ELECTRIC car prices tumbled in May, resulting in increased demand on Auto Trader’s website, according to data.
Overall, used car prices were stable in May 2025 although they did dip slightly with the average price of a vehicle at £16,825, down 0.7%.
In the EV market, consumer demand grew by 31% yearon-year, while prices fell 7.4%. EVs aged 3-5 years old saw the biggest price drop, down 11.6% to an average of £18,266, making a used EV of cheaper than a petrol model
TRADE
Ministers choose 10% car exports
UK ministers may have to choose the car makers who will be spared the 25% US tariff, according to reports.
The Times published that ‘sources familiar with negotiations’ had revealed that with only 100,000 vehicles allowed to pay the lower 10% tariff rate, ministers may have to choose who benefits.
Figures from the SMMT show last year 101,000 UK vehicles were imported to the US, meaning only 1% may be over the threshold.
NEWS DIGEST
Porsche dealers told to ‘immediately remove’ select electric Taycan models from sale
Porsche dealers have been told to halt the sale of a selection of used Taycan models.
Car Dealer has been told by several main Porsche dealers that they had been asked to remove electric Taycan models from sale.
An official bulletin was issued to the Porsche network which told its retailers to stop selling a specific batch of electric sports cars.
It is understood the move follows a request from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which manages recalls of cars in the UK.
One Porsche dealer said: ‘Unfortunately Porsche and the DVSA haven’t put a definitive timeframe on approved Taycans so at the minute we’re now having to remove all Taycans from sale for the foreseeable future.
‘Porsche head office have sent out a bulletin to say we need to remove them from sale and not deliver any until further notice.’
In a statement, issued after our initial story was published, Porsche GB said: ‘Enhanced battery monitoring software is anticipated to become available
RESULTS
for first generation Taycan models towards the end of June. With its imminent arrival, we’ve advised our retail partners not to sell a small, specific batch of first generation Taycan models until the software update is live.’
It is believed the issue affects a handful of Taycan models in the official Porsche network, but it is not known how many outside of official dealers could be impacted too.
The problem is believed to relate to the ‘ARB6’ recall which was issued in November by the DVSA.
The reason for that recall, according to the DVSA, was: ‘A short circuit within the battery modules during the vehicle’s service life cannot be ruled out under certain circumstances which could lead to thermal events and later to a fire in the vehicle.’
The new software that will detect if there are problems with the cells and display a warning to owners in the event this may happen is due later next month. Porsche is believed to have decided to remove effected cars from sale to wait for the updates.
Trade Centre Group sees £5.4m loss in 2024 amid ‘challenging’ market
THE Trade Centre Group turned a £6.58m pre-tax profit in 2023 into a whopping £5.4m loss last year, blaming a ‘very challenging’ used car market.
Newly published accounts for the year ended November 30, 2024 show that the Car Dealer Top 100 firm turned over £275.284m – down from the £311.341m it made the year before.
It’s the second year in a row that the dealer has seen a dive in turnover and profit, along with selling fewer cars.
Adjusted EBITDA fell from £10.882m to £4.345m during the year, and gross profit margin slipped to 9.3% from 10.8% the year before. The number of cars it sold dropped by just over 5,000 cars to 33,538, but its TrustPilot customer satisfaction score rose from 4.2 to 4.4.
During the year, the group declared and paid an interim dividend of £40.00 making a total dividend of £2.0m, down on the 2023’s £41.87 per ordinary A share and a total dividend of £2.1m.
BUSINESS
Pinewood.AI gets Lithia’s stake in JV
SOFTWARE business
Pinewood.AI, formerly known as Pinewood, is to acquire Lithia UK’s 51% stake in the pair’s Northern American joint venture, Pinewood North America.
The deal, which is worth 76.5 million dollars (£56.4m) in shares, will be completed through the issue of 14.56m new shares in Pinewood.AI, priced at 386.5 pence per share, a London Stock Exchange update said.
PERFORMANCE
Pensioner refuses to slow down
A HAMPSHIRE pensioner is showing no signs of slowing down after collecting his latest high performance car from a Snows BMW dealership.
George Kill, 84, has a long and distinguished automotive history, having owned over 100 cars since his first – a Morris Oxford – way back in 1963.
Over the years, he has favoured a number of brands including Jensen, MercedesBenz and Porsche, but for several decades it has been BMW which has topped the list.
RESULTS
Auto
Trader Group sees pre-tax profit top £375.7m and revenue jump by 5%
AUTO Trader Group saw healthy rises in pre-tax profit and revenue over the last 12 months, in which it rolled out a suite of AI products for dealers and scaled up its customer-focussed ‘Deal Builder’ service.
The results for the year ended March 31, 2025, saw strong gains almost across the board, with the firm saying last year allowed it to ‘strengthen its marketleading position’.
Pre-tax profit for the group rose by 9% to £375.7m, and group revenue jumped by 5% to £601.1m, led by Auto Trader making £564.8m during the year, up 7%. Autorama, however, saw revenue slip by 12% to £36.3m.
DEPARTURE
Wessex Garages boss steps down
CHRIS Wiseman, the managing director of Wessex Garages, has stepped down from his role.
Wiseman, who has been with the business for over 25 years, announced the news in a post on LinkedIn.
He had held the post for nearly six years and prior to that had been deputy MD and operations director of the business.
He said: ‘Today (Jun 9) is my last day at Wessex Garages. After 25 years including nearly six as Managing Director, I can look back proudly on how far we have come and what we have achieved; but the time has come to say goodbye.’
APPOINTMENT
Vauxhall appoints Steve Catlin as MD
STEVE Catlin has been appointed the new managing director of Vauxhall.
Catlin has worked in many senior roles within the automotive industry but started his career with Vauxhall more than 20 years ago as a performance analyst.
Most recently, he was MD of Volvo Car Financial Services in the UK and has previously worked at Audi, Seat and Volkswagen Group.
He said: ‘It’s great to be back working with Vauxhall, which has always been a brand close to my heart. A lot has changed since I was last here and not just the décor, but the motor industry as a whole.’
CLOSURE
Lookers closes Manchester HQ
LOOKERS is set to close its head office in Altrincham ‘imminently’ after more than 50 years in Manchester.
The move will see around 12 staff moved to another one of the dealer group’s sites in Stoke on Trent.
Rumours in the motor trade suggested large numbers of staff were affected by the changes, but managing director James Brearley said this was not the case.
Lookers has had a base in Greater Manchester since 1973, and later moved to the Altrincham site when it listed on the London Stock Exchange.
CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY
Waylands sees profits soar and record sales
DEALER group Waylands turned in a 24.2% improvement in pre-tax profit last year, despite agency sales denting revenue.
Latest accounts published via Companies House show that the Berkshire-based business saw pre-tax profit rocket to £3.1m, and operating profit soar by 21.5% to £4.9m.
EBITDA for the Car Dealer
Top 100-ranked firm came to £6.2m, up from £5.2m the year before, marking the sixth consecutive year for EBITDA growth.
Brayleys agree Johnsons Cars deal
BRAYLEYS owner Athenaeum
International Holdings Ltd has agreed a takeover of Johnsons Cars in a move which could create a new UK ‘super group’.
The deal, which is expected to be finalised by the end of June, will see 79 dealerships representing 21 brands under the same umbrella.
Of those franchise sites, 30 are already run by Brayleys, meaning that 49 will be added.
Athenaeum International Holdings Ltd forms part of the wider Dubaibased AW Rostamani investment group, which was established in 1954.
Jason Cranswick departs Norton Way
BOSS of Norton Way Group and Marubeni Auto Investment UK Jason Cranswick announced he has stood down.
Cranswick has been chief operating officer at Marubeni’s UK arm for nearly four years and became managing director of Norton Way, which is owned by the investment firm, two years ago. Marubeni also owns RRG Group and HPL Motors among others.
Before this, Cranswick was retail director at online used car dealer Cinch and worked at Jardine Motors Group as commercial director.
Cutting VAT to boost electric car sales ‘makes sense’ – new Nissan boss
CHARGING no VAT – or even half the current rate of duty – on electric cars would be one of the best incentives to get more consumers into electric cars.
That’s the opinion of James Taylor, the recently installed managing director of Nissan GB.
Taylor, the former Vauxhall and Stellantis man, has only been in his new role a few weeks but spoke to journalists
at the unveiling of the new electric Nissan Micra. He explained Nissan will launch four new electric vehicles in the next 24 months – including the funky looking new Micra.
But despite this electric new model offensive, Taylor believes government incentives are still required to boost the market.
Click on the text box for the full story
BUSINESS: Car dealer Holden Group has announced it is now offering same-day handovers for used car customers. The group, which sells new and used cars in East Anglia, says this reflects the ‘speed and convenience’ now expected by consumers in 2025.
RETAIL: Hippo Motor Group has opened a new site in Peterborough as part of plans to continue expanding its retail footprint. The new site, which has started trading with a soft opening ahead of a full launch in mid-June, occupies the former Big Motoring World location in Werrington.
DEALERS: Two car dealers have been named among the best big companies to work for in a list compiled by The Times Motorpoint and family-run dealer group Sandicliffe were the only automotive retailers to appear on the list, which celebrates firms with between 250-1,999 employees.
ANNIVERSARY: A used car dealer has been toasting an anniversary after marking 20 years in business. JA Autos in Sutton began trading in 2005 and has won a string of awards. The firm’s success can be put down to owner Alan Harding, who runs the operation as a ‘one man band’.
INNOVATION: A Nissan dealer group is aiming to serve up the perfect cuppa by creating its very own brew. South West Nissan has joined forces with Kingdom Tea Brokers and Tea Packaging Specialists to produce a new brew for customers. The initiative came about to celebrate National Tea Day which took place earlier this year.
SMART #5
Power
The 100kWh battery with dual electric motors produces 637bhp and a 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds.
The new #5 shows that Smart is really getting into its stride as a pureelectric carmaker. James Batchelor has driven it to see what it’s like.
WHAT IS IT?
Think small cars and the oh-so-cute Smart ForTwo readily comes to mind. The thing is, though, the brand (which is now owned 50:50 by Mercedes-Benz and Chinese powerhouse Geely) hasn’t produced that car for a number of years.
These days, Smart regards itself as more of a premium brand that solely builds electric cars, moving away from the ForTwo and concentrating instead on larger models. The growth spurt started with the #1 small SUV in 2022 and was followed by more coupe-SUVlike #3 a year later.
Now, the #5 has arrived, which is being flung into the bang-on-trend electric mid-size SUV market. We’ve had our first drive of it.
WHAT’S NEW?
At a stroke, the #5 (yes, it is pronounced ‘hashtag five’) becomes Smart’s largest ever car, and marks a real departure from how the brand began over 25 years ago.
Under the blocky body lies the same Geely platform as used by the #1 and #3. And while its 4,705mm-long body would suggest that it’s a seven-seater SUV, it just comes with five seats. There’s a wide range of trims to choose from, including a hot Brabus model tested here, along with two sizes of battery.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Those two batteries are a 76kWh (74.4kWh usable) LFP pack and a chunky 100kWh (94kWh usable) NMC pack, with the former giving a claimed range of 288 miles. The larger pack has a quoted range of 366 miles for rear-wheel drive versions, and up to 335 for the four-wheel drive models. In terms of power, the 76kWh rear-wheel drive cars pack 335bhp, while the 100kWh cars get a 358bhp rear motor. Four-wheel drive versions with the 100kWh pack get 579bhp, while the Brabus has a frankly unbelievable 637bhp output.
Now, if you know your EVs, a range of up to 366 miles for a hefty 100kWh battery is nothing to write home about. But Smart thinks faster recharging times are more important than outright range, so the smaller pack has 400-volt and 150kW charging capability, while the larger one has impressive 800-volt and up to 400kW capability. Plug the big battery car into a 400kW charger and a 10-80% top-up will take just 18 minutes.
The only problem is 800-volt chargers in the UK are scarce, with 400kW ones being even rarer. Still, these types of powerful chargers will be popping up more in the UK over the next few years, so the #5 is well primed for the future.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The #5 drives really nicely and has an expensive feel to it. The ride is on the softer side, meaning the #5 takes bumps and lumps in the road in its stride. Plus, it’s exceedingly quiet
THE KNOWLEDGE
Smart #5 Brabus
Price (as tested):
£52,000 (est)
Engine: 100kWh battery with dual electric motors
Power: 637bhp
Torque: 710Nm
O-60mph: 3.6 seconds
Top speed: 130mph
Range: 335 miles
Charging speed: 400kW
on the move thanks to double-insulated glass. In other words, it’s perfectly set up for family life.
Style
The blocky design gives the Smart #5 a real Tonka toy look and gives the car real presence.
This range-topping ‘hot’ Brabus model packs more power than a Porsche Macan Turbo Electric, (yes, really) and cracks 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds. It’s fearsomely fast, so it’s a good job that the #5 has sharp steering and feels agile on twistier roads. It’s just a shame that the extent of the Brabus tweaks – which, remember is a famous German tuning company – is just more power and some fancy styling details. Adaptive suspension, for example, could have given this 637bhp SUV some real sporting flair.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
There’s a real Tonka toy look to the #5 that’s a real departure from the #1 and #3. While those models are curvy, the #5 is blocky. As much as we think it’s a good looker, there’s certainly a whiff of Mercedes-Benz GLB in the dimensions department, which is unsurprising given the family link, but also there’s an element of Jeep Renegade perhaps?
Either way, the #5 has a lot of presence and its overall look changes between model to model, with some versions favouring a more off-road-inspired design to the Brabus’ more sporty demeanour.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
If you think the #1 and #3 are a little too Mercedes-like, then you’ll be pleased with the #5 as there’s a feeling of Smart returning to its quirky origins. The design is nicely different from other electric SUVs and has a real sense of fun to it.
It’s also very techy – the top trim levels have two massive 13-inch OLED displays which work well and content can be swiped between them should you wish. The software is super slick thanks to a powerful chip called AMD V2000, while there’s a 10.3-inch screen for the driver, and some trims get a 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display. There’s a big focus on sound, too, with the posh models getting a fancy 20-speaker Sennheiser sound system. Quality seems to be high on the agenda, too, as everything seems plush and expensive.
Smart designers say they have tried to inject the #5 with the same ethos of fantastic interior space that the original ForTwo had. It’s very roomy up front, and positively palatial in the back seats with loads of head- and knee-room. That five-seat layout also gives a massive 630-litre boot, which is larger than many rivals’ offerings.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
There’s a wide choice of trims, from entry-level Pro, through to the off-roader-like Summit model, plus the sporty Brabus.
Spec and prices have yet to be confirmed, but you can expect the Pro to start at around £40,000 with top models hovering at around £52,000. If Smart is true to its word, then those prices will make the #5 look like good value compared to some of its rivals.
VERDICT
Whether you think Smart should only be producing tiny little city cars or can expand beyond one model is a point that is up for debate. It’s easy to get swept up in the argument that Smart is a small-car brand, and it cannot expand beyond the clever original ‘Smart Car’ of over 25 years ago. Brands like Mini and, to a lesser extent, Fiat, have shown that expansion can work. Regardless of these arguments, there’s no denying that the #5 is a convincing mid-size electric SUV in its own right. It’s sharply designed, well made, enjoyable to drive and practical. Impressive as the Brabus’ figures are, though, the less powerful models will undoubtedly be the picks of the range. A further test of these cars is primed for later this year.
Cabin
The interior’s design harks back to Smart’s quirky origins and a real sense of fun. The build quality is good too with plush materials used throughout.
There’s no denying that the #5 is a convincing mid-size electric SUV in its own right.
AWARDS THE SHORTLIST FOR THIS YEAR’S AWARDS REVEALED
Final judging begins after votes cast by Car Dealer readers in online survey.
by James Batchelor @JRRBatchelor
The search for the best of the best in the motor trade has moved up a gear as the shortlist for Car Dealer Power 2025 has been revealed.
The awards, as voted for by car dealers across the UK, honour the finest motor trade suppliers in the business as well as the best car manufacturers to represent in the UK.
We received a record number of entries this year, all helping to paint the most accurate picture of the motor trade over the past 12 months.
All the winners and highly commendeds will be revealed during a special video presentation on Wednesday, June 25, at 2pm on our YouTube channel – subscribe now so you’re notified when the broadcast goes live.
A shortlist for the top car manufacturer isn’t published, nor is there one for the Car of the Year, but the full results for those will also be announced in the video.
We launched the survey in February and today we’re pleased and proud to reveal the shortlist for the supplier categories after readers’ comments and votes were totted up.
The Car Dealer team will now assess the entries and judges will confirm the winners and highly commendeds over the next few weeks.
Car Dealer founder James Baggott said: ‘This year, more than any other, has seen some fierce competition –now the hard work really starts as we move into the next phase of the competition.’
Cleaning Product
• Autoglym
• Autosmart
• EZ Car Care
Recruitment Agency
• Motorvise
• Perfect Placements
• We Recruit Auto
Used Car Valuations
• Auto Trader
• Cap HPI
• Motorcheck
Consumer Lead Generation
• Auto Trader
• CarGurus
• Carwow
Dealer Management System
• Click Dealer
• DealerKit
• Spidersnet Autopromotor
Website Provider for Independent Dealer
• 67 Degrees
• Car Dealer 5
• Click Dealer
Website Provider for Franchised Dealers
• Blue Sky Interactive
• Keyloop
• Starkwood Media Group
Provenance Checks
• Cap HPI
• Experian
• Motorcheck
Warranties
• Warrantywise
• Warranty Solutions Group Ltd
• Warranty First
Paint Protection
• Autoglym
• Diamondbrite
• GardX
Auction House
• Central Car Auctions
• G3 Vehicle Auctions
• Manheim
Online Advertiser for New Cars
• Auto Trader
• Carwow
• What Car?
Consumer to Trade Stock Acquisition Platform
• Carwow
• Carowl
• Motorway
Online Advertiser for Used Cars
• Auto Trader
• CarGurus
• Motors Finance (Sub-Prime)
• Go Car Credit
• First Response Finance
• Moneybarn
Finance (Prime)
• Black Horse Finance
• Close Brothers
Motor Finance
• Motonovo Finance
Personalised Video
• CitNOW
• GardX
• Vehicles In Video
AI Product
• Auto Converse
• GardX
• Impel
Data Insight
• Auto Trader
• Experian
• JATO
Trade to Trade Stock Acquisition
• Cartotrade
• Dealer Auction
• Dealerway
Finance Broker
• Carmoney
• Evolution Funding
• Octane Finance
Extra Mile Award
• No shortlist. Revealed in awards video
Product Innovation
• No shortlist. Revealed in awards video
The winner of the car manufacturer award and the Car of the Year will be revealed on the day.
The awards will premiere on the Car Dealer YouTube channel at 2pm on Wednesday, June 25
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JAMES’S VIEWS ON THE NEWS
Car Dealer editor-in-chief JAMES BAGGOTT has launched a subscriber-only Substack newsletter. Every Friday, he digests the week’s news and gives his opinion on the biggest stories. Here’s a selection of his comments from the most recent newsletters. To subscribe, head to cardealer.substack.com
Luxury car dealer Redline Specialist Cars taken over by AMT Auto
Redline Specialist Cars has been acquired by AMT Auto in a merger described as a ‘strategic alliance’ that combines two leading automotive businesses. The deal brings together Redline’s prestige used car expertise with AMT’s leasing, rental and finance operations. Both brands will continue trading under their own names. AMT boss Neil McGawley said the merger takes the group ‘to a whole new level’, while Redline’s Rob Milner said it would ‘elevate both businesses’ with enhanced service and choice for customers.
What do I think?
This seems like a strange merger to me. A supercar dealership and a leasing specialist do not seem the most likely of bedfellows, but the bosses clearly have a plan. Redline is a well respected supercar dealer with a good reputation, while AMT offers leases and subscriptions on pretty ordinary cars. I can’t see the synergies myself, but there must be some. I wish them the best of luck.
Ministers to choose which US car exports are taxed at 10% rate
UK ministers may have to decide which car makers benefit from a reduced 10% US import tariff, as only 100,000 vehicles will qualify under the new UK-US Prosperity Deal, with any additional cars facing a 25% rate. Last year, 101,000 UK-made cars were exported to the US, and Jaguar Land Rover alone sent 84,242, with exports up 31% to March 2025. The reduced tariff is not yet in force as negotiations continue, but the UK is pushing for it to be backdated to May 8.
What do I think?
This came up on the Podcast when the deal was announced and Jon Reay and I thought it might simply be a race between car makers to sell their models first to the States to benefit from the 10% rate. It feels rather unfair letting ministers choose which car maker benefits from the lower rates. But in some respects it’s a moot point – JLR takes up the lion’s share of exports to the US already anyway and that’s not likely to change any time soon.
Quote
‘The challenge, I think, for organisations, is to pull out all of that best practice and make sure that it’s shared. And that’s something we’ve been spending a lot of time on over the course of this year, which has had some real benefits.’
Motorway boss Tom Leathes chats to the Car Dealer Podcast about how his business is using AI and shares some of the ways car dealers are using it too. Catch the latest episode of the Podcasts here.
Subscribe to James’s weekly newsletter at cardealer.substack.com – out every Friday and directly emailed to your inbox
Independent car dealers are overcoming EV fears to embrace used electric stock
Auto Trader says more independent dealers are now stocking used EVs, with a 161% year-on-year rise in electric vehicles advertised. Since 2023, a third have listed at least three EVs for 15 days or more. Liverpool-based Solo Cars said consumer demand is accelerating. Auto Trader’s Ian Plummer added retailers should rely on data, not instinct, when pricing and sourcing EVs to maximise profit potential.
What do I think?
I get Auto Trader’s point – soon most car dealers won’t have a choice but to stock EVs as they rapidly become a large part of the second hand market. The problem here is the data isn’t always right – my limited experience has burnt my fingers with a Tesla sale that never happened, while a cheap Leaf sold quickly. The metrics for both pointed to the opposites. I’d like to see some real hard data on reconditioning costs for EVs versus ICE cars and warranty claims. I’m going to hunt some down.
Used car supermarket Motorpoint back in the black after turning £4.1m pre-tax
Motorpoint has returned to profitability, posting a £4.1m pre-tax profit for the year ending March 2025 after a £10.4m loss the previous year. Revenue climbed to £1.17bn, with 87,700 cars sold – up 12.4%. The firm also improved margins, cut stock days and boosted market share. CEO Mark Carpenter said its turnaround plan had worked, with growth, faster stock turn and record customer satisfaction driving the recovery. A final dividend of 1.0p per share has been proposed.
What do I think?
What an impressive turn of events. After describing 2023 as its ‘most difficult year ever’, the used car supermarket has dramatically turned around its fortunes. As the car industry returned to a more normal market – and car manufacturers were pushed back towards pre-reg again, Motorpoint has felt the benefits as it snaps up these cars and cashes in. At a time when many thought the large scale supermarket format was dying, it’s pleasing to see a success story.
What I’ve heard
AFTER floating on the Stock Market with a valuation of £345m just four years ago, EV charging firm Pod Point has been snapped up for £10m by French energy business EDF.
Chaired by former Aston Martin chief Andy Palmer, he said the offer represented ‘the best value’ for all Pod Point shareholders. Announcing the deal yesterday (Thursday), the company also said revenue had dropped 17% to £52.9m and its losses for 2024 were up to £84.5m.
The company blamed ‘consumer confidence’ and ‘cost of living pressures’ for the poor performance.
Chief executive Melanie Lane added: ‘The ongoing challenges with infrastructure investment for EV charging remains an impediment to faster take-up of EV sales.’
The EDF offer was the only real life line to keep the company alive as a ‘going concern’ with the new owners promising ‘ongoing stability’.
Pic of the month
Apple has unveiled a major update to its CarPlay system, launching alongside iOS 26. Used over 600 million times daily, CarPlay will soon feature a redesigned interface, enhanced call display with navigation, pinned conversations, and message replies using widgets and emojis.
CAR NEWS ROUND-UP
Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...
Alpine unveils
A390 electric coupe-SUV
New YU7 model boasts 519-mile electric range
XIAOMI, the Chinese smartphone firm, has entered the competitive SUV segment with its new YU7. Following on from the SU7 saloon, the new YU7 has been designed to take on the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6.
Equipped with a 96kWh battery, the YU7 has a claimed electric range of up to 519 miles – though those figures come from the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, which is less stringent than the WLTP testing process.
ALPINE has expanded its range to three models with the launch of its new A390 electric coupe-SUV.
The A390 is being positioned as a ‘sports fastback’ in the carmaker’s line-up. The newcomer takes a few design cues from the A110 sports car, such as its sloping roofline and short overhangs. The design also has several wind-cheating features, including rear wheel
Tavascan
now has more sound features
CUPRA has looked to strengthen its Tavascan model with a series of upgrades and new features.
The electric SUV is now available with a ‘newly tuned emotional experience’, which creates a sound in relation to throttle inputs.
A new Extreme Pack has also been introduced. With it, the car gains two-tone 21-inch forged alloy wheels, alongside performance tyres.
‘flaps’, a bonnet ‘air blade’, guided air vents at the front wheels, and a diffuser angled by eight degrees that’s inspired by Alpine’s endurance racing car. The latter also lends its design to the A390’s LED light design.
Inside, there’s space for five with a 532-litre boot, while the dashboard has a similar design to recent Renaults with a focus on sharp design and tech.
New Black Edition for ID.4 and ID.5
VOLKSWAGEN has introduced a new Black Edition specification to its ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs.
The new specification brings extra features and equipment over the Match trim level. Naturally, there are plenty of black elements, including black 19-inch alloy wheels and exterior mirror housings. You’ll also find a high-gloss roof trim and rear pillar with black rear nameplates.
Panda Hybrid gets low-cost trim level
FIAT has bolstered the range of specifications available with its new Grande Panda Hybrid, lowering the starting price.
The new Grande Panda Hybrid Pop will be priced at £18,035 and joins existing Icon and La Prima specifications as a new entry-level model.
However, it still gets a high level of standard equipment with a 10.25-inch infotainment system, cruise control and LED lights at both front and rear.
VOLKSWAGEN FIAT
CUPRA XIAOMI
New electric Micra arrives with fresh look and 253-mile range
NISSAN has launched its electric Micra, with the sixth-generation car returning as an electric model.
The Micra has been a core part of the Japanese manufacturer’s line-up for decades, but has now switched to battery power for the first time as Nissan looks to introduce four new electric models by 2027.
The new Micra shares a platform with the Renault 5, allowing it to offer battery sizes of either 40 or 52kWh. As a result, the Micra can bring a range of up to 192 from the smaller battery version or 253 miles from the larger. Larger battery variants offer a 100kW charging speed – or 80kWh on smaller battery models – which can take the car from 15 to 80% in
New RAV4 to come with larger battery
TOYOTA has revealed the nextgeneration RAV4, a plug-in hybrid only for the UK.
Under the bonnet, there is a revised version of the old car’s 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a larger 22.7kWh battery pack and electric motor. Toyota claims up to 62 miles on electric power, 18 miles more than the previous PHEV model.
The exterior has a more angular design with curved headlights and a flat front end.
M2 CS gets bold look and performance tweaks
BMW’s hardcore M2 CS has returned for a second generation. Bringing a more focused take on the standard M2 experience, it has upgrades which help bring a higher level of performance than the regular coupe.
The 3.0-litre turbocharged sixcylinder engine, for instance, now produces 523bhp – a 49bhp uplift over the standard M2 – which helps to put it in line with the M3 Competition saloon and M4 Coupe in terms of performance.
NISSAN
INDUSTRY VIEWS
NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM CAR DEALER LIVE
Retailers had a good start to
2024,
and we’re seeing the same thing
happen
so far in 2025. March was big, April was up versus last year, and May was another solid month.’
Marc Palmer Head of strategy and insights at Auto Trader
Record May shows used car market is buoyant, hinting that rest of 2025 could be stellar
May proved to be a standout month for the UK used car market, topping off a ‘strong’ first half of the year.
Speaking to Car Dealer Live Auto Trader’s head of strategy and insights, Marc Palmer described the year-to-date as ‘a really good start’ for the used sector, citing year-on-year transaction growth of 6% by the end of May.
He said: ‘Retailers had a good start to 2024, and we’re seeing the same thing happen so far in 2025. March was big, April was up versus last year, and May was another solid month.’
This trend was reflected in Auto Trader’s figures, with the marketplace recording its biggest May ever for platform visits, and last month being the fourth largest month overall.
In May, interest in fiveto-10-year-old cars rose 7% year-on-year, as did interest in vehicles over
10 years old. ‘Demand is up across the board,’ Palmer confirmed, adding that engagement with listings remains strong even as external economic factors fluctuate.
Dealers focused on three-to-five-year-old vehicles are finding it harder to source stock, often turning to unfamiliar brands, fuel types, or older vehicles— creating variability in performance and margin, Palmer explained.
Giving some top tips for dealers to think about for the rest of the year, Palmer said: ‘Firstly, are you prepared for fuel type changes? Hybrids are up 30% year on year, so dealers need a plan for pricing, merchandising, and selling these fuel types.
‘Secondly, is your stock mix consistent with last year? And lastly, are you pricing vehicles to market? With increased operating costs, capturing the right margin is more critical than ever. Dealers must ensure they’re maximising every vehicle’s opportunity.’
Palmer concluded: ‘The market is healthy overall, but making it work for your business depends on understanding your stock, your strategy, and your customer.’
AI phone calls can help dealers make bookings and generate leads
THE days of car dealers spending hours on the phone to customers could be over thanks to cutting edge new AI technology.
That is according to leading expert Arran Duffy, whose business AI Retain is working with the motor trade to create bespoke packages for dealers of all sizes.
The firm uses AI to make calls to dealers’ customers, freeing up retailers to do what they
do best – sell cars.
The clever software is able to engage with customers over the phone in order to book in services and MOTs and gather customer satisfaction feedback. It is also able to generate sales leads over the phone, without the need of any human involvement.
However, when a more personal touch is needed, the platform works alongside sister
company – Infiniti Auto Marketing – which has been operating a more traditional call centre for the motor trade and dealers for the past 15 years.
Duffy said: ‘We have grown this very, very quickly over the course of 12 months.’
He added: ‘Every day we’re improving the system and we’re going to continue to do that because across the world AI is evolving.’
FINANCE NEWS
FCA outlines factors for redress scheme and says avoid law firms
by James Batchelor @JRRBatchelor
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has outlined the factors it will be considering if it introduces a financial redress scheme as part of its probe into motor finance commission arrangements.
In an update, the regulator said it will confirm within six weeks from the outcome of the Supreme Court case (expected next month) whether it will go ahead with a redress scheme.
The FCA said it has seen a range of redress rates declared, including some ‘highly speculative figures’ by some CMCs (claims management companies) and law firms, with some estimates based on Financial Ombudsman decisions.
But the FCA might take a different approach to calculating redress, it said, due to it being required to take a ‘broad view’. This will include evidence it has gathered during its probe and the Supreme Court judgement, to decide if and how far customers have lost out.
However, despite intentions to make any possible redress scheme fair, the FCA is adamant it does not want firms to be driven out of business, as this ‘could reduce competition and could make it more expensive for consumers to borrow money to buy a car in the future’.
The FCA added that if firms were to fail, customers may not get any redress because the motor finance sector isn’t covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
‘It’s not possible to predict the outcome of the Supreme Court’s judgment, but we’re engaging with stakeholders now and providing this update because we want to be able to act as quickly as possible once the Supreme Court has made its judgment, so we can start to bring greater certainty for affected consumers, firms and investors,’ said the FCA.
The FCA would make any scheme ‘easy for consumers to understand and participate in, without needing to use a CMC or law firm’, who could take up to 30% in fees.
Amarasekara to take top job at FLA in August PEOPLE
SHANIKA Amarasekara MBE has been appointed as the new director general of the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), and will take up the role at the beginning of August.
She will succeed Stephen Haddrill, who announced last year that he would be retiring and officially steps down from the job in July.
Amarasekara most recently worked as chief impact officer at the British Business Bank. In that role, she oversaw policy, strategy, economics, sustainability and public affairs. Before that she was the general counsel, where she played a key role in the design and implementation of national finance schemes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She commented: ‘The finance and leasing sectors have a powerful role to play in driving sustainable growth, supporting innovation, and delivering fair outcomes for customers.
‘The association already has a strong foundation – and I’m looking forward to working with the board, members and stakeholders to build even greater impact, visibility and value in the years ahead.’
TIME IS MONEY
RICHARD PYGOTT
A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING
Good service is worth sharing
Iget my motorbike MOT’d and service at the same place every year. The service is outstanding, the guy is friendly, and I know I’m getting value for money.
Before that, I used to begrudgingly go to another garage, purely out of habit. I knew I was paying over the odds, and the service wasn’t great, but I stuck with them because... well, better the devil you know.
That was until my dad recommended a garage he’d been going to for a while. And as much as he likes to think he’s an expert on everything, I decided to take his advice and give it a go.
I turned up expecting to be underwhelmed, because let’s face it, after years of mediocre experiences, we all carry a bit of cynicism. But instead, I was met with genuine warmth, clear explanations, and that rarest of qualities in a garage: trust.
No upselling. No jargon. Just honest work at a fair price, and a feeling that I was a valued customer. Simple, really. But still surprisingly rare.
Since then, I haven’t gone anywhere else. And the funny thing? I now find myself recommending him to other people, just like my dad did with me. Turns out dad was right (Just don’t tell him I said that.)
Even in a world full of algorithms and online reviews, I still believe wordof-mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing. And in my 15 years at First Response Finance, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat itself, time and again.
Many of our dealer partners join us because someone they trust in the trade mentioned us at an auction, or during a catch-up over a pint. It’s that simple. And that powerful.
Which got me thinking, what if we could reward that kind of loyalty? What if we could say thank you when someone recommends us to a friend in the trade?
Richard Pygott is digital marketer for First Response. Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk
So, after a bit of work and a couple of successful trials, I’m pleased to announce the launch of our brand-new Dealer Referral Scheme.
Know someone in the trade who you think would benefit from working with us? Refer them to First Response Finance and, as a thank you, we’ll send you a £100 Amazon voucher.
Visit our website to find out more. Because good service is always worth sharing.
No upselling. No jargon. Just honest work at a fair price, and a feeling that I was a valued customer. Simple, really. But still surprisingly rare.
SUPPLIERS GUIDE
LOOKING FOR A MOTOR TRADE SUPPLIER? YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE
Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales
BCA
W: bca.co.uk
T: 0344 875 3480
Finance
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.
Automotive E-Commerce
ATG
W: atg.auto
T: 0844 264 3519
Info: Leading provider of retailing solutions, Automotive Transformation Group maximises sales for retailers, OEMs, financiers and fleet suppliers by making car buying easier for their consumers.
Data
Real World Analytics
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.
DMS
DealerDesk
W: dealerdesk.co.uk
E: contact@dealerdesk.co.uk
Info: Modernise your stock management, advertising, communication, sales and website. DealerDesk provides you with easyto-use tools designed to simplify your dealership management.
Finance
Blue Motor Finance
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.
Finance
Close Brothers
Motor Finance
W: closemotorfinance.co.uk/
Info: Close Brothers Motor Finance are a specialist finance provider, working with over 8,000 dealer partners to offer flexible finance solutions for car, motorcycle and LCV customers.
First Response
W: dealer.firstresponsefinance.co.uk
T: 0115 671 1755
E: marketing@frfl.co.uk
Info: First Response is an awardwinning UK finance company providing simple financial solutions. Get in touch and let us help increase your profits.
Finance
Forza Finance
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.
HR & People Management
HR Manager
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.
Insurance
Tradesure
W: tradesureinsurance.co.uk
T: 0121 248 9313
Info: Providing motor trade insurance to full- and part-time motor traders in the UK, the Tradesure team are reliable professionals who know how to help you.
Key Control
Traka
W: traka-automotive.com
T: 0333 355 3726
E: automotive@traka.com
Info: Bespoke software and electronic key management cabinets to deliver the most effective solution to dealerships to manage their keys and vehicles.
Lead Management
GardX AD-Vantage
Lead Management
iVendi
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.
Legal & Compliance
Lawgistics
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.
Marketing, PR & Video
OnCue Communications
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.
Marketing, PR & Video
Marketing Delivery
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.
Oil & Lubricants
Mobil™
W: mobil.co.uk
T: 0800 0857 420
Trade Bodies
Ben
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.
Vehicle Photography
Dealer 360
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.
Vehicle Tracking
Meta Trak
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.
Warranty Providers
AutoProtect
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.
Warranty Providers
Car Care Plan
W: carcareplan.com
T: 0344 573 8000
W: gardx.co.uk/gardx-ad-vantage
T: 01243 376426
E: goforaspin@gardx.co.uk
Info: The award-winning 360 service offers an engaging display of the vehicle while additionally presenting profitable F&I products to a consumer.
Info: Whether using Mobil 1™ or Mobil Super™, Mobil™ engine oils meet or exceed the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers.
Recruitment
WeRecruit Auto
W: werecruitauto.co.uk
T: 01603 550041
Info: Permanent recruitment – here to assist businesses within the automotive sector find the best fit for their company in terms of skillset, experience and culture.
Info: Car Care Plan is a leading provider of motor protection products, trusted around the world to deliver quality protection with integrity and a customer-oriented outlook.
Warranty Providers
Centurion Warranties
W: centurionwarranties.co.uk
T: 0800 368 7420
E: support@cwuk.net
Info: Centurion offers comprehensive aftermarket warranty solutions to motor dealers across the UK who sell first-owned vehicles through to high-end, prestige and sports cars.
Warranty Providers
Händler Protect
W: handlerprotect.com
T: 0800 088 7889
E: sales@handlerprotect.com
Info: Händler Protect is an exclusive dealer warranty provider. Proud to partner and represent more than 1,000-plus ‘active’ independent motor dealers across the UK each month.
Warranty Providers
Warrantywise
W: warrantywise.co.uk/dealer
T: 0800 001 4551
E: dealers@warrantywise.co.uk
Info: Warrantywise sells over 100,000 warranties per year.
Quentin Willson personally designed Warrantywise to be the UK’s best used car warranty.
These Listings Work!
More Sales For You
W: Your website address
T: 020 8125 3880 (that’s us!)
E: sales@blackballmedia.co.uk
Info: The Suppliers Guide lets dealers find the companies they need to help them with their business. Make sure you’re here. Contact us via the above number or email address.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Bluesky Interactive
W: blueskyinteractive.co.uk
T: 01926 651000
Info: Bluesky Interactive drive dealer websites and digital marketing forward thanks to game-changing innovation, the latest technology and our exceptional relationships with our clients.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Haswent
W: haswent.com
T: 020 3920 6164
E: hello@haswent.com
Info: Composer is a next-gen automotive platform. You have extensive stock management options, and you’ll gain a brilliantly responsive new website.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Spidersnet
W: spidersnet.co.uk
T: 01273 837749
E: hello@spidersnet.co.uk
Info: Websites that are designed to increase the number of customers for dealers. We have solutions for all budgets and needs. All solutions include our DMS Autopromotor.
DACIA DUSTER
There’s more than enough space for the dog to come along
Jack Williams has been finding out what the latest Dacia Duster has to offer.
‘Dum Dum Dum. Another one Drives a Duster’: It was an advertising jingle so catchy that a good decade on, I still catch myself singing it whenever Queen’s ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ finds its way onto my radio.
It ticked all the boxes for an annoying advert earworm but unfortunately, for several years, the quality of Dacia’s compact SUV was unable to match that of its marketing. Sure, the first and second generation Dusters were good for their price but ultimately, I could never quite shake the feeling that the cars were cheap for a reason.
This new car, however, has changed that completely.
I have been living with the third-generation Duster for two months now and have been absolutely blown away by just how much bang you get for your buck. While recent weeks have brought fewer motorway miles, the Duster has excelled as an inner city runaround. It offers a comfortable ride, ample space in all five seats and enough boot room for whatever errand your average town throws up. One such errand took me to my local cinema to watch the re-release of Star Wars Episode III (what a wild life I lead) and the Duster’s raised driving position offers a high ground over other motorists that Obi-Wan Kenobi could only dream of! If you get that reference, then you are my kind of person, but if not, just take my word for it that it is mightily impressive.
The Duster has been impressive on fuel, too. In what has admittedly been a slightly quieter period, a full tank of petrol has lasted the best part of a full month with consumption averaging out at around the 45mpg mark. The car also has the handy feature of rating how environmentally friendly your driving has been after every trip.
At first, I found this fairly annoying – like having a judgemental Greata Thumberg living in the dashboard – but I have found myself going out of my way to check my score out of 100 before leaving the car. Anything over 90 and I feel like I’ve done my good deed and Greenpeace will be winging a letter of congratulations to my door first class. Anything lower than that and I feel as though I may as well have set fire to a baby polar bear!
Away from my stupid eco games, the Duster may not be filled with a huge amount of tech, but the majority of what it does have continues to work well. The only major exception to this has been the car’s infotainment system, which sporadically refuses to switch on when the car gets going. My other complaint from last month related to the Dacia’s wireless Apple CarPlay, which was about as dependable as Anakin Skywalker when told to stay in the Jedi Temple (I bet you didn’t think you were getting two Revenge of the Sith references in this review, did you?).
On one trip between Portsmouth and Gosport – an epic voyage of 9.5 miles – the CarPlay cut out no fewer than nine times, and yes, I did count! After this experience, I bit the bullet and bought a wire to keep in the car, which does seem to have brought the Duster back from the dark side, Darth Vader-style (last mention of Star Wars, I promise).
Overall, I have to say I’m really enjoying life with the Duster and am looking forward to a few more miles over the coming weeks and months. The latest model goes above and beyond its cheap and cheerful premise and I can’t see it being anything other than a major success for Dacia. Another One Drives a Duster? They could do a lot worse!
This month’s highlight: We’ve been absolutely blown away by just how much bang you get for your buck.
OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING
Mileage: 5,315
We’re now halfway through living with our Cupra and we’ve bonded with the car very well.
Red. Mileage: 8,395
This top-of-the-range Qashqai has arrived, packed with tech and looking good in Fuji
