Author: Aimee Turner

A snap survey of West Midlands businesses has laid bare the financial and operational strain attributable to Jaguar Land Rover’s prolonged shutdown following a significant cyber attack. The research, carried out jointly by the Black Country, Greater Birmingham and Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce, surveyed 84 businesses employing greater than 29,700 people across the region. It found that 77% had experienced a negative impact, with 44% describing it as “significant”. Almost half (45%) of firms reported serious financial repercussions, including lost revenue, increased costs and delays in customer payments. The survey revealed that 79% of respondents were directly inside…

As automation and algorithms proceed to influence every corner of the retail motor industry, it’s easy to assume that personalised service is losing relevance. But those working on the coalface of automotive finance know the other is true, and real relationships, tailored support, and a versatile approach remain central to dealer success, suggests Mel White, director of CarMoney North West. In a posh financial landscape, understanding a customer’s unique circumstances and matching them with probably the most suitable lender and finance package is important. It’s not only a matter of compliance but somewhat a industrial imperative. When dealers can access finance…

Government officials confirmed they’ve held talks with suppliers hit by the continued Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) production shutdown, as fears grow over job losses across the automotive supply chain. Representatives from the Department for Business and Trade joined a unprecedented meeting of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) Automotive Components Section today to listen to directly from affected firms. The department said the session was geared toward understanding the challenges and concerns facing suppliers. The talks come as JLR’s production halt enters its third week following a cyber attack at the top of August. The corporate has not…

As artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools reshape industries, dealerships find themselves at a crossroads. On the one hand, the potential advantages of AI are undeniable – streamlining manual tasks, connecting siloed systems, and enhancing customer experiences across the vehicle lifecycle. On the opposite, implementation isn’t straightforward. Dealerships face complex operational environments, heavy sales pressures, and cultural resistance that may turn even essentially the most promising project into an uphill struggle. So how can dealers approach AI implementation strategically, ensuring not only a smooth launch but long-term success? Laying the foundations Paul Humphreys, managing director, retail, at vehicle remarketer Cox…

One other 10,000 Citroën and DS models have been recalled, with owners warned ‘don’t drive’ following safety concerns about their airbag systems. The alert concerns faulty Takata airbags, which might explode and cause fatal injuries. It follows the death of a girl in Reims, France, last 12 months after an airbag in her 2014 Citroën C3 ruptured. No drivers have been hurt within the UK, but the danger has prompted a widening of the recall. Back in June, an urgent stop drive order was issued for certain Citroën and DS models. Now their parent company Stellantis has added further vehicles to the…

The federal government is being urged to supply emergency financial support to guard Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) supply chain because the carmaker’s production stoppage looks set to proceed into next week following a significant cyber attack. The UK’s biggest automobile manufacturer has told staff at its plants in Solihull, Halewood and Wolverhampton they may remain off work until at the least Wednesday, though they have to stay on standby because the situation is kept under review. JLR was forced to shut down its production systems on 31 August after a cyber attack that disrupted its global operations. David Bailey, professor…

A family owned AM100 dealer group is offloading a set of its prestige brand dealerships to latest owners in Dubai.Harwoods is selling its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) franchises, together with its BMW & Mini and Volvo authorised repairer operations, to DXB Investments.DXB, an investment company headquartered in Dubai, will operate the companies under the brand new name of Southeast Motors.  A family owned AM100 dealer group is offloading a set of its prestige brand dealerships to latest owners in Dubai. Harwoods is selling its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) franchises, together with its BMW & Mini and Volvo authorised repairer operations, to DXB…

Tustain Motors Group, which operates seven retail sales and repair sites across Tyneside, Northumberland and south-east Scotland, has been acquired in a management buyout (MBO) led by managing director Kevin Robson. The deal, accomplished at the tip of July sees the £41m turnover group, which posted pre-tax profits of £1.1m last 12 months, move into recent ownership. The corporate opened its seventh site earlier this 12 months in Cramlington – the previous Evans Halshaw Automobile Store at Manor Walks – and expects turnover to exceed £50m in 2025. Founded in 2010 by industry figures John Tustain, Brian Baxter and David…

– Workforce increases by 165 as business accelerates growth- Expansion strengthens group’s premium brand line-up- Lloyd’s sharpens give attention to long-term regional investment – Workforce increases by 165 as business accelerates growth – Expansion strengthens group’s premium brand line-up – Lloyd’s sharpens give attention to long-term regional investment Cumbrian AM100 retailer Lloyd Motor Group is expanding its north east operations with the acquisition of three Jaguar Land Rover businesses from Lithia UK. The acquisition includes Stratstone Jaguar Land Rover Newcastle, Stratstone Land Rover Stockton and Stratstone Land Rover Service Centre, Houghton-le-Spring and can see 165 people join the business. Sam Lloyd, managing director of Lloyd Motor Group, said:…

Once the undisputed leader of the UK automotive market, Ford has seen its dominance unravel over the past decade – with its slow, awkward transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) coming under fire. While Ford has now committed to an all-electric future, some would say its transition critically did not match the pace of its competitors while its singular concentrate on SUVs left its loyal fan base feeling abandoned at roughly the identical rate the automotive maker proceeded to ditch a complete raft of much-loved models. Strong demand for stylish, high-margin SUVs – alongside a world push for profitability and efficiency…