Westdrive reopens Braintree Kia showroom
In addition to the new-look showroom, the Kia ‘Showcase’ interactive system offers customers an opportunity to take an in-depth virtual tour of any Kia model. ‘Showcase’ allows customers to experience a car’s different grades and colours via a 360-degree configurator. Customers can view a car from every angle, open the doors to explore the interior and even add key accessories.
Lookers Audi Stirling takes top award at Q Power Awards
The Q Power programme was introduced by Audi in 2009 to shine a spotlight on the success of its network partners, ranking their performance by analysing a variety of key performance indicators on a regular basis and across several important brand pillars including customer experience, loyalty and people.
Honda Jazz crowned most reliable model
The Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris and Toyota Aygo were the three most reliable used models from WSG’s analysis. Whilst both Honda and Toyota are renowned for their general reliability, this could also be attributed to the lower mileages that small city cars like these typically cover.
Large EV discounts on the way from under-pressure manufacturers
Tony Whitehorn, former UK Chief Executive and President of the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai, said carmakers were facing a number of pressures to do with the electrification of the UK vehicle parc – and that as a result, there were bargains available to buyers.
Dacia Spring pricing could place downward pressure on fleet EV pricing
This does feel like a potential watershed moment for EV pricing. While the Spring is too small and too limited for many fleet applications, it does show that a modern EV with a 137-mile range can be brought to market at a very attractive price. The key here is that it immediately makes every other EV look like poor value
Record number of retailers used video as customer watch rates soar
The impact of using video in aftersales continues to grow too. Insight from RTC, part of CitNOW Group, reveals that 68% of amber aftersales work was authorised in less than 30 minutes of customers receiving a video in 2023. Its data also shows that using video to present a vehicle health check results in 10% more red work being converted on average, while tyre sales conversion rates increase by 32% and brakes and suspension work increases by 18%.
Car buyers satisfied with finance buying experience despite FCA probe
Last year 93% of buyers said they were satisfied with the explanation given to them by dealership sales staff of the available finance packages, up from 91% in 2020. While satisfaction with the explanation of paperwork and documentation related to finance increased from 93.5% to 95%.
Used car dealers expect prices and values to continue falling
Over the past year, used car prices and values have fallen by about a fifth caused by factors such as gradually increasing stock supply and reduced consumer demand. The general view on this has been that prices and values were inflated to a very high peak and that some form of readjustment was always going to come.
Independent dealer group secures customer data with new technology
Retailers can ensure compliance standards in their sales and service operations by using iStoreDOCS to replace old paper-based operations. iStoreDOCS, created by MAD DEVS, facilitates omnichannel retail and offers cutting-edge technologies that give customers and dealership employees an effective sales experience.
Survey reveals surge in EV interest
Technological advancements have significantly reshaped the landscape of the automotive industry, with a particular emphasis on innovation in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving features, and connectivity solutions. Brands like Kia and Hyundai have emerged as frontrunners in leveraging technology to enhance the driving experience and meet evolving consumer demands.
Customers move towards buying online
Research shows that 74% expect to use some sort of online process to buy their next car – either buying online and collecting the car in person from a dealership (45%) or buying online with home delivery (29%). Only a quarter said they would prefer to buy their next car vehicle in person from the retailer.
Customers fall short on understanding finance
Car finance, the umbrella term which covers various payment options, can be confusing. The term drivers find most baffling is ‘balloon payment’ – which refers to a lump sum owed to a lender at the end of a car finance agreement – leaving 69% of people scratching their heads.
Radical change incoming: Cox Automotive reveals first four-year, fuel-type forecast
EV share of registrations will grow 160% vs 2020-23 volumes to 2.3 million units or 28% of sales. Hybrid will represent 25% of registrations, with two million units sold. This growth comes at a significant cost for diesel and petrol derivatives. Diesel share over the four years will shrink to just 3%, with 62k units registered in 2027, while petrol, with 3.5 million registrations over the four years, will fall 12% to just a 35% share by 2028.
Raving about RAV – Toyota RAV4 PHEV
The RAV4 Plug-in retains all the qualities that have made the fifth generation RAV4 so successful since its launch in late 2018. This includes the dynamic benefits of the low centre of gravity and high body rigidity inherent in the Toyota GA-K vehicle platform. It also comes as standard with AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive. The Plug-in is a complementary model to the RAV4 Hybrid, consolidating Toyota’s electrification programme.
Fuel freeze welcomed but no good news for EVs
Fuel freeze extension provides much-needed stability and respite for drivers who have been grappling with rising living costs and fuel prices. By maintaining the current fuel duty rates, the Chancellor has effectively alleviated some of the financial burdens on households and businesses alike.
Ancaster enlists AI-powered emails to maximise lead conversions
A key part of the new programme, led by digital marketing firm Marketing Delivery, is the introduction of AI-powered email alerts to replace multiple labour- and time-intensive lead management processes.
Warranty Solutions partners with Car Gods
Featuring over 90 of the finest hand-crafted products manufactured in the UK, the Car Gods range covers all aspects of premium vehicle detailing. Amongst the lineup are its iconic Holy Water Secret Shield, Arctic Storm snow foam, Carnauba and ceramic hard waxes and even clay bars for the final finishing touches.
Market returning to pre-pandemic dynamics more quickly than expected
During the “Optimising The Year Ahead” webinar held by Assurant, Christof Engelskirchen, chief economist at Autovista, told more than 100 delegates that a move was underway back to a situation where there was oversupply and tight demand.
iVendi’s new WebShop technology launches in Germany
The WebShop concept delivers a complete off-the-shelf motor retail e-commerce solution that can be easily integrated into almost any dealer web site, incorporating their processes and featuring their branding.
New feature provides fleets with “granular” control over disposal channels
The new feature called Multi-Channel Remarketing, has been added to the company’s 1link Disposal Network platform, allowing absolute flexibility over pricing and remarketing route. For example, a fleet vendor could place a vehicle in a trade and a retail channel at the same time, at different prices.