NEWS
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EV charging network not keeping up with demand
The DfT confirmed there were 37,055 public charging points in total on 1 January 2023, up from 34,637 devices at the start of October 2022. This equates to just 806 new chargers are being added to the public network each month - an installation rate that needs to increase to 3,130-a-month if the Government is to meet its promised target of having 300,000 devices nationwide by 2030, when the government intends to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Vauxhall opens GSe range order books
GSe stands for Grand Sport Electric and is the new performance sub-brand from Vauxhall, integrating electric performance credentials with sharp handling and styling. Each of the GSe models features unique styling upgrades, inside and out, and comes with uprated electrified drivetrains and improved handling thanks to suspension and steering upgrades.
LEASING & FINANCE
FCA highlights areas of focus for firms implementing Consumer Duty
The FCA reviewed a sample of implementation plans and found that many firms show they understand and embrace the shift to delivering good customer outcomes, which the Duty will bring, and have established extensive programmes of work to comply with it properly. It also found that some firms are further behind in their planning, so there is a risk that they may struggle to apply the Duty effectively once the rules come into force.
Video partnership is first sign of new RAC Dealer Network strategy
A series of third-party agreements will soon be announced providing products and services in support of the RAC Dealer Network's 1200+-strong group of used car, van, motorcycle and motorhome retailers.
AFTERMARKET & WORKSHOP
Falling new car sales hit workshop throughput
Research has identified over three-quarters of lapsed customers either have made no plans to get their cars serviced, are unaware of the need to do so, or have already gone elsewhere. Each of these is a missed opportunity for dealers which can be easily rectified by having robust processes in place to promote servicing work for each and every new and used car sale.
Used car price growth slows
Prices for the top 20 most searched-for cars on the AA Cars platform rose by just 0.2% in Q4 on an annual basis, compared to a 9.2% increase in the previous quarter. The average price of the top 20 most searched-for cars on the AA Cars site was £16,358 in the final quarter of 2022, compared to £16,319 during the same three-month period in 2021.
DEALER INSIGHTS
Falling new car sales hit workshop throughput
Research has identified over three-quarters of lapsed customers either have made no plans to get their cars serviced, are unaware of the need to do so, or have already gone elsewhere. Each of these is a missed opportunity for dealers which can be easily rectified by having robust processes in place to promote servicing work for each and every new and used car sale.
iVendi targets OEMs with online motor finance calculator
Taking the form of an application programming interface (API), it enables car buyers to search a range of finance and insurance products quoting on varying deposits, length of term and different levels of credit and GAP insurance cover.
JOBS
Six of the best! Snows Group managers promoted to new...
Promotions have been awarded to six high-achieving individuals as the South of England-based car dealership group looks to build on the successes and expansion it enjoyed in 2022.
Management changes at Citroën UK
Greg Taylor has a long association with Stellantis brands in the UK. He joined the Jeep and Chrysler brands as an undergraduate, before progressing through the organisation, holding various sales and operational roles at Fiat, culminating in leading the national sales organisation.
