Car Dealer Magazine: Issue 161

FIRST DRIVES

Issue 161 | August 2021 | CarDealerMag.co.uk | £6

EXCLUSIVE: IS THIS THE MOST AMAZING CAR DEALERSHIP IN EUROPE?

ON TEST: ALL-NEW NISSAN QASHQAI + GENESIS GV80 + SKODA ENYAQ iV

Plus: We drive 620 miles in Skoda’s Enyaq iV – in a day!

NEWS • DONNELLY’S £3M HONDA SITE • BONUS FOR MARSHALL STAFF • LOOKERS’ 2020 RESULTS OUT • PLUG-IN POWER FOR MEGANE • NISSAN’S £1BN GIGAFACTORY • BMW’S NEW 2 SERIES COUPE

PETER ALLIBON MAZDA UK SALES BOSS

TALKS MULTI-FRANCHISING AND AGENCY SALES

INVESTIGATION: IS HOME CHARGING CONFUSION SLOWING DOWN EV ADOPTION?

CAR DEALER POWER AWARDS: VOTE NOW!

The UK’s Best Used Car Warranty

02 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Blackball Media Units 1 - 2 Warrior Court 9-11 Mumby Road, Gosport, PO12 1BS T: (020) 8125 3880 W: CarDealerMag.co.uk

THE BOSS FOUNDER James Baggott

james@thebaize.com Twitter: @CarDealerEd

EDITORIAL CHIEF SUB-EDITOR John Bowman

john@blackballmedia.co.uk

HEAD OF CONTENT Jack Evans

jack@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @jackrober

MULTIMEDIA MANAGER Jon Reay jon@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JonReay

HEAD OF DESIGN Graeme Windell

graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @graemewindell

CONTRIBUTORS James Batchelor, Darren Cassey, Rebecca Chaplin, Nigel Swan, Ted Welford, Jack Williams

FINANCE

FINANCE MANAGER Kate Gordon

kate@blackballmedia.co.uk

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Kevin Day

kev@blackballmedia.co.uk

ACCOUNT MANAGER Michelle Searle

michelle@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @cardealermich

Distribution Car Dealer is distributed to a database of up to 12,000 franchised car dealers, independents, service and repair sites, car manufacturers and suppliers. Advertisers are supplied with a print certificate every month.

Awards

Winner of Best Business Publication, Headline Auto Awards 2012 & 2014

Company No: 6473855 VAT No: GB 343 7049 04 ISSN No: 1759-5444

Car Dealer is published by Blackball Media Ltd (company number 6473855). All rights reserved. Conditions of sale and supply include the fact Car Dealer shall not, without our consent, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated way or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to any part of a publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.

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Nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part without permission.

WELCOME. A

close friend of mine said to me this week that I must be regretting having a career in motoring journalism now.

Putting aside the fact I don’t regard what I do as a career, more a poncy hobby, I discovered why they thought I’d made a bad life choice – the once-exciting and glamorous car world is becoming boring.

Now I admit cars will change quite considerably over the next 25 years, mostly because what’s under the bonnet is changing, and our relationship with cars is transforming as well. You could say that with the passing of the combustion engine, some of the enjoyment of driving cars that feel different from one another will make our world a little more dull, but it’s also an exciting future.

Let’s face it, the car has pretty much been the same for the past 40 years, with the current crop just having more airbags and new ways for it to tell you you’re a terrible driver. So, being on the cusp of probably the biggest change for the car in terms of propulsion is, I think, quite exciting.

What I’m also finding fascinating is the way cars are going to be sold. Along with all the other trends dominating the motor trade at the moment, agency sales is a subject we’ve been talking a lot about in the past 12 months.

Recently, things have moved up a gear, with manufacturers saying they’ll adopt the sales method for their electric cars.

This month, we learnt that Honda had pressed the agency button in Australia. Its network has shrunk from 106 dealers to 90, and the sites have been rebranded as ‘Honda Centres’ with 47 different owners. Honda Australia’s boss was quoted as saying ‘brand experience is the new competitive battleground’, which is why it’s switched from ‘chasing volume’ to ‘prioritising a quality customer experience’. But what happens down under is different from here in Blighty. Not only do we have more brands but the car market is different too, and rolling out something as dramatic as agency sales isn’t an overnight thing. Naturally, I had to ask Peter Allibon about his plans for agency sales when I interviewed him. The frank, charismatic sales director for Mazda UK has supported his dealers throughout the pandemic, and unlike quite a few manufacturers, he hasn’t seen any dealers hand back the franchise.

He explained very openly that agency sales, along with the concept of multifranchising, is one that he will have to ‘take counsel’ over from his network in order to best understand what the next 10 years will look like for the Japanese carmaker. You can read the interview on page six of this issue.

This month, we also take a look at what could be the most amazing car dealership in Europe. Sytner threw open the doors for us to tour round its new, five-floor Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Sunbury-upon-Thames, and it’s a sign that despite all the change that’s happening in the industry right now, the showroom experience is still vitally important. You can read more on page eight and watch our exclusive video on our YouTube channel.

You might have noticed by now that I’m not James Baggott. This is the first leader column that I’ve written since leaving Car Dealer in 2014, and it’s been so exciting to return to the motor trade world at a time of enormous upheaval and change. Baggott is taking a long overdue holiday, so I’ll be back again next month.

Until then, enjoy the issue.

Being on the cusp of probably the biggest change for the car in terms of propulsion is, I think, quite exciting.

JAMES BATCHELOR Contributing editor CarDealerMag.co.uk | 03

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TrustScore 3.8 | 133 reviews

IGNITION. ISSUE 161 | AUGUST 2021

8

CONTENTS

32 6

24

46

INTERVIEW

‘The current franchise agreement arrangement is not going to be the same in 10 years’ time.’

6

61

COMMENT

‘You can’t get any smaller than a Volkswagen Up and, in my mind, any cooler than the Up GTI.’ 17

FEATURE

‘The car suggests I stay there for an hour but I ignore it and do a quick charge in order to get home.’

38

Interview: Peter Allibon Sytner’s new dealership Home charging confusion Car Dealer Power 2021 Car news round-up News digest Feedback Supplier news Car Dealer Live Finance

6 8 12 15 24 26 42 44 50 52

COMMENT James Batchelor Big Mike James Litton

17 18 21

FORECOURT Nissan Qashqai Genesis GV80 Skoda Enyaq iV

32 34 36

FEATURES EV drive challenge Rimac Nevera supercar Cool stuff to buy

38 46 59

DATA FILE The Statistics LCV news Suppliers Guide Long-termers

54 56 60 61

DATA FILE

‘The automotive sector is now battling against a “long Covid” of vehicle supply challenges.’

54 CarDealerMag.co.uk | 05

INTERVIEW

Mazda UK sales boss talks multi-franchising, agency sales – and why he thinks the chips crisis shouldn’t really affect it Peter Allibon took time out for a wide-ranging chat with James Batchelor that highlighted the importance of the manufacturer’s dealer network.

M

azda UK sales director Peter Allibon has said the future role of the Mazda dealer, which includes potential multi-franchising and agency sales, is a topic for discussion with his dealers.

Speaking to Car Dealer Live, Allibon explained about how the Mazda Motors UK dealer network has fared over the past 12 months, as well as the need for a blended approach to online car sales, and admitted that the Japanese firm needed to ‘take counsel’ from its network to understand what the next 10 years will look like.

He said Mazda Motors UK wasn’t ‘closed to the idea’ of dealerships adopting a multifranchised approach, and while the firm has declined requests to have more than one franchise under the same roof in the past, Mazda UK has to make the dealer network ‘viable’.

In the video – which you can watch by clicking the link at the bottom of the next page – Allibon said Mazda UK would ‘take counsel’ on the future look and feel of the future Mazda dealer.

‘We are going through a programme of “The dealer of tomorrow for Mazda”, where we’ll take counsel from many of our dealer network partners collectively to understand what the next 10 years might look like for the dealer,’ he said.

‘Aftersales, new car sales, used cars and franchising agency agreements will all be thrown in to understand what we actively see as the right approach.

‘Whether that includes multiple brand showrooms remains to be seen. For us, that would have to change some of my other strategic directions on trying to be more of a customer service-driven brand rather than a sales volume and target-driven brand.’

Allibon admitted that ‘the current franchise agreement arrangement is not going to be the same in 10 years’ time’, and he said that if that meant 06 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Aftersales, new car sales, used cars and franchising agency agreements will all be thrown in to understand what we actively see as the right approach.

adopting an agency sales approach ‘then so be it’.

However, going down the agency sales route wouldn’t be a decision for the short term and would have to be a pan-continental decision involving Mazda Europe.

Online car sales

Allibon said Mazda UK had lost no dealers through ‘financial concerns’ during the Covid-19 pandemic but admitted that business planning had been ‘a struggle’.

Unlike many of its rivals, Mazda UK doesn’t have a full end-to-end online sales setup allowing customers to buy a car completely digitally.

Despite that, its dealers still sold between 60 and 70 per cent of normal volume during lockdown three, which saw showrooms shut until April 12.

When Car Dealer last spoke to Allibon 12 months ago, he said Mazda UK was applying pressure on Mazda Europe to launch a fully online sales facility.

However, because of the requirement for it to be launched on a pan-European basis and there being no such launch to date, UK buyers will have to wait longer to transact fully online.

‘We won’t be measuring our success or the success of an online solution by how many people go end to end,’ he said.

‘It’ll be how many people are in the middle part of the funnel that maybe can go further on an online experience, and jump on and jump off the online offline experience as they choose.

‘I certainly see the future of physical environments for customers. I also see that there’s going to be some customers that are just going to not need that as part of their sales journey. And we just need to adapt and be there to cater for all of those different needs.’

No semiconductor disruption

Click here to watch the Car Dealer Live video with Mazda’s Peter Allibon

While some car manufacturers are warning of significant disruption due to the ongoing semiconductor crisis, Allibon said he might feel ‘a bit of a pinch on a couple of car lines’ but on the whole he had no production issues for August and the all-important plate-change month of September.

‘When I look and talk to dealers about some of the issues that other manufacturers have got right now, some of them are pretty severe,’ he said.

‘I’m so keen for the network to be successful and maximise September as much as possible.

‘I’m also grateful that the impact we’ve had is negligible when compared to some other manufacturers’ suffering. It’s a real challenge and I guess we’re feeling the positive side of that because we do have available stock right now, and I know we’re in an environment where other manufacturers maybe are feeling the pinch.

‘I think we’re probably seeing some successes as a result of that.’

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 07

FEATURE

IS THIS THE MOST AMAZING CAR DEALERSHIP IN EUROPE?

James Baggott gets an exclusive tour of Sytner’s monster Jaguar Land Rover site.

08 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

PICTURES: JON REAY

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 09

FEATURE

SYTNER GROUP LIMITED Position: 2019 turnover: 2019 EBITDA: ROS:

2 £5.9bn £152m 1.3%

Click here to see the Car Dealer Top 100 list

David Edwards 10 | CarDealerMag.co.uk 010 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

The 26-bay workshop is tucked away out of sight – not behind the showroom but above it

S

ytner’s gigantic Jaguar Land Rover dealership has already made a profit this year as it ramps up sales from the flagship site.

The huge Guy Salmon showroom is spread over five floors in Sunbury-uponThames and is one of the most impressive dealerships in Europe.

Car Dealer has been given a tour of the incredible facility for a special video – which you can watch by clicking the link on the right – by its head of business, David Edwards.

In it, he shows us around the two-acre site that stores more than 400 new and used cars and services hundreds of vehicles every month.

Opened in the middle of last year, the dealership represents a £25m investment by the second most profitable dealer group in the UK. The ‘statement site’, as Jaguar Land Rover likes to call it, is only the second to open globally after one in Germany and is certainly impressive.

Inside the front doors, the showroom opens up to reveal a huge airport-style seating area and the site’s showpiece ‘living wall’ – a plant-filled structure that dominates the centre of the site.

Edwards explains how the dealership has tucked away its sales staff from view to give customers a more relaxed atmosphere.

On the second floor, nearly 100 used cars are displayed under bright lights where customers can browse in the same luxurious surroundings as the new car buyers downstairs.

The dealership feels more department store than car dealer, with thousands of poundsworth of accessories laid out for sale among the comfortable seating areas for waiting clients.

Here you can pick up a Jaguar wallet or Land Rover coat along with your new Defender.

A drive-in service centre has three lanes that let customers pull up inside the

Even used vehicles get the star treatment, with a sizeable indoor showroom on the first floor

We are delighted that four months in we’ve made the best part of a million pounds. That feels pretty good to me.’

David Edwards

SV models get a dedicated area (above)

The curved suspended floor is quite a sight to behold and bathes the ground floor with light

building valet parking-style when they arrive for their car to have a service.

There they are met by the Guy Salmon aftersales team, who whisk their car up into the building while the customers enjoy a coffee from the cafe nestled behind reception.

Upstairs on the second floor is a huge service department that rattles through MOTs and repair work.

Cars are brought up in a lift or driven up around the multistorey car park-style entrance at the back that links the site’s floors.

The scale of the operation is huge, with 26 work bays and two MOT stations all kept busy.

On the top two floors is even more parking, with space for hundreds of new and used models.

Edwards said: ‘We are delighted that four months in we’ve made the best part of a million pounds. That feels pretty good to me.’

Elsewhere, customers can specify Range Rovers in the special SV – or special vehicles – area, where one model has a whopping £220,000 price tag.

The Sytner site has certainly been a feather in the cap for the dealer group and the manufacturer in the UK. Jaguar Land Rover managing director Rawdon Glover said: ‘The new Jaguar Land Rover statement site represents a significant addition to our UK retailer network.

‘With our partners at Guy Salmon, we are offering a new experience for customers and have created an outstanding retail environment that uses beautiful design and the latest technology to reduce environmental impact and provide the local community with jobs and services.’

Click here for our exclusive video tour of the site and to hear how David Edwards has been settling into his new home CarDealerMag.co.uk CarDealerMag.co.uk| 011 | 11

INVESTIGATION

IS HOME CHARGING CONFUSION SLOWING DOWN EV ADOPTION? Installers and the public have been let down by a lack of information, say experts, but help is on its way that will also benefit car dealers.

A

poor understanding of home charging systems is one of the biggest barriers to wholesale EV adoption – and it’s confusion and a lack of guidance among dealers that is supercharging the problem, according to leading EV experts.

JustGoEV is in the process of putting together a national network of home charging installers in a one-stop shop online resource that EV customers and – critically – car dealers can use to help customers understand the process of adapting to and embracing EV life.

Jack Woodgate, CEO and founder of the Surrey-based start-up, says that chargepoint installers and the public have been let down by a lack of information about the availability, type, cost and process of getting chargers installed for home use.

‘We’ve spent a lot of time researching EV buying trends and, in particular, the barriers that are still there to stop people buying electric cars,’ he said. ‘With range anxiety and, indeed, overall range becoming less of an issue as battery life and technology continues its rapid advance, we’ve discovered that one of the biggest reasons some people are still reluctant to take an EV is that they simply don’t know how to use a charger at home, or who they can get to install one.’

JustGoEV spoke to a number of dealers and found that the majority of them didn’t have the resource to recommend an installer to a potential EV buyer.

‘It’s easy to see how this might put them off,’ he added. ‘Most new EVs are brilliant, competent cars and those who make the change are usually delighted with their decision, but for many people it’s still a big decision to make. And as soon as they encounter doubt, they tend to wait and postpone their EV purchase, opting for a mild hybrid or taking out a two- or three-year PCP on a petrol car again to delay their decision. If dealers had an easier way of putting buyers in touch with installers, it could be the deciding factor in their decision to go EV, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve.’

As dealers, these customers will be relying on you to help guide them through the process of buying the right car for them, but they will also need advice on how to charge their new car.

Tom Barnard, editor of electric car website Electrifying.com, said: ‘There are plenty of public points but most electric car drivers will be plugging in at home, where they can fill their battery while they sleep,’ he said.

‘But first, they will need a wallbox charger fitted. It is possible to use a conventional three-pin socket, but it’s not recommended for regular use with modern electric vehicles. This is partly because it can 12 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

One of the biggest reasons some people are still reluctant to take an EV is that they simply don’t know how to use a charger at home.

Jack Woodgate JustGoEV CEO and founder

put a strain on household electrics, but also because it takes so long.

A big-battery car like a Tesla Model S or Audi e-tron would take four days to charge using a three-pin.’

For this reason, most electric car owners opt for a dedicated charge point that has its own separate supply from the house’s fusebox. The government will even throw in a £350 grant to help with the purchase and installation cost.

These points allow the feed to be upgraded to allow faster charging. The cheapest option will be rated to 3.2kW, but it’s worth persuading the buyer to upgrade and ‘futureproof’ with a 7.2kW. It’s possible to have up to 22kW if the property has access to an industrial-grade three-phase power supply, but this is rare.

The next choice will be between a tethered cable, which is fixed to the unit and can be unravelled to plug into the car directly, or go untethered, which just has a special socket and requires you to use the lead supplied with the car. Again, it is generally worth paying the extra for the convenience of the tethered.

Just to complicate matters, the first-generation Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV use a different plug format on the car side – called a Type 1 – so make sure you order carefully.

Barnard said: ‘The Leaf and Outlander PHEV were big sellers but Type 1 is becoming obsolete, so if your customer is going to charge more than one vehicle or change cars soon, it’s better to go untethered to give flexibility.’

There are other decisions, too. All wallboxes will have built-in electronics to protect the car and the power supply, but the more sophisticated units will also have timers and app controls that will let owners make use of cheaper night-time rates of electricity.

Some will even connect to the internet via wi-fi and automatically start a charge when fluctuating energy rates go below a certain level. These wallboxes are more expensive but could save hundreds every year. Barnard said: ‘It seems crazy, but some energy suppliers will allow you to charge your car for free at certain times in the dead of night when no one is using power and the wind turbines are spinning.’

This might all seem like a lot of work, but once installed the customer will never have to visit a petrol station again. Do your research, find trusted local installers and use them as advocates to help sell those EVs.

The first-generation Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV use a different plug to the ‘new’ standard

There are plenty of public points but most electric car drivers will be plugging in at home.

Tom Barnard Electrifying.com CarDealerMag.co.uk | 13

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The RAC Approved Dealer Network is here to help independent dealerships stand out – on screen and on the forecourt. As one of the UK’s most trusted motoring brands, car buyers instantly know they can trust a dealership when they see the iconic RAC name.

It confirms they can buy with absolute confidence.

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Get in touch to register your interest today

Visit rac.co.uk/StandOutOnline Call 0330 100 3807 *12 months free RAC Breakdown cover is provided following the purchase of a vehicle from one of our RAC Approved Dealerships and applies to the vehicle purchased at the RAC Approved Dealership. If this condition is not complied with, we reserve the right to cancel this membership.

RAC Approved Dealer Network is managed by Assurant. RAC Warranty is a non-regulated product, provided by an Assurant company: The Warranty Group Services (Isle of Man) Limited (TWGSIOM), Company No. 94279C, whose registered address is Third Floor, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1EE.

14 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

MS.DRIVECAR.225AD.0421.CRS-1217

AWARDS

R O F E T O V T S E B R U YO E BEST H T F O m o c . r e w po r e l a e d car

Our annual survey gives YOU the chance to decide who are the best suppliers and manufacturers – as well as those who have fallen short.

We’re looking for the cream of the crop in the following categories SUPPLIERS • Cleaning Product of the Year • Recruitment Agency of the Year • Trade-to-Trade Remarketer of the Year • Used Car Valuations Provider of the Year • Consumer Lead Generation Site of the Year

The Land Rover Defender won Car of the Year in 2020, with the Porsche Taycan and Ford Puma being highly commended.

I

t drove off with the Car of the Year trophy for Car Dealer Power 2020 but can the Land Rover Defender retain its crown this year? Will the Porsche Taycan or Ford Puma, which were both highly commended, knock it off its top podium place?

Or will it be another car entirely? Only you have the ‘power’ to answer that as our annual survey gives you the opportunity to rate manufacturers and suppliers.

What’s more, you can do so anonymously, so there’s no need to fear any consequences.

Votes are continuing to pour in, but if you haven’t yet submitted yours then have no fear as you’ve still got time.

Simply click on the link at the bottom of this page to be taken to the survey, which will only take a few minutes to complete.

The categories for suppliers are listed in the panel on the right. Meanwhile, we assess manufacturers in 13 categories – from finance offers to brand awareness, marketing to bonus structure – then rank them.

Voting for this year’s awards closes on Tuesday, August 31, and once we’ve received all the surveys the number-crunching will begin so that we can determine not only the winners of our coveted Car Dealer Power trophies but also the highly commendeds.

The big reveals will subsequently take place on our YouTube channel, as the awards event is once again being held digitally.

Any car dealer can vote in Car Dealer Power, and independents can skip straight to naming their favourite suppliers.

August 31 might seem like a long way off but don’t delay and make sure your voice gets heard by voting in our survey!

Click here to watch last year’s Car Dealer Power

• Dealer Management System of the Year • Website Provider for Independent Dealers • Website Provider for Franchised Dealers • Provenance Check Provider of the Year • Warranty Provider of the Year • Paint Protection Provider of the Year • Auction House of the Year • Trade Insurance Provider of the Year • Online Advertiser for New Cars • Online Advertiser for Used Cars • Finance Provider of the Year (Sub-Prime) • Finance Provider of the Year (Prime) • Video Provider of the Year • Extra Mile Award • Product Innovation of the Year MANUFACTURERS • Manufacturer of the Year • Car of the Year

Click here now to vote for your favourites CarDealerMag.co.uk | 15

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Only way was Up but my quest for GTI left me down

I

Tiny petrolengined cars are vanishing faster than I can type this sentence.

t was inevitable really. Pretty much the constant story for the past 12 months has been people buying second-hand cars to cheer themselves up, and after writing hundreds (thousands, if you’re reading this, James Baggott) of column inches about this craze, I was always going to follow the crowd.

What started as an itch to buy became a frantic search for the best used car I could find within my budget and, as I write this, ended up being a distinctly miserable experience resulting in my cash left untouched in my bank account. Yes, I went against my own advice and tried to buy a used car when prices and demand were at record levels.

Let me take you back a month or so. I am very fortunate to have quite a few cars at my disposal. They often range from a new press car for reviewing to a 20-year-old MG ZT with a thirsty V6 under its bonnet, so me buying another car makes very little sense.

However, like quite a lot of people, I haven’t spent a lot of money in the past year, and with holidays off the agenda I wanted to crack through that car wish list. Pretty near the top of the bill is a type of car that’s rapidly disappearing from acceptance.

As the industry embraces building electric cars in ever larger quantities, tiny petrolengined cars are vanishing faster than I can type this sentence. Small city cars have always been a headache for carmakers, as small dimensions tend to mean small profits. Tiny EVs mean even smaller profits, which is why most electric cars are larger than a two-bed semi.

You can’t get any smaller than a Volkswagen Up and, in my mind, any cooler than the Up GTI. Now, I know it’s just a normal Up with a few extra bhp, some tartan seats and a handful of GTI badges stuck on it, but the want level is unbearably high, so I signed up for stock updates from Volkswagen Approved Used.

But it would seem I couldn’t have picked a car that’s in such high demand right now.

Prices are all over the place for the GTI, so bagging a good bargain is tough. This is compounded by the fact that Volkswagen completely underestimated demand in the UK and sold out of Up GTIs in 2019, only to bring the car back last year with a light facelift and a near-£2,000 hike on the list price. It means used prices for the early cars aren’t far shy of the original sticker price, so those early owners are quids in now.

I asked about a handful of cars, only to discover that I’d missed out on them by a matter of hours, but on one Sunday evening I pressed the ‘Enquire Now’ button on a lovelylooking example and forgot all about it.

The next morning, I had a video walkaround by a salesman from the franchised VW dealer, even though I hadn’t requested one. I was impressed. I was even more impressed at how friendly he was and the condition of the car from the video. A date was made to view the car, I transferred some cash to another bank account to buy the car outright, and counted down the hours to go and see it.

The next day I drove 20 miles to do the deal, but the car that looked so good in the video turned out to be not as described. It had three kerbed wheels and scuffs on both bumpers – reasonable damage for a three-year-old car, you could say – but it also had a golf-sized dent in the rear nearside door that had turned rusty and a 10-inch crease in the driver’s door. Pointing these out to the salesman, I was told ‘naturally’ the car would be put through the body shop, touched up and resprayed if I bought it.

It probably won’t surprise you to know that I walked away bitterly disappointed. I don’t think it’s acceptable for any dealer, let alone a mainline VW dealer, to give the impression they’re doing me a favour by fixing a car because I’ve pointed out the damage. It’s lazy.

Secondly, if I’d been buying that car during the second lockdown, it would have been as a click-and-deliver sale without those glaring faults being pointed out to me. When business is busy, trust levels shouldn’t be forgotten. I’d be keen to know what you think.

JAMES BAGGOTT IS ON HOLIDAY

Batch chat

COMMENT

JAMES BATCHELOR

WHILE THE CEO’S AWAY, BATCH STEPS INTO THE BREACH TO HAVE HIS SAY James Batchelor The ex-Car Dealer teaboy and one-time editor of this magazine is back as contributing editor after five years as Auto Express editorat-large. He’s enjoying the boss being off as he’s now not being constantly moaned at.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 17

Big Mike OUR MAN ON THE INSIDE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE CAR BUSINESS

Who is Big Mike?

Well, that would be telling. What we can say is he’s had more than 40 years in the car trade so has probably forgotten more about it than we’re likely to know.

18 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

COMMENT

Discomfort only added to my outrage over trade-plate treatment

A

longside this month’s column you’ll see a picture of a sofa. A flipping uncomfortable sofa as well. And if you’re reading this column and you recognise the sofa, then you need to be very careful who you get on the wrong side of.

You see, a few weeks ago I did a little favour for a mate of mine. He runs a business moving cars from the UK to the Channel Islands and it’s not a bad little gig. He usually goes out there with a premium German something-or-other on his truck and comes back with something rust-free and knocking on a bit, much like the automotive equivalent of myself (who could do with an oil and filter service right now).

But it’s a good little business. The way that taxes work out there means that it’s much cheaper for a Channel Islands resident to buy a modern car in England, Scotland or Wales and pay import duty on the price here than to buy one through a dealer in Guernsey or Jersey. So it’s quite common for my man to go over there with twenty grand’s worth of Merc on the back and return with a rot-free Mini Metro, which he can declare cost him fifty quid, pay ten quid VAT on it and flog it to one of the Leyland lickers who likes to go out on Sundays and compare sales brochures with other equally liberated souls.

As business models go it’s not a bad one. Especially as in the summer months he gets to spend an awful lot of time in a bar on a boat. I could live with that.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the sofa – and I don’t want to sit on the thing ever again. It’s about as comfortable as water torture. Or it was by the end of my ordeal, anyway.

My mate Richard (we’ll call him that because he’s called Richard) had a bit of a logistical challenge on his hands. He had to get one car up to Yorkshire, collect another from the East Midlands, then get himself down to Southampton Docks, all on the tacho and all in two days. In order to achieve his gold medal in logistics, Richard’s only option was to collect the Mercedes-Benz on his way down to Southampton, and with the timing of his boat being as it was, this would have to take place about 5.45am.

There aren’t many dealerships open at that time of the day, so being about an hour away from the showroom where the Mercedes lived, I offered to go and get it. I have a mate who regularly runs main dealer stock down to the car auction in Peterborough anyway, so it was hardly a challenge for me to sort a lift eastbound and jump out on the way.

Now, maybe I’m just a fool, but having been in the trade all my life, I figured that the act of collecting a car that was already paid for and driving it from one trade premises to another would be pretty easy, not least because a set of trade plates tends to always ease the passage of such things. Or it has done historically for me at least.

On this occasion though, no. I rocked up, as arranged over the phone, at 11am, having

I went back inside to try a few more positions on the sofa, none of which passed for anything better than being put on a rack.

called the previous day to deal with a rather perplexed sales person who said they normally do ‘two-hour handover appointments’.

I pointed out that wasn’t necessary, I normally drove 20 or 30 different vehicles a week and there really was no need to guide me through all of the controls and buttons on a Mercedes-Benz E250. The lady went ‘hmmm-hmmm’ a bit and that was that.

The next day, I turned up on time, trade plates under my arm, with a copy of the email Richard had sent to them saying who I was, and my passport and driving licence as ID. I was expecting to be away and back off up the A14 in minutes. Instead, I became intimately acquainted with that bloody sofa.

First up, when I arrived nobody had any idea who I was. And I couldn’t see the car, either, which was a bit of a worry. The bloke I spoke to decided to make some inquiries and eventually called the girl I’d spoken to the day before, who’d ‘forgotten to put me in the diary’. He then got another sales assistant to come and ‘look after me’. She was very lovely but also utterly incompetent. First of all, she took my driving licence to go and photocopy it.

The phone rang in her office upstairs and for 30 minutes I didn’t see her. When I eventually went upstairs and knocked, she realised she’d completely forgotten me.

ID check complete, she got me to sign all sorts of papers on the buyer’s behalf (mostly of the ‘This warranty means sweet Fanny Adams’ variety) and went off to get them ‘checked and verified’ by the sales manager. I heard her do this while said sales manager was out the front with a customer sniffing around a Volvo SUV. ‘He’s just a trade-plate driver love – he’ll have to wait’. Those were his exact words. So off she scuttled back to her office muttering something about ‘having to do some further ID checks’. I gave it another 20 minutes, by which time the customer had gone, not leaving a deposit or any sign of interest in a shiny but quite clearly well-used Volvo, and the sales manager had disappeared behind a wheelie bin for a smoke.

‘Excuse me,’ I said. ‘I’ve been sitting on that horrible sofa for an hour, your colleague has taken my driving licence, I still haven’t seen the car I’m supposed to be collecting and I’m starting to get a little brassed off.’

‘Not my fault, mate,’ he said. ‘I’m not the one dealing with it.’ ‘Of course not,’ said I. ‘I’m JUST a trade-plate driver’, and went back inside to try a few more positions on the sofa, none of which passed for anything better than being put on a rack.

The next thing I heard was the sales manager telling the lady who was ‘handling’ me that I’d started whingeing so they’d better sort me out. This was for a car that the owner had entrusted to my friend’s company and had paid £28,000 for. We’re not talking a £250 partexer here, we’re talking proper money and a company that couldn’t care less.

They eventually ‘found’ the car round the back of the showroom and brought it round for me, but not before I’d clocked a junior member of staff furtively walking out the fire door with a pair of jump leads round his neck. Eventually, the Mercedes appeared, with a fresh coat of overly glossy tyre gloop and a flashing fuel light. Classy guys, very classy…

Still, at least it meant I could get off the sofa and having finally got my driving licence back (I had to ask for it) could get the Mercedes back to mine. Having given up hope of beating rush hour by this point, though, I decided to play my hosts at their own game.

There was one last piece of paperwork to sign – the one that told them I had accepted the car on the customer’s behalf, so like all responsible trade-plate drivers I began to inspect it.

I walked around the front third of the car then stopped and sat on a wall.

‘Are you happy sir?’ asked the sales manager. ‘I need to finish inspecting it first,’ I replied.

‘Oh, I thought you had?’ he queried. ‘I’ve started,’ I replied. ‘But having begun the process I’ve decided I’m now going to ignore it for 20 minutes, then I’ll inspect a little bit more of it. But as I’m just a trade-plate driver, I won’t inspect it all in one go. I’ll then ignore it for another half-hour before inspecting the final bit.’

And that’s exactly what I did.

There’s a moral to this.

First – don’t ignore trade-plate drivers. I’m a car dealer and I do this favour occasionally for another guy in the trade. Another of the people who helps Richard is an independent businessman local to him who turns over a healthy six-figure sum and would be the perfect buyer for a tidy Mercedes that caught his eye. But not if you call him ‘just a trade-plate driver’.

And the second moral? Make sure you test your sofas out before sitting your customers on them…

The next thing I heard was the sales manager telling the lady who was ‘handling’ me that I’d started whingeing so they’d better sort me out.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 19

Are you losing one in four customers?

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We have a flexible approach to lending that uses a combination of the best technology and human skills to meet their needs. At times when your prime lender steps back, we step in.

Shouldn’t you consider making Startline part of your lending panel?

enquiries@startlinemotorfinance.com www.startlinemotorfinance.com 20 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Retail motor trade can learn a lot from England team and its manager

L

One of the highlights of this tournament has been the leadership

by Gareth Southgate.

ike many people in their 40s, I really got hooked on football during the Italia ’90 World Cup. As a then-12-year-old, I was mesmerised by the drama afforded by David Platt’s late goal against Belgium, shared Gazza’s sadness when he knew he wouldn’t play in the final after receiving a booking in the semi-final, and felt the crushing disappointment of Waddle and Pearce’s missed penalties against West Germany.

It has been a long road since then, with similar tales of woes (Beckham’s sending-off against Argentina, Sol Campbell’s disallowed goal against Portugal, and Seaman beaten by Ronaldinho, to name but a few) but the European Championships have offered feelings of hope, joy and confidence that most England fans aren’t used to.

One of the highlights of this tournament so far has been the leadership shown by Gareth Southgate. I will put my hands up and say that the selection of seven defenders against Germany in the round of 16 was not to my liking, and as any armchair fan is wont to do, gave him pelters on the various WhatsApp groups that I belong to. But he was vindicated in his selections as his team put many ghosts of the past to rest.

Southgate appears to be able to make tough decisions and have the (on the face of it, at least) buy-in of the whole team. Footballers are multimillionaires and with that can often come a sense of entitlement, whether it be about playing or even the way in which they are used. However, Southgate makes selection decisions, sticks by his guns and his team appear focused on executing his plan.

The England team have also benefited from positive changes in the English academy system, which has encouraged professional clubs to focus not just on technical football aspects but also on professional traits such as media engagement (for ghosts of the past, see Gazza dentist chair), diet and fitness levels.

There are strong lessons to take from Southgate and England in how leaders and teams operate that could be implemented at every level of the retail motor trade: 1) Set a clear plan. England are operating with a fixed plan that suits their goals and objectives and employ personnel that best complement that strategy.

2) The sense of team is stronger than that of a collection of individuals.

Indulging strong characters is not a successful practice (particularly over the long term) as it creates fissures and divisions within teams.

3) Communication is key. From the very top of the organisation, there must be communication about the long-, medium- and short-term goals and how each individual is expected to operate.

4) Development of talent. It is not right to expect a radical overhaul of performance overnight. Each hire must be to the benefit of the long-term objectives, and internal promotions must be favoured where possible as those individuals have organisational DNA already implanted.

5) Celebrate success and offer support following failure. It is imperative that those who are experiencing a period of poor performance are given the opportunity to turn it around. This is not just a case of telling that individual what to do, but to give them a chance to arrive at the solution themselves.

This will result in stronger performance in future.

Trader Tales

COMMENT

JAMES LITTON

CASTING AN EXPERIENCED EYE ON THE WIDE AND CHALLENGING WORLD OF MOTOR SALES

James Litton is an automotive retail consultant who always has something to say about the industry he loves.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 21

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Warranty clarity for hybrids and EVs C

ar dealers, manufacturers and their customers now have clarity that their Car Care Plan used car warranty covers hybrid and electrical vehicle (EV) components. The inclusion of a specific EV section in standard warranty wording ensures protection for the wide range of vehicles now available.

The changes come after extensive market research and collaboration with OEMs, dealer clients and consumers. Car Care Plan’s aim is to future-proof its range of products to protect and maintain the asset value of the vehicle as greater numbers of hybrids and EVs leave forecourts, showrooms and production lines across the UK. The wording has been submitted to the Plain English Society with the aim of obtaining a Crystal Mark accreditation for clarity to consumers. Clear and concise wording allows the end customer to fully understand what is covered by their vehicle warranty, mitigating any confusion or lack of knowledge on EVs and their components. This helps build their confidence in the product, increase sales and boost satisfaction rates.

The new warranty wording even covers one of the biggest concerns customers have when purchasing an EV – range anxiety. Where a customer is unable to recharge their vehicle during a journey, roadside assistance and recovery can be provided.

Mike Cowling, head of products at Car Care Plan, said: ‘Our clients now have a warranty that embraces all that needs to be covered in an EV. And with the new EV warranty and recovery breakdown wording being reviewed by the Plain English Society’s accreditation process, dealer clients and customers can be sure nothing is hidden behind complicated language and legal jargon. Our warranty does what it says in the wording. Period.’

Dependable partner

This is the latest development in Car Care Plan’s long heritage of supporting dealers with their used car programmes. Despite the coronavirus lockdowns and subsequent economic impact, Cowling’s field development support team had zero redundancies, even recruiting additional staff to meet demand for refresher training.

He said: ‘It’s at times like these that we need to be ready for recovery. There has been a huge appetite among dealer groups for refresher training for their staff after furlough, bringing them back up to peak performance in warranty sales.

‘The key message from Car Care Plan is that we won’t let customers down.

‘We’re proud of the company’s stability and financial robustness, which we feel we should emphasise during these uncertain times.’

Motors Insurance Company Ltd (MICL), the in-house insurance arm of the Car Care Plan Group, has recently been awarded an excellent A-rating by the credit rating agency AM Best, highlighting the financial strength of the business.

The rating now matches that of the company’s group insurer, Amtrust Europe Ltd (AEL), which, as a 22 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

The key message from Car Care Plan is that we won’t let customers down.

Mike Cowling

Holistic protection

Our clients now have a warranty that embraces all that needs to be covered in an EV. Mike Cowling, head of products at Car Care Plan

UK-domiciled insurer, is authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Cowling said: ‘A handful of non-UK domiciled insurers have collapsed in recent years, which meant initially their customers’ claims couldn’t be paid by administrators, and they then suffered long delays while the process was transferred to the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

‘That is why we pride ourselves that all our business is now underwritten in-house through our group insurer AEL and our own CCP insurer MICL.’ This level of financial stability means dealer clients, who are all subject to the FCA’s Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR), can be assured of an additional layer of protection. This is further enhanced by the support of Car Care Plan’s dedicated field team. The company’s team of auditors is another example of the support available, ensuring ‘out of kilter’ loss ratios are investigated.

THERE is huge potential in the used car market now, said Car Care Plan head of products Mike Cowling.

‘Dealers typically provide 12 months’ warranty in their approved used programmes but there is consumer desire to buy longer cover, so opportunities are there. And those opportunities extend beyond warranty, with significant untapped potential in insurance products for used car buyers. Buyers of younger used cars are prime customers for alloy wheel insurance and cosmetic repair cover. Since these have high claims frequency, many dealerships have made these primary products in their sales portfolios, alongside extended warranty and MOT test cover.

‘The high claims frequency is a sign of their value to customers. Not only does it keep their vehicles looking fresher for longer, but they have peace of mind knowing the cosmetic or alloy wheel repair has helped protect the value of their vehicle. This is especially important for PCP customers, who can return their vehicles in good condition at the end of their contract.’

Car Care Plan now also offers service plans – a strong accompaniment to warranties for strengthening customer retention levels. And the company is developing monthly subscription warranty and service products to meet growing demand for vehicle subscriptions.

‘Like the addition of EV wording to our warranties, we always have an eye to the future, to ensure we are ready to provide dealers with the products and support to meet their customers’ ever-changing requirements. And all our products can be bespoke to our clients, so my message to dealers on this is call me,’ said Cowling.

High quality

‘Given our experience, we pick up anomalies,’ said Cowling. ‘We have extensive experience of UK car stock across all franchises. With all our historical data, we have access to claims information on virtually every model in every franchise, so it allows us to provide that support to dealers. We’re protecting them and seeking to ensure their CSI standards are not being compromised.’

Further support is available for warranty renewals as well. Car Care Plan’s own contact centre in Manchester underpins all point-of-sale product activity, backing dealers with GDPR-compliant contact spanning SMS, email and phone calls. Examples of its activity include supporting OEM warranty extension sales – a proactive service available to all dealer clients selling new cars – and dealers’ approved used car warranty and roadside assistance renewals. As expiry approaches, the team contacts a client’s customer to verify they still own the car and to offer an extension for an additional 12 months.

‘In both cases, the dealer will be a beneficiary of commission from any sales we successfully complete on their behalf,’ said Cowling. ‘And unlike some outsourced call centres, this is our centre and it only sells our products. In our view, it’s a service that is unique to the market.’

To find out more information please go to carcareplan.com CarDealerMag.co.uk | 23

DASHBOARD

CAR NEWS ROUND-UP Manufacturers have been busy refining existing models and producing new ones. We look at 10 of the results...

BMW

Striking new 2 Series coupe is revealed BMW pulled the covers off the new 2 Series coupe ahead of its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Although it retains the classic long bonnet coupe shape, the details in its styling give it a strikingly different appearance to its predecessor.

There’s a more muscular appearance and aggressive lines in the front bumper in particular, while the ‘kidney grille’ design is more subtle than the controversial look in the new 4 Series.

The back has a more awkward appearance, with the tail-lights pulled to the outer edges to give the appearance of more width.

AUDI

Q4 e-tron duo’s prices announced SKODA

Facelifted Kodiaq vRS goes on sale THE facelifted Skoda Kodiaq vRS – the performancefocused version of the firm’s seven-seat SUV – has gone on sale in the UK. It’s slightly more powerful and lighter than its predecessor to deliver improved performance.

The new 2.0-litre petrol engine makes 242bhp, about 6bhp more than the diesel engine in the previous model, and it goes from 0-60mph in just 6.4 seconds. It gets 20inch alloys plus a dual exhaust and there are sports seats.

24 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

VOLKSWAGEN

204bhp Polo GTI looks to unseat Fiesta ST from throne IT’S only been a few months since Volkswagen unveiled the sixth-generation Polo supermini, but now the German firm has revealed full details of the performance-focused GTI version.

The supermini is hotly anticipated as it enters a much-loved segment, battling the excellent Ford Fiesta ST. In its attempts to dethrone that car as the best in class, the new Polo GTI gets a new look, much-improved technology and enhanced driving dynamics.

Despite the changes, the engine is the same 204bhp, turbocharged 2.0-litre unit found in the previous-generation model. Power is routed to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds.

AUDI’S Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback have gone on sale priced from £40,750 and £42,250 respectively.

Available in Sport, S Line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung specifications, the fully electric model arrives with a range of up to 316 miles in its largest battery form, while a technology-heavy interior packs a huge amount of features and systems.

It has either a 52 or 77kWh battery, which is capable of charging at speeds of 100 or 125kW respectively.

ABARTH

695 Esseesse breaks cover

ABARTH has revealed the new 695 Esseesse: a limited-edition version of its fiery hot hatch.

There will be just 1,390 units, split equally between Scorpion black and Campovolo grey versions.

It draws inspiration from the 1964 Cinquino 695 Esseesse, whose 690cc engine had its power boosted to 38bhp for an 87mph top speed.

The modern version has a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 178bhp and 200Nm, while the top speed is 140mph. It’ll go from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds, too.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Tribute paid to speed records as collection is unveiled ROLLS-ROYCE has released a pair of models that pay tribute to record-breaking speed.

The Wraith and Dawn Landspeed Collection models celebrate the records set by British engineer Captain George Eyston in the Thunderbolt, which used two Rolls-Royce R V12 aero engines to pursue land speed titles in 1937 and 1938.

A variety of interior details reference the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah where Eyston attempted to break the world records.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: ʻWith this collection, we have revived Eyston’s memory and retold his remarkable story.’

Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge Landspeed Collection

LOTUS

Emira sports coupe arrives with AMG power and sub-£60k price tag LOTUS has unveiled the Emira – a two-seater sports coupe designed to take on the likes of the Porsche Cayman and Alpine A110.

Developed on a completely new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, the Emira won’t be available with any form of electrified powertrain, but will instead use either a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit sourced from AMG or a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 previously used in the Exige and Evora.

The larger engine will be offered from spring 2022, with the 2.0-litre variant following in the summer.

Prices are set to start from ‘under £60,000’, but further details are expected to be announced closer to the car’s full release.

PORSCHE

RENAULT

Plug-in power added to Megane RENAULT has refined its Megane hatchback range with the introduction of a new plugin hybrid powertrain while removing conventional petrol and diesel variants.

Arriving to ensure that the Megane hatch also has an electrified powertrain – it’s already fitted to the larger Megane Sports Tourer – this new setup brings a claimed fuel economy of up to 235.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 28g/km. The low emissions bring a benefit-in-kind rate of just 11 per cent, too, as well as £0 VED costs for the first year.

PEUGEOT

Cayenne Turbo GTʼs V8 makes 850Nm

308 to be given hybrid powertrain

PORSCHE has released a new range-topping performance version of the Cayenne SUV that has been honed on the famous Nurburgring.

Called Cayenne Turbo GT, its V8 engine makes 631bhp and 850Nm of torque – an increase of 89bhp and 80Nm respectively on the alreadyrapid Cayenne Turbo.

The engine is the most powerful V8 Porsche makes, with upgrades coming through the crankshaft, turbocharger, fuel injection, induction system and intercooler.

PEUGEOT has announced pricing and specifications for its new 308.

Available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time, the 308 will start at £24,000 when it arrives in dealerships this December.

It’ll have the plug-in powertrain from launch, alongside diesel and petrol engines. The electrified setup combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with electric motor plus 177 and 221bhp batteries capable of up to 39 miles on electric power alone.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 25

DASHBOARD STELLANTIS

Ellesmere Port plant is saved

STELLANTIS has secured the future of Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory by announcing it’ll become an electric van plant.

The manufacturer will pump £100m into the plant, which will become its first site to build a solely battery-electric model.

Production will switch from the Vauxhall Astra to the Peugeot e-Partner, Citroen e-Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo-e pure-electric vans and MPVs late next year.

Ellesmere Port will be building just the vehicles, however, and not the batteries as well.

COMPETITION

Bowker bow-wow George’s star role

NEWS DIGEST

HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY

ACCOLADE

SDM Mazda praised by manufacturer’s UK sales boss after being named dealership of the year SDM Mazda in Falkirk has been awarded top UK dealer status and crowned Dealer of the Year in the national Mazda Dealer League 2020/2021.

The network of 122 dealerships was assessed in a number of categories and SDM Mazda romped to first place. Mazda UK sales director Peter Allibon said: ‘Congratulations to the team at SDM Mazda for finishing as our number one Mazda dealer in the network. It’s a fantastic achievement and testament to how the dealership has adapted throughout the pandemic.’ Pictured from left are Steven Learmonth, Lewis Wood, Helen Aitken, Mazda UK head of network strategy Brett Hague, Peter Allibon, Niall Syme and John Mallis

LAUNCH

Capital move for Twisted Automotive

A RESCUE dog is leading a dealership’s bid to produce and share the best video in the country on social media.

Yorkshire terrier George, who was abandoned nine years ago, has made his acting debut in a Bowker Mini video that celebrates how motorists feel when they collect a new car. It also features his current owner Jess O’Neill – a marketing executive at Bowker Motor Group. The national competition has been organised by Mini UK for retailers.

26 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

LAND Rover Defender specialist Twisted Automotive has opened its first London showroom.

Coinciding with the company’s 21st birthday, the new dealership is in Kensington and includes a space where clients can create a fully bespoke vehicle.

The launch was celebrated with a sunrise convoy through the capital, with two V8 110 Twisted Defenders and a distinctive Twisted Bahama Gold 90 soft top among the models.

REPORT

I went against my own advice and tried to buy a used car when prices and demand were at record levels.

James Batchelor p17

Profit figure defies month’s usual trend

DEALERS made a profit of more than £60,000 on average in May and bucked the usual trend, according to latest figures.

ASE Global said in its latest statistics report that May was traditionally a tough month for auto retailers but they defied that this year. The bumper profits also drove the return on sales to 1.45 per cent.

But CEO Robert Jones warned that costs will rise as government support tails off.

From post girl to published author.

Supplier News: p44

‘It’s better looking, better finished inside and better to drive than before.’

Forecourt: p32

GROWTH

DEVELOPMENT

Slaters opens 80-car Donnelly Group puts site in expansion £3m into Honda site

BATTERIES

Nissan announces £1bn gigafactory

T S A C D PO Driven by

SLATERS Motor Group has opened an 80-vehicle showroom in Sunderland as part of the RAC Approved Dealer network.

The family-run sales outfit was launched 18 months ago as an expansion to Wearside Auto Centre.

Only a few cars were offered at the auto centre site at first, but its rapid success prompted the move to the new showroom a few hundred yards away.

The Slaters Motor Group brand was created at the same time.

THE Donnelly Group has begun work on a £3m landmark Honda showroom in Belfast.

The Boucher Road site, which is set to open later this summer, will boast a 20,000 sq ft purpose-built eight-car showroom plus space for 100 used vehicles. It’ll replace the existing Donnelly Honda showroom, which is also in Boucher Road, with all staff transferring.

Pictured are group managing director Dave Sheeran, right, with site manager Paul Compton

TELEVISION

CEO Forrester goes undercover as boss

VERTU and Bristol Street Motors CEO Robert Forrester is to appear in an upcoming edition of Undercover Big Boss on ITV. The episode of the renamed revival of Undercover Boss, which ran from 2009 to 2014 on Channel 4, will see him go undercover and join Bristol Street Motors staff to find out what really goes on behind closed doors and make changes.

It is due to be broadcast in August on a date yet to be confirmed.

NISSAN has announced plans for a £1bn gigafactory and a new pureelectric car to be built in Sunderland.

The plant will create around 1,600 jobs in the north-east of England, including 900 at Nissan.

It will be built in partnership with Chinese manufacturer Envision.

The factory, believed to be partfunded by the government, will have the capacity for 9GWh – enough to produce batteries for up to 100,000 EVs a year – and should be up and running by the end of 2024.

OM R F M A E THE T EALER CAR DBOUT TALK ATEST THE LAAND NEWSVIEWS IN INTER EGULAR THIS R ST PODCA

BAN

Having given up hope of beating rush hour by this point, though, I decided to play my hosts at their own game.

Big Mike p18

No more new diesel HGVs from 2040

E R E H K C CLI

THE government is to ban the sale of diesel lorries in the UK from 2040 as part of a major plan to cut carbon emissions from the transport sector.

The delayed Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP) aims to slash pollution to help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

A ban on smaller diesel HGVs will be brought in from 2035, with HGVs weighing more than 26 tonnes being prohibited from 2040.

PAST O T N E T S TO LI ES OF THE EPISODEALER CAR DASTS PODC Turn over page to catch up on more stories

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 27

DASHBOARD EXPANSION

David Brown sets up shop in London

DAVID Brown Automotive has expanded from Silverstone into central London with a new showroom in St John’s Wood.

The purpose-built dealership can display three cars indoors and three outside, with both flagship models – Speedback GT and Mini Remastered – there.

The Silverstone HQ and factory will continue as a retail space and workshop.

It’s the first phase of growth for the firm after new investment in July 2020 from a specialist team.

MARSHALL

Staff to get bonus and pay review

NEWS DIGEST

HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY

CELEBRATION

JCT600 notches up 75 years in business and more than a million vehicles sold since opening its doors DEALER group JCT600 has celebrated 75 years in business.

The company was founded as Brooklands Garage in Sticker Lane, Bradford, in 1946 and estimates it has sold more than one million new and used vehicles since then. The business is still owned and managed by the Tordoff family and now has a turnover in excess of £1.3bn.

CEO John Tordoff, pictured, said: ‘Our 75th birthday is another huge moment for JCT600, and we’d like to thank everyone we work with, our loyal customers, colleagues and partners, for their continued support.’

AUCTION

Record figures for BCA as prices rise

MARSHALL Motor Group is handing out a one-off bonus to its 4,000 employees and issuing a backdated pay review to recognise their hard work during a lockdown-blighted 12 months.

The dealer group headed

by Daksh Gupta said workers will receive a bonus equivalent to one per cent of their basic salary, capped at £500, with nobody receiving less than £200.

Company directors are excluded.

A pay review with up to four per cent increases is also being backdated to May 1, 2021.

28 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

BCA posted record figures in May as auctioneers continue to benefit from pent-up demand.

More than 10,000 customers took part in online sales. Used car values were also up eight per cent month on month to £8,408.

Chief operating officer Stuart Pearson said: ‘Despite some commentators suggesting there could be shortages of used car stock, BCA continued to set the pace across the industry.’

1.85 The time in seconds that it takes the Rimac Nevera fully electric supercar to reach 60mph from zero.

Feature p46

DVSA

MOT passes ‘should have been failures’

A NEW investigation has shown that almost three million cars on British roads should have failed their MOTs. A study by What Car? used analysis by the DVSA to reveal that 13.58 per cent of vehicles that passed their MOT should have failed.

That amounts to one in seven cars on British roads – or around 2.9m.

A random sample of 1,671 vehicles that had had an MOT test were retested by DVSA examiners for the 2019-2020 MOT Compliance Survey.

Cool stuff: This month’s offerings ‘Quote.’ have a distinctly outdoorsy flavour.

Feature: p59

APPOINTMENT

Sarah Simpson made CEO of Porsche GB

PORSCHE has appointed Sarah Simpson as the new CEO for its British division.

She will take up the post in September, in a major shake-up for the Volkswagen Group that will see Marcus Eckermann leave the post after three years to take up a new role at Porsche AG. Simpson has worked for the Volkswagen Group for 20 years, spending the past decade with Bentley, where she has had worldwide responsibility.

ACQUISITION

And Honda makes five for Riverside...

RIVERSIDE Motor Group has bought Harratts Group’s Honda site at Calder Park in Wakefield.

The acquisition – for an undisclosed sum – includes the dealership and assets at Calder Park, its former Kia showroom, plus the lease of premises in Barnsley for 10 years. All the existing staff are being kept on. It’s the fifth franchise to join the expanding Riverside business – the group also represents Volvo, Seat, Cupra and Mitsubishi.

STRATEGY

There are strong lessons to take from Southgate and England in how leaders and teams operate that could be implemented at every level of the retail motor trade.

James Litton p21

STRATSTONE

Multi-million-pound new look for site

PENDRAGON-OWNED Stratstone has opened the doors to its new BMW Doncaster dealership following a multi-million-pound redevelopment.

The new site, in Wheatley Hall Road, features a showroom that is more than 20 per cent larger than its previous space, while the outside display has doubled in size.

Inside, there’s a new 10-car ‘roadway’ featuring the latest BMW models, as well as dedicated BMW M and BMW i zones.

Skoda aims to be among top five

SKODA has laid out ambitious plans to become one of the top five bestselling car brands in Europe.

The Czech brand has made the bold statement as part of its ‘Next Level’ strategy for 2030, along with plans to increase its sales across Europe while also aiming to boost its sales share from 50 to 70 per cent.

Company bosses have said they also see ‘incredible potential’ in many emerging markets such as India, Russia and North Africa.

MOTORPOINT

Jobs to be created as prep base moves

MOTORPOINT’S new purpose-built vehicle preparation centre will open in Motherwell later this summer.

The existing centre in Glasgow will move to the eight-acre site in August, creating more than 12 jobs.

Once fully operational, it will have a team of 35 working on up to 20,000 cars and light commercial vehicles a year. It follows Motorpoint being named by Best Companies as the best automotive firm to work for in the UK.

Feature: pXX

BITE-SIZE Click on the text box for the full story

RESULTS: Lookers has published its much-anticipated 2020 results which show a £14.1m profit. The dealer group said it was emerging from the past 12 months as ‘a better business’.

The underlying profit was up by £10m on 2019.

CHALLENGE: Haymarket Automotive is to climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for Ben. MD Rachael Prasher and editorial director Jim Holder will represent the publishing company as they aim to raise £50,000 for the charity.

SUPPORT: Stellantis has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant to train service leavers.

It is already working with the Career Transition Partnership to provide access to job vacancies.

The courses will be delivered across various channels.

REDEVELOPMENT: Retirement home builder McCarthy Stone has put a call out to automotive firms that may want to sell as it looks for land for new properties.

It plans to acquire 60 new sites a year, and has identified showrooms as ideal.

WARNING: The new car market could face severe issues until 2022 because of shortages. Cox Automotive’s Philip Nothard has warned that a lack of aluminium and rubber, as well as the chips crisis, could hamper production well into next year.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 29

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Game-changing app will revolutionise the way used car dealers buy and sell I

t has already been hailed as a game-changer by traders who have had the chance to test-drive it, but the new app by Trade To Trade Underwriting is set to revolutionise the way used car dealers buy and sell trade vehicles.

The new app, launching imminently, offers a sophisticated e-commerce platform that builds on Trade To Trade’s original app launched last year – a platform that has become the UK’s number one marketplace to trade used cars with a community. There are currently around 1,700 members who collectively list more than 3,000 vehicles each month.

But fuelled by feedback from app users, the team has put a great deal of investment and commitment into refining the existing platform to create a safer, slicker and simpler app that works on both desktop and mobile.

Performance inspired, the new Trade To Trade app has been engineered to combine efficiency and profitability with networking and safety. Key features have ingenuity at the forefront and include details such as push notifications, in-app calling and keyword search so app users never miss a car again.

While many existing app users are looking forward to the promise of a desktop version, this will be integrated with a mobile phone app to allow traders to buy and sell on the go – anytime, anywhere.

But with core values of honesty, integrity and respect, the main focus of the new app is safety and user confidence. All app users are stringently assessed as legitimate used car dealers before they can become a verified trader and gain the coveted ‘blue tick’ authentication. This means you can have full confidence in the people you’re trading with which, as Ahmed Asad of Brook Williams Prestige, says, ‘helps to worm out the snakes and keep the wheels moving’.

There is also a new five-star review system that further develops the level of trust and respect among traders. You can check the buyer or seller’s rating and how many deals they have completed, as well as any feedback they received from previous sales.

Before they launched Trade To Trade, business partners James Vaughan and Ben Mitchell were car dealers who struggled to sell on the part-exchanges that came to the forecourt. They came up with the idea of creating a small network of like-minded motor dealers who also had the same difficulty buying and selling outside their local area.

What initially started life as a Facebook group soon outgrew its capabilities. Yes, members could post cars to the group in their droves. But there was no search option, no trader verification and the team couldn’t fully monitor the huge volumes of daily posts and comments. The deals were also completed under ‘gentleman’s agreements’ with no guarantee a sale would be legitimate.

That’s when they decided to enhance the experience for the community they’d organically created

30 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Trade To Trade’s features at a glance • UK’s No.1 marketplace to trade used vehicles • Find trade vehicles from a verified dealer • Search for the exact vehicle you require • Get your vehicle on sale in minutes • Find cars for sale at a trusted dealer. Read reviews when buying from a dealer • Get peace of mind when buying from verified dealers • Unique search options to help find the correct vehicle

DOWNLOAD THE NEW APP NOW!

by developing an app solely for verified traders to use. ‘In 2020 when we launched the first app, we were astounded by its success in such a short space of time. The network soon grew to over 1,000 members, with over 50 cars being posted daily. We quickly realised that the app was something the trader community needed. This is what they’d been waiting for to enable every trader to focus on selling the right stock to the right client,’ says James.

Since then, digital sales of used cars through the app have accelerated, as has the credibility of Trade To Trade. In 2020, it won the Trade-to-Trade Remarketer of the Year category at our Car Dealer Power awards and Outstanding Achievement title at the 2020 Car Dealer Used Car Awards.

The app obliterated the challenges faced by used car dealers, such as extortionate auction fees, unreliable sellers and time-wasters. Trade To Trade app users can buy and sell as many cars as they like for a low monthly fee. But all savvy car dealers want to stay ahead of the game and Trade To Trade is no exception.

The new app has been designed with users in mind. For buyers, they can replenish their forecourt easily and efficiently by searching for the newest listed models or popular makes from the extensive database. For sellers, it is now easier than ever to upload a vehicle and make a quick sale with Auto Listing pull-through of DVLA data. This is combined with a cohesive five ‘Key Prep Questions’ that let buyers know what, if anything, comes with the car or any prep work that is needed. There is also the added bonus of a ‘Buy It Now’ option to speed up sales.

But for the ultimate, unrivalled insight into each vehicle, app users on the premium subscription can benefit from integrated MotorCheck and Auto Trader retail valuation, which give intuitive and relevant information that buyers are looking for before they agree on the sale. Instantly appraise how well a car will sell on the forecourt and find out the right pricing to secure a swift and profitable sale.

And what about the Facebook group? That’s still going strong, with more than 15,000 members across three trader-only groups. The groups still hold the community aspect at heart, with lively discussions and topics filled with banter. But most members would agree #TheOnlyWayIsApp. Car Quay boss Jamie Caple said: ‘Trade To Trade Underwriting has not just dramatically changed the way we operate as a business but has increased our efficiency and our profitability no end. In addition to this, we have been introduced to a wide-ranging community of like-minded traders who have benefited the growth and success of our company.

‘With a genuinely game-changing app, passionate customer base and fantastic leadership, Trade To Trade Underwriting is one of the best things to happen to this industry in a long time, and long may its success continue.’

Trade To Trade Underwriting has not just dramatically changed the way we operate as a business but has increased our efficiency and our profitability no end.

Car Quay boss Jamie Caple

To discover how our new app can help your dealership, go to trade2trade.co.uk and register today

DOWNLOAD THE NEW APP NOW!

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 31

FORECOURT

NISSAN QASHQAI

The all-new Qashqai is here and with it comes a whole lot of expectation. Can it live up to it? Jack Evans put it to the test.

WHAT IS IT? The Qashqai has been a huge success story for Nissan, and with three million shifted across Europe since it arrived in 2006, you can understand why a new one is so important.

WHAT’S NEW? Underpinning the Qashqai is a new CMF-C platform. It’s geared towards catering for other powertrains later on, but also ensures the Qashqai can deliver more space than before without expanding its outward dimensions too much. We’ve also got mild-hybrid tech, which should – in theory – help with efficiency and add a little punch to the engine.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The engine is the same 1.3-litre turbocharged unit as in the older car, but it’s been cleaned up with the inclusion of a mild-hybrid system. A six-speed manual sends drive to the front wheels on this car, although an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive are available too.

If you’re after better efficiency then an ePower model – which uses the petrol engine as a ‘generator’ feeding a large electric motor and batteries – is due to arrive shortly.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The steering now feels more alert than before and although pretty lifeless, it does add some extra vigour to the way the Qashqai corners. Likewise, the suspension feels well managed at higher speeds, although it has a tendency to struggle with lower speeds over rough surfaces. The engine itself lacks any real pull from low down but quickly comes on song as the revs build. There’s plenty of in-gear punch, too.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? The look of the new car really does represent a great evolution of the old car’s design, as it’s still recognisable as the popular crossover while also appearing fresh and new. The grille is larger than before and exaggerated by the bonnet lines that run into it, while the new splitstyle LED headlights look particularly futuristic. The air intakes at the nose of the car help to give it even more presence, too.

Round the back, you’ve got the Qashqai name spelled out loud and proud, while the design of the headlamps is mirrored in the tail-lights. It’s a really great design and helps the Qashqai to stand out.

32 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Power

The turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol produces 156bhp and 260Nm of torque.

THE KNOWLEDGE Nissan Qashqai Tekna+

Price (as tested): £35,420 Engine: 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol Power: 156bhp Torque: 260Nm Max speed: 128mph O-60mph: 9.3 seconds MPG (combined): 43.6 Emissions: 146g/km CO2

TARGET BUYERS:

Those who want a reliable, practical and spacious crossover.

THE RIVALS:

Volkswagen Tiguan Kia Sportage Seat Ateca

KEY SELLING POINTS: Styling The all-new design offers futuristic split-style headlights that really help the Qashqai to stand out.

Cabin The interior uses high-quality materials and is practical with plenty of storage areas.

1. High level of standard equipment.

2. Efficient engine.

3. Updated looks.

DEAL CLINCHER:

The Qashqai had a tough job on its hands, but this new version has more than lived up to the reputation of its predecessor.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? Nissan has gone to town with the cabin of the new one. There’s a broader use of highquality materials and leather-stitched panels, although this is still contrasted by some slightly harsher plastics around the gearstick and cupholders.

But practicality is the name of the game and it’s where the Qashqai excels. There are loads of cubbies and storage areas, while the rear seats – which offer plenty of legroom – get plenty of storage too. When it comes to boot space, the Qashqai does even better than before thanks to its 504-litre load area – some 50 litres more than previously. It’s also got a clever split-loading design, which can be flipped over to reveal a scratch-resistant, hardwearing surface ideal for when you’re transporting wet or muddy items.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Entry-level cars – priced from £23,545 – bring automatic headlights and a host of safety assistance features as well as intelligent cruise control and rear traffic cross alert.

Our car, in range-topping Tekna+ trim and priced from £34,175, adds a nine-inch central infotainment system plus 12.3-inch digital cockpit, which both elevate the feeling of technology, but we wish the mapping were a little more detailed and that the dials had slightly more up-to-date graphics. Elsewhere, you’ve got part-quilted seats with massage function and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? What Car? said: ‘The latest Qashqai is a strong contender in the family SUV class.’

It’s better looking, better finished inside and better to drive than before.

WHAT DO WE THINK? The new Qashqai really has moved the game on. It might’ve been easy to make small tweaks here and there and keep it much the same, but Nissan has taken the plunge and made some definite changes that really help to elevate it to new heights. It’s better looking, better finished inside and better to drive than before – factors that will only help to ensure that the Qashqai remains as popular as ever.

Despite the crossover segment being more populated than ever, these changes have ensured that the Qashqai can still run with the pack.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 33

FORECOURT

Power

Our test car had the 2.5-litre petrol unit making 300bhp and 422Nm. 0-60mph takes 7.5 seconds.

GENESIS GV80 THE KNOWLEDGE Genesis GV80 Premium Line Price: £54,000 Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol Power: 300bhp Torque: 422Nm Max speed: 147mph O-60mph: 7.5 seconds MPG (combined): 30.5-31.4 Emissions: 288g/km CO2

34 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

The Genesis brand is new to Europe and its GV80 SUV has impressed. Darren Cassey goes behind the wheel...

WHAT IS IT? In the world of premium cars, SUVs are big business, and the big German three of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz dominate sales. Now there’s a newcomer looking to break into that trio: Genesis. The brand has actually been around since 2015 when it launched in its home market of South Korea. It’s now set its sights on Europe with the G80 saloon and the GV80 SUV. WHAT’S NEW? This is a huge SUV that gets the brand’s new ‘Athletic Elegance’ design language, which will be used for all its SUVs. New active noise cancellation technology has been introduced to provide a more serene driving experience, there are petrol and diesel engine choices, a four-wheel-drive system and advanced driver assistance technology that has contributed to a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The petrol engine is a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder unit making 300bhp and 422Nm of torque. It has a 0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds, returns up to 31.4mpg and registers CO2 emissions up to 288g/km. The diesel, meanwhile, is a 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder unit making 274bhp and 588Nm of torque, with a 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds, fuel economy of up to 33.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 231g/km. Both are only offered with all-wheel drive and an eightspeed automatic.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The first thing that hits you when you climb aboard the GV80 is just how big it is. You sit incredibly high and can see the bonnet stretching out ahead of you, which can make it quite intimidating on smaller UK roads.

But once you’re tuned into its size it’s an incredibly comfortable thing to eat up miles in.

It’s definitely happier on more wide open roads, where the comfort-focused suspension can work its magic and make even British roads feel carpet-smooth.

Clever tech can prepare the suspension for potholes and harsher bumps, so despite its size it would also be a comfortable companion for an urban commute. The flip side of this is that it doesn’t like to be thrown into a corner, but nothing about its character compels you to do so anyway.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? Its size means it doesn’t look like it’s being swallowed by its own grille, instead having an imposing presence, with the twin headlight design working well to give it a blocky appearance. It’s a similar story at the back, where the subtle wedge above and below the rear lights blends better into its surroundings than on the saloon.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? Genesis has come up with a clean, modern design using an excellent blend of modern technology, touchscreens and physical buttons – the climate controls with digital displays within aluminium dials are great, while the scroll wheel that controls the high-definition infotainment screen is a unique, well-designed bit of kit. It’s comfortable, too, with highquality materials throughout and more space than you could ever ask for.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? There are two trim levels – Premium Line and Luxury Line – with prices starting at £54,000 for both the petrol five-seater and diesel. You pay an extra £500 for a seven-seater and £5,600 to upgrade to the Luxury Line.

Standard equipment includes extensive safety kit, LED headlights and taillights, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a 14.5-inch main infotainment screen.

Upgrading to Luxury Line adds 22-inch alloy wheels, quilted leather seats, real wood trim, heated steering wheel and rear air conditioning.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? What Car? said ‘you do get a fair amount of goodies for your money’, but Top Gear bemoaned its ‘unimpressive performance/economy balance’.

WHAT DO WE THINK? On first impressions, Genesis’s first foray into the European market appears to be more impressive than others that have tried. The GV80 looks great, has a lovely cabin and is great to drive. What’s more, the impressive five-year aftercare package will be mightily appealing to buyers in this segment who’d expect to pay a premium for such a service from some rivals. Only time will tell if it’s successful, but its starting point is a strong one.

TARGET BUYERS:

Genesis is targeting those who want the premium German brand experience for a lower price.

THE RIVALS:

Audi Q7 Mercedes-Benz GLE Volvo XC90

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Stylish, imposing looks.

2. High-tech and spacious cabin.

3. Enticing ownership experience.

DEAL CLINCHER:

Looks great, plenty of technology, and an enticing ownership prospect that won’t break the bank.

Inside The cabin has a clean, modern design with a wonderful blend of new technology and use of highquality materials throughout.

Style The GV80 has an imposing presence with enough design touches to let it stand out.

It’s definitely happier on more wide open roads, where the comfort-focused suspension can work its magic.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 35

FORECOURT

Power

SKODA ENYAQ iV

The 77kWh battery is linked to a single 150kW motor that drives the back wheels.

The Enyaq iV might not be the firm’s first electric car but it’s certainly one of the most important.

Jack Evans finds out what it’s like.

THE KNOWLEDGE Skoda Enyaq iV 80 EcoSuite Price (as tested): £47,085 Engine: 77kWh battery linked to 150kW motor Power: 201bhp Torque: 310Nm Max speed: 99mph O-60mph: 8.0 seconds Range: 332 miles Emissions: N/A

WHAT IS IT? Although Skoda has offered its compact Citigo-e for some time, it hasn’t yet built a longdistance, premium-feeling EV – until now, that is. The Enyaq iV signifies a new phase for the Czech firm and brings a genuinely next-level platform that it hopes will ensure it remains competitive in this ever-expanding market.

WHAT’S NEW? Volkswagen Group’s dedicated electric MEB platform allows the Enyaq to be offered with a variety of battery options and – as a result – different ranges. Inside, the platform allows for a spacious cabin and well-sized boot – there’s 585 litres of storage space, in fact, rising to 1,710 litres when you fold the seats down.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Our particular Enyaq iV came in ‘80’ specification, which brings the largest battery available and therefore the longest range. A 77kWh battery is linked to a single 150kW motor driving the rear wheels, and Skoda claims the combination will return up to 332 miles from a single charge. As standard, the Enyaq can accept a charge at speeds of up to 50kW, though our car benefited from an optional 125kW charging speed – a must-have feature for £440. With it, a rapid charge from 10 to 80 per cent takes just 38 minutes. When connected to a standard 7.4kWh home wallbox, a full charge from empty will take around 13 hours.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? One of the key reasons why the Enyaq iV drives so successfully is that it largely feels like any regular car. For pottering around at medium speeds the Enyaq feels normal. Gather a little extra speed, though, and the car’s weight does make itself known. The steering is far heavier than we’d have expected, too, but this gives the car a planted feel.

At motorway speeds it’s quiet and refined and doesn’t run out of puff either, so overtaking is a breeze. If it were our car, though, we’d go for a smaller wheel size than the 21-inch alloys on the test-drive model, as it really helps to soften the worst of the bumps.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? The design of the Enyaq iV ties in with the rest of the Skoda range. As a result, we’ve got a car that doesn’t scream to make its presence known but trades on smart touches and a great

36 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

attention to detail. It’s a big car, mind you, and far larger in the metal than it appears in images. That gives the Enyaq a fair degree of presence without the need for showy styling touches. The front grille is large and similar to the one on the latest Octavia, while at the back there’s the Skoda name emblazoned on the boot in bold letters. It’s a smart look and – to our eyes at least – one of the more attractive yet down-to-earth EVs we’ve seen so far.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? As with all other Skoda models, the Enyaq really majors on practicality and userfriendliness. It’s why there are deep door bins and loads of cubbies for your odds and ends, while the lack of any transmission tunnel frees up space for those in the back. The seats are broad and comfortable, and physical controls remain present.

The material quality is good, too, while a variety of LED lights give the cabin a futuristic look during the night.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Value for money lies at the forefront of the Enyaq’s list of priorities. It’s why even entry-level cars boast 19-inch wheels and a 13-inch infotainment display, alongside keyless entry and dual-zone climate control.

Our ‘80’ car had an increased level of kit, with highlights including a heated steering wheel that incorporates paddles allowing you to adjust how much regeneration you get. It’s a really useful feature and one well worth having.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK? Auto Express said: ‘The Enyaq is an excellent EV, offering the space, practicality and refinement Skoda has become known for, but with some big tech advances too.’

WHAT DO WE THINK? The Enyaq feels like one of those electric cars that could quite easily slot into the space left by a conventional petrol or diesel car. This ‘80’ version, with more than 300 miles of range, should put to bed any real fears around range anxiety, while the ability to charge at super-quick speeds means that top-ups needn’t take an age. Sure, there might be flashier EVs around, but if you’re thinking of switching to electric and want a car that won’t feel completely alien, then the Enyaq is for you.

Inside The Enyaq’s interior is both practical and user-friendly with plenty of storage. The build quality is good, too.

The looks To our eyes, it’s one of the bestlooking SUVs we’ve seen so far.

Overleaf: We drive 620 miles in Skoda’s Enyaq ... in a day!

TARGET BUYERS:

People who want a large and spacious EV with room for the family.

THE RIVALS:

Volkswagen ID.4 Audi Q4 e-tron Mercedes EQA

KEY SELLING POINTS: 1. Well-made interior.

2. Large boot.

3. Excellent range.

DEAL CLINCHER:

With more than 300 miles of range, it should put to bed any real fears around range anxiety.

The Enyaq iV feels like an EV that would slot into everyday life without a worry, thanks to its decent range and well-made interior.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 37

Start – Inverness

FEATURE

Aviemore

SCOTLAND

Dalwhinnie

Pitlochry Dunblane Charge 1

Glasgow

GET READY, GET SET

38 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

S

Manchester Knutsford Charge 3

E L

W

e kick things off during a misty morning a few miles outside of Inverness and a bright red Enyaq iV 80 stands waiting to get going. This is the 77kWh battery version – a smaller battery is also available – and has a claimed range of 332 miles. That should, theoretically, mean a two-stop trip. But as we all know, theory and practice are two very different things.

Skoda wasn’t able to completely charge the Enyaq prior to departure, but even so, a range of 270-ish miles shows on the car’s futuristic screen. Putting my home address into the navigation causes it to calculate not only the distance but the available charging locations.

Under normal circumstances – and in a ‘normal’ car – the journey should take around 10 hours, but factoring in time to stop and charge while also taking pictures for the feature means I’m already looking at quite a lot of seat time with the Enyaq.

I head out and try to just relax into the journey. It can be all too easy to get hell-bent on range with an electric car, and from previous experience I’ve found it far more calming to just crack on and treat it like any other car.

Very quickly, though, I spot a problem and it’s got nothing to do with the car or infrastructure but the route. You see, there’s a common conundrum with EVs: do you take the shortest route via motorways and blitz through your range or go slightly off the main route and retain some extra battery? I opt for the latter and turn off the A9 to womble along the tourist route. Not only is it nicer for pictures but it’s a more pleasant drive in general.

Cascading down through places such as Aviemore and Dalwhinnie does little to dent the Enyaq’s range, and even though at some points I can see the A9 flanking me, I think that elongating the car’s charge is a worthwhile trade-off.

I pass through Pitlochry with its tables packed with walkers and holidaymakers and begin to really enjoy the journey. As I’m sure is the case with many people, I’ve been largely confined to a 30-mile radius of my own home for some time, so to be out and about feels fantastic – even if I’ve still got 526 miles left to go.

Soon I’m passing through Dunblane – a mere 137 miles into my journey – and notice that there’s a 50kW charger at the town’s Hilton. The 50kW is the bread-and-butter of EV driving now; a lower-powered 7kW charger might be fine for an overnight stay, but it’s next to useless for my needs as it simply doesn’t add charge quick enough. In truth, this is more of a ‘comfort’ charge as I’ve still got plenty of range and could crack on. But after nearly three hours on the road, I stop, have a little walk, and give the car a 24-minute charge, delivering 18.6kWh for the princely sum of £4.64. I connect via the BP Pulse app, which works with zero hassle. So far, no drama.

I’ve now got enough charge to carry on to the superfast Ionity chargers at Gretna Green

Liverpool

A

Tackling 620 miles is tricky at the best of times, but what about when you’re reliant on a plug? Jack Evans takes up the challenge and drives a Skoda Enyaq iV from the north of Scotland to the south coast.

W

CHA-A-RGE!

Gretna Green Charge 2

ENGLAN Oxford Winchester Charge 4 Home

I pass through Pitlochry with its tables packed with walkers and holidaymakers and begin to really enjoy the journey.

Inverness – All 620 miles mapped out ahead

Gretna Green – The Ionity chargers deliver big on speed but at a cost

D

some 100 miles away. It’s at this point that I can resist the allure of the motorway no longer, so join the M80 at Stirling for the long haul down. I’d started off in reasonable conditions, but soon have to resort to driving with the lights on as the rain is so bad.

Gretna soon hoves into view, and at this point I’m starting to need some juice, so the 350kW chargers are quite welcome. As I arrive, three other cars are already charging but with four connectors this shouldn’t be much of a problem. Until I try to charge, that is...

Plugging in results in an error message saying the charger doesn’t have enough power. I can only assume it’s because the other cars were charging at maximum speed, but it really should be able to cope with the number of cars, right?

One of the vehicles moves off and – wouldn’t you know it? – I can start charging, but there are two failed attempts and, what’s more, each one takes a £67 pre-authorisation from my account. I can understand a few pounds like operators do for petrol, but £67? By the end of my charge, over £200 was out of my account from pre-authorisations. Of course, it went back in – over a week later, I’ll add – but this really isn’t the way it should work, in my view.

O

h, and then there’s the price. At 69p per kWh, the Ionity is one of the most expensive chargers out there. Sure, you get a quick charge, but given the average cost of home energy is around 14p per kWh, it’s quite ridiculous. I left the car on for half an hour – delivering just over 44kWh – and it cost £30.91. To be honest, I drove away feeling a little annoyed. If EV adoption is meant to be promoted, then charging the same as petrol or diesel really ain’t the way to go about it.

I put it behind me and get stuck into the M6. I knew there was a charger in Knutsford – a 50kWh – close to family whom I could see for a short period while I waited. So onwards the Enyaq went, delivering decent range and, in fairness, not depleting all that much battery on the motorway. An electric car is a relaxing way to travel. It’s quiet, comfortable and refined, while the removal of the distant engine noise leaves you to just enjoy the quiet ‘bubble’ around you. Before long, I’ve rattled past Penrith, and it’s when I travel alongside the turnoffs for Kendal that I realise quite how far I’ve yet to go. Thankfully, the motorway gods look upon me and give me a delightfully traffic-free M6 – something I only very infrequently experience – and before I know it I’m bearing down on Knutsford.

The car suggests I stay there for an hour but I ignore it and do a quick charge in order to get home.

The Enyaq has a quick breather

Winchester – One last charge before home…

The charger is handily located outside the Legh Arms and, to my relief, the Tesla parked there moves off almost as soon as I arrive. This charger is operated by Osprey and costs 31p per kWh. I meet up with my family for a soft drink at the pub and end up leaving the car on the charger for just over an hour.

In total, it delivers 49.56kWh for £15.36 and highlights the madness of the Ionity’s cost; for just half an hour’s extra wait, I save around £15 for more energy.

From there, I feel as if I’m on the home stretch. I take the M6 toll road to make things easier and I’m soon skating down the M40 and on to the A34 towards Winchester. Naturally, the bottom of the A34 is closed, so I have to divert here, there and everywhere. At well after midnight, it’s starting to get to that point in a trip where you’d just like to be home.

But one last charge is needed. I could’ve just got there but it would’ve been tight. So I finish with a flourish at a tiny charger outside Winchester. The car suggests I stay there for an hour but I ignore it and do a quick charge in order to get home. Run by Geniepoint – another supplier, I know – the charger delivers just over five kWh in eight minutes and costs £1.87. It’s a minute charge but I’m not in the mood to stand near an empty service station any longer. I get 20 miles of extra range and head home.

So. some 15 hours later, of which 12 were spent driving, I rock up to my front door. Given that the regular time would take over 10 hours – and I stopped with relatives, took photos and generally dawdled along the way – I wouldn’t say it was that bad in terms of time. You could certainly go quicker if you were more sensible with your charges and stopped less.

But what did I learn? Well, you can do long journeys in EVs, certainly. The infrastructure is really getting there, but there definitely needs some pricing regulation put in place, as operators seem to be free at the moment to charge whatever they like. In total, the journey cost £52.87. Yes, I’ll agree that a super-efficient diesel could do the same distance for less money, but I’m taking £15 off the total because if I’d properly researched the price of Ionity, I would’ve stopped for longer and spent less. A trip of 620 miles for £38? I don’t think that sounds bad at all – and as far as long-distance drives go, EVs are well up for the challenge.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 39

IMAGINE REMOVING BIRD D E P O S I T E TC H I N G W I T H

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SUPPLIER OF CAR CARE PRODUCTS AUTOGLYM, LETCHWORTH, ENGLAND

BY APPOINTMENT TO H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES SUPPLIER OF CAR CARE PRODUCTS AUTOGLYM, LETCHWORTH, ENGLAND

NO WET SANDING NO BUFFING MACHINE N O H O LO G R A M S

REFLOW

NO SWIRL MARKS N O P I G TA I L S NO RISK

Reflow is a breakthrough treatment that permanently removes etching marks and dull spots, caused by bird deposits, from car paintwork*.

Developed by Autoglym, Reflow is an innovative solution to one of the most common problems in car care – paintwork damage caused by bird deposits. Reflow is safe, easy to use and requires no specialist tools and takes just 30 minutes to effectively heal vehicle paintwork, leaving a perfect finish once again.

W AT E R A C T I VAT I O N

THERMAL TRANSFER

PA I N T H E A L I N G

Cold water is added to pack to activate, pack is placed on affected area and left for 30 minutes.

Pack heats surface to optimum temperature allowing paintwork to reflow and fill imperfections.

As pack cools, paintwork sets effectively healing affected area, pack is removed − etching disappears.

*Important note: Reflow works best on new or nearly new vehicles, with clear coat, that are up to three years old. If paintwork is aged, Reflow will significantly improve the appearance of the etching but might not remove it completely.

autoglym reflow 40 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

FOCUS ON

Autoglym

autoglym.com

Why Autoglym is the perfect supplier for all of your car preparation needs

W

ith the Car Dealer Power awards approaching, there’s no better time to remind yourselves of the need for decent preparation and presentation of your sales stock in order to win those customer citations that really count.

And with Autoglym, there’s one provider that can take care of your wholesale requirements – the royal warrant holder is unique as a supplier in that it can offer paint protection, valeting and vehicle preparation products, as well as front-of-house retail products.

All of these can be used as part of the ongoing maintenance of a new or used vehicle and can positively enhance the relationship that the customer has with the dealer.

A sales car prepped with Autoglym Professional products, treated with LifeShine and maintained at home by its owner with retail products provided in a LifeShine aftercare bag will retain its shine – and, more importantly, its value.

You can add further to this positive relationship by treating the car when it comes in for a first service, using Autoglym Professional products to complement its existing LifeShine protection.

Autoglym is aware that as we emerge from Covid-19 restrictions, dealers are looking to reduce the number of visitors they have on site and let their sales teams get on with the selling.

Our teams are able to converse on all things Autoglym, minimising the number of suppliers coming in, but very much keeping the valeting teams, aftersales and parts managers happy with products that drive value, generate revenue and boost customer satisfaction.

All this has led to Autoglym being voted Cleaning Product of the Year in the Car Dealer Power awards for the past five years.

Paul Caller, Autoglym’s chief executive, said: ‘We are delighted to have seen this continued seal of approval from the very customers who use our products and services through the Car Dealer Power awards, which are unique in the industry as they are voted for by the very people who use the services and products we supply on a day-to-day basis. It’s all the proof you need that Autoglym is here for both you and your customers, no matter how challenging the prevailing market conditions, and we want to thank our loyal customers for their continued support over the past difficult year.’

We are delighted to have seen this continued seal of approval from the very customers who use our products and services through the Car Dealer Power awards.

Paul Caller

To find out more or to place an order, go to autoglym.com or call 01462 677766 | email enquiries@autoglym.com CarDealerMag.co.uk | 41

FEEDBACK TOP TWEETS

Although it wasn’t meant to be, car dealers were still showing their support for the England team before and after the Euro 2020 final.

Smallbone & Son Cars @smallbone_cars

We’ve made front-page news in the Daily Mirror today with our link to England superstar Jack Grealish’s road to success! Good luck in the Euros, Jack.

Vanarama @Vanarama

Clean your vans up. Get back out there, we go again.

Roll on the #WorldCup2022 Guess what?… #ItsComingHome

Ringways Motor Group @Ringways No matter what the outcome is, today will go down in England football history! We hope you all have a great night watching the match. #ItsComingHome

Your comments via email to editorial@blackballmedia.co.uk

The best and worst professions to sell to A lot depends on location. For example, we are close to a town centre. Major hospital is a 15-minute walk away, one university is 15 mins walk, second university is about 20 mins walk, big shopping mall 15 mins walk. We also have a police station not far away (mind you, after a number of bad experiences I don’t encourage their custom!).

We offer sales and service/MOT. Huge number of repeat customers on the workshop side. Large proportion of walk-ups on sales. Can sneak into unis and hospital with a handful of postcard-sized ads and pin them to the staff notice boards – it’s free and surprisingly effective.

Halfpenny They [the police] really are not pleasant to sell cars to. Terrible customers. Had a few problems that have ended up being linked to that profession.

Rory RSC

PICTURE OF THE MONTH

MEET Simba – rescued from a Ford Fiesta in Stockton-on-Tees! He got spooked by a storm and sheltered in its chassis but while there the car’s owner went on a shopping trip. A passer-by heard the scared kitten’s meows in the car park and found the owner via social media, who got her brother to help extricate it and called the RSPCA, which is caring for it.

Tell me about it!

We had one (motorbike copper) come to look at an Audi A4. Agreed to buy it. He came back three days later to collect it. No drama at this point.

Next day, he turns up on his police bike claiming that when he first looked at the car and agreed to buy it, it had new Continentals all round. But when he checked after getting home they were ‘old’ tyres – accused us of swapping them! Obvious BS but he argued very aggressively for about an hour.

Another one last year bought a 2012 3-Series for his wife. Came back after six months because it had developed the classic F30 steering knock. I offered to repair it free of charge there and then – lift home for him, valet and deliver the car back. He was very aggressive – wanting a full refund on the vehicle, saying he and his mates would be ‘looking out for us’.

I did think about making a formal complaint but decided against it in the end.

Yet when we had our security gates broken open, attempted theft of a Focus ST – all on HD CCTV with a registration captured – we couldn’t even get any of them to look at the video. Bloody shambles!

Halfpenny

Up there with teachers and dreadful ‘no issue, drives lovely’ part-exes. The last one was an Insignia owned by a husband-and-wife pair of coppers that had no windscreen wipers.... Yes, they stole the wipers during the deal. I ask you, how cheap can you get?

Frank Cannon Our customers from the NHS and the two universities are mostly pretty decent. We try to retain them by giving a discount on service on production of a staff card. We get lots of recommendations and also try to accommodate shift patterns (seems that some NHS staff work 12-hour shifts so they want to drop off early and pick up late, or vice versa).

Halfpenny

More and more of our readers are joining the debate – and it couldn’t be 42 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Our website at CarDealerMag.co.uk

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Forum: CarDealerMagazine.co.uk/forum

CAMPERS

Which are the best finance companies?

Looking to start the process of becoming FCA-registered pretty soon as we are moving to selling new campers. I have five new T6.1s due to land this year and will be ordering 20 vans for 2022 to be drip-fed to us from VW throughout the year. My question is, which finance companies are worth working with and which are the ones to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

MrC

campers. They also have their own lending arm. But brokers do take longer to deal with.

I much prefer the main finance companies, as speed is my aim. Campers maybe different though and the speed may not be a thing that’s top of the list.

Close reps or Blue reps usually help out with the FCA application too if you ask them nicely.

David Horgan

MotoNovo are good for campers and then you will want a good broker alongside them.

Rory RSC

Sounds brilliant, Mr C .Can we have an update on how you are doing? You surely can’t do 20 of your wonderful conversions on your own!

Trade vet

MotoNovo, Blue Motor Finance, Close Brothers.

All do campers, make quick decisions, pay commission and have a great e-click system.

I did three deals on Saturday, one with Blue, two with MotoNovo. Took five minutes from start to accept, then five minutes e-click and payout email 30 seconds later on each.

Brokers are useful too as Rory says.

Connected Car Finance will work with

We’ve teamed up with Car Sales Memes to bring you a few of their funniest captions and slogans each month. Enjoy!

I’m not on my own any more, there are three of us now. 2020 and 2021 have been crazy busy for obvious reasons. It’s been very hard work, and stress levels have been high. Our biggest challenge has been the supply chain.

It’s been really hit and miss. Most customers have been fabulous and understanding but we’ve had one or two impatient ones.

MrC

Is it quiet or is it just me? What’s going on?

Things are going slow for us in north-west Manchester. How’s everyone else doing?

TM1989 I’m not dealing nowadays and only want a couple of days of dent work a week, but there appears to be a bit of a slowdown in calls from dealers although more from private. My other business of windscreen repair equipment supplies seems to be faring well, with guys in the trade wanting to upsell the service, although sales into Europe have stalled.

Screenman Looking at how we’re doing and other dealers locally, it seems there is still good demand for one-to-four-year-old vehicles with

sensible miles and SUVs. Also, we had an MX5 and a GT86 that both went very quickly.

City and first cars are struggling now. I gather driving tests are massively backlogged, choking off new-driver demand.

Halfpenny This time last year we were smashing it but this time round we’re so quiet it’s unbelievable. Currently got 20 decent cars which aren’t selling. We’re the cheapest on Auto Trader, so God knows what’s going on!

TM1989 We currently have a sportsfest going on with Wimbledon, football, etc. Therefore the public’s minds may be elsewhere right now.

Trade Survivor

easier to get involved! Sign up to our forum at CarDealerMagazine.co.uk/forum

Search for Car Sales Memes on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give them a follow!

Car Dealer reserves the right to edit comments CarDealerMag.co.uk | 43

DASHBOARD

SUPPLIER NEWS

A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE COUNTRY IVENDI

Online vehicle ordering enhanced in update

ENHANCED online vehicle ordering has been introduced by iVendi as part of a new product update.

The Online Orders function lets visitors to a dealer or other retailer website to build their own order including part-exchange and payment options such as finance or cash, alongside products and services such as warranties. CEO James Tew said: ‘In a sense, Online Orders is the Buy It Now button of the digital motor retail world.’

LAWGISTICS

Lauren goes from post girl to published author A TEENAGER who works part-time for Lawgistics bagged herself a publishing deal after writing her first novel during lockdown.

Lauren Vinn, 18, started there on an after-school basis in 2018, dealing with filing and outgoing post. She embarked on magical coming-of-age story ‘he was the sun’ in November 2020 after being sent home from school to ‘isolate for the billionth time’. Word spread about it and a radio interview was followed by an approach by Leschenault Press for a three-book Myst Saga deal.

NEW ROLE

Lee becomes first RAC client boss at Assurant

LEE Coomber has been appointed to the new role of RAC client director at Assurant, which partners with it in the warranty and aftersales sector.

He will be responsible for relationships with independent dealers across the 1,300-strong RAC Dealer Network, helping them to maximise revenue opportunities.

Coomber said: ‘The partnership between Assurant and the RAC is, in my opinion, the most forward-facing force in the UK warranty sector.’

44 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

HEYCAR

We only have a small window of time to make a first impression and it can be easy to forget that first impressions can have a huge impact.

Richard Pygott p55

STARTLINE

Dealers given cash aid in face of supply crisis

Rise in remote working drives academy launch

HEYCAR is throwing dealers a cash lifeline as they face widespread stock shortages.

The online car marketplace’s Trade Up initiative will give them an extra £250 for a part-ex relisted during July, which it says will let them close a deal, protect their margins or lower acquisition costs.

It follows latest research from the company that shows users looking to spend on average £13,000 on top of their part-exchange car.

A NEW and comprehensive education and training initiative is being launched at Startline Motor Finance this month as a response to the rapid growth of remote working over the past year.

Startline Academy is designed to maintain an engaged, resilient and well-trained workforce that can deliver great outcomes for motor finance customers, introducers such as dealers, and the wider community, CEO Paul Burgess said.

together Let’s do more

Part of the drive to reach your goals, we’re a partner to grow your business and help you thrive.

Finance

Compliance

Funding

Insight

Delivering finance solutions for your customers

Navigating regulation and compliance changes to keep you safe

Providing access to the funding you need

Sharing data and information to help you make decisions

Giving you more, so you can do more.

We’re stronger together. closemotorfinance.co.uk/together

Finance Compliance Funding Insight CarDealerMag.co.uk | 45

RIMACNE NE FEATURE

Rimac’s latest fully electric supercar is packed with performance. It joins others that are already using plug-in power for extra boost or which are on the way, reports Jack Evans.

Rimac Nevera

Named after the Croatian term for an unexpected storm in the Mediterranean, this is a totally electric car with 1,887bhp and 2,360Nm of torque.

All of this means a 0-60mph time of just 1.85 seconds and a top speed of 258mph.

It’ll even manage the quarter-mile sprint in 8.4 seconds.

Rimac recently announced that it would be taking over Bugatti in a deal reported to be worth millions of euros, creating a new ‘BugattiRimac’ joint venture in the process.

It’ll allow Rimac to continue creating its next-generation electric cars while using Bugatti’s extensive technical knowledge.

Pininfarina Battista

Revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Pininfarina Battista is one serious electric car.

Billed as a ‘hyper GT’, it has four electric motors and kicks out 1,874bhp and 2,300Nm of torque.

Flat out, it’ll do 217mph, but it’s the lower-down acceleration where things are really impressive.

Zero to 60mph will take less than two seconds, while zero to 186mph will be dispatched in under 12 seconds.

46 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Mercedes-AMG Project One

Mercedes has always had a close tie-in between its Formula One and road cars, but the Project One represents the closest yet.

It uses a 1.6-litre petrol-electric engine found in the Mercedes Formula 1 car, with power likely to be in excess of 1,000bhp.

The Project One will manage 217mph, and we’re hoping to see more of it this year.

Ariel P40

You might know Ariel as the Somerset-based firm behind the ultralight Atom and Nomad cars. Well, it’s branching out into EVs and doing so with a bang – the 1,180bhp P40. It’s got four individual motors on each wheel and a turbine range extender that solely adds charge to the battery.

Atom reckons it’ll go from 0-100mph in 3.8 seconds – so it’s pretty brisk.

EVERA 1.85 0-60 mph time in seconds

Lotus Evija

Ariel isn’t the only British-based firm having a stab at an electric supercar – Lotus is in on it too, with its upcoming Evija.

It’ll rival the Nevera for outright punch – with an electric motor on each wheel, it’ll push out 1,972bhp and hit 0-60mph in under three seconds before topping out at 200mph.

However, it’s being limited to 130 units, with each commanding a serious price tag of £1.7m.

Ferrari LaFerrari

The LaFerrari is one of the cars that immediately spring to mind when you think of huge hybrid performance.

It combines an incredibly powerful V12 engine with electric motors and battery to produce more than 900bhp.

At the time, it was one of the most powerful cars of its type.

However, in only a few short years it’s been overshadowed by many others.

A special Aperta version was also launched, bringing the same exciting experience but with the option of lowering the roof.

Porsche 918

Porsche’s 918 hypercar went on sale in 2014 as a cutting-edge example of what the firm could do.

It combined a V8 engine with a pair of electric motors for scintillating performance, completing the 0-60mph sprint in under three seconds.

Today, Porsche’s fully electric Taycan already comes close to the 918’s performance but for significantly less money.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 47

DASHBOARD

BUSINESS NEWS

A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE UK FURLOUGH

PM rules out extending scheme past September

EXTENDING the furlough scheme beyond September has been ruled out by the prime minister.

As of July 1, employers had to pay 10 per cent of their furloughed workers’ salaries, rising to 20 per cent in August. The scheme closes on September 30 but the PM rebuffed a call by the SNP to extend it, saying the UK had the best immunity against the Delta variant.

HOUSING

John Lewis to move into rental sector JOHN Lewis is to build 10,000 flats and houses over the next few years to help address the national housing crisis.

Around 7,000 will be built on sites in its existing portfolio, with the rest on new sites.

The high street stalwart says it wants to have a strong social purpose in the future.

Its first properties will range from studio flats to houses.

The beleaguered company reported a £517m pre-tax loss for the year to January 30.

In March, it said eight stores wouldn’t reopen at the conclusion of lockdown, putting 1,465 jobs at risk, but no stores are being demolished for the new venture.

QUOTES

Lloyds fined £90.7m for misleading customers

GDP

Growth stalls as economy rebounds further THE UK economy rebounded further in May following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions but recorded a slowdown in growth, latest figures show.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) – a measure of economic growth – grew by 0.8 per cent in May, as it slowed from a 2.3 per cent rise in April.

May’s economic growth was largely driven by the services sector, which reported a 0.9 per cent upswing after hospitality, leisure and arts firms were able to reopen.

LLOYDS Banking Group’s insurance division has been fined £90.7m for misleading customers over home insurance renewal quotes.

The Financial Conduct Authority said the bank sent nine million letters to existing customers from 2009 to 2017 claiming renewal quotes were at a ‘competitive price’ but new customers were given lower quotes for the same product.

WE HERE FOR FORYOU YOU WE ARE HERE 48 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

TRADE

Australia deal ‘to be finalised by end of the year’

MORE THAN JUST A

FINANCE COMPANY THE final trade deal with Australia will be fully drafted by the end of the year, international trade secretary Liz Truss has said.

The deal was agreed in principle earlier this year but the legal text is yet to be hammered out. It will remove £124m in tariffs paid by UK exporters each year and £34m for Australian exporters, but it has been criticised by many British farmers who are worried about being undercut by food, especially meat, from Australia.

TALK TO US TODAY. 0115 946 6260 enquiries@frfl.co.uk frfl.co.uk/car

LISTING

Wise £8bn flotation makes history MONEY transfer firm Wise joined the London Stock Exchange in the biggest flotation of the year and the largest tech listing in the stock market’s history.

The company, formerly known as TransferWise, completed its direct listing on July 7 – instead of a traditional initial public offering (IPO) – valuing the business at £7.96bn. Shares traded at 800p a pop and quickly jumped to 825p in early trading with the company saying investor demand was oversubscribed.

just a phone call away.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 49

DASHBOARD

INDUSTRY VIEWS NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM SOME OF OUR CAR DEALER LIVE GUESTS CARWOW

Helping with used cars now as well as new

Christian Erlandson John Veichmanis

Seb Duval

JAMES Batchelor spoke to Carwow and Wizzle bosses after the former announced that it would be snapping up the consumer used car disposal website.

‘We’ve been helping new car buyers buy their next new car for the past six years, but now we want to help with used cars as well,’ Carwow’s chief operating officer, John Veichmanis, explained.

‘So many of our consumers have a car to sell. We want to take the Wizzle technology, all the know-how that Seb [Duval] and his team have built up over the last nine years, and apply that to our traffic advantage that we have in the UK. ‘That should form a brilliant source of used cars for our partners directly. So we connect dealer and customer together and give both of those parties choice about who they sell and buy cars from.’

Tim Smith

AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORT GROUP

Merger will bring about enormous benefits

FOLLOWING the merger of Autofutura and GForces to create Automotive Transformation Group, CEO Christian Erlandson and chief revenue officer Tim Smith spoke about what it heralded.

Erlandson said: ‘Autofutura, like GForces, has been around for over 20 years. For the first 15 years it was focused on proving residual values to the fleet industry, and then it saw the opportunity from the retention side of things.

‘We saw the opportunity of bringing the two companies together – the benefits are enormous when you’re looking at the customer’s online journey and the data side of Autofutura.

‘We’ve been spending most of our time working with financiers and how do they hold on to their customers – it should be a lot easier to hold on to a customer than find a new one.’

Smith said: ‘It’s all about efficiency. There is a lot of expenditure in the sector – on advertising and marketing to find new customers.

‘That’s great, but if you can be really efficient about keeping hold of your customers, if you can market them at the right time with the right offer, you can actually be very efficient in terms of the amount of money that you save.’

He added: ‘There is a massive benefit in joining the companies together.’

BUMPER

Bridging the gap to give choice of payment for repair bills BUMPER recognised the ‘chasm’ between a customer wanting to drive a safe car and being able to afford the repair bills.

‘We recognise everyone wants to drive a safe car, but there’s a reason that they’re not getting work done,’ said Bumper co-founder Jack Allman.

‘For some people that might be convenience, but for lots it relates to affordability and price.

From our point of view, we wanted to step in and provide a way to bridge that gap.

50 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

‘Let’s take a traditional example: someone will have a vehicle health check done, they’ll have had the work priced up, a video will have been recorded and sent to that customer. What we do is integrate our payment options into that delivered video or vehicle health check.

‘The customer can review the work that’s required and can then approve and authorise that online. The key thing is that they can pay for that work but they have a choice of payment as well.’

The latest from our fleet.

Long-termers: p61

Watch our Car Dealer Live broadcasts as they go out or catch up on any that you’ve missed at: cardealermagazine.co.uk/live AUTO TRADER

Dealers losing millions by not using analytics

DEALERS could be missing out on nearly £2m of profit on a typical trading week by not using analytics to correctly price up stock, explained Auto Trader’s Paul Keatley, speaking with Real World Analytics.

‘On June 6, 2021, a sample of 154,000 vehicles from franchise retailers was analysed that were live on Auto Trader, but how many were priced under the marketplace?

10,009. What about those vehicles that had a high retailer rating, a very high desirability score and were hot stock? 2,695 units. Those vehicles were priced at 92.88 per cent when retailers in this marketplace typically transacted at 98.42 per cent.

‘Based on the average retail value of those 2,695 units, which is £12,929, it’s five and a half per cent less than where they typically transact – that’s nearly £2m that’s out there of lost profit.’

T S A C D PO

TOM HARTLEY

Finance firms have made life hard over values CAR prices have continued to soar and Tom Hartley – the eponymous owner of the Swadlincotebased performance car dealership – talked about the incredible price rises for supercars.

‘Even with the lower-end cars – the bread-and-butter cars – there’s at least a 10 per cent increase in prices.

‘The supply and availability of these cars is very, very short. I don’t think I’ve ever known it shorter,’ he said.

‘There’s a marketplace and there’s us and we have enough contacts to assess prices ourselves,’ he added.

‘I grew up reading Glass’s Guide instead of the Beano. When I was 11 years old, other kids were reading Beano and Dandy, but I was reading Glass’s Guide. That’s what I did. ‘[Price guides] can’t even keep up with these prices now.’

Hartley said finance companies had also made his life difficult over the past 12 months as they had taken an overly cautious approach to future values.

‘Finance companies in the last 12 months to date are not operating in the way they used to operate. Getting finance is more difficult as they’re being more particular.’

THE TEAM FROM CAR DEALER TALK ABOUT THE LATEST NEWS AND INTERVIEWS IN THIS REGULAR PODCAST E

TO LISTEN TO PAST EPISODES OF THE CAR DEALER PODCASTS CLICK HER

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 51

DASHBOARD

FINANCE NEWS POLICIES

Car insurance premiums fall by 8.4 per cent annually

by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk

C

ar insurance premiums have plummeted by 8.4 per cent annually, with the average policy costing £779, according to latest analysis.

Premiums are on a downward trend generally across all age groups, data consultancy Consumer Intelligence said.

It revealed that motorists aged 25 to 49 had seen a 2.1 per cent fall in premiums over the past three months, while over-50s and under-25s had seen decreases of 1.5 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.

The average cost of car insurance for under-25s is now £1,735.

For the 25-to-49-year-old age bracket, the average cost is £586, and for over-50s an annual policy typically costs £345.

Looking at reasons for the downward trend, Consumer Intelligence said there had been an increase in telematics quotes. Telematics policies can help drivers access cheaper policies by rewarding them for good driving habits.

While they are often used by younger drivers, the availability of telematics products for older age groups has also increased, according to the research.

With the coronavirus lockdowns resulting in fewer cars on the roads, insurers benefited from a quiet year of motor claims in 2020 and had been able to pass savings on to customers, the report said.

It added that some brands were also pricing competitively ahead of Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rule changes that come into force from January 1, 2022.

The new rules will mean renewal quotes for customers aren’t more expensive than they would be for new customers.

Prices have fallen by 18.2 per cent from September 2017’s pricing peak and are now around levels last seen in 2016, Consumer Intelligence said. Drivers in London continue to be the most expensive to insure at £1,456, with the north-west of England following in second place (£994). At the other end of the scale, the south-west is the cheapest region for car insurance at £517, followed closely by Scotland (£524).

HIRE PURCHASE

Average financed used car now older and pricier THE average used car financed

by Startline is now noticeably older and more expensive than near the start of the pandemic.

That’s according to new statistics from the company.

Comparing figures from May 2020 against May 2021, the average price of a used car for which the company has paid out hire purchase finance has grown from £7,837 to £8,699 – a rise of 11 per cent.

Over the same period, the average age of the financed car increased from 35.2 months to 38.2 – up by 8.5 per cent.

CEO Paul Burgess said: ‘These relatively large shifts are indicative of a number of trends that are under way in the used car market generally and as a result of the pandemic directly.

‘Probably the biggest of these is the current used car supply situation, which means that vehicle retailers are having difficulty accessing stock.

‘Prices are rising across models of all types and ages as a result.’

He added there was no sign that the supply situation would improve soon and that this could affect the motor finance market for the rest of 2021.

WE HERE FOR FORYOU YOU WE ARE HERE 52 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

TIME IS MONEY RICHARD PYGOTT

A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING

Always remember what it’s like to be a customer

T

Richard Pygott is digital marketer and LinkedIn outreach specialist for First Response.

Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk (Ben Garside is on annual leave)

he past 16 months have changed all our lives in many ways – how we work, travel and communicate has increased the acceleration of buying habits in the online digital realm.

With the world seemingly changed forever, we need to ensure we’re ready to meet those changes and the challenges they bring to ensure we don’t get left behind or miss any opportunities.

In our industry, where customers are the lifeblood of our business, it may be easy to forget that we too are customers of many different companies, and it can be interesting to observe how we are dealt with and consider if we can learn and implement anything.

I’m an avid motorcyclist and recently bought a new motorbike, which I have enjoyed riding considerably since the lockdown measures eased a few months ago.

My experience of the buying process when purchasing the motorbike will stay with me for a long time, much like the motorbike itself.

The experience of being a customer lasted five days but had a huge impact on my perception of the company, and my experience over that short period of time will more than likely inform my decision on whether I return to buy from them again, or if I recommend them.

I contacted the dealership via email, phone, WhatsApp and the live chat function on their website with questions I had about my purchase. I even considered that I might have started to annoy them with my barrage of questions, but there was no indication of this in any of their responses.

All my questions were answered promptly and with more detail than I asked for!

With the wide range of options that consumers have, we only have a small window of time to make a good impression and it can be easy to forget that first impressions can have a huge impact.

It can be tough, but ensuring you’re equipped to communicate with your customers how they want to communicate with you, and how you respond, could be the difference between whether they purchase from you again or at all.

In this digital age, customers expect more from us in how we communicate with them and expect us to be available however they choose or want to communicate.

It could be worthwhile reviewing how you communicate with your customers and consider your sales process from their perspective – maybe even use your experience as a customer and tailor your business to how you would like to be communicated with.

Let’s not be afraid of these changes and challenges – let’s embrace them and strive for perfection.

My experience of the buying process when purchasing the motorbike will stay with me for a long time, much like the motorbike itself.

just a phone call away.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 53

DATA FILE

STATISTICS

SMMT

SALES DATA

THE LATEST REGISTRATION FIGURES

JUNE/YEAR TO DATE

TOP

CHALLENGES

New car sales down 16.4 per cent on pre-pandemic June

THE CARS SOLD IN JUNE 2021

by James Batchelor james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk

N

ew car registrations fell by more than 16 per cent in June 2021 compared with a prepandemic June, new data shows.

Figures published by the SMMT show that 186,128 cars were registered.

While that was 28 per cent up on June 2020, showrooms had only just reopened then, following the lifting of the first national lockdown restrictions.

Consequently, a more realistic comparison is with an average June before the pandemic – and a 10-year average shows registrations were down by 16.4 per cent.

Moreover, registrations for June 2021 fell short of industry expectations by around 9,000 units, partly because of the ongoing global semiconductor shortage, which limited supply.

As a result, overall registrations for the first half of the year were down 26.8 per cent.

Plug-in vehicles continued to increase their market share, though.

Combined, battery-electric (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for 17.2 per cent of new vehicles hitting the road (31,981 units).

BEVs made up more than one in 10 registrations (10.7 per cent). PHEV uptake, however, continued to grow faster than BEV uptake for the third month running, following reductions to the plug-in car grant in March.

SMMT chief Mike Hawes said: ‘With the final phases of the UK’s vaccine rollout well under way and confidence increasing, the automotive sector is now battling against a “long Covid” of vehicle supply challenges.

‘The semiconductor shortages arising from Covid-constrained output globally are affecting vehicle production, disrupting supply on certain models and restricting the automotive recovery.

‘However, rebuilding for the next decade is now well underway with investment in local battery production beginning and a raft of new electrified models in showrooms.

‘With the end of domestic restrictions later this month looking more likely, business and consumer optimism should improve further, fuelling increased spending.’

Model

Regs

Tesla Model 3

5,468

Volkswagen Golf

4,629

Ford Puma

4,477

Vauxhall Corsa

4,375

Ford Fiesta

3,811

Volkswagen Polo

3,752

Toyota Yaris

3,546

Mini

3,506

BMW 3 Series

3,048

Kia Sportage

2,947

Tesla Model 3 takes a comfortable lead in top 10 of best-selling cars THE Tesla Model 3 jumped to the top of the June sales charts, new data shows.

Latest figures from the SMMT show that 5,468 units were registered.

The pure-electric car comfortably led the top 10 sales chart from the second-placed Volkswagen Golf, which secured 4,629

registrations, and the Ford Puma with 4,477.

Meanwhile, in the year-to-date chart, the Vauxhall Corsa remains in first place with 24,399 cars registered so far, followed by the Ford Fiesta (21,511) and VW Golf (19,608).

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has notched up 19,498 sales, the Ford Puma 18,232 and the Nissan Qashqai 16,482.

In seventh place is the Kia Sportage (16,310), eighth is the VW Polo (15,554), ninth is the BMW 3 Series at 15,402 units, while tenth is the Toyota Yaris (15,124).

Click here to see our top 10 rolling sales chart for June 2020 to June 2021 54 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

Recovery slows down LCV news: p58

-49%

+135%

DACIA

MAZDA

Figures supplied by SMMT

June 2021 Marque

2021

June 2020

% market share

2020

Year-to-date

% market share

% change

2021

% market share

2020

% market share

% change

Abarth

376

0.20

212

0.15

77.36

1,310

0.14

914

0.14

43.33

Alfa Romeo

180

0.10

234

0.16

-23.08

734

0.08

940

0.14

-21.91

25

0.01

16

0.01

56.25

102

0.01

57

0.01

78.95

14,446

7.76

8,099

5.57

78.37

67,842

7.46

40,405

6.18

67.90

80

0.04

102

0.07

-21.57

607

0.07

531

0.08

14.31

BMW

14,227

7.64

10,635

7.32

33.78

65,324

7.18

46,580

7.13

40.24

Citroen

3,248

1.75

2,067

1.42

57.14

16,894

1.86

11,617

1.78

45.42

Cupra

1,062

0.57

0

0.00

0.00

3,158

0.35

0

0.00

0.00

Dacia

1,074

0.58

2,093

1.44

-48.69

6,900

0.76

7,433

1.14

-7.17

189

0.10

153

0.11

23.53

858

0.09

918

0.14

-6.54

Fiat

3,091

1.66

1,818

1.25

70.02

9,680

1.06

8,328

1.27

16.23

Ford

14,234

7.65

13,622

9.37

4.49

74,698

8.21

59,874

9.16

24.76

27

0.01

0

0.00

0.00

27

0.00

0

0.00

0.00

3,205

1.72

1,617

1.11

98.21

12,618

1.39

11,439

1.75

10.31

Alpine Audi Bentley

DS

Genesis Honda Hyundai

7,734

4.16

3,643

2.51

112.30

31,342

3.44

17,701

2.71

77.06

Jaguar

2,369

1.27

1,712

1.18

38.38

11,854

1.30

10,551

1.61

12.35

458

0.25

437

0.30

4.81

2,111

0.23

1,532

0.23

37.79

Jeep Kia

9,176

4.93

5,501

3.78

66.81

45,277

4.98

28,970

4.43

56.29

Land Rover

3,797

2.04

4,691

3.23

-19.06

36,216

3.98

25,624

3.92

41.34

Lexus

1,527

0.82

1,359

0.93

12.36

7,161

0.79

5,971

0.91

19.93

Maserati

69

0.04

50

0.03

38.00

337

0.04

239

0.04

41.00

Mazda

3,447

1.85

1,464

1.01

135.45

13,603

1.49

8,746

1.34

55.53

Mercedes-Benz

8,984

4.83

9,569

6.58

-6.11

58,867

6.47

45,683

6.99

28.86

MG

2,834

1.52

2,025

1.39

39.95

13,594

1.49

7,712

1.18

76.27

Mini

5,151

2.77

4,921

3.38

4.67

22,624

2.49

18,276

2.80

23.79

Mitsubishi

1,017

0.55

771

0.53

31.91

4,562

0.50

4,708

0.72

-3.10

Nissan

5,927

3.18

5,884

4.05

0.73

36,688

4.03

30,109

4.61

21.85

Peugeot

6,229

3.35

5,168

3.55

20.53

34,748

3.82

21,450

3.28

62.00

Polestar

163

0.09

0

0.00

0.00

1,642

0.18

0

0.00

0.00

Porsche

772

0.41

1,056

0.73

-26.89

5,836

0.64

4,073

0.62

43.29

Renault

2,940

1.58

4,720

3.25

-37.71

15,712

1.73

15,269

2.34

2.90

Seat

5,668

3.05

4,090

2.81

38.58

26,080

2.87

20,267

3.10

28.68

Skoda

6,737

3.62

5,272

3.63

27.79

32,906

3.62

23,112

3.54

42.38

Smart

138

0.07

146

0.10

-5.48

820

0.09

426

0.07

92.49

SsangYong

151

0.08

159

0.11

-5.03

615

0.07

669

0.10

-8.07

Subaru

215

0.12

44

0.03

388.64

811

0.09

306

0.05

165.03

Suzuki

2,888

1.55

1,431

0.98

101.82

10,770

1.18

7,813

1.20

37.85

Toyota

12,061

6.48

11,709

8.05

3.01

52,156

5.73

39,360

6.02

32.51

Vauxhall

10,129

5.44

9,104

6.26

11.26

53,443

5.87

37,576

5.75

42.23

Volkswagen

19,454

10.45

12,431

8.55

56.50

85,409

9.39

58,933

9.02

44.93

Volvo

4,802

2.58

4,374

3.01

9.79

27,143

2.98

17,698

2.71

53.37

211

0.11

140

0.10

50.71

1,269

0.14

860

0.13

47.56

5,616

3.02

2,838

1.95

97.89

15,625

1.72

10,832

1.66

44.25

186,128

100

145,377

100

28.03

909,973

100

653,502

100

39.25

Other British Other imports Total

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 55

DATA FILE

SHORTAGES

LCV NEWS

Semiconductor supply issue slows recovery

by John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk THE van market’s growth was tempered in June after a bumper recovery in April and May, with 34,363 vans registered, according to the latest SMMT figures.

The month’s performance was down by 13.9 per cent on 2019 – a shortfall of some 5,566 units – as supply shortages, notably of semiconductors, affected production volumes and caused delays in the market. Nevertheless, van registrations were up by 14.4 per cent on Covid-impacted 2020. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: ‘Semiconductor supply issues have extended lead times, but business confidence is growing.’ The Ford Transit Custom was June’s best seller at 4,015 units, followed by the Ford Transit (3,008) and VW Transporter (2,677).

REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LESS THAN 3.5 TONNES Marque

Ford Volkswagen Vauxhall

Figures supplied by SMMT

June 2021

2021

10,060 4,293 3,663

% market share 29.28 12.49 10.66

June 2020

2020

11,203 2,740 2,994

% market share 37.29 9.12 9.97

% change

-10.20 56.68 22.34

2021

Year-to-date

63,179 20,635 19,076

% market share 32.99 10.77 9.96

2020

% change

36,044 10,327 11,015

% market share 33.11 9.49 10.12

75.28 99.82 73.18

Citroen

2,793

8.13

2,846

9.47

-1.86

14,543

7.59

9,054

8.32

60.63

Peugeot Mercedes Renault Nissan Fiat Toyota Iveco Isuzu Land Rover Mitsubishi Maxus Renault Trucks MAN Isuzu Trucks Suzuki SsangYong Fuso LEVC LDV

2,674 2,634 2,405 1,151 1,014 920 570 484 411 279 270 258 222 107 66 62 18 7 2

7.78 7.67 7.00 3.35 2.95 2.68 1.66 1.41 1.20 0.81 0.79 0.75 0.65 0.31 0.19 0.18 0.05 0.02 0.01

2,098 3,155 1,075 1,277 585 736 150 212 157 359 0 117 144 64 0 23 17 0 89

6.98 10.50 3.58 4.25 1.95 2.45 0.50 0.71 0.52 1.20 0.00 0.39 0.48 0.21 0.00 0.08 0.06 0.00 0.30

27.45 -16.51 123.72 -9.87 73.33 25.00 280.00 128.30 161.78 -22.28 0.00 120.51 54.17 67.19 0.00 169.57 5.88 0.00 -97.75

15,599 15,139 9,544 7,627 4,961 7,312 2,250 2,023 2,056 2,742 774 1,250 1,642 568 66 251 126 80 70

8.15 7.90 4.98 3.98 2.59 3.82 1.17 1.06 1.07 1.43 0.40 0.65 0.86 0.30 0.03 0.13 0.07 0.04 0.04

10,008 11,171 3,780 4,321 2,681 3,203 1,116 1,566 561 1,917 0 512 607 390 0 149 79 0 375

9.19 10.26 3.47 3.97 2.46 2.94 1.03 1.44 0.52 1.76 0.00 0.47 0.56 0.36 0.00 0.14 0.07 0.00 0.34

55.87 35.52 152.49 76.51 85.04 128.29 101.61 29.18 266.49 43.04 0.00 144.14 170.51 45.64 0.00 68.46 59.49 0.00 -81.33

Total light CV

34,363

100.00

30,041

100.00

14.39

191,513

100.00

108,876

REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 3.5 TONNES TO 6.0 TONNES Marque

Fiat Peugeot Mercedes Ford Renault Trucks Volkswagen Iveco Citroen MAN Isuzu Trucks Renault Vauxhall Other imports Total heavy CV

June 2021

2021

181 161 134 92 15 12 12 9 6 3 1 1 0 627

56 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

% market share

28.87 25.68 21.37 14.67 2.39 1.91 1.91 1.44 0.96 0.48 0.16 0.16 0.00 100.00

June 2020

2020

87 43 63 60 0 8 24 1 1 0 3 1 0 291

% market share

% change

29.90 14.78 21.65 20.62 0.00 2.75 8.25 0.34 0.34 0.00 1.03 0.34 0.00 100.00

108.05 274.42 112.70 53.33 0.00 50.00 -50.00 800.00 500.00 0.00 -66.67 0.00 0.00 115.46

2021

866 570 721 408 80 145 138 34 65 10 4 3 17 3,061

28.29 18.62 23.55 13.33 2.61 4.74 4.51 1.11 2.12 0.33 0.13 0.10 0.56 100.00

75.90

Figures supplied by SMMT

Year-to-date

% market share

100.00

2020

550 530 694 498 0 64 87 86 25 2 6 4 10 2,556

% market share

% change

21.52 20.74 27.15 19.48 0.00 2.50 3.40 3.36 0.98 0.08 0.23 0.16 0.39 100.00

57.45 7.55 3.89 -18.07 0.00 126.56 58.62 -60.47 160.00 400.00 -33.33 -25.00 70.00 19.76

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 57

Whatever’s next, let’s do it together When the world changes quickly, it can feel hard to know what your next move is. That’s why our Account Managers take the time to really understand your business. With their knowledge of customer service and innovative solutions, they can help you simplify finance and keep your business moving forward.

Get up-to-date business support at blackhorse.co.uk/dealer/home/resource-hub 58 | CarDealerMag.co.uk

FEATURE.

THE LATEST COOL PRODUCTS TO HIT THE MARKET

The summer is racing along but we’ve still got plenty of longer evenings and brighter days to enjoy (in between the rain), which is why this month’s list has a distinctly outdoorsy flavour.

NIU KQi3 electric scooter

£339

The electric scooter is heralded by many as the future of urban transportation, which is why we’ve seen plenty of trial runs in the UK’s cities and towns. NIU’s KQi3 is one of the latest to hit the market, accompanied by a £339 price tag.

With a top speed of 15.5mph, this scooter can travel for up to 18.6 miles on a full charge. However, be aware that under current legislation, privately owned electric scooters can only be used on private land.

Breadvan – A Ferrari to beat the GTO

£45

It’s hard to beat a good book, right? ‘Breadvan – A Ferrari to beat the GTO’ has just hit the shelves and tells the exciting tale of chassis number 2819 GT and how this ‘breadvan’ was created by its owner to take Ferrari on at its own game.

With 224 pages incorporating plenty of period photographs, this is a book to really enjoy.

Lotus-Leger Cycling Kit

Outlierman helmet and weekend bags

Ducati MG-20 electric bicycle

The worlds of cycling and motoring often come together. Lotus has some form in this area, in fact, having helped to develop the bicycle that took Chris Boardman to Olympic gold in 1992. Now it has teamed up with Los Angeles-based clothing company Leger – which was founded by one Jenson Button – to create a dedicated range of cycle clothing. We’ve yet to find out how much it’ll cost, but expect to see prices out shortly.

Italy-based clothing and bag creator Outlierman has added new products to its tip-top ‘Tailor-Made Lab’ service, allowing buyers to create their own helmet and weekend bags.

The service lets you choose from 49 types of leather to create luggage particular to you, all of it hand-made in Italy. The price varies depending on the specification, too.

E-bikes are a great way of allowing people to enjoy the outdoors easily.

Ducati knows a thing or two about two-wheeled transportation, which is why its latest MG-20 packs some impressive features – including an entirely magnesium-made frame. It’ll travel up to 31 miles on a full charge, too. The MG-20 will be hitting the market from July at a cost of €1,599 (circa £1,367).

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 59

DATA FILE

SUPPLIERS GUIDE

LOOKING FOR A MOTOR TRADE SUPPLIER? YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales

Finance

Lead Management

Trade Bodies

Warranty Providers

BCA

Forza Finance

iVendi

Ben

Momentum Warranties

Automotive Ecommerce

HR & People Management

Legal & Compliance

Vehicle Photography

Warranty Providers

GForces

HR Manager

Lawgistics

Dealer 360

Warranty Administration Services

W: bca.co.uk T: 0344 875 3480 E: customerservices@bca.com Info: BCA’s remarketing programmes deliver volume, choice and availability for buyers, and speed, efficiency and market-leading returns for sellers.

W: gforces.co.uk T: 01622 391904 Info: GForces delivers class-leading ecommerce solutions. We work with global vehicle manufacturers, the world’s largest dealer groups and independent retailers around the planet.

W: forzafinance.co.uk T: 01245 245678 Info: Benefit from Forza Finance’s expertise, choice of products and lenders. Their personal approach will help you achieve higher levels of finance penetration and, ultimately, sell more cars.

W: hrmanager.co.uk T: 01480 455500 E: info@hrmanager.co.uk Info: HR Manager is Lawgistics’ new digital compliance portal designed to assist employers in managing their legal obligations, responsibilities and duties.

W: ivendi.com T: 0330 229 0028 E: tellmemore@ivendi.com Info: iVendi delivers a fully connected platform that engages consumers, converts buyers and manages transactions of vehicles online and in the showroom.

W: lawgistics.co.uk T: 01480 455500 E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk Info: The legal experts for the motor trade, giving advice and support to our industry for over 15 years. Not anti-consumer, just pro-trader.

W: ben.org.uk T: 0808 131 1333 Info: Ben is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their families.

W: dealer360.co.uk T: 01270 780855 E: nicky.spratt@ukturntables.com Info: UK makers of photo booths incorporating our turntables for car, van and motorcycle dealers. Our software controls turntable and cameras – a onestop solution.

W: momentumwarranties.co.uk T: 0330 445 0059 E: support@momentumwarranties.co.uk Info: How long does your warranty company make you wait? We pay claims into your bank within 45 minutes. The most advanced warranty programme in the UK.

W: warrantyadmin.co.uk T: 01522 515600 E: tellmemore@warrantyadmin.co.uk Info: Unlock new profit and aftersales flexibility with Crystal Clear Warranty.

Ideal for franchised dealers, groups and independents.

Data

Insurance

Marketing, PR & Video

Vehicle Tracking

Warranty Providers

Real World Analytics

Tradesure

OnCue Communications

Meta Trak

Warrantywise

Finance

Key Control

Marketing, PR & Video

Warranty Providers

Warranty Providers

Blue Motor Finance

Keytracker

Marketing Delivery

Autoprotect

WMS

W: realworldanalytics.com T: 0808 1890 617 E: auto@realworldanalytics.com Info: We are a SaaS-based data analytics solution provider for multisite dealers. Our business intelligence tools help customers make faster and better decisions.

W: blue.co.uk T: 020 3005 9331 E: dealersupport@blue.co.uk Info: Blue is transforming the car finance market, making car ownership simple and flexible and providing motor traders with access to essential finance.

W: tradesureinsurance.co.uk T: 0121 248 9313 Info: A friendly team in a family-run business, we provide motor trade insurance to full- and part-time motor traders in all areas of the UK.

W: keytracker.com T: 0121 559 9000 E: sales@keytracker.com Info: Established in 1996 and based in the UK, Keytracker Ltd provide an extensive range of key and asset management systems for a wide range of businesses.

W: oncuecomms.com T: 020 8125 3880 Info: We are a leading provider of PR, video and events services to the automotive industry. The PR team has a proven track record of securing high-value, big-impact media coverage.

W: marketingdelivery.co.uk/ T: 01892 599911 E: get.in.touch@marketingdelivery.co.uk Info: Our SocialStock helps target prospects with tailored stock remarketing and social media advertising tools, and automated lead capture for Facebook.

W: metatrak.co.uk T: 020 8867 2340 E: enquiries@metatrak.co.uk Info: Total vehicle security. Clever tracking technology, advanced immobilisation, 24/7 monitoring and an easy-to-use app. Security. Connectivity.

Peace of mind.

W: autoprotect.co.uk

T: 01279 406888 E: sales@autoprotect.net Info: AutoProtect offers a full portfolio of award-winning protection products, including GAP. We lead the market with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.

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LONG-TERMERS

VOLVO XC40

Merlot was more than happy in the back of the XC40

THE KNOWLEDGE

Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T5

Volvo’s latest models remain as accomplished as ever when it comes to dog transport, Ted Welford discovers.

V

olvo has worked miracles over the past decade to truly turn its brand image around.

Not so long ago, it was seen as an ‘old person’s car brand’. But today, with a range of striking-looking upmarket models – and a particular focus on SUVs – that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m 22 and there are several friends my age who now have new Volvos when a decade ago that just wouldn’t have happened.

Although Volvo has improved immeasurably in that time, there are certain aspects that have to remain faithful to what the brand was founded on: practicality and safety – and being rather useful dog-carrying tools.

And it’s the last one that I’ve been putting to the test this month with ‘my’ XC40 Recharge T5, to see if Volvo is still capable of putting a big tick in the practicality box.

With both Merlot the Labrador and myself getting rather sick of the same two walks from home, we’ve been endeavouring to go a bit further afield, so the XC40 was drafted into action. Given how dog-obsessed we’ve all become during the various lockdowns, I also reckon it’s an increasingly important test.

While hardly a Great Dane, Merlot is still a biggish dog who takes up more room than you might expect. It’s not a problem with the XC40 though, thanks to its large 452-litre boot with a flat floor and boxy shape making it easy for her to jump in and out of.

Granted, the quite high load lip might pose a challenge for older pooches, but it’s no such problem here. There are also useful cubby holes in the boot for storing the likes of water bowls and vital treats.

The other advantage here is that despite this XC40 being a plug-in hybrid, the boot remains just as practical as a regular petrol and diesel version – unlike many rivals that have smaller trunks when they become electrified.

It also brought a smile to my face recently when I realised that the colour of KM70 XKO’s leather interior – orange (well, ‘Amber’ in Volvo speak) – is virtually a perfect match to Merlot’s fur, although as I’m a bit of an oddity when it comes to cleanliness, the dog firmly stays in the boot rather than being able to get anywhere close to the leather.

With the majority of our walks still being fairly local (usually 10 miles away or less), it’s also proved to be an ideal match for the ‘electric’ part of the hybrid system, and means that the majority of dog-walking drives have been done purely on electricity. It’s also a really great feeling driving through a quiet, picturesque area knowing you’re adding virtually no emissions.

The other benefit of this electric running is that I’ve barely used a drop of petrol in the 300 miles I’ve done in the XC40 this month, with the fuel gauge only dropping by less than a quarter in that time. It means the combined fuel consumption over the 2,700 miles so far has finally climbed to beyond 50mpg too, which – with a few long petrol-only journeys being the part that has dragged the fuel consumption down – isn’t too bad by my reckoning.

So it’s certainly been a good month for me, Merlot and the Volvo, and far from a dog’s life… Let’s hope it lasts.

Price (as tested): £49,125 Engine: 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid Power: 258bhp Torque: 425Nm 0-60mph: 7.0 seconds Max speed: 112 mph Emissions: 47-57g/km CO2 Fuel economy: 117.7-134.5mpg Mileage: 2,779

This month’s highlight:

Drafting Merlot the dog in to help me put the XC40 through its paces – and finding some more interesting walks. too!

OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING

BMW 420i Mileage: 6,236 We got the opportunity to compare ‘our’ car to its bigger brother, the M4 Competition.

Nissan Juke

Mileage: 7,660 We’re impressing friends with the surprisingly practical and spacious Juke.

CarDealerMag.co.uk | 61

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