UK car production fell slightly by 0.3% in January to 129,049 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Around three-quarters (74%) of motor dealers are positive, or very positive, about the year ahead compared to less than half this time last year, according to Baker Tilly.
The first monthly look at used car sales and target price data with What Car?
Buyers have been warned to look out for an influx of flood-damaged cars on the used market, as drivers look to sell rather than make insurance claims.
More professional training will result in an increase of dealer principals emerging from aftersales departments, according to Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) CEO Steve Nash.
There will be no change in the positive trend in new car registrations this month, although ahead of the March plate change, there will be some tempering of the final numbers.
Proposals from the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) could potentially eliminate more than 90% of P11Ds.
Franchised dealers’ financial performance at the end of 2013 has been judged as “exceptional” by market experts.
Statistics show that up to 66% of prospective customers are not contacted following on from their demonstration – with 78% saying the lack of post demonstration follow-up made them more likely to take a demonstration with another brand.
Automotive advertisers spent more than £70 million on performance marketing and lead generation activities in 2013, 15% more (on a like-for-like basis) than in 2012.
Franchised dealers are being encouraged to overcome any doubts about employing young people and to future proof businesses by hiring apprentices after research that shows they can generate between 150% and 300% return on investment.
New car registrations increased by 7.6% in January to 154,562 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Drivers may be able to subscribe to a ‘cloud’ of driverless cars within the next decade. With Google claiming its self-driving cars are only three-five years from market, fleet management company LeasePlan is predicting huge shifts in the way drivers use their vehicles.
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