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In an intriguing twist of fate, the EV parade has temporarily taken a back seat in the monthly depreciation spectacle. Exclusive data divulged to Car Dealer by Cap HPI, the titans of trade values, have shed light on the cars that endured the steepest devaluation in August. Remarkably, only one electric vehicle (EV) has secured a spot on this notorious list. Unlike the prevailing theme of 2023, where EVs usually dominate the second-hand market's depreciation drama, August emerged as an exception. The chart-topper, earning the dubious honour of leading the pack with a 14.5 per cent slide (£1,354), is the 2015-2019 SsangYong Tivoli SUV. Intriguingly, this time around, five of the top 10 sharpest fallers are diesel-powered machines, accompanied by two sprightly petrol-driven sports cars. Seemingly unfazed by the EV wave, the solitary electric contender in the rankings is the 2016-2020 Smart ForTwo electric. With an 8.8 per cent downturn (£808), it stands as a testament to the shif...

The wheels are turning as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) extends its reach, now encompassing London's outer boroughs including Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, and Hillingdon, as reported on cardealermagazine.co.uk . Motor trade news has been buzzing as used car dealers in the capital reveal their strategies in the wake of this emission-based upheaval. The extension of ULEZ, effective from Aug 29, means drivers across London are now facing a daily £12.50 charge for non-compliant vehicles, setting the road for a fresh set of challenges and opportunities for car dealers. The implementation comes after a legal challenge, which saw a consortium of Tory councils leading the charge, but alas, it was the High Court's green light that set the wheels in motion. Reports from the industry trenches indicate a shift in the wind. Some independent retailers are finding non-compliant vehicles sliding down the value slope, mostly sought by buyers trekking from outside the city limits. Converse...

In the ever-evolving realm of car dealer news and motor trade news, Cox Automotive has shed light on the burgeoning role of AI in the industry, urging its cautious and judicious use. Their latest AutoFocus report carries the resounding message that AI's potential, while immense, should work hand-in-hand with the human touch rather than supplant it. Philip Nothard, Cox Automotive’s insightful strategy director, emphasises that AI's integration in various forms across industries is unmistakable. Yet, he asserts, the heart and soul of the motor trade will remain human. AI's meteoric rise, coupled with its ongoing advancements, presents both challenges and efficiencies that the industry should embrace smartly. The collaborative sentiment echoed by the experts interviewed in the report resonates harmoniously. A chorus of voices attests to AI being a catalyst for enhanced productivity and swifter operations. The consensus is clear: AI isn't positioned to oust the industr...

In a cautionary tale shaking up the motor trade news, SR Vans, a swindling car dealer, has unveiled a fresh modus operandi for fleecing unsuspecting customers of their hard-earned cash. This unscrupulous dealership, posing as a Stockton-upon-Tees establishment, has sidestepped the traditional website route exploited by previous fraudsters featured in Car Dealer's investigative reports. Instead, SR Vans opted for a web of online profiles on eBay, Gumtree, and Google, skillfully ensnaring potential buyers. A clever twist to their scheme was SR Vans' crafty use of bots to churn out daily raving reviews, artfully masking the nefarious nature of their enterprise. To add insult to injury, they adeptly wiped out genuine reviews that flagged them as a sham operation. Car Dealer's proactive approach led them to engage with Google, which promptly probed SR Vans' activities, resulting in the removal of their business profile from the platform. A Google spokesperson confirmed...

August has unveiled a significant trend in car dealer news: there has been a noticeable dip in used car values. As the summer days wane, the motor trade news is abuzz with Cap HPI’s revelation that this month may see the steepest monthly drop in used car values for 2023. By mid-August, the average value of used cars had already declined by 1.2%. This downward trend led Derren Martin, the director of valuations at Cap HPI, to anticipate nearly a 2% fall by month's end, making it the most pronounced drop this year. July had already witnessed a 1.9% fall. But, rather than sounding alarm bells, Martin suggests this isn't a market crash but rather a "realignment on pricing". This perspective is bolstered by the fact that, despite the recent dip, prices remain notably higher than they were a couple of years ago. One could argue that the market is simply getting back into stride, as it does tend to become a tad unpredictable during the summer holiday season. And though A...

In recent car dealer news, Cox Automotive has earnestly emphasised the pressing need for car manufacturers to bolster their investments in supply chains to ensure profitability in the years ahead. This assertion comes as a part of the firm's newly unveiled AutoFocus quarterly insight report, which has garnered contributions from some of the most esteemed professionals in the automotive sector. The thorough report indicated that it isn't merely supply chains requiring monetary infusion. There's a significant call for substantial investments in vehicle distribution and the ongoing technological evolution. Such advancements are seen as paramount for car brands to thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape. It's not just about self-development though; the report passionately urges manufacturers to upscale vital business elements and establish partnerships with fellow manufacturers. Such collaboration, it suggests, is the linchpin to attaining optimal outcomes. Philip ...

In the world of car dealer news and motor trade news, a dip of two per cent in used car values this August has marked the trickiest period in thirteen years. However, fear not, as the motoring realm remains resilient against a full-fledged price crash. Derren Martin, the authoritative voice from Cap HPI’s valuations team, shared an exclusive insight with Car Dealer Magazine (find the full story at cardealermagazine.co.uk ). According to Martin, the motor trade has encountered its fifth consecutive month of value depreciation this year. This, though not ideal, does not signal a price crash. Martin aptly portrayed the current situation as "deflation in the used car market." While this month's decline of two per cent echoes July's 1.9 per cent drop, it's important to note that the process is more akin to a slow dance than a reckless tumble. It's been a while since August witnessed such a sizeable plunge – in fact, the last time a similar occurrence unfolded...

In a cautionary tale shaking up the motor trade news, SR Vans, a swindling car dealer, has unveiled a fresh modus operandi for fleecing unsuspecting customers of their hard-earned cash. This unscrupulous dealership, posing as a Stockton-upon-Tees establishment, has sidestepped the traditional website route exploited by previous fraudsters featured in Car Dealer's investigative reports. Instead, SR Vans opted for a web of online profiles on eBay, Gumtree, and Google, skillfully ensnaring potential buyers. A clever twist to their scheme was SR Vans' crafty use of bots to churn out daily raving reviews, artfully masking the nefarious nature of their enterprise. To add insult to injury, they adeptly wiped out genuine reviews that flagged them as a sham operation. Car Dealer's proactive approach led them to engage with Google, which promptly probed SR Vans' activities, resulting in the removal of their business profile from the platform. A Google spokesperson confirmed...

August has unveiled a significant trend in car dealer news: there has been a noticeable dip in used car values. As the summer days wane, the motor trade news is abuzz with Cap HPI’s revelation that this month may see the steepest monthly drop in used car values for 2023. By mid-August, the average value of used cars had already declined by 1.2%. This downward trend led Derren Martin, the director of valuations at Cap HPI, to anticipate nearly a 2% fall by month's end, making it the most pronounced drop this year. July had already witnessed a 1.9% fall. But, rather than sounding alarm bells, Martin suggests this isn't a market crash but rather a "realignment on pricing". This perspective is bolstered by the fact that, despite the recent dip, prices remain notably higher than they were a couple of years ago. One could argue that the market is simply getting back into stride, as it does tend to become a tad unpredictable during the summer holiday season. And though A...

In recent car dealer news, Cox Automotive has earnestly emphasised the pressing need for car manufacturers to bolster their investments in supply chains to ensure profitability in the years ahead. This assertion comes as a part of the firm's newly unveiled AutoFocus quarterly insight report, which has garnered contributions from some of the most esteemed professionals in the automotive sector. The thorough report indicated that it isn't merely supply chains requiring monetary infusion. There's a significant call for substantial investments in vehicle distribution and the ongoing technological evolution. Such advancements are seen as paramount for car brands to thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape. It's not just about self-development though; the report passionately urges manufacturers to upscale vital business elements and establish partnerships with fellow manufacturers. Such collaboration, it suggests, is the linchpin to attaining optimal outcomes. Philip ...

In a twist that's stirring the pot of government decisions, the future of the ZEV mandate appears far from certain. Recent whispers from within the hallowed halls of Westminster suggest that Members of Parliament could soon have the chance to give a thumbs-down to the contentious eco-policy. Hold onto your driving gloves, for the plot thickens. The venerable "i" has it on good authority that Rishi Sunak, that financial maestro, is cooking up something revolutionary for the net zero policy playbook. Rumblings in the corridors of power reveal a wave of unease among some Tory backbenchers, sparking these potential changes. This report claims the Department for Transport, backed by the PM, is about to whip out the rarely-used 'affirmative' procedure. Picture this: the policy would have to be approved not only by the House of Commons but also by the dignified members of the House of Lords. It's a double stamp, ensuring that no stone is left unturned. In essenc...

In a candid interview with Car Dealer Magazine, Andy Palmer, the former head of Aston Martin and esteemed Nissan executive, has voiced scathing concerns about the UK government's handling of electric vehicles (EVs) and the necessary industry support. Palmer, a key figure in introducing Nissan's groundbreaking models like the Qashqai and the iconic Leaf - the pioneer of mass-market electric cars in 2010 - minced no words in labelling the government's strategy as 'inept'. Having played pivotal roles at both Nissan and Aston Martin, Palmer is no stranger to the motor trade news. His critical comments revolve around the UK's EV ambitions, particularly the plan to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, allowing only hybrids until 2035. Palmer, now actively engaged in the EV sector through start-up ventures, believes the lack of precise guidelines on post-2030 vehicle sales creates uncertainty, especially for companies like Toyota with their 'self-chargi...

In an exciting development for the motor trade news, British car manufacturer JLR is putting the pedal to the metal, announcing plans to create a throng of new job opportunities amidst surging demand for its iconic Range Rover models. The company's decision to hire an additional 300 technicians and test engineers at its Midlands facilities is like a turbocharged boost to the local economy. A hundred of these positions will find a home in JLR's Solihull base, acting as a much-needed engine for increased Range Rover production. These swanky vehicles have been facing a few hurdles lately due to component shortages. However, the cavalry has arrived in the form of these new technicians, who are set to roll out of a spanking new body shop. With their expertise, JLR aims to rev up production by 30 per cent for both the luxurious Range Rover and its sportier counterpart, the Range Rover Sport. The future looks sleek and streamlined for these models. But that's not all – buckle...

In the dynamic world of car dealer news and motor trade news, the Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA) is joyfully marking a milestone with 1,000 members. Yet, according to Chairman Umesh Samani, it's not merely about the numbers. Despite six years passing, the challenges faced by independent dealers remain familiar, but the IMDA's evolution in tackling these issues is noteworthy. Since its inception in 2017, the association has blossomed into an invaluable resource. Boasting a constellation of over 50 partners, it now provides an array of products and services. Remarkably, this includes complimentary legal advice, steadfast DVLA support, and a freshly established aftersales group. Noteworthy is how these offerings enrich small-scale dealers with advantages typically reserved for larger conglomerates. Umesh Samani, captured above, shares with Car Dealer, "Numbers have never been our focus. It's about uniting kindred dealers who share trust." He el...

Get ready, folks! Chery's remarkable marque, Omoda, is all set to roll onto the UK's crossover SUV scene later this year. Hold onto your steering wheels as the Chinese brand gears up to launch its dazzling Omoda 5 by the end of 2023, with a tantalising on-sale date of next February. Picture this: a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, delivering a punchy 200bhp and a robust 290Nm of torque, all nestling atop Chery's revolutionary T1X platform. What's the scoop, you ask? Omoda boasts an "expanded interior space with exceptional geometric riding capabilities." Fancy, right? But that's not all, dear motorists. Brace yourselves for the electric extravaganza – the Omoda 5 EV. This electric variant is poised to make a grand entrance alongside its combustion engine sibling. And there's more to this story than meets the eye. Omoda's CEO, the illustrious Chen Chunqing, piped up, "The automotive industry's in a whole new league now, what with intell...

In an inspiring feat of determination and compassion, Flynn Elliott, a service advisor at Vertu Teesside BMW, has embarked on a remarkable journey that raised £1,500 in support of mental health charities. The heartwarming tale, gleaned from cardealermagazine.co.uk , showcases the power of unity and resilience in tackling poignant issues. Undertaking a formidable nocturnal challenge, Flynn, accompanied by his mother, Jo Elliott, strode through the darkness for a staggering 12 hours. This endeavour was not merely a physical feat, but a symbolic journey from obscurity into light, emblematic of the trials endured by those grappling with mental health struggles. Their motivation was profoundly personal; Flynn and Jo were driven by the heartache of devastating losses. In a somber turn of events, Flynn's close friend lost his 17-year-old sister to suicide in 2019. Following this, another tragic event unfolded when one of Jo's dearest friends took their own life the following year....

In the fast-paced world of car dealer news and motor trade news, Big Motoring World emerges as a standout success story. Despite the turbulent landscape for used car supermarkets, this Kent-based company achieved an impressive pre-tax profit surge of 65 per cent in 2022. Under the name Bapchild Motoring World (Kent) Ltd, the firm's profits soared from £6.6 million in 2021 to an impressive £10.9 million, surpassing the £8.7 million of 2020. Notably, turnover surged by a significant 43 per cent, rising from £371 million to a staggering £529.7 million. The diverse revenue streams encompassed vehicle sales contributing £490.4 million, finance commission at £18.6 million, and warranty sales at £20.6 million. Impressively, Big Motoring World's used car sales blossomed, rising by 5,000 units to an impressive total of 27,000 across the group. The year was not without its strategic shifts. Major shareholder Peter Waddell, along with other minority stakeholders, divested part of the...