Guest Blog

It seems appropriate given that last week’s blog challenged the potential mass roll-out of robotaxis to tackle this week another of the visionary concepts that I would argue attracts more attention than it deserves – that of the flying car.  This is not a new idea – the first functioning flying cars date from the first half of the 20th ...

In today’s digital landscape, data security is essential to running a successful car dealership. Dealer management systems (DMS) and other business-critical technology depend on secure, high-quality data to function effectively. A structured approach to data security helps ensure compliance, reliability, and protection against cyber threats. One key consideration in this approach is choosing data sources carefully and prioritising contractual data ...

There have been some blogs and news items recently, including from our good friend Glenn Mercer, which relate to some recent positive developments in the world of Waymo.  They just achieved 200,000 rides in one week, double the level just six months ago and up from 10,000 two years ago.  At least within the defined areas where they are operating ...

We are giving a lot of thought currently to dealer digitalisation – thinking primarily about integration of data processes and related IT, and exploiting that data and the broader digitalisation of the customer buying journey and online marketplaces to make better decisions. That in itself is a significant challenge as most dealers are sitting on a range of legacy systems ...

Wendy Swaine, head of retail at Solera cap hpi, explores how new ways of working with industry partners can help to unlock innovation and efficiency. In the increasingly data-driven world of car retailing, accessing and utilising quality data is critical for making informed decisions, optimising operations, and improving customer experiences. Traditionally, data has been offered through fixed licensing agreements, but ...

I do not want to trivialise the personal challenges that people with substance abuse problems and their families face, nor do I want to suggest that the management of our car manufacturers are prone to this condition, but I do genuinely see some similarities within a critical part of our business, and perhaps also similar challenges in terms of kicking ...

Aftersales has long been seen as the backbone that reliably delivers profits to sustain OEMs and dealers through hard times, and are clearly the sole focus of the many independent players who have built significant businesses. There have been downwards pressures on repair and maintenance aftersales volumes for many years as cars have become more reliable and service intervals extended. ...

The UK automotive market is no stranger to disruption, having weathered changing consumer preferences, environmental legislation, and the shift toward electrification. However, the rise of Chinese automotive brands represents a unique opportunity for UK car dealers. One thing is clear: disruption creates opportunity, and successful businesses will seize these opportunities to drive growth. According to recent surveys, dealers believe that ...

Headline news in the Dutch press last week was that the Louwman Group had cut all ties with Stellantis, terminating the Opel and Peugeot franchises at retail level from March 1st.  This affects a number of dealerships including some acquired just two years ago, formerly Orange Motors.  I am not privy to the reasons behind the decision, nor to what ...

The first quarter of the year presents a prime opportunity for dealerships to boost annual sales, but real growth will only come from increasing electric vehicle (EV) sales. However, most marketing efforts fail to engage the largest untapped audience – the 80% of potential buyers who don’t yet see themselves as an EV owner. Search data consistently shows that demand ...