Author: Aimee Turner

Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK, has been appointed the 84th president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Set to assume the role from 1 January 2026, Philpott succeeds Mick Flanagan, vice chairman for Adient, who steps down after completing his two-year tenure. Philpott brings nearly 4 many years of automotive experience to the presidency. After graduating from Loughborough University with a level in banking and finance, he joined Ford of Britain, progressing through a series of roles before moving to Toyota GB, where he became a director on the age of 34. In 2007,…

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has hailed the introduction of free apprenticeships for under 25s in smaller businesses as a serious win for the automotive aftermarket – but warned that wider Apprenticeship Levy reform continues to be urgently needed. Reacting to the Chancellor’s November 26 Budget, Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said the move directly responds to concerns long raised by the sector in regards to the barriers SMEs face in accessing and funding apprenticeships. “The IMI is delighted that our pre-budget call for motion to enhance access to apprenticeships has been partly addressed in today’s Budget.…

Once seen as a fast fix for minor blemishes, SMART repair has evolved right into a highly expert, tech-driven sector that plays an important role in used automotive retailing. From purpose-built tools and advanced techniques to data-led services and industry accreditation, Mark Llewellyn, managing director of Revive! UK, met with AM to clarify why it’s now a cornerstone of each dealership profitability and customer satisfaction. Out of your conversations with dealer groups, which of the present challenges – prep times, rising repair costs, or staff shortages – is having the largest impact on motor retail right away? I’ve been involved…

– Top barrister KC believes judicial review is “inevitable”- FCA’s redress model flawed, warns NFDA- Prolonged battle risks confidence in automotive market – Top barrister KC believes judicial review is “inevitable” – FCA’s redress model flawed, warns NFDA – Prolonged battle risks confidence in automotive market The Supreme Court can have removed bribery and fiduciary duty from the litigation landscape, however the design and delivery of a mass redress scheme is more likely to be the following legal battleground. The barrister who helped secure the Supreme Court victory within the landmark motor finance commission case says he could be “astonished” if the financial regulator’s…

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the upcoming Budget, urging the Government to reconsider plans to scrap the Worker Automobile Ownership Scheme (ECOS), warning of damaging consequences for the retail sector and its workforce. Using ECOS has declined however the scheme is still widely utilized by automotive manufacturers and dealers for their very own employees, who can obtain a brand new automotive at a substantially discounted price. The cars are then typically bought back by the manufacturer or dealer to secure good quality used automotive stock. For some businesses, providing high-value cars without triggering a…

Used automobile retail prices continued to climb in October as strong consumer engagement kept the market buoyant, with Autotrader data pointing to limited fallout expected from this month’s Autumn Budget. In response to Autotrader’s Retail Price Index – based on around 800,000 AI-driven day by day observations – the typical advertised price of a used automobile reached £17,087 in October, up 0.4% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis. It marks the third consecutive month of annual growth after two years of contraction. Prices also rose 0.7% month-on-month versus September. Demand indicators strengthened. Autotrader recorded circa 81.1 million cross-platform visits in October,…

BookMyGarage has relaunched its premium Speed up package with a series of enhancements, aiming to enhance digital visibility, customer acquisition and operational performance. The comparison site for MOTs, servicing and repairs which can have a good time the programme’s second anniversary in February, said the updates reflect 18 months of client feedback – particularly newly onboarded businesses. A core a part of the Speed up proposition stays its 300% revenue return guarantee, offering garages £3 for each £1 invested inside their first 12 months on the platform. The newest improvements are designed to make sure the programme continues to deliver…

Dealer Auction has reported a powerful third quarter, with £145.3 million in retail vehicle value traded through its digital platform. The quarter’s activity generated £2.9m in trade profit for sellers, with stock moving at speed: vehicles took a mean of just three days to sell. Marketplace director Kieran TeeBoon said the performance reflects the sector’s growing reliance on digital tools. “It’s been a busy summer season and there’s plenty to unpack before we shift gears into Q4,” he said. “Behind the numbers lies a story of dealers increasingly embracing digital solutions to streamline transactions, maximise returns and stay ahead in…

Autotrader is aiming to redefine how retailers connect with automotive buyers with the launch of Buying Signals – a brand new consumer intelligence tool that turns online interactions into actionable insights. Built on data from greater than 450 million weekly interactions on the Autotrader platform, Buying Signals combines with the corporate’s Deal Builder technology to gives retailers a real-time window into each buyer’s intent, preferences and readiness to buy. The tool is built around two core components. Buyer Intent measures how likely a customer is to convert based on their behaviour and activity on Auto Trader, helping retailers prioritise leads,…

In recent times, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have evolved rapidly, from being seen as convenient add-ons to becoming essential technologies shaping the longer term of driving, writes Phil Peace, managing director and SVP, international, at Repairify. ADAS uses sensors, cameras, and other hardware to help drivers, enhance safety, and improve comfort by providing alerts, warnings, and automatic functions to assist prevent accidents. AI and machine learning That is taking safety features inside vehicles from being reactive to proactive on account of the vehicle consistently learning about its environment on account of the access to the cameras, LiDAR and radar.…