Rural Dealers Thrive as South-East England Discards Non-Compliant Cars: Car Dealer News

In the world of car dealer news and motor trade news, a surprising trend is emerging as the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) in London triggers a flood of older vehicles into the market. While this has led to plummeting values and the rejection of non-compliant vehicles by some dealers, specialists in rural parts of the UK are finding themselves in the driver's seat, capitalising on the situation.

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Colin Maconachie, the proprietor of CMC Specialists in Muir of Ord, has found himself at the forefront of this intriguing shift. Nestled nine miles north-west of Inverness, this remote dealership has seen a surge in supply from the south-east of England, including an entire transporter-load of Jeep Grand Cherokees in just two weeks. Maconachie attributes this boon to his strategic purchases from major auction houses.

sell more cars

In the Highlands, where the clean mountain air and absence of emission zones contrast with harsh winters, good used 4x4s are in high demand. Maconachie's customers appreciate rust-free Subaru Foresters, Jeep Cherokees, and Land Rover Discoverys imported from London. These vehicles offer durability in challenging conditions, with many buyers being hardworking farmers who rely on these robust machines for their daily tasks.

Maconachie explains, "A lot of my buyers are farmers who work their vehicles hard and don't expect them to last forever. They like to know they can get two or three years out of them." These SUVs, ranging from 10 to 20 years old, boast a lack of rust and find eager buyers quickly, meeting the needs of those who seek dependable working vehicles.

land rover discovery

Interestingly, the allure of these vehicles extends beyond the farming community. Families in the Highlands also appreciate the more luxurious models, with Jeeps gaining popularity for their classy appeal. While Maconachie avoids the complexity of Range Rovers, he finds that the rugged yet stylish Jeeps resonate with his clientele.

Wales tells a similar story, where specialist dealers, like Torfaen-based Andy Like, are targeting high-specification Discovery 3s and Range Rover Sports. Despite initial plans for a Clean Air Zone in Cardiff, economic constraints have postponed such measures. In rural areas, the demand for practical, working vehicles remains steadfast.

Range Rover Sport

Andy Like observes, "People here need working vehicles. They don't buy 4x4s as status symbols but now they're being treated with cars coming out of London with loads of spec." His focus on high-spec models aligns with the preferences of customers who value both functionality and style.

In the ever-evolving landscape of car dealer news and motor trade news, the unexpected surge in supply from London's Ulez expansion is reshaping the fortunes of specialist dealers in rural regions. For those like Colin Maconachie and Andy Like, this trend presents a unique opportunity to cater to a clientele that values dependable, rust-free 4x4s, ultimately highlighting the adaptability and resourcefulness of the UK's automotive industry.

[Source: Car Dealer Magazine - cardealermagazine.co.uk]



source http://autoengage.co.uk/home-page-6165/b/rural-dealers-thrive-as-south-east-england-discards-non-compliant-cars-car-dealer-news

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Volkswagen Group Sales Surge: Almost Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Image
In exciting motor trade news from cardealermagazine.co.uk , Volkswagen Group is making a remarkable comeback, edging closer to pre-pandemic sales levels. Figures released on January 9th reveal that their sales soared by an impressive 12% in 2023, reaching a total of 9.24 million units. This significant growth surpasses the 8.3 million units sold in 2022 and nearly matches the 9.3 million sales achieved in 2020. The remarkable rebound signals a return to normality for the automotive industry after grappling with supply chain challenges brought about by various factors, including the war in Ukraine and semiconductor shortages. One highlight is the group's commitment to electric vehicles (EVs), with sales of EVs increasing by a remarkable 35%, reaching 770,000 vehicles. This surge comes despite earlier concerns about a lack of demand for EVs in recent months. China played a pivotal role in Volkswagen Group's success story, with the company selling 191,800 electric cars in the
Read more

Redgate Lodge Appoints Paul Keighley as Operations Director to Drive Expansion

Image
Redgate Lodge, a family-owned used car dealer based in Shiremoor, is gearing up to sell more cars with the recruitment of Paul Keighley as its Operations Director in a newly established role. With over 40 years of industry expertise and a track record with top dealer groups and brands, including Audi Colebrook & Burgess, Porsche & Bentley JCT 600, and the former Benfield Motor Group in Newcastle, Keighley is a seasoned professional in the motor trade. His distinguished career is further underscored by the prestigious Gold Pin recognition from Volkswagen, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the industry. Paul expressed his enthusiasm for joining Redgate Lodge, highlighting the exciting prospects it offers as a family-run business with a strong history in the motor trade and ambitious growth plans for the future. Keighley said, "The minute I met Scott and the management team at Redgate, it was clear there was an exciting opportunity for me to join a family-r
Read more

UK Implements Electric Vehicle Sales Mandate

Image
The UK has put new regulations into effect requiring carmakers to sell a minimum percentage of brand new pure electric cars and vans. As of January 3rd, car manufacturers must ensure that at least 22% of their new car sales are zero-emission vehicles, while the figure for new vans is set at 10%. These requirements will gradually increase, aiming for 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in the UK to be pure electric by 2030. Originally, the government had planned for 100% of new car sales to be pure electric by 2030, but this target was extended to 2035 in September of the previous year. Car manufacturers that do not comply with these new rules or do not utilize the allowed flexibilities, such as carrying over allowances from previous years, will face penalties amounting to £15,000 per polluting vehicle sold beyond the specified limits. It is essential to note that this mandate is a devolved policy, developed in collaboration with the Scottish government, Welsh government, and
Read more