Industry News
With so much change currently and predicted to effect the automotive industry over the next few years, access all you need to know about your business area to keep yourself abreast of the latest developments.
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IMDA signs up with Aston Barclay for 2022
More than 800 members of Independent Motor Dealers Association will access Aston Barclay’s auction centres as part of weekly dealer sales across all 6 auction sites.
Sytner Audi dealerships gain EVA accreditation
The Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme encourages dealerships to further develop their ability in selling and servicing electric vehicles.
Used car sales up 11.5% despite pandemic
Despite the growth 2021 was still -5.5% below the pre-pandemic five-year average.
ALD acquires 100% of LeasePlan for £4.1bn
The new leasing powerhouse NewALD will drive strong growth across all client categories & lift annual fleet growth at least 6% post-integration.
Covid continues to impact UK new car market but EV sales show future direction
1.65m new cars registered in 2021 – up just 1.0% on pandemic-ravaged 2020 and -28.7% below pre-Covid levels.
Glass’s and cap hpi forecast healthy year ahead for used car values
Used car experts at cap hpi and Glass’s predict used car values likely to remain high in 2022 with demand exceeding supply.
BCA predicts used car sector stability after values declined 19% in two months
The wholesale used car market shows signs of stability after average values dipped to November £9,571 from a peak in Sept of £11,817.
Citygate completes 2m makeover of VW West London dealership
Citygate Automotive has introduced Škoda car sales to Europe’s largest Volkswagen as part of the makeover in West London
Stellantis partners with Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance to create multi-brand leasing company
This move will enable a streamlined customer journey, bring consistent & attractive financing activities to all Stellantis brand customers, franchised car dealers & distributors.
Keyloop acquires Peter Vardy’s online car retail software provider SilverBullet
This is Keyloop’s 5th acquisition since March 2021, following those of RAPID RTC, enquiryMAX, MotorDocs and FISC
Used market sees 84th consecutive week of price growth despite Government’s Plan B
Latest car data from Auto Trader show a 28% year-on-year increase on used car prices during week 6th- 12th December.
Gov issues another plug-in car grant (PiCG) reduction ‘double whammy’ to EV buyers
The grant has been reduced from 2,500 to 1,500 with the value of vehicles eligible also reduced from 35,000 to 32,000.
Aston Barclay partners with AutoSwot to boost staff automotive knowledge
The comprehensive training programme will ensure that Aston Barclay sees an immediate strengthening of employees’ broader automotive knowledge.
Vimcar reveals up to 90% of fleet vehicles could be replaced with EVs
From analysis of 67,000 company fleet vehicles, the findings consider average distance fleet vehicles are travelling compared to mileage range of EVs.
UK records best Nov new van sales in history
New light commercial vehicle sales in 2021 are now 22.8% up year-on-year at 325,976 units.
EV boom fuels rise in UK new car sales
Almost 22,000 pure electric vehicles were registered in Nov, more than double registered in the same month last year.
BCA & Cinch owner offers £323m for Marshall Motor Holdings
Constellation Automotive Holdings has offered 400 pence a share for Marshall Motor Holdings, valuing the dealer group at £322.9 million.
DriveElectric expands electric vehicle leasing offer
DriveElectric partners with Sumitomo Corporation to expand and develop digital & energy products & services.
New car supply challenges cost aftersales sector £600m
SMMT new car reg figures show decline in new car sales in 2021, leaving franchised dealers with a predicted service & repair shortfall of £300 million.
Pure electric vehicle sales overtake plug-in hybrids for the first time
Following the highest ever single month of new BEV registrations in September – an extra 32,721 were sold.
UK Government’s Net Zero strategy ‘brings clarity’ to EV retail plans
ZEV mandate will help deliver on Gov’s 2030 commitment to end sale of new petrol & diesel cars, and 2035 commitment to be fully zero emissions capable.
Vertu Motors delivers record £51.8m profit in H1 2021
Vertu Motors has highlighted further growth potential through an “increasingly visible acquisition pipeline”.
UK ranks fourth for ‘EV readiness’
EV Index ranks 10 countries – accounting for 75% of the global light-vehicle market – based on supply, demand, and regulation.
Charging infrastructure key to EV transition
Fleets switching to EVs in the next few years must carefully consider how they implement charging infrastructure.
Stellantis to launch all-inclusive car subscription service in the UK
Stellantis will expand its all-inclusive Free2Move Car On Demand monthly car subscription service to the UK.
UK car production falls for second consecutive month
The global semiconductor shortage continued to affect the automotive sector as car production continues to fall.
Sytner Group 2020 financial results reveal 39.8% rise in pre-tax profit
Sytner reveals 39.8% rise in pre-tax profits despite COVID-19 enforced showroom closures during its 2020 financial year.
Used car prices rose 16.6% in first eight months of 2021
Indicata data shows car dealers’ stock levels are beginning to suffer after a period in which overall used car sales rose 24.9% on a COVID-impacted H1 2020 and 4.8% in 2019.
Cazoo acquires SMH Fleet Solutions
Cazoo has bought SMH Fleet Solutions in order to expand its UK reconditioning, logistics and storage capability.
Used car volumes expected to rise next month, says NAMA
A recent survey by National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) said half of respondents expect volumes of vehicles coming into auction to increase over the next month.