Guest Blog

Despite the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) coming into force five months ago, there is every indication that many brands are still struggling to get the much-needed compliant stock to the frontline, placing real strain on retailers. However, we can see for some brands, such as Volvo and some of the Korean and Japanese marques, supply seems to ...

In an increasingly mobile-first digital purchase process, car buyers are researching their next purchase outside of normal business hours. Buyers bounce around the internet looking at manufacturer and dealer websites, YouTube reviews and social media to inform their purchase decisions. When an enquiry comes to the dealer, it is essential that they are responded to promptly. According to data from ...

While we await the FCA review into motor finance, 2019 looks set to be a real catalyst for change in the way the industry measures success. Lenders assess the value of business proposed when pricing retailer packages, so quality over quantity is key to a strong partnership. Consider the impact on your customers too. If numerous proposals are declined, their ...

At the start of 2018, SMMT expected new car registrations to slide by 5.4% to 2.43m. The year to date stats for November 2018 showed the market was actually down 6.9%, as the downward trajectory of consumer demand has been further fueled by regulatory changes and knock on supply issues. Our forecast for the year ahead is that the new ...

Security is vital for businesses handling customer data and historically, it‘s rare that they experience breaches, but a recent ICO Information Commissioner’s Office prosecution was a wake up call. It resulted in a six month jail sentence for a rogue motor trade employee who stole work-related data, and highlighted the need for vigilance. The vast majority of staff are trustworthy but risks remain. Although individuals ...

Thanks to a perfect storm of unforeseen challenges over the last few months, retailers are facing a financially difficult close to 2018. Despite what has been an undoubtedly challenging year for the industry, the market remains relatively buoyant. However, the full extent of the disruption caused by the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is only now becoming ...

This year could well be seen in a more positive light than we might have expected, even considering the challenges around declining registrations figures, WLTP, Bank of England interest rate increases and concerns over demand for diesel. For me, none of these issues have been the most interesting aspect of the year. Rather, it’s developments in regulation that continue to be the big story and ...

According to the 2018 Cifas Fraudscape Report, application fraud in motor finance increased by 47% between 2015 and 2017. The concern for car dealers is, unfortunately, this has vast potential to rise further as more consumers finance vehicles online and opt for PCP. Car dealers are faced with two key challenges when it comes to combatting financial crime. The first ...

Recent IMI reports have painted a bleak outlook for motor trade recruitment of school leavers and apprentices. Just a quarter of parents reported that they would be happy for their child to take the vehicle technician route, compared to 59% who favoured their offspring pursuing an engineering career. These figures illustrate the work that still needs to be done to ...

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to publish the findings of its review of the motor finance sector in November. So, it’s fair to say that car dealer sales practices have never been under greater scrutiny than over the last 12 months. Although this comes at a time when the future role of motor retail is up for debate ...