Author: Aimee Turner
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.…
AM100 dealership group Group 1 Automotive has announced plans to divest its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) franchise operations within the UK as a part of a broad portfolio optimisation strategy revealed in its third-quarter results.The US-based retail group said persistent economic headwinds within the UK – including stubborn inflation, high rates of interest, rising energy costs and weakening consumer demand – have squeezed margins and driven up operating expenses across the retail sector.“As a part of our ongoing portfolio optimization, we informed our OEM partner, JLR, of our intention to sell or relinquish our UK JLR franchise operations,” the corporate said…
Renault has taken the concept a automobile can empower people – giving them greater control, freedom and a real sense of agency – totally to heart. Sat behind the wheel of the Renault Rafale E-Tech Hybrid Iconic Esprit Alpine, I used to be drawn to a curious setting buried within the Multi-Sense menu – Perso. At first, I assumed it was just one other drive mode, sitting alongside the more obvious Eco, Comfort, and Sport. A bit more exploring revealed something rather more intriguing: Perso is actually a blank canvas, a totally customisable driving profile that lets the driving force…
Three youths have been sentenced after causing greater than £63,000 price of harm to vehicles at a Ford dealership in Ulverston.South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard how Regan Satterthwaite, 21, of Barrow, and two teenagers – who can’t be named for legal reasons – gained access to several cars parked at Alan Myerscough Ford site within the early hours of February 25 last 12 months.Prosecutor Peter Kelly told the court the trio attempted to open door handles of multiple vehicles before successfully entering 4 – including two £52,000 Ford Wildtrak pickup trucks, a camper van and one other vehicle price around…
Automobile brands including Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Tesla are showcasing their latest models on the £20m Future Stores venue on Oxford Street. The 2-storey, 435 sq m space is designed as a high-footfall alternative to out-of-town dealerships and online listings, combining ‘retail theatre’ with data-driven customer insight where every visitor journey is tracked, recording age, gender, income, engagement and buy intent. “Conventional automobile showrooms haven’t evolved much for the reason that Fifties,” said Engin Celikbas, managing partner at Future Stores. “Future Stores offers a radically different approach – turning Oxford Street right into a showroom and the showroom right into a…
Industry charity Ben has launched a brand new Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) training course designed for workers at every level of the automotive sector. The four-hour programme, which could be delivered in person or virtually, covers the impact of EDI within the workplace, tips on how to recognise and address bias, and ways to embed inclusive practices that drive collaboration and innovation. Participants are encouraged to participate in open discussions about unconscious bias, explore practical strategies for constructing inclusive cultures, and examine the broader business advantages of EDI. Julie Hayes, specialist services lead at Ben, said: “We’re delighted to…
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…