Motor Trade Radio

Rockar Hyundai stores handed to Motorline, Mitsubishi appoints Rob Lindley as managing director, Porsche axes all current diesel variants from line-up, VW's Seat makes Cupra a stand-alone brand to help boost profits and Used car buyers search on Sunday between 7pm-9pm, says iVendi

Philip Nothard of COX Automotive interviews Jim Reid and David Bilsborough of the IMDA to discuss the growth of the association since its launch in November 2017 and a couple of the current industry topics being discussed by its members.  They raise the recent news; that dealers should be checking their Facebook reviews, as many have reported them disappearing overnight.  And the more industry-wide topic of ex-business use vehicles and some best practice for dealers.  And finally, they announce the launch of the first Independent Dealer Round Table event on the 21st February a Manheim Shepshed

Join Philip Nothard of Cox Automotive and Curtis Hutchinson as they round up the weeks headlines from around the motor trade.

Philip Nothard of COX Automotive and Andy Conde, General Manager Auctioneers Manheim, discuss the January used car market, the strength of conversion and values, driven by demand for quality and ready to retail product.  Andy explains the importance of highly experienced and knowledgeable auction management teams, to deliver and complete, committed and connected service to customers.  He concludes with observations on the existing balance of supply and demand, and how the remainder of the first quarter of 2018 could perform.

Headlines: Daily Telegraph UK car production dips -3% to 1.67m cars, the first drop since 2009 Brexit and diesel fears put the brakes on UK car production Motor Trader Big Cars receives offers to acquire assets of the company Car supermarket chain ceased trading due to "unsustainable trading conditions" AM Online Increased administrative burden’ of Apprenticeship Levy blamed for 26.5% decline in new starters Decline in apprenticeship starters in Q1 blamed on red tape burden but automotive sector might be spared the full impact BBC News UK plans 200-mile 'country roads' driverless trial Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi collaborate on ambitious HumanDrive programme with real world testing starting in December 2019 BBC News Riversimple hydrogen car set for summer debut in Wales Real world trials of 10 hydrogen powered cars set to run for 12 months

Philip Nothard of COX Automotive interviews Stuart Masson - Editor - The Car Expert and The Van Expert.  They share some of the observations influencing the sector in 2017; from the decline in new-car sales, the changing share of diesel and what the future of the fuel market could look like.  Stuart shares his views of the potential outcome of the pending results from the bank of England and FCA investigations into the finance sector.  They conclude by discussing what 2018 could look like, some of the key factors influencing the year and both the opportunities and threats they could present.

Catch up on the weeks headlines with @PhilipN_auto and @Curtis_Hutch. Download now for FREE

Joining Philip is Derek Blair of Radar Video (and owner of Motor Trade Radio). Today they discuss the proposition Radar offers to the industry and they talk through why most dealers are not using social media effectively to generate more new sales.

Today Derek Blair and Philip Nothard discuss Volkswagen sales jump to 6.23 million in China, Continental hires JP Morgan for possible structural overhaul and 70% of UK motorists prefer independent garages, according to Servicing Stop.  Also, job firm warns Brexit will ‘turbocharge’ technician shortage, Lookers invests £12m in Glasgow for Volvo and Jaguar, Rockar partners with Next shops and Mercedes expects 25% of sales will be online by 2022.

Philip Nothard of COX Automotive interviews Martin Dew, Operations Director of Autoweb Design. Martin discusses what’s been happening at Autoweb Design, and some of the key trends they’ve identified in digital in 2017.  He shares some if the key trends in automotive digital marketing, and what we could expect to see in 2018. Martin also shares his thoughts on how dealers can make sure they are getting the most from their websites, and make more from their digital marketing spend.  And finishes with some thoughts about what to expect for the year ahead in digital and from Autoweb Design.  

2018 kicks off with @DerekBlair_ & @PhilipN_auto discussing the weeks news from Ben, Aston Martin, Arnold Clark, SMMT and Marshalls.

Philip Nothard of COX Automotive, interviews Rajiv Kapoor, Head of Operations at WMS Rescue and Recovery. Raj explains the product and why it’s different to other companies in that sector.

Today's Christmas Special episode of MotortradeRadio.com, Philip Nothard of COX Automotive is joined by Curtis Hutchinson to discuss the car retailing highlights of 2017 with a month by month look at the biggest headlines. Stories covered include Sytner moving into the car supermarket business with two acquisitions, March's record registrations, falling dealer profitability, the growing importance of Facebook for dealers, the launch of the Independent Motor Dealers Association and much, much more! A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone, and a thank you for all the support throughout 2017 and we look forward to sharing more dealer news in 2018.

On this Saturday’s episode of MotortradeRadio.com, Philip Nothard of COX Automotive joined by Curtis Hutchinson, editor at Motortrader.com to discuss the latest headlines, as pre-tax profits up 9.9% to £1.07bn amongst the UK’s biggest franchised dealer groups and Sytner, UK’s biggest dealer group consolidates its used-car business with second car supermarket purchase. Meanwhile the Finance & Leasing Association reports finance sales now tracking -6% down year on year.  Cox Automotive releases positive trading figures for November, as trade and retail demand holding up as sector hold for seasonal slowdown. As, Ford extends scrappage scheme for cars and vans into Q1 2018.   And finally, a shout out about Ben’s Industry Leadership Challenge as the baton has been passed to Andy Bruce at Lookers, who will be organising a zero emissions tour of all 150+ Lookers in the UK and Ireland.  

Philip Nothard of COX Automotive interviews Tim Hudson, MD of Manheim Inventory Solutions.  Tim discusses the main trends noticed in the industry over the last year and what the future of the sector looks like.  He also, shares the background of why double-blocking was recently introduced to Bruntingthorpe and some of the biggest challenges the sector has faced, and how they are responding; whilst summarising some of his key thoughts about vendors and buyers should be thinking about. 

On this Saturday’s episode of MotortradeRadio.com, Philip Nothard of COX Automotive joined by Curtis Hutchinson, editor at Motortrader.com to discuss the latest headlines, as SMMT report that the new car market falls for the eighth consecutive month with diesel demand down 30%, along with Van sales falling -11% across the board with small LCVs hit hardest.  Franchised dealers go into the red in October reports ASE, as the average dealer site made £2,000 loss as return on sales fell to 1.01% in the rolling year. Pendragon to reduce Stratstone premium brand locations, the dealer group will reduce its premium brand outlets over the next three years and is selling its US business. Aberdeen's John Clark Group acquires Morrisons of Stirling, as the dealer group grows with the acquisition of their Jaguar and Seat business. And finally, a survey finds buyers spend more time researching holidays than cars, Black Horse surveys 2,000 buyers showing more time is spent on holiday choice than researching a car.

Philip Nothard of COX Automotive interviews Phil Morgan, Head of findandfundmycar.com. Phil discusses the reason for entering what is already a crowded market and with his background at Gocompare, shares the challenges of making it a success and a household name.  Phil shares how the relationship with Motonovo will work, whether the dealers will need to support Motonovo and which dealers, it is aimed at.  He also shares the launch strategy and hints at the jingle they have created, to try to top Gocompare for the most annoying jingle of all time.

Today Philip Nothard of COX Automotive is joined by Curtis Hutchinson, editor at Motortrader.com to discuss the latest headlines inc. Facebook, Motorpoint, cap hpi, Lookers and Luscombe Suzuki in Leeds.

On this Saturday’s episode of MotortradeRadio.com, Philip Nothard of COX Automotive joined by Curtis Hutchinson, editor at Motortrader.com to discuss the latest headlines

Philip Nothard of COX Automotive interviews Alistair Jeff, Head of Operations at GardX AD-Vantage.  Alistair discusses what ‘going digital’ means for them, and the importance of keeping up to date with the way in which consumers engage throughout the buying process. The why and what’s about spin, the hot spots and utilising digital to present products.  They discuss the strategy behind the recent partnership with MODIX UK to deliver 360° and why it’s more efficient and stronger to work together.  And finally, a hint of what the future looks like from the GardX AD-Vantage family, as they keep their finger on the pulse of both dealer and consumer interactions.