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.
You can filter the news feed to reflect your particular area of interest.
Aston Barclay partners with AA and WMS Group
The partnership will provide its buyers with vehicle checks and a buyer guarantee before making their next stock purchase.
Peugeot moves ‘upmarket’ with new logo and corporate identity for its franchised car retail network
The French brand’s new image was unveiled by its new chief executive, Linda Jackson and it reflects Peugeot’s evolution as a brand.
Johnsons Cars renews three-year deal with BCA
Over the period of the deal, Johnsons will represent 21k vehicles that will be sold exclusively via BCA Online and the BCA Buyer app on a weekly basis.
Cazoo to go public with a valuation of well over 5bn
Cazoo is working with bankers at Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs and Numis on options for accelerating its growth prospects.
Used car prices very strong despite lockdown
With average prices year on year 6.5% ahead this marks 41 weeks of consecutive growth
JLR to axe 2,000 jobs following the reveal of its ‘Reimagine’ EV strategy
Jaguar will need to make every possible efficiency to achieve its plan to transform into a purely EV brand by 2025.
Ford to go all electric by 2030
By mid 2026, 100% of Ford’s vehicle range in EU will be zero-e capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid, and will be completely all-electric by 2030.
Peugeot launches fully-electric e-Rifter
Peugeot is one step closer to offering an electrified variant across entire model line up by 2023 with its new launch of e-Rifter.
Used car sales running at 60% of pre-lockdown levels
Used car sales in the UK fell by 40% year-on-year In January with forecourts shut for business.
PM to reveal plans for lockdown lift
Ministers are preparing a four-speed plan for restarting the economy based on latest virus data Downing Street will review next week.
Consumer new car purchases declined by 25% in 2020, FLA reports
FLA revealed decline in the consumer new car finance market outstripped the 10.3% decline in new car registrations reported by SMMT.
Charge point network not growing fast enough
Public electric vehicle charge points in the UK increased by 26% over the past 12 months, compared to a 186% rise in sales of EVs in 2020.
NFDA urges Gov to extend COVID-19 business support in 2021 Budget
NFDA calls gov to help car retailers recover from disruption caused by pandemic and to facilitate transition to zero-emission electric vehicles.
BCA reports steady trading through Lockdown 2 despite 2% fall in values
Average used car values in Nov at BCA remained 3.5% up year-on-year despite a 2% fall (£166) from October.
EVs take 15% of market share in Dec says Buyacar
EV sales have reached their highest ever level in the used market, according to the online car supermarket BuyaCar.co.uk.
Motorpoint launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme indicates to people around the lanyard wearer that they may need additional support, help or just a little more time.
Home delivery boom fuels congestion and air quality concerns
Research from LeasePlan found that 44% are more likely to opt for home delivery for essential products and 62% for discretionary spending.
UK’s COVID ‘Lockdown 2’ delivers 27.4% car registrations
The UK Government’s COVID-19 ‘Lockdown 2’ took a £1.3 billion toll on car sales during November as registrations declined 27.4%, according to SMMT.
Government ICE move sparks surge in interest in EVs
The government’s decision to fast track the ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to 2030 has resulted in a spike in interest in EV’s.
NFDA finds 53% of car dealers intend to recruit in the next 3 months
A HR-themed survey of the UK’s franchised car retailers found 53.8% intend to recruit in their sales departments & 63% plan to appoint new technicians in the next 3 months.
Lack of car knowledge makes buying more stressful
A study by YesAuto highlights the opportunity for car dealers to better support the consumer car buying journey.
UK car production down 18.2% in Oct as sector awaits Brexit deal
UK manufacturing output falls in Oct with 110,179 units leaving factory gates, according to SMMT.
40% of car buyers less likely to visit a showroom
Potential car buyers are less likely to visit showrooms due to COVID-19, whilst 32% are more frequently browsing dealer websites for new or used cars.
October fleet and business registrations a third down from last year
There were 80,523 new cars registered to fleet and business, compared to 83,067 in October 2019.
Gov extends furlough scheme to end of March
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak extended the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to end of March.
BCA to continue online sales and extend collection times during lockdown
BCA is keeping abreast of the fast-changing and evolving government guidance in order to protect its people, customers and suppliers as we move into second lockdown.
CD Auctions to launch dealer-to-dealer platform
CD Auction Group is expanding its digital operations with the launch of a dealer-to-dealer platform.
Aston Barclay to run full digital programme through latest lockdown
Aston Barclay will run a full digital car and van sales programme from Thursday, while all six physical auctions will be shut for physical viewings from Wednesday.
COVID-19 impacting young people’s jobs in automotive, says Drive My Career
Drive My Career survey shows that 42% of respondents aged 16-24 years said their job role has been affected by COVID-19.