'Quantum shift' soon in retailing

Franchised car dealers may lose up to 25% of their market over the next few years, according to Kalamazoo International chief executive Malcolm Roberts at Automotive Management's Competition Commission pricing report breakfast briefing.

Upheaval, including changes caused by the prices report, would bring about “a quantum shift” in motoring retailing.

“The current situation is perfect for a flood of new entrants who will be able to take advantage of the substantial fleet-type discounts available to companies which purchase their stock outright,” said Roberts. He called on the Government to “stand up and admit there is no such thing as Rip-off Britain” on car prices.