Author: Aimee Turner
Jon Wakefield is stepping down as Harwoods chief executive and can leave the AM100 dealership group with immediate effect.Archie Harwood, currently chief transformation officer, will resume the role of chief executive after stepping down from the highest position in January last yr to give attention to the event of the corporate’s technology platform.William Fall, Harwoods chairman, said: “For the reason that end of Covid, the industry has faced numerous headwinds, including global supply chain challenges, economic uncertainty and changes within the OEMs’ relationship with their dealer networks. “As for others in our position, the business environment has been difficult and I thank Jon…
The European Commission has pushed back against automotive makers’ calls to delay the upcoming 2025 CO2 reduction targets, asserting that the industry has had ample time to arrange for the changes. Under current EU regulations, manufacturers must reduce average CO2 emissions of their vehicles by 15% by next 12 months, in comparison with 2021 levels. Nonetheless, a leaked industry paper, reportedly spearheaded by Renault and its CEO Luca de Meo, who also heads the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), had suggested a two-year delay. The paper warns that carmakers face potential fines of as much as €16 billion in the event…
Recent data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) reveals a critical shortage of UK automotive technicians qualified to work on vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Despite 13% of vehicles now featuring ADAS technology, only 2% of technicians – just 4,425 individuals – are trained and IMI TechSafe registered to service and repair these systems. “The proportion of ADAS-equipped vehicles has grown from 11% in January 2024 to 13% in July, yet there has not been an identical increase within the proportion of ADAS-trained technicians,” said Kevin Finn, executive chair of the IMI. “Because the adoption…
Bristol Street Motors Orpington Ford has undergone a significant transformation, shifting its focus exclusively to business vehicles following extensive refurbishment. Previously a dealership for each recent and used cars and vans, it’s now fully dedicated to meeting the rising demand for business vehicles. The grand reopening of the revamped facility took place on September 12, with local businesses and the community invited to explore the brand new offerings. Over the past five years, the dealership has seen a pointy increase in demand for business vehicle maintenance and repairs. In response, it has expanded its after-sales service capability by 300%, an…
Independent dealer group Glyn Hopkin has appointed Tim Murphy as chief operations officer (COO). Murphy has previously served as Audi and JLR franchise director at Marshall’s and as group operations director and executive board member for the Motorline Group. Fraser Cohen, CEO of Glyn Hopkin, said: “Tim’s extensive industry experience and proven track record shall be invaluable as we proceed to expand and strengthen our operations. His knowledge of working with multiple manufacturers will greatly profit the group.” In his latest position, Murphy will oversee all Nissan, MG, Kia, Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Suzuki dealerships, specializing in each sales and…
Three men involved in running a fraudulent luxury automotive dealership which conned customers of £720,000, have walked free from court.The fraudulent business Mansori Cars, operated out of Warrington’s Birchwood Park and targeted dozens of customers by selling high-end vehicles without informing them or handing over the proceeds.Many victims only discovered their cars had been sold when the DVLA notified them of ownership changes.The three defendants – Paul Roche, Basil Osman, and Mohammed Fiaz – each played a task within the fraudulent enterprise, led by Shahnawaz Fiaz, who stays at large.During sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on September 4, it was heard that 41…
The finalists for The Mix Awards 2024 have been announced ahead of The Mix’s annual conference and networking event for independent garage owners, set to happen later this month. The event will probably be held at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on September 28, featuring a prestigious awards ceremony following a day filled with business insights from industry leaders, influencers, and innovators. For the primary time, The Mix’s coveted Garage of the 12 months Award has been divided into three subcategories, ensuring that garages of all sizes across the UK and Ireland have an equal opportunity. “The standard of entries…
Recent research from CA Auto Finance reveals that 73% of UK drivers say the rising cost of living or increasing vehicle prices will influence how they approach purchasing their next automotive. The findings come as recent automotive registrations are released for September. Moreover, 42% of drivers expressed concerns about making monthly payments on their automotive finance agreements. Amongst those impacted by financial pressures, nearly half (47%) said they plan to search for more deals, signalling that automotive makers and dealerships should offer attractive promotions in the course of the upcoming Autumn trading period. The study, commissioned by CA Auto Finance,…
Vertu Motors has reported strong performance in its used automobile and aftersales segments, despite a challenged latest automobile environment. The dealership group, which operates 192 sales and aftersales outlets nationwide, provided a trading update for the five months ending 31 July, ahead of its interim results expected in October. Vertu said it anticipates that its full-year FY25 adjusted profit before tax can be according to market expectations although profits for the primary half of the yr are expected to be lower than the previous yr, The anticipated improvement within the second half can be driven by a stronger used automobile market and…
A serious fire at Day’s Motorpark in Gorseinon, Swansea, has destroyed or damaged greater than 20 vehicles, including motorhomes, vans, and cars. The blaze broke out on Thursday August 29 on the dealership situated on Swansea Road, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The hearth, which is believed to have began by accident, sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, with dramatic images capturing the enormous dinosaur model on the dealership’s forecourt engulfed in smoke. Firefighters were called to the scene at around 2:15pm, deploying five fire engines and a specialist appliance to combat the flames. A 25-year-old man sustained injuries…
