Leading industry figures are pressing the Government to make the re-opening of dealerships a priority, following a fall in used car transactions by 15% in 2020. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is echoing the voices of the entire industry and we at NTK Motors support the call. Amongst all the measures the Government can take, surely the re-opening of dealerships as soon as it is safe to must be the Number One priority.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, says: “The priority now must be to allow car showrooms to re-open as soon as restrictions are eased. This will not only help the used market recover, supporting jobs and livelihoods and providing individuals with the personal mobility they need at a time when guidance is against using public or shared transport, but it will also enable the latest and cleanest vehicles to filter through to second owners and keep society moving.”
A clear action plan is required, after almost 1.2 million fewer used car transactions took place in 2020 than in 2019. But fears remain that the Prime Minister’s imminent ‘roadway’ announcement will not address the issue of car dealerships clearly enough.