Kia dealers are the happiest in UK, but Jaguar franchise holders are most pessimistic. Dealer satisfaction regarding current profit returns have experienced a slight decrease, with an average score of 6.1, down by – 0.1 from the Summer 2023 edition (-1.6% change) of surveys by the National Franchised Dealers Association. Assessing the trends, from previous DAS surveys, current profit return … [Read more...]
Buyers better protected from 31 July
The new FCA Consumer Duty will come into force on 31 July. The Financial Conduct Authority intends for the new Duty to increase levels of consumer protection in retail financial services markets, whilst aiming to promote a healthy environment for firms to thrive. The new Duty will not be a tick-box exercise or be about introducing new processes and paperwork but about a cultural change within … [Read more...]
Electric van sales in slow lane
Following the release of SMMT’s commercial vehicle statistics for May, NFDA has identified that Battery Electric Vehicle LCVs are not performing to expected volumes within the market. BEV light commercial vehicle sales only made up 5.2% of the market in the latest monthly figures. In order to spur actions from DfT, NFDA Commercial Vehicles division have sent a letter to government, outlining … [Read more...]
ZEV Mandate is unrealistic, say dealers
The UK Government must slow down its drive towards a totally electric car and van deadline, said a car dealers' pressure group. Politicians and green lobbyists are expecting 'too much too soon' and the demand among van owners is particularly weak as they struggle with a scattered charging network, rising costs and efficiencies, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised … [Read more...]
Addressing the gender divide in automotive industry
International Women’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to address one of the key imperfections of the automotive industry, the gender divide, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association on International Women’s Day 8 March. "Whilst there is a stark difference in numbers between male and female employees in the automotive industry, NFDA strives to connect … [Read more...]
Little vans in short supply
Throughout 2022 franchised dealers have reported strong demand for light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, but the continued restrictions to component supply have frustrated manufacturers in their ability to produce sufficient new vehicles to match orders, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. In 2022, total LCV registrations fell by … [Read more...]
Tradelines 31 August
Nearly half of motorists planning to buy a car in the next year would be prepared to pay more to skip waiting lists caused by supply chain problems, according to research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. It follows a fifth consecutive month of decline in registrations in August, which the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders attributes to ongoing global supply chain issues, predominantly … [Read more...]
Showrooms still pull in buyers, but face new rules
The majority of car owners (55%) still buy their car from a car showroom, increasing to 64% of over 55s, compared to just 38% of under 34s. The survey of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, finds that over a third (36%) buy from showrooms (men 38% and women 34%) so they can part-exchange their vehicle, get a warranty (33%) and because they feel they have better consumer rights … [Read more...]
Luxury loophole can add value but not cost
Smart buyers, dealers and manufacturers have been given a lifeline to save expensive payments on new cars, for now. The Government's Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has provided clarity around the price cap definition stating cars must be priced below £35,000 RRP to be eligible for Government grants. In particular, the price cap definition includes “any non-standard option fitted by the … [Read more...]
Operating guides for dealers
NFDA is creating a new series of ‘hands-on’ guides to provide franchised dealer members with straightforward, operational guidance on the main issues affecting them, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. After analysing our daily legal enquiry reports, NFDA has launched a new series of operational guides covering some of the key areas which have been … [Read more...]