Dealer view

An AM100 dealer said of Volvo: “It has successfully achieved a repositioning of the brand from one that was highly regarded for its safety credentials to one that is about super-sexy safety – it’s a cool brand again without losing what made it strong.

“Also this year it will bring out the V40.

"This will provide dealers with incremental growth opportunities as Volvo hasn’t competed in the lower medium, Focus segment for some time.”

The failure to appoint a new management director is hampering the brand though, he said.

“Connor has been acting MD for a long time now, so why not just give him the job? Most UK MDs don’t hold the reins of power – decisions are made in European HQs, but we need strong leadership to ensure the UK gets its appropriate vehicle allocation, marketing budget and a strong relationship with the network.

“All these factors will enable us to ensure our mutual sustainability and profitability.”