Kia Launches EV6
Kia has launched the EV6 range, its first dedicated electric vehicles, planned to be the first of 11 new global BEVs from Kia by 2026. The Korean manufacturer should be applauded for really going for the low-carbon standard in its vehicles as the Kia EV6 has achieved product carbon footprint certification and ‘Carbon Measured’ labelContinue reading “Kia Launches EV6”
Skoda Scores Hat-Trick
What a time to be a Skoda dealer! The Skoda Enyaq iV has completed a hat-trick of awards with the Company Car of the Year accolade from Business Car Magazine, adding to the top honours already presented by Parkers New Car Awards and Car Dealer Awards. The Business Car Mag award is highly significant asContinue reading “Skoda Scores Hat-Trick”
Used Car Prices Up Again Despite Inflation Easing
UK inflation has been easing slightly, coming down to 3.1% in September, but fresh data from the Auto Trader is showing that the average price of used cars continues to rise, up a whacking 23.9% year-on-year in the week 11-17 October. This is being reported as a stunning 76th consecutive week of price growth. It is also massiveContinue reading “Used Car Prices Up Again Despite Inflation Easing”
Peoples Ford More Than Doubles Profits
Peoples Ford, the largest independent Ford dealer group in Europe, has reported a highly impressive upturn to its profits. As we all know, these remain challenging times, yet the group, with six outlets across Merseyside and Central Scotland, saw profits rise to almost £8m for the year ending 31 August 2021. This is reported toContinue reading “Peoples Ford More Than Doubles Profits”
Cazoo Moves for Commercial Vehicles With Vans365 Purchase
In a story from the ‘inevitable’ department…Cazoo is set to acquire Vans365 for around £6.5m cash, as it moves to expand its online retail proposition to include commercial vehicles. Any self-respecting dealer reading this will feel yet another shiver down his/her/their back at this news. Bristol-based Vans365 comes with a readymade team and a customerContinue reading “Cazoo Moves for Commercial Vehicles With Vans365 Purchase”
Teaser: First Image of New Range Rover
Land Rover is teasing us with this photo, the first image of its new luxury Range Rover which will make its global debut on 26 October. Can you wait until then? You’ll have to as it will be revealed live on Land Rover’s YouTube channel. The PR blurb very much plays on the Range Rover’s posh pedigree, citing itContinue reading “Teaser: First Image of New Range Rover”
Can Ultra Rare Renault Clio V6 Break Auction Records
An incredibly rare Renault Clio V6 showing a paltry 980 miles on the clock is being tipped to break auction world records when it goes under the hammer this week. It’s set to go for…wait for it…£70,000 or more! Why? It’s only a Renault Clio, we hear you ask. Well, firstly, this is an outstandingContinue reading “Can Ultra Rare Renault Clio V6 Break Auction Records”
Dealer Auction – Answer to Independents’ Prayers?
Independent dealers’ apparent appetite for selling stock online seems to know no bounds and certainly Dealer Auction, the UK’s busiest digital wholesale marketplace, is making the most of it. Dealer Auction is a JV between Cox Automotive and Auto Trader and only opened for independents to sell their overage or part exchange stock on 1Continue reading “Dealer Auction – Answer to Independents’ Prayers?”
Government Must Invest More For EVs to Succeed, Says Industry
The Government’s announcement that it will help fund on-street EV charging points has been broadly welcomed by the industry, but behind the headlines there is a rumble of discontent. Regulatory action is also required to accelerate the EV revolution that must come. As ever, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes has put it clearly and forthrightly,Continue reading “Government Must Invest More For EVs to Succeed, Says Industry”
Cheeky Girl’s Car Sales: ‘Touch My Bum-per’
One of the best (and biggest) news stories to arrive at Need To Know Motors in recent weeks has got to be the fact that one of pop’s most outrageous and memorable singers has landed a job with Minstergate Hyundai in York. Yes, we are talking Cheeky Girls and, in particular, Gabriela Irimia. Gabriela and herContinue reading “Cheeky Girl’s Car Sales: ‘Touch My Bum-per’”
Marshall Adds 1500 New Staff With £64.5m Motorline Acquisition
We all know Marshall Motor Group, don’t we? We know them as one of the country’s leading and most active dealer groups. And here at Need To Know Motors we rate them very highly. Now Marshall Motor Holdings Plc has bought Motorline Holdings Limited (including all of its subsidiaries) for £64.5m funded from the Group’sContinue reading “Marshall Adds 1500 New Staff With £64.5m Motorline Acquisition”
Vertu’s Record £51.8m H1 Profit
Gateshead-based Vertu Motors (which has everything from Bristol Street Motors to Farnell Jaguar Land Rover under its wing) has filed a very impressive £51.8m profit for the six months up to the end of August. The figure has knocked various analysts’ predictions for six and has set the Group up for a huge 2021 goingContinue reading “Vertu’s Record £51.8m H1 Profit”
Get Ready for January 2022 Post-Brexit Changes, warns HMRC
Small motor businesses and car enthusiasts are being asked by the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to get up to speed with various post-Brexit changes that come into force in January that could directly affect people and businesses across the automotive sector. The HMRC is concerned that smaller businesses such as independent garages and specialistContinue reading “Get Ready for January 2022 Post-Brexit Changes, warns HMRC”
Cambria Goes Back to Private
Cambria Automobiles has, as expected, returned to private ownership following a decision at the leading group’s general meeting. So, after 11 years as a PLC listed on the London Stock Exchange, CEO Mark Lavery has steered the group back into private hands, in a story we have been following for some weeks. Lavery had saidContinue reading “Cambria Goes Back to Private”
Bangers4Ben 2021 Ends – Get Ready for B4B 2022!
OK, so you’ve missed out on the chance to drive around Britain in a ridiculous-looking car costing no more than £750 and raising loads of cash for motor sector charity Ben, but we’re hearing rumours that Bangers4Ben will be back next year bigger and better than ever. So we say get your glue gun andContinue reading “Bangers4Ben 2021 Ends – Get Ready for B4B 2022!”
Lucid Gives Preview of Air Test Drive
With a starting price of around £56,000, the Lucid Air is set to be a major contender in the mid-range-to-luxury EV market. And it has a lot going for it: looks great, it has a smart autopilot system and it claims to have a max range of 520 miles. Also, look at the frunk onContinue reading “Lucid Gives Preview of Air Test Drive”
Survey: 71% of Motorists Can’t Gauge Used Car Values
A new survey of 2,000 car drivers has revealed that 71% of us can’t accurately gauge a used car’s value, often over-valuing them. At least that’s what the analysis carried out for CarGurus says. This is despite 58% of respondents saying they’re confident in assessing what a car is worth. Participants in CarGuru’s Taking theContinue reading “Survey: 71% of Motorists Can’t Gauge Used Car Values”
Book Recommendation for all Petrolheads
Here’s an unusual news story – we don’t normally recommend books to you but this week is an exception. Deadly Driver, by automotive enthusiast JK Kelly, looks like the kind of exhilarating novel that any self-respecting petrolhead will love. It’s a thriller about an F1 racing driver who finds himself with a gun to hisContinue reading “Book Recommendation for all Petrolheads”
Car Dealer Mag Power Awards – Check Out These Winners
Over 2,000 dealers across the UK have voted for their favourites in the Car Dealer Power Awards, highlighting providers of all manner of services, from paints to warranties and from remarketing to actual car of the year. And this year’s awards have thrown up some surprises and, to be honest, some shoo-ins too. Skoda’s SUVContinue reading “Car Dealer Mag Power Awards – Check Out These Winners”
EV Courtesy Cars Show Benefits of Switching
South of England’s Eden Motor Group has come up with a great way to combat customers’ concerns over EVs, by replacing its entire Vauxhall courtesy car fleet with EVs for all of its 13 Vauxhall dealerships. As a way to drive up EV awareness and usability to a loyal customer base it is a winner.Continue reading “EV Courtesy Cars Show Benefits of Switching”
SMMT: Worst September Registrations for 23 Years
The SMMT is reporting that new car registrations fell -34.4% in September compared to Covid-hit 2020, down to 215,312 units, the weakest September since 1998, before the twice-a-year number plate system was introduced. Of course, there have been serious supply issues caused by semiconductor shortages, and these continue to plague industry. It seems that EVsContinue reading “SMMT: Worst September Registrations for 23 Years”
Aston Martin Searches Soar as 007 Hits Screens
We’ve all done it. Come bowling out of the cinema, high on the latest gadgets and cars…and all fantasised that we could be like James Bond…conquer the baddies like James Bond…and even better, drive like James Bond. Well it seems that no sooner had No Time To Die hit the big screen than we allContinue reading “Aston Martin Searches Soar as 007 Hits Screens”
EV Fleets ‘Unworkable’ Without Training
Here at Need To Know Motors we like Lightfoot. They describe themselves as a ‘Fitbit’ for the car, using connected car technology to help users improve efficiency and safety. And they’re talking sense when they say that businesses electrifying their vehicle fleets should put systems in place to influence driver behaviour. But would that reallyContinue reading “EV Fleets ‘Unworkable’ Without Training”
‘Game Changer’ The Car Expert’s Car Ranking Site
The Car Expert, said by some to be the UK’s most comprehensive consumer car advice site, has launched a ratings aggregate website that draws in the reviews from 25 of the UK’s top motoring websites and ‘does the heavy lifting’ for the car-buying public. The Car Expert now claims that UK car buyers can viewContinue reading “‘Game Changer’ The Car Expert’s Car Ranking Site”
Motorpoint’s H1 Growth hits 57%
It seems like only yesterday we were reporting that multi-channel retailer Motorpoint Group was set to open its Manchester outlet and was set for a great 2021. Well the news is just in that for the first half of the year the Group has exceeded expectations and revenues in H1grew 57% year-on-year. This despite operatingContinue reading “Motorpoint’s H1 Growth hits 57%”
Fuel Crisis: Nearly Quarter of Drivers Considering Going Electric
Did you catch any of Boris Johnson’s gagfest at the Conservative Conference? Not a single mention of the queues for petrol and diesel that we are all experiencing. Nor of the gas crisis, lack of HGV drivers…I could go on… Instead the baying faithful were fed a comedy routine better suited to a chat showContinue reading “Fuel Crisis: Nearly Quarter of Drivers Considering Going Electric”
Maserati Opens ‘Situ Live’ with MC20
Maserati has opened what it calls a ‘revolutionary’ new retail space named Situ Live, located at Westfield London. Centre of attention is the super sports car the MC20. So what does the Situ Live give the potential Maserati owner? The MC20 features in the “On the Move” theatre at Situ Live, apparently a new approachContinue reading “Maserati Opens ‘Situ Live’ with MC20”
Ford Brain Research Targets Moment Drivers Switch Off
In what could be immensely important and life-saving research, Ford has is working with neuroscientists to detect when drivers are tired, distracted or not concentrating and the precise moment they switch off from giving their driving enough attention. Ford says that driver fatigue may be a contributing factor in up to 25 per cent ofContinue reading “Ford Brain Research Targets Moment Drivers Switch Off”
Cars of the Year from Carbuyer.co.uk
The online review and advice site, Carbuyer.co.uk has named its cars of the year for 2022. And what a range of superb, accessible and worthy winners they are. Firstly, let’s just say that Carbuyer have named their overall Car of the Year as the Hyundai Tucson. How did they reach this conclusion? They say thatContinue reading “Cars of the Year from Carbuyer.co.uk”
Big Motoring World’s Impressive Growth Plan
Big Motoring World is going for it. Big style. What started out as a tiny 20-car pitch in the mid-1980s has grown and grown and grown until it hit almost £300m last year. Recent moves include launching the 21-acre, 1,000-car supermarket at Blue Bell Hill, Kent, and the 800-car Enfield-based supermarket. Now BMW (can weContinue reading “Big Motoring World’s Impressive Growth Plan”
Citroen Seems To Have Developed a Skate
Citroen (the car people) plus Accor (hotels) and advertising site company JCDecaux have joined forces to form what they call The Urban Collëctif, a new partnership where the three French companies are said to be developing a ‘shared vision for the future of urban mobility’. It appears that the initial technological solution is The Citroën Skates andContinue reading “Citroen Seems To Have Developed a Skate”
VW Financial Services: 6 in 10 Young People ‘Want Car Subscription’
Volkswagen Financial Services UK (which has a ‘rent a car’ product) has said that ‘usership trumps ownership’ following research that claims 31% of UK drivers want to be able to change their vehicle to suit their needs, whilst 22% are interested in a subscription allowing various models from the same brand. In all, VWFS claimsContinue reading “VW Financial Services: 6 in 10 Young People ‘Want Car Subscription’”
Car Subscriptions to Overtake Ownership?
The global and highly-respected Boston Consulting Group is reporting car subscription as playing an increasingly important role in the automotive sector, with some suggestions that it could represent 30-40 billion dollars by 2030. With more customers seeking a flexible, all-inclusive, month-to-month programme that is easily accessed online there are reasons for traditional car dealerships to re-examine theirContinue reading “Car Subscriptions to Overtake Ownership?”
Polestar Goes For NYSE Listing Valuing at $20 Billion
Volvo Cars, the largest shareholder in premium electric vehicle company Polestar, says Polestar is to seek a listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York (NYSE), via a business combination with Gores Guggenheim, Inc, a special purpose acquisition company. The transaction implies an enterprise value of approximately U.S. $20 billion for the combined company.Continue reading “Polestar Goes For NYSE Listing Valuing at $20 Billion”
Cazoo H1 £102m Loss In Face of Used Car Sales Surge
The enigmatic and impressive Cazoo continues to make the headlines, this time perhaps not for the right reason. In what is essentially the first opportunity for us mere mortals to cast our beady eyes over what Cazoo is doing we see that for H1 2021 it has posted a loss of £102m, far worse thanContinue reading “Cazoo H1 £102m Loss In Face of Used Car Sales Surge”
Rolls Royce’s ‘Historic’ Electric Car
We don’t like to see phrases such as ‘historic’ bandied about, but this is Rolls Royce and they’ve announced their first electric car. So this qualifies as historic. On-road testing is just about set to start and, as you can imagine, the people at Rolls Royce are thrilled. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said: “Today is theContinue reading “Rolls Royce’s ‘Historic’ Electric Car”
Glyn Hopkin: Manufacturer Leaves UK? Covid? Fight Back!
Essex-based dealer group Glyn Hopkin is a prime example of how a company can fight against all the odds and come out the other end with a positive future. What happens when one of your key franchises quits the UK and you’re hit with pandemic-related closures? This double whammy only inspired Glyn Hopkin Group toContinue reading “Glyn Hopkin: Manufacturer Leaves UK? Covid? Fight Back!”
Pendragon Achieves Used Car Bliss With Zencar?
AM is reporting that Pendragon will be relaunching its used car offer with a new brand called Zencar. Although AM said that, when it approached Pendragon for confirmation, the company refused to give full details. But a quick dig around reveals that two weeks ago Pendragon applied to register the trademark ‘Zencar’ and that theContinue reading “Pendragon Achieves Used Car Bliss With Zencar?”
New Cupra Electric Car is ‘Born’
Cupra has started to manufacture its new all-electric car, the Born, at Europe’s largest electric vehicle plant in Zwickau, Germany. The company plans to be fully electric soon. The company is pinning its hopes on the Born to increase the brand’s market share following its official launch at this week’s Barcelona motor show, Automobile. ProductionContinue reading “New Cupra Electric Car is ‘Born’”
Motorpoint Mad For It in Manchester
Motorpoint’s £multi-million investment in Manchester is set to be revealed in an opening weekend that will include prize give-aways and a giant Grand Prix Scaletrix competition. They’re really givin’ it large up in Mancland. The former Mercedes garage on Ashton Old Road will be the new Motorpoint outlet, creating 30 jobs in the process, allContinue reading “Motorpoint Mad For It in Manchester”
SsangYong Adds Close To Network
SsangYong Motors UK has added Close Motor Company to its national dealership network. The 8-car showroom near Peterborough city centre is part of the family-run Close business established in 1967. The Peterborough company already has ambitious plans to extend the site in the coming months. Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motor UK, said: “WeContinue reading “SsangYong Adds Close To Network”
What Car? Lifts Lid on Manufacturers’ Profits
Have you seen the survey What Car? conducted forCar Dealer Mag? You really should have a look – it came up with some real surprises. In a nutshell, What Car? asked 1,500 people what percentage of a new car sale they thought was profit, with many responding that manufacturers would make 10-20% on each newContinue reading “What Car? Lifts Lid on Manufacturers’ Profits”
Global Petrolhead Ken Block Goes Electric With Audi
Ken Block, the globally-recognised rally and rallycross driver and self-confessed Ultra Petrolhead, is best known for his thrilling videos where he drives high-performance vehicles to the limit at iconic locations. To be honest, in Need To Know Motors’ view, he puts Clarkson and his ilk to shame. This bloke is an internal combustion engine onContinue reading “Global Petrolhead Ken Block Goes Electric With Audi”
Moke Production Returns to UK
Ah, the romance of the Moke (or The Mini Moke to give the cheeky little car its full retro title), which was beloved of all the cool dudes in the 1960s, from The Beatles to Brigitte Bardot and beyond. Welcome home, Mini Moke! Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, no less, the Moke was a majorContinue reading “Moke Production Returns to UK”
Ford’s ‘Roadsafe’ Tech Predicts Incidents
In what seems a pretty cool development, Ford has announced that its Roadsafe technology can collect data from other vehicles, roadside sensors and accident reports to predict traffic incident locations. The aim is to make journeys safer by giving the driver advanced warning of trouble ahead. The digital tool, which leverages data and uses complexContinue reading “Ford’s ‘Roadsafe’ Tech Predicts Incidents”
Has The Market Gone Mad?
Here at Need To Know Motors we try take things with a pinch of salt. But is what’s happening now in the retail automotive sector the perfect storm? The exact circumstances that are forcing car prices up and up and up? We hear over and over again that prices have risen and that they can’tContinue reading “Has The Market Gone Mad?”
Lotus Emira Comes In Just Under £76k
Lotus has confirmed the price and spec of the all-new Emira V6 First Edition. The fully loaded car is going to set you back a cool £75,995. But don’t worry, an entry level Emira at just £59,995 will be available in 2023. The V6 First Edition will have a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, mid-mounted behindContinue reading “Lotus Emira Comes In Just Under £76k”
Motor Ombudsman’s Vehicle Code of Practice Five Years On
A full five years on from introducing the Vehicle Sales Code of Practice, covering the sale of both new and used cars, the Motor Ombudsman has confirmed it will expand its scope to keep up with the fast-changing nature of the retail motor industry. Over its first five years, the Code is said to haveContinue reading “Motor Ombudsman’s Vehicle Code of Practice Five Years On”
007’s Aston Martin DB5 For Kids…£90,000
The Little Car Company, Aston Martin and EON Productions have launched a No Time To Die special edition of the iconic DB5, known the world over as the ultimate Bond car. The Aston Martin DB5 Junior is, like the original, a gadget-laden collector’s item. Built at a two-thirds scale the Junior comes with a fully electric powertrain.Continue reading “007’s Aston Martin DB5 For Kids…£90,000”
Has e-shopping reduced the need for a car?
It’s one of those situations where technology has advanced quicker than anyone could have thought. E-shopping, in particular during 2020 due to Covid restrictions, has really taken off which could partly be attributed to people’s busy lives combined with the ease of ordering online. As the name suggests, e-shopping is the notion of ordering productsContinue reading “Has e-shopping reduced the need for a car?”
Cambria Close to Going Private
The £82.5m takeover of Cambria Automobiles under the leadership of the group’s CEO Mark Lavery is on the way. The London Stock Exchange has been informed that the owners of 75.99% of group shares have agreed to the buyout offer which, once it goes through, would return the dealer group back into private ownership. NowContinue reading “Cambria Close to Going Private”
Cazoo – Still Getting Bigger
Cazoo has bought another vehicle preparation centre to process all the many thousands of cars it will be selling in the very near future. The purchase of SMH Fleet Solutions, for around £70m, gives Cazoo six sites for reconditioning, pre-sale prepping, storing and delivering over 70,000 cars each year. It is said that around 500Continue reading “Cazoo – Still Getting Bigger”
Auto Trader Puts Retailers’ Admin Fees into Car Price
Auto Trader has started to add any admin fees that a retailer would charge a buyer into a vehicle’s advertised price, in the interest of delivering “a transparent and fair experience”. The leading online automotive marketplace, Auto Trader has made the move in the spirit of fairness and openness. Karolina Edwards-Smajda, Auto Trader’s director ofContinue reading “Auto Trader Puts Retailers’ Admin Fees into Car Price”
Are Women Matching Men’s Spending Power?
Online used car supermarket BuyaCar.co.uk reckons that women could be closing the spending gap with men and that their favoured models may be driving the upmarket trend in car brand choices. Certainly it looks as though women are catching men up in spending power when it comes to cars. BuyaCar reports that the old pattern of womenContinue reading “Are Women Matching Men’s Spending Power?”
Range Anxiety? Not With Lucid
Range anxiety – one of the main reasons people are still hesitating about going the EV route – has been banished, at least for those driving the Lucid Air Dream Edition R which has achieved a record-breaking and fully-official EPA range rating of 520 miles on a single charge. Now, we all know that theContinue reading “Range Anxiety? Not With Lucid”
New Citroën for International Markets
Citroen’s New C3 is being hailed as the hatchback that will enable the brand to grab market share in India and South America. The first of a family of three vehicles aimed at selected international markets, the New C3 has been developed and produced in India and South America and will be sold in bothContinue reading “New Citroën for International Markets”
One-millionth Mini sold in UK
Mini has delivered its millionth car in the UK. One million Minis! It’s a bloody impressive milestone and we salute everyone involved, from Alec Issigonis right up to today’s Mini team. Overall, they’ve sold over 5.1 million cars around the world in the last 20 years alone. The UK is where they sell the most,Continue reading “One-millionth Mini sold in UK”
Grab Last Spots in Bangers4Ben Extravaganza
We’re told that just a handful of places are left for this year’s Bangers4Ben fund raiser on 9-12 October, this year starting at Bicester Heritage for an 890-mile ‘Best of British’ run taking in some of the most scenic routes that England and Wales has to offer. With only 50 places available in total, we’reContinue reading “Grab Last Spots in Bangers4Ben Extravaganza”
Pendragon Hits Critics With £35.1M Half Year Profit
Pendragon has been through rough times in recent years, but it has hit back at critics with a ‘steady as she goes’ first-half of the financial year, recording an underlying pre-tax profit of £35.1m. As one of the UK’s largest dealer groups, Pendragon has suffered the humiliation of major shareholder Anders Hedin criticising CEO BillContinue reading “Pendragon Hits Critics With £35.1M Half Year Profit”
Polestar: Today The UK, Tomorrow The World!
Polestar has used its platform at the Munich Motor Show to announce that it has ambitions to move into a further 12 global markets in 2022, continuing its worldwide expansion programme. This will take the Swedish performance outfit into a total of 30 markets by the end next year. It is already in 18. InContinue reading “Polestar: Today The UK, Tomorrow The World!”
Apple Car – Another Top Exec Leaves Project
Apple’s so-called iCar project has been talked about in hushed tones for years as the company has released very few snippets about the development. We can look all the way back to early 2015 when Apple announced it could produce a car to “give Tesla a run for its money”, according to Business Insider. AContinue reading “Apple Car – Another Top Exec Leaves Project”
Can You Still Offer Test Drives?
Reports are hitting us that many dealerships can no longer offer customers a test drive in their vehicle of choice because the dealers simply can’t get hold of the cars. Are you suffering the same? How are your customers reacting? What Car? is saying that over one fifth of active new car buyers have hadContinue reading “Can You Still Offer Test Drives?”
Carzam’s 30-day GAP Offer
Online car platform Carzam is at it again. They seem to be the busiest and most progressive of all the many companies intent on shaking up the way we buy used cars. This time they reckon they’re the very first to offer a 30-day GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) policy to customers as part of itsContinue reading “Carzam’s 30-day GAP Offer”
Don’t Be So Picky Over Used Car Stock
Cox Automotive has issued a serious warning to dealers saying they should compromise a bit on the types of car they’re stocking up with, given the shortage of vehicles thanks to unprecedented demand. The message is clear: if you want to have a full-looking forecourt and want to shift stock then you will have toContinue reading “Don’t Be So Picky Over Used Car Stock”
Motor Ombudsman 2021 Garage Star Awards
Following the success of the inaugural Garage Star Awards in 2020, the Motor Ombudsman is on the lookout for nominations for this year’s award winners. The awards recognise the lengths that individuals and businesses go to, to consistently provide a high standard of service and workmanship, and the efforts that have been made to keepContinue reading “Motor Ombudsman 2021 Garage Star Awards”
Goodwood Minis: Chris Hoy v. AC/DC’s Brian Johnson
Olympic Champion Sir Chris Hoy and AC/DC singer and all round Rock Legend Brian Johnson will go head-to-head with various Le Mans, World Endurance, British GT and World Touring Car Champions in the John Whitmore Trophy at the Goodwood Revival event (Friday 17 – Sunday 19 September). Goodwood reckon they have assembled one of theirContinue reading “Goodwood Minis: Chris Hoy v. AC/DC’s Brian Johnson”
Advertising Fags on Cars? Eh?
Specialist coachbuilder Radford has unveiled its Type 62-2 sportscar, which looks great, but it has decided to wrap a limited edition with the retro stylings of the John Player Special (JPS) spec. For those of you too young to remember, JPS was a fag brand that was all over sports in the 60s and 70s. Continue reading “Advertising Fags on Cars? Eh?”
BMW’s Jeff Koons Special
Now, we do know a little bit about Jeff Koons, the artist and former bad boy famous in the 80s for marrying porn star Cicciolina and nowadays better known for selling artworks for $millions. But he’s no Banksy, in our humble opinion. That didn’t stop BMW getting together with him for a second time toContinue reading “BMW’s Jeff Koons Special”
Charles Hurst Group’s N. Ireland Investment
Northern Ireland’s largest dealership business, Charles Hurst Group, has opened a new Kia outlet in Newtownabbey, signalling a key stage in its investment in its regional network and EV infrastructure. This is the group’s fifth Kia showroom, opened following an undisclosed investment to deliver what it says are ‘new and innovative sales and aftersales spaces’.Continue reading “Charles Hurst Group’s N. Ireland Investment”
Cars Doing Medical Checks? Whatever Next?!
Leasing.com, the car leasing comparison website, has put together a small survey of car enthusiasts to ask what they would like to see in future all-singing, all-dancing, full bells and whistles cars. You won’t believe what people dream up when asked to design their car of the future! Of course, safety figured highest of all,Continue reading “Cars Doing Medical Checks? Whatever Next?!”
Skippy’s Tip: Words of Wisdom Pt 2
Simon ‘Skippy’ Bowkett, the respected adviser and trainer to some of the most prestigious dealer groups and manufacturers, acknowledges that there are people in this industry who can teach him a thing or two. Florida-based Tommy Gibbs is one of them, especially when it comes to sales. Part two of Skippy’s podcast interview of TommyContinue reading “Skippy’s Tip: Words of Wisdom Pt 2”
ASTON MARTIN LAUNCHES 007 NO TIME TO DIE CAMPAIGN
At the launch of its No Time To Die campaign, iconic manufacturer Aston Martin has unveiled a giant Corgi toy car box complete with a life-sized DB5 against the backdrop of Battersea power station. When you think James Bond you think DB5, so this is a cool kickstart to the pre-movie launch. The event isContinue reading “ASTON MARTIN LAUNCHES 007 NO TIME TO DIE CAMPAIGN”
Navigator DMS Introduces Bumper PayLater
Your customer can’t afford to pay for the work you would like to carry out on their car today? Bumper PayLater is the innovative way that a consumer can spread the cost of dealership repairs over a no of months enabling them to say “yes” to that work today. It’s straightforward for the consumer toContinue reading “Navigator DMS Introduces Bumper PayLater”
Morgan Reveals Glimpse of New 3-Wheeler.
The classic car manufacturer Morgan has confirmed it is working on an all-new three-wheeled vehicle to replace the outgoing Morgan 3 Wheeler. An early glimpse of the model shows a heavily disguised engineering prototype undergoing durability testing. They haven’t got a name for it, but we’re assuming there must be a market. Truth is, whileContinue reading “Morgan Reveals Glimpse of New 3-Wheeler.”
Honda Kicks Off England Rugby Partnership
Honda has pulled off a bit of a coup by signing a deal to be the Performance Partner and Official Vehicle of Rugby Football Union (RFU) and England Rugby. As you can see, to celebrate they formed a huge set of rugby posts out of Honda cars – nice touch! Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile,Continue reading “Honda Kicks Off England Rugby Partnership”
Invitation to Mercedes Launch of New EV Models pre-IAA Mobility Event
Merc are inviting you to a livestream world premiere of several purely electric models the day before IAA MOBILITY 2021 opens. So if you’re free at 5pm on Sunday 5 September you can tune in and prepare to have your socks knocked off by the new range of Mercedes Benz EVs. Here’s your very ownContinue reading “Invitation to Mercedes Launch of New EV Models pre-IAA Mobility Event”
Forget Uber, Your RoboTaxi is Here!
Driverless technology gurus Motional and Hyundai have unveiled the IONIQ 5 robotaxi, based on the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5, obviously, which they claim can safely operate without a driver by twinning two key technologies, electrification and autonomy. It is planned for the IONIQ 5 robotaxi to be picking up its first fares in 2023. TheContinue reading “Forget Uber, Your RoboTaxi is Here!”
Peter Vardy’s Crystal Ball Spies the 2025 EV Market
Some authoritative and engaging analysis from Peter Vardy has been a major talking point in the retail motor sector, not least because it says that some European manufacturers might well outshine Mr Musk and his Teslas. The starting point of the report is today’s EV market: there are over 290,000 pure-electric cars on UK roadsContinue reading “Peter Vardy’s Crystal Ball Spies the 2025 EV Market”
UK Car Production Plummets
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has issued a report that affects every single one of us working in the UK automotive sector. It states in plain and simple language that British car manufacturing output has declined massively, down 37.6% in July with just 53,438 units made. Why does it affect all ofContinue reading “UK Car Production Plummets”
Is the Stand-Alone DMS Dead?
“The DMS as we know it is dead.” This is the surprising view of Simon Verona, MD of leading DMS supplier Navigator. “The DMS nowadays has to incorporate every aspect of the business, has to bring the customer in, handle their every need and then keep the relationship going long after they have bought fromContinue reading “Is the Stand-Alone DMS Dead?”
Kia’s New Sportage is ‘Just for Europe’
For the first time in its history, Kia is launching a Sportage model designed and developed specifically for the European market. Kia reckons it will have a ‘daring and intricate front-end’ matched with a ‘muscular swooping fastback rear’ A quick look at the sketches shows this to be true. It’s pretty nifty looking. Kia sayContinue reading “Kia’s New Sportage is ‘Just for Europe’”
FIH Mobile/Stellantis JV to Disrupt Car Cockpit Solutions
Stellantis and Foxconn Technology Group have formed a joint venture (JV) called Mobile Drive to develop what some hope will be the most creative driving and passenger experiences available in any car. The new tech will not just be limited to Stellantis’ own vehicles but will be brand-neutral. The JV marries Foxconn’s ICT industry capabilitiesContinue reading “FIH Mobile/Stellantis JV to Disrupt Car Cockpit Solutions”
Ex-car Salesman Jailed for Racist Abuse of Home Secretary
A former car salesman has been thrown into jail where he belongs for posting a racist video about Home Secretary Priti Patel. The media reports of his jailing have named his former car dealership employers. Need To Know Motors doesn’t think it’s fair to drag them into this given the fact he wasn’t working thereContinue reading “Ex-car Salesman Jailed for Racist Abuse of Home Secretary”
Arson. Stab Threats. Thefts. What Is Going on With Attacks on Dealerships?
What the hell is going on in this wonderful business when a week barely goes by without some thug or other threatening car dealers, or thieves make off with stock or – as we have just seen up in Tyneside – an arson attack on forecourt vehicles? It seems that life in the dealership isContinue reading “Arson. Stab Threats. Thefts. What Is Going on With Attacks on Dealerships?”
Ford’s New ‘Flexible’ Hot Hatch
Ford is launching a Focus ST with high-spec adjustable suspension and lighter alloy wheels for increased cornering precision and response. It has also got a fancy Azura Blue exterior with high gloss black detailing and part-leather Recaro sports seats. But best of all, the adjustable suspension comes with a special Nürburgring setting. Ford reckon thatContinue reading “Ford’s New ‘Flexible’ Hot Hatch”
Ooh, Controversial! Best/Worst Places to Buy Cars
Moneybarn, the lender of specialist car, van and motorbike finance, has got a great story: what are the best and worst places in the UK to buy new and used cars? Obviously, whenever we’re looking for a used car the first place we go is t’internet. And that means we can see cars for sale fromContinue reading “Ooh, Controversial! Best/Worst Places to Buy Cars”
Genesis Prices-Up G70 Saloon and GV70 SUV
Genesis Motor UK has announced the prices for its luxury mid-size G70 and GV70 products, with the saloon starting at £33,850 OTR and the GV70 SUV at £39,450. These two vehicles bring the Genesis UK stable to a total of four and Genesis insist that they represent what they call ‘a true expression of AthleticContinue reading “Genesis Prices-Up G70 Saloon and GV70 SUV”
New All-Electric Vehicle Provider Launches
Innovation Automotive (IA) has launched in the UK, aiming to bring affordable all-electric vehicles to market, to help making the switch to EVs ‘accessible, simple and sustainable’. We applaud them. The IA range will include both LCV and passenger cars and they’ll start shifting them early next year, beginning with the DFSK EC35 compact panelContinue reading “New All-Electric Vehicle Provider Launches”
Are You Ready for Post-Covid MOT Surge?
Due to so many MOTs being postponed during the various lockdowns, a major surge of MOTs is expected and service centres are being warned to prepare themselves for a major influx of work. Almost 1.3 million more MOTs will expire during September and October than usual and the Motor Ombudsman is expecting that its onlineContinue reading “Are You Ready for Post-Covid MOT Surge?”
Investing in Google PPC? Read This First
We all know that pay-per-click advertising on Google is one of the key sales tools available to dealerships. It takes some effort to get it right, but it’s easy to get it wrong. Natalie Banks, digital marketing specialist at Autoweb Design, talks us through how it works and what options are best for dealers. IfContinue reading “Investing in Google PPC? Read This First”
Car Dealer Mag’s EV Paper – Check It Out
Car Dealer mag has teamed up with lead generation specialists TLA to interview car drivers about their views on switching from an ICE car to an EV. The paper makes for interesting reading and we recommend it to you. The research was conducted in a series of hour-long interviews, speaking to people who have decidedContinue reading “Car Dealer Mag’s EV Paper – Check It Out”
The Mercedes EQS: Merc’s First Proper EV
The Mercedes EQS has been unleashed. It’s gorgeous. It’s space-age in parts. It’s fast, but it’s not furious. It’s calm. And it is, no doubt, the future of what Mercs will be like from now on. Reports are that the EQS 450+ has knocked the luxury EV market for six. Expected on our streets inContinue reading “The Mercedes EQS: Merc’s First Proper EV”
Hennessey Venom Sells Out Entire Production Run (of 24)
High-performance vehicle manufacturer Hennessey has announced that it has sold all its Venom F5 hypercars. It seems that all they had to do was turn up at the Monterey Car Week, show off their vehicles and wait for the order to come in. So you will not be getting your mitts on one after all. Continue reading “Hennessey Venom Sells Out Entire Production Run (of 24)”
Chips Are Down: Toyota Slashes Production
Despite being rumoured to have built a stockpile of microchips, Toyota has succumbed to the global shortage of the tiny components and has announced that it will have to slash worldwide vehicle production by 40% next month. It’s a story that keeps coming around, because it is actually making serious inroads into the global carContinue reading “Chips Are Down: Toyota Slashes Production”
Vauxhall Achieves ‘Classic’ Status
We’re not sure if it’s a bit early for this, but Vauxhall’s heritage collection is being displayed at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire this August. Fair enough, the manufacturer started making cars in 1903, and we do love the old Victor (pictured) but the Chevette? The Belmont? The collection totals 50 cars andContinue reading “Vauxhall Achieves ‘Classic’ Status”
SsangYong Adds Close To Network
SsangYong Motors UK has added Close Motor Company to its national dealership network. The 8-car showroom near Peterborough city centre is part of the family-run Close business established in 1967. The Peterborough company already has ambitious plans to extend the site in the coming months. Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motor UK, said: “WeContinue reading “SsangYong Adds Close To Network”
Auto Trader: More Cars for Dealers Thanks to Cash Offer
Auto Trader says it will unlock even more stock for retailers by providing its customers with a £100 extra cash incentive for any vehicle part-exchanged with a retailer using Auto Trader’s Guaranteed Part-Exchange service or sold through its consumer facing Instant Cash Offer platform. Auto Trader says it will be the first time it has directly contributed towards its retailerContinue reading “Auto Trader: More Cars for Dealers Thanks to Cash Offer”
Nissan Z Launch: Strictly Not for UK!
So earlier this week we saw the launch of the stylish new Nissan Z sports car at a special event in New York. The all-new, seventh-generation Z is scheduled to go on sale in Spring 2022. But not in the UK. Now that you have seen it, you may be considering shifting up a gearContinue reading “Nissan Z Launch: Strictly Not for UK!”
Skippy’s Tip: Learn From the Industry’s Wise Men and Women
Simon ‘Skippy’ Bowkett is a respected adviser and trainer to some of the most prestigious dealer groups and manufacturers, but even he acknowledges that there are people in this industry who can teach him a thing or two. One such person is Florida-based Tommy Gibbs. Tommy not only offers simple but effective advice about improvingContinue reading “Skippy’s Tip: Learn From the Industry’s Wise Men and Women”
Bristol Street Motors CEO on ITV’s Undercover Big Boss
Did you see last night’s Undercover Big Boss on ITV? You should have. It featured Bristol Street Motors’ CEO Robert Forrester who donned a full disguise to experience life through the eyes of his dealership employees. Hats off to the guy as it’s not easy to dig down into the business like that, especially inContinue reading “Bristol Street Motors CEO on ITV’s Undercover Big Boss”