car market with values on the slide. Pre-tax profits fell 23.5% to £24.4m on turnover up 2.5% to of £1.039bn. In the year to April 2024, the group sold 26,601 new retail units, an increase on the 24,581 sold in the prior year while used ...

International development organisation, Transaid, has announced its next cycle challenge. Participants will start in Cork and ride 328km to Dublin between 24-28 September 2025. On day one, cyclists will travel 132km from Cork to Waterford. On the second day, the group will travel 91km to Carlow and the final 105km will be cycled on the third day. Caroline Barber, Chief ...

Over two-thirds (68%) of car owners want retailers to be active in communicating upcoming service and MOT due dates, according to Marketing Delivery’s survey of 1,000 UK car owners. Only 5% of respondents said they would not be influenced positively by a bespoke reminder. Jeremy Evans, Chief Executive at Marketing Delivery, said: “The recent findings from the Motor Ombudsman report ...

Peoples Automotive has been presented with the BYD UK retailer of the year Award. The dealer group is ranked 55 in the Motor Trader Top 200 with annual turnover of £306.8m. The group has its BYD dealership on Orrell Lane, Bootle selling the Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, Seal UDM-I and Sealion 7 BYD models. “Have just returned from Shenzhen, China, ...

A £26,233 claim for a replacement engine and related items on a 2016 BMW was the largest claim paid out by RAC Warranty last year. Its top five most expensive claims approved in 2024 all exceeded £19,000 and covered engine failure. The claims ranged through £22,814, £19,785, £19,611 to £19,363. Lee Coomber, RAC client director at Assurant, which partners with ...

GWM UK has launched a new ORA 03 model lineup for 2025, with revised pricing starting from £24,995 and a new range-topping GT variant. The range will be available from any of the 35+ GWM UK retailers across the UK. The new versions will go on sale for pre-orders from 21 January, with first customer handovers expected in March. The ...