Over the years I have criticised people for talking down the potential of our sector.
For a realistic look at the future of motor retail, we need to look beyond the capital.
By understating its performance, there is a real danger that the motor retail industry will sow the seeds of its own demise.
Car dealers need to give customers a narrative about their purchase, not a list of specifications.
Predicting the future of automotive retail is almost impossible as it is now in the hands of the politicians, writes Jim Saker.
To prepare for an uncertain future, dealers need to bring in people who challenge their assumptions.
Every day, dealers engage in irrational behaviour that damages the customer's trust in them.
To win back work from independents, dealers should do everything to focus consumers' minds on expertise rather than expense.
The controversial use of Peterborough Cathedral for a Sycamore Motors event to promote BMW has brought the issues of work and faith into focus.
When it comes to knocking a dealer down on price, most car buyers would rather avoid the hassle.
In the search for 'big data' across dozens of channels, dealers and carmakers may be missing out on real opinions
Why car buyers trust family and friends more than Facebook.
Many problems remain to be overcome before EV uptake is mainstream and the hybrid probably has more years left in it than many commentators think.
Volkswagen’s customers will dictate the speed of any ‘dieselgate’ fix, says Prof Jim Saker.
Prof Jim Saker explains why dealers' responsibility for security will increase with the connected car.
Brexit will shift the power balance in manufacturers’ favour, says Prof Jim Saker.
Over the next decade, carmaker power will grow and independents will suffer, predicts Jim Saker.
Measuring staff, not customer, satisfaction may boost service levels, writes Prof Jim Saker.
This needs an abstractThe Government should make a significant investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and industry skills improvement - or the UK risks missing out on major economic benefits.
Dealers’ weekend activity online is not matched by manufacturers’, writes Professor Jim Saker.
Market changes, new legislation and training have left the Arthur Daley image of the car dealer firmly in the realm of fiction, writes Jim Saker.
Car manufacturers and franchised dealers must work together to attract young talent to the motor retail sector.
Dealers should turn their back on customer satisfaction in order to boost loyalty, according to Professor Jim Saker.
Motor retailers that invest in digital technology at the expense of people skills run the risk of neither working, says Professor Jim Saker.
Professor Jim Saker shares his thoughts on Arthur Daley and the death of Minder actor George Cole, who played the used car dealer.
