Tag Archives: Agency

Having previously suggested that distribution models sit on a spectrum from the traditional franchise through to the direct sales model, I am concluding that this is not actually the right representation of the different models that we will see in 3-5 years time. It will be much more like a smörgåsbord – the Swedish buffet offering a wide range of ...

The core of ICDP’s activities is our collaborative research programme which has been running for over thirty years at a European level. This brings players from across the distribution sector – sales and aftersales, manufacturers, dealers, parts distributors and suppliers of services and technology – together to develop a better understanding of the challenges facing us all, and how to ...

As we come into September it marks the end of the holiday season and the return to work. I hope that everyone reading this blog has found time to get some rest and relaxation and to recharge your batteries. Batteries of a different sort are clearly having an effect on many in the industry as electrification is forced onto a ...

As high temperatures return to a number of parts of the world setting off forest fires that can rapidly surround whole communities, I see a parallel to the challenges that we face as an industry. Over the last 10 days I’ve participated (with some restrictions due to Covid) in three events and had a number of conversations with friends and ...

A combination of news items and conversations over the last few weeks have made me think about companies who chase the latest trend or fashion, and in doing so divert resources away from the core business and take unnecessary risks. There is clearly some sort of dividing line here, as we are all aware of the classic examples like Kodak ...

By Steve Young There are a number of automotive industry related stories running at the moment that are all predicting some extreme outcomes when the reality is probably rather different.  In a time when there are so many competing news channels and social media outlets, we perhaps shouldn’t be surprised that attention-grabbing headlines and ‘click-bait’ become the norm.  However that ...

Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled a new “refined” franchised model with “key adaptions” marking a departure from its previously stated intention to switch to pure play agency in 2024. The model was revealed to investor partners ahead of its annual ‘Retailer of the Year’ conference and awards next week. Dealers welcomed the fact that their views had been taken into ...

This year has had its own challenges, used car values increased, substantially, in many cases and a shortage of good used cars made it difficult to restock. EV values have been hit hard and we decided to reduce the number of EV stock until the market volatility has been understood more fully. Full electric new car sales seem to be ...

As my first blog of 2024, then the first priority has to be to wish everyone a happy new year!  I managed to squeeze in a longer break, only returning to work on Monday, but I am sure that many of you share the feeling that it seems a long time since the holiday already.  For many, operationally, it’s back ...

The motor sector is facing a raft of challenges in employment including the highest vacancy rate in 21 years. A new report from the Institute of the Motor Industry said the situation was made worse by an aging workforce, more retirements, salary dissatisfaction and post-COVID job-hopping. The Driving Auto Forwards report puts the spotlight on short-term drivers for skills change ...