Doing the basics well and driving efficiencies will prepare dealers for the eventual comeback of more usual car market volumes, according to Cox Automotive insight and strategy director Philip Nothard.
Nothard urged dealerships to embrace the new reality, of market disruption continuing for the foreseeable future, by maintaining strong business foundations and implement clear long-term strategies
He said hopes of a bounce back with new vehicle production and used car supply were proving short-lived, with production and supply challenges likely to extend into 2023 and beyond.
Cox experts Q1 2023 new car registrations in the UK to still be down 34.4% compared to the 2000-2019 average for the quarter, and the whole of 2023 ending still 27.1% down on the 2000-2019 average at 1.68 million units, up 9.5% year-on-year.
The latest AutoFocus, Cox Automotive's quarterly automotive insight, expands on the recent challenges faced by the sector, touching on various issues, including the economic factors shaping the automotive market, changing retail dynamics and the latest thinking on electric vehicle battery technology and charging.
While planning in the short to medium term is made difficult by heightened levels of uncertainty, Nothard (pictured) stressed the importance of establishing strong fundamentals and targeting sustained cost and operational efficiency gains in preparation for when supply returns to stronger levels.
He said: “Although the prospect of a return to pre-pandemic market conditions has become increasingly unlikely, we cannot know what’s truly ahead of us.
“The goal should therefore be to focus on developing and implementing a clear long-term strategy and doing the basics well.”
Nothard earlier advised dealers to be "cautious" in the final quarter of 2022 as there is little sight of great stability returning this winter.
The Q4 AutoFocus brings together perspectives from industry experts such as Professor Dr Stefan Rostek from University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Owen Edwards at Grant Thornton, Steve Young from the ICDP, and Tom Callow at Myenergi.
It also highlights Cox Automotive’s latest new and used car forecasts for 2022 and 2023, analysing recent developments within the market and their impact on pricing trends.
As editor, Tim is responsible for the media content, planning and production of AM's multiple channels (AM print and digital magazines, website, social media and contributing to our events planning). He interviews and writes about as many franchised dealer groups and UK divisions of motor manufacturers as possible, to explore the issues facing UK motor retail and understand what solutions dealers and suppliers are using to overcome these.
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