SMTA Monthly Bulletin January 2024

BULLETIN Your monthly news round-up of the Scottish Motor Industry

JANUARY 2024

MOT JOINT SEMINARS 2024 BRINGING YOU THE LATEST UPDATES DIRECT FROM THE DVSA PERTH

INVERNESS

INVERURIE

Tuesday 12th March, Huntingtower Hotel, Crieff Road, Perth PH1 3JT

Wednesday 13th March Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness IV2 3LP

Thursday 14th March Thainstone Centre, Inverurie AB51 5XZ

GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

KELSO

Tuesday 19th March GTG, 1330 South Street, Glasgow G14 0BJ

Wednesday 20th March GTG, 1a Queen Anne Drive, Newbridge EH28 8PL

Thursday 21st March Cross Keys Hotel, The Square, Kelso TD5 7HL

PRICES SMTA Member or Dingbro account holder £20 per Person Other

£25 per Person

Seminars commence at 6pm with a buffet on arrival and finish at 9pm approx.

PLACES ARE LIMITED – BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Kindly supported by

The approved insurance broker to the Scottish Motor Trade Association

MOT CONSULTATION: DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT'S RESPONSE Today, 25 January, the Department for Transport (DfT) has published its response to the consultation on modernising MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans.

You can read it here: Government committed to MOT modernisation as consultation concludes – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The outcome After listening to your feedback, Ministers have decided that motorists will still take the first MOT test three years after buying their new car. The following MOT will continue to be taken once every year.

DVSA will continue to work with DfT to ensure that the MOT continues to be fit for the future, to keep your vehicles safe to drive on Britain’s roads. DVSA will share more information about the feedback received in the call for evidence soon, and how they’ll take it forward with DfT.

DVSA MOT ANNUAL TRAINING & ASSESSMENT 2023/24 S M TA M E M B E R P R I C E P L U S VAT

£53.00

NON-MEMBER PRICE P L U S VAT

£61 .0 0

A log-in code and full instructions will be given once payment is received.

Testers registering for Group A and Group B Training & Assessment at the same time will qualify for our Two for One offer and will get both registration codes (one for each group) for the price of one.

With SMTA & the IMI you will be able to complete the annual assessment and CPD package at a time and place that suits your business and print out a certificate as proof of completion.

REMEMBER, YOU HAVE UNTIL 31ST MARCH 2024 TO COMPLETE YOUR ANNUAL TESTER TRAINING! The good news is you can do this easily with SMTA in conjunction with the IMI.

Email accounts@smta.co.uk to book

2

MORE MOTORISTS GO GREEN BUT GREY IS STILL THE COLOUR OF CHOICE y Grey is Britain’s most popular new car colour for the sixth consecutive year, topping half a million registrations.

Britain’s drivers cemented their preference

same grey colour trend as their internal

for monochrome cars as grey topped the

combustion engine counterparts.

y Black and white complete trio of best-selling colours, marking sixth year of an identical monochrome podium.

today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers

y Green cars reach highest share of market since 2004. y Cream, pink and maroon are Britain’s rarest colours, comprising just 0.03% of all registrations.

new car colour chart for the sixth year in a row, according to the latest figures published and Traders (SMMT). Boasting a market share of more than a quarter (26.8%), more than half a million (509,194) grey cars were registered in 2023, with volumes rising 22.6% as the new car market enjoyed its best year since the pandemic.1 Completing the podium, black and white held second and third place, also for the sixth consecutive year, and recorded their best volumes since 2019. Almost two thirds

CAR COLOURS FACTS: y Grey recorded the biggest volume growth of the year, registering more than half a million vehicles (509,194) registered in the shade.

(63.5%) of all new cars joining UK roads in 2023 were decked in monochrome, while blue rose 10.9% to take fourth place and red remained in fifth – although it also recorded

Grey also remained the most popular choice across the majority of segments, including the three bestsellers – supermini, dual purpose and lower medium. Three segments went against the grain, with black the favoured shade among executive cars and luxury saloons, and white appearing as the top choice for the multi-purpose segment.

Fleets, which drove investment in the new car market in 2023, also favoured monochrome, with grey making up more than a quarter (26.9%) of all registrations.5 Private sales saw more variation, brightening up roads as they were marginally more likely to opt for a green or yellow tint over fleets, with 29,919 and 6,964 units registered respectively.

its lowest market share since 2005 and has

The British regions were unanimous in a

y 210 pink cars were registered in 2023, with Berkshire home to more than one in 10 of them.

seen its popularity steadily decline since

preference for grey, with white ranking as the

2019.2

second most popular in the Channel Islands,

y Strathclyde proved the best place to play the ‘yellow car’ game with 677 registrations.

monochrome cars, drivers determined to

y The nation’s least favourite car colour was cream, with buyers registering just 151 units. y Wales recorded the highest proportion of new red and green cars, while Northern Ireland was home to the highest proportion of blue cars and Scotland boasted the highest number of white motors. y Red recorded its lowest market share since 2005, posting a steady decline in popularity since 2019.

While Britain clearly has a preference for stamp their style on their motor were able to

Northern Ireland and Scotland. Black was the second most popular in England, Wales and the Isle of Man.

choose from a variety of colour variations,

Strathclyde proved the best place to play

with maroon, pink and cream remaining

the ‘yellow car’ game, ranking the most

at the niche end of the colour palette –

registrations of the bright shade, with 677 sold

comprising just 604 registrations combined.

in the area and, while orange wasn’t quite the

Orange, bronze, turquoise and brown fell in

new black in Cheshire, drivers there registered

popularity compared with 2023 volumes.3

the most cars in this colour of any county, at

Green, however, experienced a comeback, reaching its highest volume since 2005 at 53,426 units and a market share of 2.8%, the highest since 2004.4 While the colour may have environmentally friendly associations, ‘zero emission cars’ reaching Britain’s roads

1,140 units.6 Berkshire was home to more than one in 10 of pink cars registered (22 units) and was also the top spot for red motors at 8,034 units. Drivers in Greater London snapped up more green cars than any other county (3,650).

in record numbers last year followed the 3

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM EMPLOYMENT LAW IN 2024 As 2024 starts to gather momentum, we take this opportunity to consider some of the anticipated and proposed developments in UK employment law in the coming year. y CHANGES TO HOLIDAY PAY AND THE WORKING TIME REGULATIONS 1998 (WTR)– One of the proposals on which the Government has recently legislated, relate to changes to holiday pay and the WTR. For more information on the details of the legislative changes and proposed reforms, please see our previous JEL alert, here. y DUTY TO PREVENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT– The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which will come into force in October 2024, will introduce a duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent the harassment of their employees in the course of their employment and provide employment tribunals with the power to uplift sexual harassment compensation by up to 25%, where an employer is found to have breached this duty. y PATERNITY LEAVE– The draft Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 have recently been laid before Parliament.

These Regulations will make several amendments to the way in which individuals can choose to exercise their right to statutory paternity leave. We will be providing a more detailed update on the Regulations and their effects in due course. y TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS (PROTECTION OF EMPLOYMENT) REGULATIONS 2006 (TUPE) TRANSFERS– As of 1 July 2024, businesses with fewer than 50 employees undertaking a transfer of any size, and/ or businesses of any size undertaking a small transfer of less than 10 employees, will be able to consult directly with employees if there are no existing worker representatives in place. y CARER’S LEAVE– As of 6 April 2024, under the Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024, employees who have caring responsibilities for a dependant will have the right to apply for unpaid carer’s leave.

For more information, see our past JEL alert, here.

y ENHANCED REDUNDANCY PROTECTIONS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND MATERNITY LEAVE RETURNERS– With effect from 6 April 2024, the protected period during which employees on maternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave must be offered suitable employment where a redundancy situation arises will be extended. This will now cover a period of 18 months from the exact date of birth or placement for adoption. In cases of shared parental leave, this extended period will only apply where the parent has taken at least six consecutive weeks of shared parental leave. y FLEXIBLE WORKING– As of 6 April 2024, under the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023, employees will be entitled to make a flexible working request from day one of their employment.

Article courtesy of Just Employment Law

SMTA ANNUAL DINNER 2024 – DATE FOR YOUR DIARY & GUEST SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT SMTA is delighted to advise that our Annual Dinner & Awards will be held on Thursday 24th October 2024 at the Hilton Glasgow! Tables will be available to book soon!

We are so excited that we’re announcing our guest speaker in this bulletin, and it is none other than……… THE STIG! Yes, it is the man in the white suit from Top Gear also known in real life as Ben Collins will be our guest speaker.

As a respected figure in the world of motorsports, Ben has additionally been the stunt driver to some of the biggest blockbuster films in modern cinematic history, including The Dark Knight Rises, Quantum of Solace and most recently Skyfall.

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CAR DEALER BRIDGEND CLOCKS UP 1,200 YEARS’ SERVICE THANKS TO 55 LOYAL STAFF Bridgend Motor Group is marking a significant milestone as it commemorates 1,200 years of combined service from 55 exceptional team members.

has steadfastly been a part of the Bridgend family for over a decade, contributing significantly to the company's success,” it said.

The Ayrshire based-business said its longstanding contributors, whose dedication ranges from 10 to an astonishing 45 years, have become its bedrock.

To acknowledge their commitment Bridgend annually organises special events. What began as a modest gathering in a small restaurant with just a dozen people has evolved into a grand staff dinner hosting over 50 people held in a prestigious hotel.

“In a striking testament to Bridgend's enduring commitment, an impressive 22% of the team

“Bridgend expresses gratitude to these longserving team members, affectionately known as Bridgend Veterans. Their unparalleled commitment and wealth of experience have played a pivotal role in shaping Bridgend into the thriving business it is today,” it said.

Read the full article at AM Online

EASTERN WESTERN OPENS SECOND TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THIS MONTH AS EXPANSION CONTINUES Eastern Western Motor Group has opened another new Toyota site as part of a £20m expansion plan.

The Car Dealer Top 100 outfit has began trading from its new Barnett’s Toyota branch, bringing the Japanese brand to Perth.

It comes after the car dealer opened another Toyota site in Dundee last week, following a delay over a fireproof ceiling. The project has also seen a new Lexus dealership open up in Dundee.

The three dealerships are the first to be opened as part of Eastern Western’s new partnership with Toyota, which Car Dealer reported last year.

Between them, they have created around 90 new jobs and bosses are hopeful that they will mark the start of a long and fruitful relationship.

Group Managing Director Keith Duncan said: ‘We are delighted to have been appointed as Toyota dealers for both Dundee and Perth.

‘To be honest, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The two sites will add about 90 jobs.

It’s a very exciting time for the business.’

Duncan has strong ties to the area, having been brought up in Dundee, which is about 20 miles from Perth.

He added: ‘Lexus has never been represented in Dundee and speaking as a Dundonian, I am delighted the luxury brand is being launched in my home town.

Read the full article at CarDealer Magazine

5

MOT FORECAST VOLUMES FEBRUARY 2024 POST TOWN

FORECAST TO EXPIRE

EXPIRED – TYPICAL

CHANGE FROM TYPICAL (TESTS)

CHANGE FROM TYPICAL [%]

ABERDEEN

16546

15673

873

5.57%

DUMFRIES

5342

5341

1

0.02%

DUNDEE

9076

8508

568

6.68%

EDINBURGH

28199

26252

1947

7.42%

FALKIRK

9592

9083

509

5.60%

GLASGOW

34526

33112

1414

4.27%

HEBRIDES

1024

966

58

6.00%

INVERNESS

9618

8793

825

9.38%

KILMARNOCK

12014

11579

435

3.76%

KIRKCALDY

12106

12198

-92

-0.75%

KIRKWALL

1872

1744

128

7.34%

LERWICK

805

719

86

11.96%

MOTHERWELL

11074

10515

559

5.32%

PAISLEY

10377

9780

597

6.10%

PERTH

6353

5952

401

6.74%

TWEEDDALE

4202

4060

142

3.50%

TOTAL

189365

181325

Figures courtesy of DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)

TRADE SNIPPETS EV giant BYD aims for UK market breakthrough Article courtesy of AM Online

Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine

NFDA dealer survey reveals fears for EV car and van sales in 2024

Brussels must act before cyber laws block access to data, say independent repairers

Article courtesy of Motortrader

Article courtesy of AM Online

Used car dealers missing out on £30m due to underpricing vehicles on Auto Trader Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine

6

Inspiring Automotive Women of 2024 award winners are announced

Lexus LBX wins Car of the Year Award Article courtesy of Motortrader

CAR FIGURES

DECEMBER 2023 SCOTLAND MONTHLY:

SCOTLAND YEAR TO DATE:

10,440

UK YEAR TO DATE:

162,907

1,903,054

REGISTRATIONS

BY REGION

FUEL TYPE YEAR TO DATE

105,096

Petrol

471

Highlands

Grampian

880

27,752

Petrol/Electric

16,634

Electric

Tayside

12,967

Diesel

436

Petrol/LPG

22

Diesel/Electric

1,268

Strathclyde 5,438

Dumfries & Galloway

556 Fife

736

Central

755

117

219

Lothian Borders

TOP 10 MARQUES TOP 10 CARS YEAR TO DATE

YEAR TO DATE

Vauxhall

15,222 (9.34%)

Volkswagen

13,5992 (8.35%)

Ford Audi Kia

11,140 (6.84%) 10,491 (6.44%) 9,351 (5.74%)

Vauxhall Corsa

6,937

Ford Puma

4,153

Vauxhall Mokka

3,966

Nissan Qashqai

3,763

Kia Sportage

2,970 2,856

BMW

7,855 (4.82%)

Nissan Juke

Nissan

7,850 (4.67%)

Mini Mini

Toyota

7,606 (4.67%)

Volkswagen T-Roc 2,772

Peugeot

7,249 (4.45%)

Hyundai Tucson 2,678

MG

7,185 (4.41%)

MG ZS

2,788

2,647

Figures courtesy of the SMMT (Scottish Motor Manufacturers and Traders)

7

This bulletin is kindly supported by

SMTA CONTACTS ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES:

ISSUE

Telephone – 0131 331 5510 Email – accounts@smta.co.uk

OUT NOW! SMTA AUTO INSIGHT ISSUE 15

15

HEAD THE ROAD A IN STORE 2024 HAVE WHAT DOES D CAR MARKET? FOR THE USE 120 YEARS OF

THE SMTA:

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CELEBRATING

The Magaz ine

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Motor Profess

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S AUTO GIBSONES SERVIC

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READ IT HERE

Incorpo rating

DVLA – UPDATED VERSION OF RAV RETAILER GUIDE The document has now been updated to include the new versions of the V750 Certificate of entitlement and V778 Retention Document.

DOWNLOAD HERE

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR GARAGE TO FEATURE IN SMTA’S MAGAZINE? SMTA produces a quarterly magazine to all our members, if you haven’t got one yet our Territory Account Managers will be visiting your garage soon with a copy for you.

If you’d like your garage to feature please contact: karen.thompson@smta.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES/ TRADING PARTNERS: Norman Stirling – 07917 095014 Membership Development Manager Marcus Lawrence – 07375 057561 Territory Account Manager, Western Region Stuart Kennedy – 07375 057560 Territory Account Manager, Northern Region

MOT QMS ENQUIRIES David Innes – 07789 264228 Operations Manager, Support Services Gordon Laing – 07799 732124 Support Services Consultant Wayne Lindsay – 07729 045666 Support Services Consultant

APPRENTICE TRAINING ENQUIRIES Fraser Miller – 07789 264229 Apprentice Training Manager

EMPLOYMENT LAW ENQUIRIES Moira Gaynor – 0131 331 5510 Company Secretary/Finance Manager

SCOTSURE WARRANTY: Claims and Enquiries – 0131 331 5512

MEMBERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS: Karen Thompson – 07922 079889 Membership Communications Manager

EVENTS ENQUIRIES: Email: events@smta.co.uk

ADVERTISING/SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES: Wendy Hennessy – 07974 380140

Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd., Palmerston House, 10 The Loan, South Queensferry EH30 9NS Telephone: 0131 331 5510

www.smta.co.uk

SMTA is proud to support:

Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to ensure the information in this bulletin is up to date and correct, we make no representations of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability and suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.