Car Dealer Magazine: Issue 186

FOUNDER

James Baggott james@thebaize.com

Twitter: @CarDealerEd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

James Batchelor james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk

Twitter: @JRRBatchelor

CHIEF SUB-EDITOR

John Bowman john@blackballmedia.co.uk

STAFF WRITER

Jack Williams jack.williams@blackballmedia.co.uk

Twitter: @JournoJack25

MULTIMEDIA MANAGER

Jon Reay jon@blackballmedia.co.uk

Twitter: @JonReay

HEAD OF DESIGN

Graeme Windell graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @graemewindell

WELCOME.

With summer pretty much written off thanks to endless rain, there’s only one thing to think about – Christmas. Yes, I’ve mentioned the c-word!

At Car Dealer, the Christmas period gets off to a great start because that’s when we put on the best party in the motor trade – our annual Used Car Awards.

FINANCE MANAGER

Kate Gordon kate@blackballmedia.co.uk

SALES MANAGER

Kevin Day kev@blackballmedia.co.uk

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Michelle Searle michelle@blackballmedia.co.uk

Twitter: @cardealermich

This year’s do, sponsored by long-term partner Black Horse and supported by a host of leading suppliers, is shaping up to be another cracker. Held once again at The Brewery in central London and taking place on Monday, November 27, it’s going to be the best party in town, celebrating the very best of the used car business. But you’ll only know that if you come along.

This may only be the September issue but on pages 10 and 11 of this magazine you’ll find out how you can put yourself forward for an award and bag your seat. I know it might seem too soon to be thinking about Christmas but nominations close on October 1, giving us a few weeks to sift through the entries and mystery-shop the nominations. We don’t make it easy for ourselves.

If you’ve never entered before or think you’ll wait until another year, just go for it. You have nothing to lose, and if you think you’re good at what you do we want to hear from you.

Elsewhere in this issue, we feature Chelsea George, a 29-year-old technician working for Snows Group in Portsmouth, Hampshire. She describes how her gender counted against her when she began working in the motor trade, but how she now believes things are improving and says she is just ‘one of the lads’. Find out more on pages 8 and 9.

Becca Chaplin, meanwhile, has been on a road trip in Genesis’s new electric GV60 (see pages 34 and 35), while on pages 16 and 17 contributor Craig Cheetham reveals what the future of car design may hold.

As ever, we also have all the news that matters, along with the best industry comment. Enjoy the issue.

If you’ve never entered before or think you’ll wait until another year, just go for it. You have nothing to lose.

All the winners from last year’s Used Car Awards

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DASHBOARD FORECOURT BIG MIKE DATA FILE

‘We need to fix the division that isn’t performing as well. This is an extremely upsetting

‘Utilising a twin electric motor powertrain, it’s one of the fastestaccelerating hot hatches ever made.’

‘It’s encouraging to see more people switching on to the benefits of driving electric.’

Peter Vardy used car supermarkets face closure as group signs MG deal

• Peter Vardy Carz in Dundee and Glasgow set to shut

• Firm pins blame on short supply and poor used electric car demand

• Chief executive says company is moving with the market

Peter Vardy Group is proposing to close two used car supermarkets as it counts the cost of dwindling supply and used electric car demand.

The family-run Scottish dealer group is looking to shut its large, purpose-built ‘Peter Vardy Carz’ supermarkets in Dundee and Glasgow, pictured, marking a shift away from used cars and bolstering its new car franchise offering.

The news comes as Peter Vardy Group has signed a deal with MG Motor UK to represent the brand.

Of the six remaining Carz sites, Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh will become MG dealerships, with launch events held on August 12, while Grangemouth, Perth and Motherwell will take on the Chinese all-electric brand Ora.

CEO Peter Vardy told Car Dealer the closures were the result of a number of external factors, including short supply and mix of second-hand cars, as well as poor demand for used electric vehicles.

Some 255 roles are affected by the closures, but Vardy said 114 positions had been created across the wider business. The proposal period was due to last 30 days.

The government agency Pace (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) has been appointed to provide additional support, a statement from Peter Vardy Group said, while the firm’s welfare team will also be made available to staff.

The Peter Vardy Foundation – which was created to distribute 10 per cent of Peter Vardy Ltd’s profits to good causes – will also be on hand to offer financial aid to any affected employee.

In the statement, Vardy said: ‘While the decision to close our used car supermarkets is tough for us all, we firmly believe that reallocating resources, funds and talent to the growing divisions within the group will bolster long-term prospects for the business and its colleagues.’

Customers of the Glasgow and Dundee businesses were due to be contacted, Vardy added.

‘NOT ENOUGH USED CARS’

Speaking exclusively to Car Dealer, the dealer group boss said the company was moving with the market. ‘We’re closing these sites because they are big – we can’t get the supply

You can’t bank on an oversupply of new cars any more, and we have found we can’t buy enough older used cars for a number of reasons.

Peter Vardy CEO of Peter Vardy Group

of used cars that is required to achieve our business plan. The issues affecting the used car market aren’t a short-term thing.

‘Based on car manufacturers’ behaviour since Covid in not over-producing new cars, we can’t see it turning around to be able to achieve the turnover that’s required.’

Vardy explained that for his remaining Carz sites, he had also been able to bolster their bottom line with service work as well as by adding the new car sales operations.

‘You can’t bank on an oversupply of new cars any more, and we have found we can’t buy enough older used cars for a number of reasons.’

He said car supermarkets weren’t ‘set up’ for huge prep bills and couldn’t set aside time for preparation, plus there was a lack of technicians who wanted to work outside of the franchise dealer sector.

‘We’re also not seeing demand for electric used cars anything like the supply of used electric cars coming into the market.

‘It will find a base but I don’t know how long we will have to wait.

‘We can’t stock older cars and we can’t stock electric vehicles as much, and then everyone is competing for the vehicles that are left.’

Commenting on the wider used car sector, Vardy said: ‘I think larger-scale supermarkets – and indoor supermarkets in particular – have got significant challenges.

‘We haven’t gone 100 per cent down the used car supermarket route – if we had, this would be a very different announcement.

‘We’ve got four divisions – luxury cars, CarMoney, Carz and Mobility – and the divisions other than used are all performing extremely well, but we need to fix the division that isn’t performing as well.’

Vardy added: ‘This is an extremely upsetting decision to be taking, and we are going into so much detail with colleagues to make this as pain-free as possible.

‘I am hoping our colleagues, moving forwards, will have much better prospects if I can invest money where they and the group can get a better return on their earnings and their creative element.

‘In car supermarkets at the moment – and this will be the same all over the country –when they are struggling they are not much fun to work in; you are not thinking of your career prospects and you’re not really earning any bonus, and talented staff will leave.

‘So, if I can move them into a division and businesses that can give them a return and career prospects and bonuses, everyone will grow faster.’

WE DRIVE NEW MG4 XPOWER

READ OUR REVIEW ON PAGE 28

BEN REINFORCES HELP MESSAGE FOR SUMMER

AUTOMOTIVE industry charity

Ben is sending out a message of hope to individuals and families in need this summer.

Rachel Clift, health and well-being director, said: ‘Times are getting increasingly tough for families and individuals, especially now the summer holidays are here.

‘If you’re worried about making ends meet, buying food, paying the bills and school uniforms for September, you’re not alone, Ben is here for you.

‘We want everyone in our industry to know that we’re here.’

She added: ‘Many individuals and families are being pushed to the edge with the current rising cost of living.

‘It’s also impacting on other areas of their health and wellbeing, so if you work, or have worked, in the automotive industry, please get in touch now if you’re struggling or feeling at breaking point.

‘You can contact our free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333.’

Ben said that over the past 12 months, it had supported 128 households that couldn’t afford to put food on the table, 66 households unable to pay their rent or mortgage, and 52 households that couldn’t afford their utility bills.

The charity added that it was seeing inquiries increasing, as well as dealing with a rise in support cases.

Ben said it wanted to give families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it the opportunity to enjoy spending time together and create special memories during the summer holidays.

This is as well as taking pressure off families who face impending back-to-school costs, including school uniforms, bags and PE kits.

PETER VARDY WILL BE A HEADLINE INTERVIEWEE AT OUR CAR DEALER LIVE CONFERENCE IN GAYDON ON MARCH 7, 2024 GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

IHowever, talented female technicians can build successful careers in that arena –and 29-year-old Chelsea George is one such example.

Not only that but George, who works at a BMW preparation centre in Portsmouth run by Snows Motor Group, combines work with motherhood. She and her partner Alex have a young son, Arlo, who turns two later this year.

‘Life is pretty hectic. I’m not going to lie!’ says George. ‘I’ve recently gone part-time but haven’t had the chance to work my new hours yet because we’ve been flat out!’

George’s background is certainly an interesting one. Born in South Africa, she was 10 when her family relocated to Britain. She caught the automotive bug from her dad, who called upon her to help when building a kit car, and her uncle, who once ran an HGV garage. Having arrived in the UK, George went to school on Hayling Island before becoming an apprentice technician at Snows’ Seat dealership in Portsmouth 11 years ago. A star performer, she was named Apprentice of the Year twice during that spell!

After seven years with Seat, she moved to Snows’ neighbouring BMW operation, and has been there ever since.

George is full of praise for her employer’s flexible attitude to her working arrangements.

‘They were very supportive. When I was pregnant, I moved to a less physical position as workshop controller, and I was able to continue working into the later stages of my pregnancy. They were great when I came back to work and picked everything up again, and now I’m able to work part-time in what is traditionally a full-time role.’

However, gaining a foothold in the automotive industry hasn’t been all plain sailing. George is certainly loving life at Snows, but before joining the company, she had a spell when work was hard to come by – and suspects it was because of her gender.

‘After I left school, I approached a lot of places, and even at that point I had plenty of experience because I had held down a part-time job at a garage for two years. I couldn’t prove anything, of course, but I felt the fact that I’m a woman counted against me. Things have improved a lot since then, though.’

George says she enjoys the buzz of her busy working environment and clearly loves her job. ‘I do, yes, 100 per cent. I think it’s very difficult to find a career that you enjoy.

‘You can’t beat the atmosphere of a busy workshop. Everyone says that once you’re in the motor trade you can’t get out and I think that’s true. I do enjoy it – I can’t see myself ever working behind a desk, for example.’

I’ve recently gone part-time but haven’t had the chance to work my new hours yet because we’ve been flat out!

Chelsea George

Her current role in the prep centre involves getting cars ready for sale and display in Snows’ flagship BMW dealership a short distance away on Eastern Road. New and used vehicles need to be thoroughly serviced and checked over, and perhaps a customer might have requested the fitting of a body kit or accessories. It’s a match made in heaven as George is a big fan of the German manufacturer. She drives a BMW 1 Series Convertible and the family car is a 5 Series Estate. In addition, she owns an E36 Touring drift car. George has a soft spot for Japanese models too, and owns a vintage Toyota Starlet GT Turbo.

It’s clear that she and Alex are keen petrolheads – and the fact that the couple met at work even helped George’s career move ahead, she said.

‘We started around the same time at Snows and Alex did his apprenticeship with BMW, working next door to where I was with Seat. He suggested I make the move and I decided to do that. He enjoyed a successful career here but left about 18 months ago to pursue other opportunities. We’re both technicians through and through, though. Making the jump from Seat to BMW was nerve-racking, partly because I was moving from a workshop of four to a workshop of 16.’

George has always been able to count on her colleagues in a mutually supportive working environment. She recently completed the Three Peaks Challenge with a couple of workmates, and activities such as escape room trips are organised so that there’s a chance to relax and have fun.

She’s a keen DIYer too, having recently fixed a faulty shower at home – a task many men would find tricky – and proudly says: ‘It hasn’t leaked yet!’

So, with work going so well, why the decision to go part-time?

‘Well, I came back full-time last October, but I missed doing all the little things I did with Arlo when I was on maternity leave. I wanted to get a bit of that back.’

And ambitions for the future?

‘Perhaps at some point in the future I might like to work for myself, but I’m very happy at Snows right now. I’m pleased to be building my skills and knowledge base – I start electric vehicle training soon – and family life keeps me occupied too, of course.

‘At the end of the day, I love my family and I love my job. Some people might describe me as a woman in a man’s world but I just think I’m one of the lads… but one who gets their hair and nails done!’

TALENTED and hard-working women such as Chelsea George are represented at all levels at Snows Motor Group, which operates more than 50 franchised car and van dealerships across the south and south-west of England.

Snows’ BMW and Mini operation, with showrooms and service departments in Portsmouth and on the Isle of Wight, certainly demonstrates this. Head of business there is Diana Mackinnon, who said:

‘When I look back on my career that started in 1987, I’m pleased to say that attitudes have changed for the better. At that time, I never questioned why I had to work twice as hard as my male colleagues.

‘Whereas I felt that male colleagues could get away with “talking the talk”, I was always under far more pressure to demonstrate what I was capable of.’

She added: ‘We have to stop talking about automotive being a male-dominated environment. It’s not the case any more, as companies such as Snows demonstrate. We need to become an industry of choice.’

Mackinnon had this advice for potential female recruits: ‘See beyond the cars. Look at the brand, the job role, the satisfaction that working in our environment can deliver.

‘I have a fabulous team of young ladies working for me at Snows and they all love what they do.

‘No two days are the same!’

NO TWO DAYS ARE THE SAME IN THE MOTOR INDUSTRY!

VOTING IS NOW OPEN TO DECIDE ON THE CREAM OF THE INDUSTRY!

All pictures from last year's Used Car Awards

Make your nominations for the 2023 Car Dealer Used Car Awards here!

On your marks! Get set! Go, go, GO! Yes, voting has now opened for this year’s Car Dealer Used Car Awards!

This is THE highlight of the UK used car calendar, where we shine the spotlight on this backbone of the automotive industry, honouring the best dealers out there in this ultra-important sector.

Black Horse is returning as the headline sponsor of the major event and multiple companies are partnering with us as well to sponsor individual categories.

The awards – which will take place at The Brewery in central London on Monday, November 27 – have become something of a legend within the industry and will once again feature Mr Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer as the host.

But for the winners and highly commendeds to be decided, dealers need to cast their votes!

To be in with a chance of a trophy, our nominations form needs to be completed and it really couldn’t be easier!

Simply find the category that you’d like to nominate yourself or someone else for on the form and supply the details asked for.

Every entry is assessed and they’re all whittled down to make the nominations list. Further judging then takes place to create our shortlist featuring the top five, with the winners and highly commendeds announced on the big night.

Part of the judging is the mystery shopping, which takes into account a wide range of factors, so dealers need to make sure they’re on the ball all the time, because you never known when – or how – you’ll be hearing from one of our judges.

We’ll also be naming the best used cars in six categories – Small Car, Mid-Sized Car, Executive Car, Sports Car, SUV and AFV – plus the overall Used Car of the Year from those six.

In addition, we’ll be presenting a trophy to the winner of the Days To Turn award, sponsored by Auto Trader.

Car Dealer founder James Baggott said: ‘I’m beyond excited for us to be staging the event again. Our Used Car Awards are a tremendous opportunity for car dealers to demonstrate how good at their game they really are.

‘Winning a Used Car Awards trophy is supreme recognition and can be an invaluable boost to businesses, as it inspires confidence in customers.

‘The importance of the awards within the industry simply can’t be overestimated, and I can’t wait to find out who will be walking away with one of our trophies this year.’

He added: ‘Our event kicks off the Christmas party season in true style –anyone who’s been to a previous Used Car Awards ceremony can attest to that!

‘There are very few sponsorships left and the tables always sell out quickly, so potential supporters and people wanting to attend the awards really need to hurry to avoid disappointment.’

The glittering ceremony will also feature pre-dinner drinks and a postawards fun casino, both sponsored by eBay Motors Group.

KEY DATES FOR THE 2023 AWARDS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

WE’RE HERE FOR THE BEST, SAYS IMDA AS MILESTONE NUMBER REACHED

Franchised dealers back Chinese disruptors to make a big impact on the UK new car market

• Carwow’s network of franchised dealer partners give their thoughts on incoming Chinese EV brands

• Modest progress is expected at first but popularity of marques is bound to rise, say respondents

Franchised dealers are backing the new wave of Chinese EV brands to make a big impact on the UK car market over the coming years.

A poll of retailers conducted by Carwow found that industry insiders are expecting the likes of BYD and GWM Ora to establish a foothold in the new car market sooner rather than later.

Analysis of the data found that dealers are anticipating modest progress at first but believe the popularity of Chinese brands is only set to rise.

The survey asked Carwow’s dealer partners: ‘What proportion of UK car sales do you think Chinese OEMs will take over the next 12 months?’.

No sample size for the poll was given, but the majority (68 per cent) reckoned the new entrants would account for up to 10 per cent of the new car market within the next year, with a further 25 per cent saying that share was likely to be 11 to 20 per cent.

When the same question was asked regarding longer-term prospects for Chinese OEMs, a third (33 per cent) predicted that they would secure 21 to 30 per cent of UK new car sales within five years, while a similar proportion (32 per cent) said they would claim between 11 and 20 per cent.

Meanwhile, just over a fifth (21 per cent) said they expected the disruptors to have a 10 per cent market share.

Just 13 per cent of respondents told the survey that they didn’t think Chinese brands would be successful in the UK.

According to 96 per cent of the dealers polled, price competitiveness is likely to be the biggest motivator in buyers turning to Chinese brands, well ahead of vehicle technologies, which 35 per cent of dealers also cited.

The top three factors deemed by dealers most likely to put people off Chinese cars were potential concerns around build quality (75 per cent), lack of brand familiarity (57 per cent) and limited aftersales support (56 per cent).

Overall, 38 per cent of dealers would be either ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ to sell new cars from Chinese brands.

Carwow CEO John Veichmanis said: ‘We are already partnering with a number of innovative Chinese brands and are in discussion with many more as we share dealers’ sense of their potential.

‘However, in order to succeed, Chinese brands will need to invest in establishing and then growing a strong brand presence, as well as being highly price-competitive.

‘Securing the trust, loyalty and purchasing power of British consumers won’t happen overnight – it will require the commitment of time, dedication and resources previously demonstrated by Korean OEMs.’

THE Independent Motor Dealers Association is celebrating reaching the 1,000-member mark but chairman Umesh Samani says ‘it’s never been about numbers’. The association has been running since 2017 and offers a range of products and services as well as advice and support.

Samani told Car Dealer: ‘We’ve never been about numbers. It’s trying to get like-minded trusted dealers together.

‘We want to bring together the best of the industry because used car dealers get slagged off but most of us do a mega job. We will look after customers. We sell decent cars, but we all get tarred with the same brush. We want customers to see the IMDA logo and know that means a trusted dealer is going to look after you.’

New services, such as DVLA support, has been vital to many independent dealers who otherwise would have spent hours on the phone battling for an answer. ‘We’ve even been able to sort direct contact with DVLA, which is a massive, massive help for dealers.’

He continued: ‘Now we want to help the rest of the dealer network out there, all the independents. The problem for many independent dealers is they are cocooned in their own world. They don’t get a chance to meet other people or talk to them if they have a problem. One thing which was quite challenging in the early days was dealers don’t talk to each other because they’re scared that everyone is competition. In reality, though, we can all help support each other.’

WILL NEW TECHNOLOGY CHANGE THE FACE OF CAR DESIGN?

An electric future looks like it will change the entire face of vehicle styling, according to some of the world’s best-known car designers past and present. Frank Stephenson, the founder of Frank Stephenson Design, is no stranger to setting trends in car design, having been responsible for the 2001 Mini while working for BMW and Rover Group. The ‘new retro’ look that followed was a mainstay in car design for the next decade, and is still very much part of the Mini DNA, as well as that of models such as the Fiat 500.

While he doesn’t see a fully automated car design future, Stephenson does believe that some of the process of design will become more automated, led by the technology it will go on to incorporate.

‘We are living in a world that is guided by technology, and AI will have a wide-reaching and lasting impact on a wide range of sectors, including car design. There are exciting and hugely interesting times ahead, but these types of technological advances will inevitably come with risks,’ he said.

‘I love exploring and analysing opportunities and pitfalls of new technology, especially in the design industry. AI technology is very avant-garde right now.’

Meanwhile, former Renault design boss Patrick Le Quement, the man behind the original Twingo and dramatic Avantime, believes that electrification is the perfect opportunity to revolutionise car design – but only if consumers step away from their love of SUVs.

‘I don’t think the industry today would take the risks we did,’ he said. ‘SUVs have led us into a design cul-de-sac. I cannot imagine there is any design freedom left when designing SUVs, so there’s no space for true innovation.

‘Ultimately, though, I’d like to see more innovation in terms of packaging.

‘Let’s start with an electric platform. I felt that when EVs would start becoming dominant, someone would take the opportunity it offers to revolutionise the packaging in a far more intelligent manner, but they continue to use internal-combustion silhouettes.

‘I hoped to have seen smaller, lighter cars, irrespective of the batteries, not to have these two-tonne monsters on the roads.’

That’s not the plan as far as other prominent car designers see it, though.

Professor Gerry McGovern, design boss at the newly rebranded JLR, doesn’t envisage a monobox Jaguar, for example.

‘We’re going to change Jaguar completely. It is being completely reimagined,’ he said.

‘The brand will move far more upmarket, with more of a luxury offering and lower production volumes.

‘We clearly want to embrace electrification, that’s a given.

‘Whether or not we want to embrace the natural design flexibility it gives you, well, that’s another thing.

AI will have a wide-reaching and lasting impact on a wide range of sectors, including car design.

A brave new automotive world beckons – inside and out – according to some of the industry’s most famous designers. Craig

‘But one of the things that I’ve challenged is the fact that just because you can make a car have a really long cabin and a cab-forward position, do you actually want it?’

Roberto Giolito, former head of design at Fiat and now the boss of the company’s heritage division, believes electrification is an enabler.

‘When we designed the Multipla in the 1990s, we put function before form. A flat floor, a body built around its occupants – the functionality of the vehicle was the basis around which we formed the rest of it.

‘But we had to build it on a short platform – that of the Bravo and Brava hatchbacks. I loved the finished car, but with the freedom offered by completely flat floors and battery packs, we’d have been able to be even braver. I think we may see some really radical designs as the need to have a bonnet disappears.’

It’s not just exterior styling for which the bar will be reset, either. Carl Gotham leads the SAIC Design Advanced studio in London, where many of the designs for the resurgent MG brand are honed and developed, and he sees a whole new approach to car interiors on the horizon.

‘The exterior is a holistic impression, combining proportion, surface and detailing to express a total character and communication of a brand to a customer.

‘But recently, the opportunities for interior design have become more significant, as technologies that can influence layout and interface have developed, allowing for more freedom,’ he said.

‘The sensory aspect of getting into and controlling a car is also being driven by technologies that were not available just a couple of years ago.

‘The single largest disruptor to automotive interior design will come from autonomy, where the whole purpose of sitting inside a car can be explored and reimagined.’

We clearly want to embrace electrification, that’s a given. Whether or not we want to embrace the natural design flexibility it gives you, well, that’s another thing.

Professor Gerry McGovern Design boss at the newly rebranded JLR

Roberto Giolito

Former head of design at Fiat

I think we may see some really radical designs as the need to have a bonnet disappears.

Fiat Multipla

2040 and beyond

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COMMENT

The price is no longer right in new car market and that’s such a shame

Idrove a £50,000 Kia the other day. It was the large Sorento SUV powered by a rare thing in 2023 – a diesel engine. An unremarkable statement for a pretty unremarkable car, quite frankly, but I mention it because it was 50 grand – FIFTY!

Kia has been selling a £50,000 car for some time now, but it only really dawned on me when I stepped out of it and into a middle-of-the-range £60,000 Volvo SUV, followed by a £70,000 Volkswagen people-carrier. Hell, by that afternoon, I felt that the £86,000 Porsche Cayenne I had the keys to was good value for money.

Not wanting to sound like my father here – who, incidentally, still thinks a Porsche 911 costs £60,000 these days – but when on earth did new cars get so expensive? The new Peugeot e-2008, for instance, now with its fresh face and bigger battery, starts from £36,500. But if you want one with heated seats, ‘3D’ navigation and an 11kW tri-phase on-board charger, which you probably do, that’ll be a whopping £41,750. Peugeot is currently offering PCP packages for, wait for it, more than £770 a month. I like the e-2008 a lot, but not £770-a-month-a-lot.

This price hike has probably been a gradual thing and not as sudden as I’m possibly making it out to be. Much like how you find yourself gradually spending more time considering buying a pair of elasticated trousers in Marks and Spencer, whereas last week you would have walked straight past them.

Like so much in our lives at the moment, high new car prices have become the norm. We all know the reasons why new car prices shot up – chips, Covid, chips and more chips – but even with supply coming back into the market now due to carmakers doing their hardest to get cars off the production lines, I don’t see much evidence of prices being slashed. But I suppose just like with many other consumer products, it’s easier to quickly jack up prices but harder for manufacturers to suddenly cut them again.

Chips and supply are one thing, but probably the biggest influencer in all of this are electric cars. I know I picked out the e-2008 deliberately, but it’s far from being a unique example. With their more expensive batteries, electric cars need to have higher prices (or so we’re told), and they have to sit in the marketplace with their inflated price tags and affect the general picture. Once batteries and EV components become cheaper, we’re told that prices will come down.

But they really do need to come down. We’re currently in a transitional phase that’s going to be with us for a while as the market and consumers make the switch to mass electric driving, but my question is at what cost will this be?

At the moment, it’s a very strange new car buying market. This would have seemed unimaginable even at the start of the year, but as I write this you can’t go and buy a Ford Fiesta or a Volvo estate. And it’s not as if they’ve been taken off sale and been confirmed to be replaced – that’s it.

For many people, forking out £20,000 on a brand-new car is a big thing. But a quick search reveals that for that kind of money, there are a couple of Dacias, two Hyundais, a pair of Suzukis plus an MG and a Kia. You can just scrape into a Corsa, a 208, C3 and a Mazda 2 if a dealer can get hold of one, but again, carmakers aren’t producing tons of these models; instead, they’re focusing on building the ones that generate tidy profits, such as SUVs.

It wasn’t that long ago you could have your pick of reasonably priced, efficient and perfectly adequate cars. Top Gear used to make a thing of slipping a celebrity behind the wheel of just such a car, but I think it’d struggle now. New cars are becoming a rich man’s game – and that’s a sad thing to say.

This would have seemed unimaginable even at the start of the year, but as I write this you can’t go and buy a Ford Fiesta or a Volvo estate.

Big Mike

COMMENT

Collections job at hotel car parks became full-on Fiesta fiasco

Unless you’ve had your head buried under a rock for the past couple of months, then chances are you’ve heard about the sad demise of the Ford Fiesta.

The Fiesta is a car that the motor trade will very much miss, as it’s been a staple of our business for almost five decades. I’d wager that there’s not a single person reading this magazine who hasn’t at some point sold a Fiesta or at least driven, delivered or valeted one.

Most of all though, the Fiesta has always been a nice little earner, the good thing about it being that as the very definition of automotive white goods it’s always been a very easy car to sell. For people who aren’t interested in cars, the Fiesta was the default choice. For people who are into cars, it has always been fun, cheap and inexpensive to work on. And that’s why they always fly off forecourts.

It’s no surprise, then, that everywhere you’ve looked in the motoring media in recent weeks there have been eulogies and tributes to Ford’s best seller. But these pale into insignificance compared with my own most definitive Fiesta memory.

OUR MAN ON THE INSIDE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE CAR BUSINESS

Who is Big Mike?

Well, that would be telling. What we can say is he’s had more than 40 years in the car trade so has probably forgotten more about it than we’re likely to know.

Back in the mid-1980s, before I moved into the main dealer world, I began my sales life working for a small independent in one of the less salubrious parts of Birmingham. I can’t name names here because my former boss is still alive and is as terrifying now as he was back then, but let’s just say that he acquired cars from all sorts of sources and not all of them were 100 per cent above board.

Most of his stock was getting on a bit, but occasionally I’d be given some newer cars to sell, which my boss told me he’d picked up in deals he’d done with friends at main dealers. While my default setting was to not believe a word he said, I could at least bury my head in the sand in possession of such information should I ever find myself being questioned about his business practices by the long arm of the law.

At least that was the case until the Fiestas came along...

I can’t remember exactly when this particular incident happened but it must have been around 1985 or 1986, as the Mk 2 Fiesta was relatively new and was as popular then as the current Fiesta is today.

I got to work on a Friday morning and was told that we had six Fiestas coming in, three of them in bathroom blue and three of them in barstool burgundy. My job was to go and collect them, and this is where things got rather strange.

According to my boss, the vendor of the Fords was renting parking space at some of the hotels around Birmingham Airport and I’d be required to go and get the cars that evening, ready to sell at the weekend. Two of them were at the Holiday Inn, a couple more were at the Hilton and the other two were at small independent hotels. I took this not so much with a pinch of salt but with an entire cellar of sodium chloride.

My job, however, was my job and I needed the money, so that Friday night – with a bunch of Ford Fiesta keys with reg number tags attached –

With a bunch of Ford Fiesta keys with reg number tags attached, my mate Jed and I jumped into the company Transit and went for a drive around Birmingham’s eastern outskirts.

my mate Jed and I jumped into the company Transit and went for a drive around Birmingham’s eastern outskirts. We located both the Fiestas in the Holiday Inn car park without trouble as well as the two at the Hilton. With four of the cars back at base by 9pm we set off to look for the other two – and it was on Fiesta number five where things came unstuck.

We found it fine, in the car park of a small bed and breakfast in the Forest of Arden, but unlike the first four Fiestas, the fifth one came with a giant yellow frock dangling from a hanger in the rear window. These were the days before mobile phones, so I wasn’t able to call the boss man and ask what this was about. The dress was the kind of thing that Widow Twankey would wear on stage in pantomime season, so I couldn’t imagine it was his.

Deciding the best course of action was to carry on regardless, I jumped into the little blue Ford and started it up, but as I pulled out of the car park, events took a rather dramatic turn – one that came in the form of a very large American lady barrelling her way across the car park in little more than her underwear, screaming obscenities and calling me a thief. It’s a vision that has remained with me for almost 40 years and, alas, is one I shall never forget.

A few moments later, I found myself surrounded by police cars and the American lady found herself reunited with what she rather ambitiously described as her ‘ball gown’. I, meanwhile, was arrested and driven to the local police station under suspicion of taking a car without the owner’s consent – the owner in question being one of the Birmingham Airport car rental desks.

Luckily, I did get to sleep in my own bed that night, but only after my boss was brought in for questioning and a rather ridiculous story unravelled. My illustrious leader, being so driven by opportunities to earn a quick buck, had turned a blind eye to this particular source of cars offered to him – a car cleaning boy at the rental depot who’d got his hands on half a dozen spare keys, registration documents and details of where the hirers were staying. I had been consigned as a completely oblivious car thief.

On that occasion, my blissful ignorance got me off the hook, but it did land my boss in a bit of hot water – at a temperature high enough to find me down the Jobcentre two weeks later.

It was there where I applied for a junior salesman’s job at a Citroen dealership, and a whole new world of trouble opened up for me…

It’s no surprise, then, that everywhere you’ve looked in the motoring media in recent weeks there have been eulogies and tributes to Ford’s best seller.

The Fiesta is a car that the motor trade will very much miss, as it’s been a staple of our business for almost five decades.

ASTON

Valour marks 110-year anniversary

ASTON Martin has developed a head-turning new model to commemorate its 110-year anniversary.

Valour is a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12-powered sports car limited to 110 units worldwide.

Shunning modern automatic gearboxes, it’s also the only frontengined V12 model available with a manual gearbox.

Influenced by the styling of the 1970s and ’80s V8 Vantage, the Valour produces 705bhp and sends it to the rear wheels alone.

In addition, bespoke driving modes – Sport, Sport+ and Track – have been specifically tuned for the Valour to change throttle, torque management and sound when needed.

RENAULT

Arkana aims to go more upmarket

CAR NEWS ROUND-UP

RENAULT is introducing an updated version of its Arkana SUV that sees the addition of an Esprit Alpine trim level and further upgrades that aim to take the model more upmarket.

The Arkana was introduced in 2021 as a new addition to Renault’s SUV line-up. But despite only selling it for a short period, Renault is already introducing various updates.

These include its new logo, which is integrated into the grille.

The latter also gets a new 3D pattern, while there are further gloss black sections to give the Arkana a stealthier finish.

Ioniq 5 N said to hit 60mph in 3.2 seconds thanks to 641bhp

HYUNDAI is looking to inject some fun into the electric car segment by revealing the Ioniq 5 N.

Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by Hyundai’s global boss Jaehoon Chang, the Ioniq 5 N arrives as the latest model in the firm’s ‘N’ division.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 reached showrooms in 2021 and was the first model based around the firm’s EV-only e-GMP platform, which has gone on to be used in the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60.

SKODA

Superb to get 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid engine

SKODA’S new Superb will be its fourth generation and is set to be revealed in November.

It will have a choice of petrol and diesel engines alongside electrified models, all with a DSG automatic transmission.

Mild-hybrids will be available alongside a new 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain said to boast a range of up to 62 miles thanks to a 25.7kWh battery – more than double the size of the battery in the current Superb plug-in. It will also allow for 50kW DC rapid charging.

Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...

VOLKSWAGEN

T-Cross SUV gains new technology

VOLKSWAGEN has refreshed its compact T-Cross SUV, giving it new tech and quality improvements to help keep it competitive.

As part of the update, the T-Cross boasts many features that have been rolled out across newer Volkswagens over the past few years.

Matrix LEDs are a new feature for the T-Cross, as well as a light bar that runs across the front end. Inside is a new free-standing touchscreen plus new touch sliders to control the ventilation.

LM aims to appeal to VIP shuttle market

LEXUS is expanding its line-up with the introduction of the LM – a large MPV that aims to transport passengers in as much luxury as possible.

An entirely different model from everything else that Lexus currently sells in the UK, the LM, which has previously been targeted at the Asian markets, is now being introduced to Europe.

Described as a ‘new flagship’, as well as a ‘luxury mover’, it’s essentially an upmarket MPV that can seat up to seven and aims to appeal

VAUXHALL

Facelifted Corsa to include larger 51kWh electric model

VAUXHALL has announced pricing and specifications for the facelifted Corsa, with the supermini available from £19,625. Most noticeable among the updates are its new ‘Vizor’ front end, a design feature already in use on every other Vauxhall, which wraps the badge and headlights behind a single panel.

Inside, there’s a new 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the option of new sports seats. A larger 51kWh Corsa Electric with a claimed 246-mile range

TOYOTA

Land Cruiser to have 2.8-litre diesel mode

OYOTA’S new Land Cruiser brings plenty of off-roadfocused features and a utilitarian design.

HONDA

Electric e:Ny1 SUV priced from £44,995

HONDA’S e:Ny1 SUV will cost from £44,995 ahead of orders opening later in the year.

KOENIGSEGG’S new four-seater Gemera has hit the road in customer-ready specification.

Referred to by the Swedish manufacturer as a ‘megacar’ – because it produces more than a megawatt of power – the Gemera uses a hybrid powertrain with an electric motor that even by itself produces 789bhp. This is then combined with a 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that previously saw use in the Jesko supercar. Blended together, the electric and petrol motors develop an enormous 2,268bhp that’s sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed gearbox.

Click

Arriving 72 years after the original, the new Land Cruiser uses a rugged body-on-frame construction that’s 30 per cent more rigid. It hasn’t hampered wheel articulation, though, which is needed for heavyduty off-roading.

It’s also the first Land Cruiser with electric power steering, and the UK version will have a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine with 201bhp.

Only the second electric model from Honda, the e:Ny1 joins the firm’s growing SUV line-up. Looking similar to its HR-V crossover, it’s slightly longer and gets EV-specific details, including a closed-off front grille and new white logos. Using a front electric motor, the e:Ny1 produces 201bhp and 310Nm of torque, giving a 0-60mph time of 7.4 seconds. A 68.8kWh battery can provide a claimed range of up to 256 miles.

Customer-ready Gemera can push out 2,268bhp

HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

Cazoo sees losses tumble to £151m

NEWS DIGEST

CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY

BOSSES at used car retailer

Cazoo say the outfit’s extensive restructuring programme is starting to reap rewards after the company slashed its losses in the first half of the year.

After pulling out completely from the continental European market and ending several expensive sports sponsorship deals, Cazoo’s losses fell by 37 per cent year on year to £151m, versus £241m in the same period last year. Gross profit, meanwhile, rose by 283 per cent from £6m to £23m.

INTERIMS POWER

Looking on sunny side of energy use

ACCOLADES

Peugeot honours ‘roar-some’ UK dealers as Guild of Gold Lion Awards are held at Design Museum

Stellantis &You Bristol North won the coveted Peugeot Retailer of the Year prize, topping a list of 20 shortlisted retailers. Meanwhile, Perrys Huddersfield was named LEV Retailer of the Year and Hawkins Motors scooped Peugeot’s top Retailer Group gong during the ceremony at the Design Museum in London. Among the individual accolades, James White from Drivers of Prestatyn was named top sales executive.

ACQUISITION SPONSORSHIP

Hedin Automotive buys Stephen James

HOLDEN Group has ploughed more than £500,000 into installing solar panels to power its car dealerships in Norwich.

With 992 panels now on the Volvo, Kia, Renault, Dacia, Honda and MG showroom roofs, the energy produced is expected to offset almost two-thirds of the group’s annual consumption.

Group project manager Adrian Guest said: ‘All of the brands that we represent are heavily invested in EV technology and cutting carbon is important to us and to our customers.’

HEDIN Automotive has struck a deal to buy the Stephen James Group.

It’ll see the Hedin Mobility Group subsidiary add the BMW and Mini retailer’s new and used car sales outfits along with various aftermarket operations to its UK brand portfolio. Stephen James employs some 400 people across five BMW sites and three Mini showrooms within the Greater London area. If approved, the deal should be completed in August.

Flower power deal signed by LSH Auto

LSH Auto has agreed a new partnership with one of Cheshire’s most exclusive floral design firms.

It has teamed up with Boujee Boxes to become its official van sponsor, supplying it with a signwritten Mercedes-Benz Vito.

Rochelle Carrey, director at Boujee Boxes, said: ‘Our new Vito is going to make a huge difference to our business. We’re excited to be driving a van that’s in keeping with the high-end work that we produce.’

Not wanting to sound like my father here –who, incidentally, still thinks a Porsche 911 costs £60,000 – but when on earth did new cars get so expensive?

James

OFFER EMPLOYMENT

Lookers takeover poised to go ahead

JLR creates 300 new jobs for Range Rover

THE Lookers takeover saga has taken another twist after its largest shareholder announced it was backing a revised offer by Global Auto Holdings.

Global issued a statement via the London Stock Exchange to say it had received an irrevocable undertaking by Cinch – owned by Constellation Automotive Group – to accept the increased offer by the Canadian group of 130p per share, which Lookers’ directors said they had agreed to.

CLOSURES

Barretts to shut Citroen and DS sites

PODCAST

Driven

JLR is to create hundreds of new jobs as it seeks to ramp up production of its profitable Range Rover models.

Roles for 300 technicians and test engineers will be created at three of JLR’s key sites in the Midlands –Solihull, Gaydon and Whitley.

Barbara Bergmeier, JLR’s executive director of industrial operations, said: ‘I am extremely excited to welcome a new cohort of individuals to develop their skills and join our family.’

JOBS are to be lost after Barretts announced it will be closing its Citroen and DS showrooms in Canterbury.

The Car Dealer Top 100 firm hasn’t renewed its contract with Citroen after two decades with the manufacturer. The Westminster Road sites are due to shut on Friday, September 15. The showrooms employ 21 people and ‘a small number of redundancies are inevitable’, said boss Paul Barrett. Image: Google Street View

EXPANSION MERGER

GWM adds Holdcroft and Citygate groups

GWM Ora has added Holdcroft and Citygate to its rapidly expanding number of dealer partners.

The appointments take the Chinese brand to 32 ‘points of representation’ in the UK, including dealerships and aftersales centres.

Holdcroft will open the first of its sales sites in Crewe, with an aftersales site in Stoke-on-Trent. Meanwhile, Citygate Group has begun trading from its first new site, which is in High Wycombe.

THE TEAM FROM CAR DEALER TALK ABOUT THE LATEST NEWS AND INTERVIEWS IN THIS REGULAR PODCAST

UK’s ‘oldest Jaguar site’ to be closed

CLICKHERE

BOSSES at what is believed to be the UK’s oldest Jaguar retailer are to close the business because they say it won’t be able to sell enough electric cars from its historic base. Hatfields Jaguar Sheffield, which was established 101 years ago, will merge with Hatfields’ Wakefield dealership, with many staff moving to work there. Customers were told in a letter that the Sheffield site wouldn’t be able to ‘make the leap into the future’.

TO LISTEN TO PAST EPISODES OF THE CAR PODCASTSDEALER

I jumped into the little blue Ford and started it up, but as I pulled out of the car park, events took a rather dramatic turn.

Big Mike p20

Forecourt: p30

‘The iX1 feels like a great new addition to BMW’s line-up of electric vehicles.’

Jobs joy at ninth Snows Toyota site

HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

NEWS DIGEST

CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY

SNOWS Motor Group has opened another Toyota dealership in Hampshire and created jobs into the bargain.

The five-car showroom in Sarisbury Green is the ninth Toyota outlet operated by the firm and first Snows Toyota site to showcase the manufacturer’s latest corporate identity. Some 15 jobs have been created, with customer care consultants and handover specialists among those being recruited, with more staff likely to be needed.

Adrian Mardell is made JLR’s CEO

FERRARI F1 driver Carlos Sainz has cut the ribbon at H.R. Owen’s new Hatfield showroom, marking the site’s official opening.

The luxury car dealer group recently opened Bentley and Lamborghini showrooms on the same £30m multi-franchise site, with the Ferrari facility consisting of an impressive two-storey showroom. More than 200 guests were invited to the event hosted by H.R. Owen CEO Ken Choo. The Hatfield showroom is tH.R. Owen’s third Ferrari facility, joining South Kensington and Mayfair, the latter of which opened in 2019.

SUCCESS PERMISSION

Marshall Volvo to build bigger site

JLR has officially made interim boss Adrian Mardell its CEO.

The manufacturer appointed Mardell as its temporary chief executive last November, after Thierry Bolloré quit for personal reasons, having only been in the post for just over two years

Mardell, who has been a JLR man for more than three decades, was promoted to the interim post from chief financial officer, having been on the board for three years. Acting CFO Richard Molyneux has also had his top finance role confirmed.

3.8

The 0-60mph time in seconds for the MG4 XPower

MARSHALL Motor Group has won permission to transform vacant land at a Nottingham business park into a replacement Volvo showroom.

The Car Dealer Top 100 firm told the city council it had outgrown its site in Valley Road, pictured via Google Street View, and wanted to build a five-car showroom on the NG2 Business Park in Enterprise Way. It’ll see 30 full-time sales and aftersales jobs created to work with the staff who will be transferred.

Hyundai hole in one scored at charity day

A HYUNDAI dealership in Cheshire has helped a golf player win a new Ioniq 6 while supporting a children’s cancer charity.

Corkills Northwich Hyundai has been a long-term supporter of The Joshua Tree and its fundraising efforts were rewarded in style at the charity’s 2023 annual golf day that saw a lucky participant sink a hole in one to win the £50,000 car offered by the dealership. You can watch the hole in one by clicking on the image.

F1 driver Carlos Sainz cuts ribbon to declare new H.R. Owen Ferrari showroom officially open

Take some time to check out this month’s cool products!

Feature: p36

AGREEMENT ACCOLADE REDUNDANCIES

Genesis agency dealers named

Lotus to cut staff as losses deepen

Suzuki top again for pleasing customers

BITE-SIZE

Click on the text box for the full story

GENESIS has named the dealers that will form its physical showroom network in the UK.

Seven dealer groups comprising Arnold Clark, Ancaster Group, Hendy Group, Holdcroft Group, Pendragon, Richmond Motor Group and Sinclair Group will all open showrooms supporting sales and service operations. The exact number is yet to be revealed but Car Dealer can confirm they will operate under agency sales agreements when they begin trading early next year.

STUDY

Car buyers want to browse alone

LOTUS is to axe up to 200 jobs after revealing deepening losses.

The Hethel-based sports car manufacturer said the drastic move was needed to help build a ‘strong, sustainable future’.

Lotus made a £145.1m pre-tax loss during the year ended December 31, 2022, versus a deficit of £86.6m the year before.

The Geely-owned firm said in a statement: ‘We believe this is vital to ensuring the organisation is leaner and more competitive long-term.’

SUZUKI has come top for customer service among automotive firms in the UK once again – the seventh time it’s achieved the accolade.

The latest Institute of Customer Service’s UK Customer Satisfaction Index put it in first position in the automotive sector. It was also 22nd overall across all measured sectors from 259 organisations.

A total of 52,000 responses were received, with 3,500 of them coming from the automotive sector, which saw 26 brands measured.

PROJECT

Jobs to be created as showroom expands

CHIEF: Renault Group has made Nicola Burnside its new head of Alpine UK. She joins it from Mercedes-Benz Vans, where she was head of customer experience, digital marketing, PR and product strategy, and has also worked for VW and Seat.

SHORTFALL: The number of technicians trained to work safely on EVs is dropping, according to the IMI. It says there were 42,400 for the first quarter – 10 per cent less than in 2022 – and that figure is set to get worse, it has warned.

INVESTMENT: JLR’s owner has chosen Somerset as the location for a new electric vehicle battery ‘gigafactory’ that will create thousands of jobs. Tata Group plans to invest more than £4bn building the new unit to make electric vehicle batteries.

NEARLY three-quarters of car buyers want to browse dealerships without being badgered by salespeople, a new survey has found.

eBay Motors Group quizzed 2,000 car buyers for its latest Consumer Insight Panel and found a surprisingly large number of customers want the freedom to browse when visiting a showroom. Nine per cent will look around on their own and approach a salesperson if they have a question.

LLOYD Motor Group says jobs will be created as it expands its Ripon showroom in a two-year project.

The work is part of a major refurbishment of the Hutton Bank site by the Car Dealer Top 100 firm.

Mark Redding, head of business at Lloyd Land Rover Ripon, said: ‘This is going to be an exciting two years. With the expansion of the site, there will be new opportunities that will take the staff numbers from just over 60 to eventually over 75.’

ARRIVAL: Tesla has built its first Cybertruck – four years after debuting the pick-up. The wedge-shaped vehicle was first revealed in 2019 with production set to start two years later, but the stainless-steel body posed various building challenges.

PLAN: A car showroom is poised to replace a shop that used to sell and repair domestic appliances. A proposal to change the use of the premises in Market Street, Church, Accrington, has been lodged with Hyndburn Council by Zulfariz Rashid.

Power

The dual motor produces a staggering 429bhp, giving a 0-60mph of 3.8 seconds.

THE KNOWLEDGE

MG4

Price (as tested): £36,495

Engine: Dual motor and 64kWh battery

MG4 XPOWER

MG is looking to reignite its once sporty spirit with an ‘XPower’ version of its MG4. But what did Ted Welford make of it?

WHAT IS IT?

From sports cars to souped-up hot hatches, MG was once a brand all about performance and driving enjoyment. Since being owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor, though, its cars have been quite different, focused predominantly on value for money and electrification. But ‘new’ MG now reliably sells more cars than well-established brands such as Peugeot and Skoda. It’s given the firm the confidence to rekindle its sporty spirit, as seen here with the new MG4 XPower.

WHAT’S NEW?

The standard MG4 is smart to look at and good to drive, and those are two natural foundations to build on with a sportier version – the XPower, which brings back a nameplate from MG’s past. Utilising a twin electric motor powertrain, it’s one of the fastestaccelerating hot hatches ever made.

Power: 429bhp

Torque: 600Nm

Max speed: 124mph

O-60mph: 3.8 seconds

Range: 239 miles

Emissions: 0g/km CO2

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The standard MG4 is rear-driven but this new XPower model features a second electric motor that enables all-wheel drive. Combined, these produce a staggering 429bhp – more than double the standard car, and making it the most powerful traditional ‘hatch’ you can buy at the moment.

Accelerating from 0-60mph takes just 3.8 seconds, with the XPower topping out at 124mph. It uses the mid-level 64kWh battery from the MG4, which enables an electric range of 239 miles – slightly down on the claimed 270 miles achievable with the standard car. Hooked up to a 150kW rapid charger, the battery can also be replenished from 10 to 80 per cent in 35 minutes.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Compared with the regular MG4, it’s fairly tame considering the savage performance on offer, although this is quite typical with EVs. There are changes to look out for, such as the bright orange brake callipers – the only place where it says ‘XPower’ on the car – 18-inch alloy wheels (standard cars come with plastic trims) and a black roof. There’s also a rather cool matt-green finish available, which we rather like.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

It’s slightly disappointing how unassuming it is. Once you’ve noticed the metal pedals and part-Alcantara-trimmed seats, that’s really where the differences to the standard car end. The cabin is smart, though, and the use of the EV-specific platform comes into its own; there’s plenty of rear seat space, while the ‘floating’ centre console helps give it a roomier feel in the front. Some of the infotainment requires a bit of work, however.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

TARGET BUYERS:

MG itself admitted it wasn’t sure who was going to buy it…

THE RIVALS:

Cupra Born Hyundai i30 N Volkswagen Golf R

Cabin

The interior is unassuming but there’s plenty of seat space in the back, thanks to the EV-specific platform.

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Outrageous straight-line performance

2. Bargain price

3. Everyday usability retained

DEAL CLINCHER: Supercar-rivalling performance for a seriously low price.

Style

Changes

The XPower is based on the regular, top-spec Trophy model, which certainly isn’t a bad thing when it comes to the spec front. Standard equipment includes heated front seats, wireless smartphone charger and a 360-degree camera. You also get a huge range of driverassistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist and blind-spot monitoring. Then there’s the specific XPower goodies on top, such as the smarter 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara upholstery and launch control. Perhaps the best thing about the MG4 XPower is its price. Costing £36,495, it’s about £10,000 cheaper than any other hot hatchback with this level of performance and less than ‘entry-level’ versions of similarly sized EVs. The Volkswagen ID.3, for example, will set you back £37,115.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Top Gear said: ‘In a straight line it thumps you in the kidneys pretty hard.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

MG’s line-up of cars in recent years hasn’t been the most inspiring, but the MG4 XPower signals a return to a more fun, engaging MG. The performance on offer would never cease to shock and entertain, and although it might not be the most thrilling ‘driver’s car’, the same could be said for virtually any ‘hot’ EV. This level of performance at this price seems an absolute steal, too. But we reckon MG could have done more to make the interior and exterior look that bit more exciting, and we feel there’s scope to go further in the future.

The rate this unassuming hatchback gathers pace is frankly ridiculous.

BMW iX1

The iX1 is a compact SUV with plenty of range and good levels of tech. What else can this EV offer?

Jack Evans found out.

THE KNOWLEDGE

BMW iX1

Price (as tested): £61,254

Engine: Electric motor

Power: 308bhp

Torque: 494Nm

Max speed: 112mph

O-60mph: 5.4 seconds

Range: 267 miles

Emissions: 0g/km CO2

WHAT IS IT?

The iX1 is a recent addition to BMW’s expanding fleet of electric vehicles.

WHAT’S NEW?

The new X1 was always designed to be offered with an electric version – and we actually drove initial prototype versions ahead of time – so its arrival is no great surprise. Importantly, much of the fundamentals of the regular car have been retained for this battery-powered version, while the electric powertrain hasn’t dented practicality too much.

It’s worth mentioning that the boot space has taken a hit compared with the petrol version, dropping to 490 litres from the 540 litres that you’d usually get. Still, it’s a nice square shape so is easy to access.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

At present, you can only get the iX1 in one flavour. Badged xDrive30, it combines a pair of motors – one on each axle – to deliver four-wheel drive, which means a punchy output of 308bhp and a zero-to-60mph time of just 5.4 seconds. A few years ago, these figures were well inside hot-hatch territory. With a 64.7kWh (useable) battery, the iX1 is accompanied by a claimed range of up to 267 miles, putting it on the money in terms of rivals. It can charge at speeds of up to 130kW which, while not the quickest, still means a 10 to 80 per cent charge could be completed in 29 minutes.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

We already quite liked the way the standard X1 handled itself on the road and these traits have been nicely carried over to the electric version. Of course, it’s fast in a straight line, but it’s the quiet, refined character of the iX1 that shines through. It feels like a quality product, with well-weighted steering and a decent lack of wind noise at speed. We’d just argue that the ride quality on our M Sport-spec car felt a little overly firm, particularly at slower speeds. Larger wheels come as part of this trim level and will no doubt affect the ride, so we’d be tempted to opt for the standard xLine spec to get the best possible comfort levels.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

There’s not an awful lot to differentiate the iX1 from the regular X1 version and we don’t think that’s such a bad thing in this instance. The large kidney grilles are present and

TARGET BUYERS:

Family crossover buyers looking to go electric for the first time.

THE RIVALS:

Audi Q4 e-tron

Mercedes EQA

Volvo XC40 Recharge

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Tech-laden interior

2. Subtle styling compared with some rivals

3. Feels like a ‘premium’ product

DEAL CLINCHER:

A familiar, undaunting EV that is ideal for first-time electric buyers.

Style

The iX1 looks very much like the regular model but there are some nice blue accents to highlight the EV status.

correct, but we’ve got some nice blue accents that do highlight the car’s battery-powered nature.

Our test car came in a ‘frozen’ grey paint – which gives it a matt finish – and this helped afford the iX1 a rather stealthy, undercover appearance. The iX1’s square, relatively blocky proportions also give it quite a lot of presence on the road, despite it being one of BMW’s more compact SUV models.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

BMW hasn’t scrimped on the iX1’s interior, with good materials used across the board. There’s also a really fine sense of build quality and there are no squeaks and rattles, which would definitely come to the fore in a quiet electric vehicle. The seating position is good, too, and you can get it much lower than you might think.

As we’ve mentioned, the boot is smaller than the one in the standard X1, but it’s still a very useable size. There’s space enough to store the charging cables underneath, too, which is a handy way of keeping them safely stowed away.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The X1 was one of the first cars to get BMW’s latest infotainment system and, as a result, the iX1 gets it, too. Centred around a huge curved display, it’s a great setup with intuitive controls and quick responses. The dials ahead of the driver are clear and easy to read, too.

But this is a premium car after all, and it does come accompanied by quite a premium price tag. Prices start at £53,295, which is around the same as the Mercedes EQB offering a similar level of technology but, most importantly, an extra row of seats.

Still, you do get plenty of standard equipment. However, as with any BMW, you need to go easy with the optional extras or the price can quickly ramp up.

Our test car, for example, in M Sport specification and with a few additions, came in at a hefty £61,254.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Car magazine said: ‘All of that zippy power and assured handling almost makes the iX1 feel a little like a hot hatch.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

The iX1 feels like a great new addition to BMW’s line-up of electric vehicles. It’s well made, has plenty of clever technology and feels large enough for the segment. It’d be nice to see a slightly more comfort-focused suspension setup adopted, but a smaller wheel size could probably help dial out the slightly firm ride.

It definitely commands a premium, but if you’re after an electric car that feels more ‘normal’ than a typical EV, then the iX1 is certainly worth checking out.

Inside

The interior build quality is very good but the boot is somewhat smaller than in the X1.

The iX1 feels like a great new addition to BMW’s line-up of electric vehicles.

BENTLEY FLYING SPUR

This Bentley four-door saloon marks the end of W12 engine production but is it a fitting send-off? James Batchelor put one to the test to see.

WHAT IS IT?

Bentley has launched a series of special ‘Speed Edition 12’ models to mark the W12 engine’s final days as it makes way for a range of electrified Bentleys.

WHAT’S NEW?

Available on the Continental GT, Continental GTC, Bentayga and this, the Flying Spur, the special editions get, among a host of other things, a numbered plaque, Blackline exterior pack is thrown in too, along with black 22-inch Speed alloy wheels.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The W12 is essentially two narrow V6 engines on a common crankshaft with two turbochargers for added performance. Here, in the Speed Edition 12, those two turbos dish out their punch very low down in the rev range at between 1,500 and 5,000rpm.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The Flying Spur gathers speed in an unflappable way free from any drama and engine noiseand has an agility that really belies its size.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

It has a huge amount of on-road presence, with the Edition 12 adding another level of visual self-assurance with its black painted exterior trim that contrasts well with the Opalite paintwork. But virtually every element can be customised, with thousands of options.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Magnificent, frankly. The craftsmanship is clearly evident and the standard of build quality is in a different league compared with that of rivals.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The Edition 12 is based on the existing Speed model, which only arrived in 2022 replacing the standard Flying Spur W12. Bentley Dynamic Ride – which is an anti-roll system that keeps the car level when cornering – is standard, as is electronic all-wheel steering. Black 22-inch wheels in a design unique to the Speed, along with all of the special Edition 12 features, complete the package. But as we’ve already mentioned, few Bentleys remain standard, with owners diving into the options list to make their car their own.

WHAT DO WE THINK?

In recent years, it’s been clear that the 4.0-litre V8 has been the better and more sensible choice for the Flying Spur, as it delivers almost as much performance from a far lighter engine. However, there will always be something special about a 12-cylinder engine, and the W12 will go down as one of the all-time greats of this most desirable of cylinder configurations. The Edition 12 is a very fitting tribute.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Bentley Flying Spur

Speed Edition 12

Price (as tested): £231,200

Engine: 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 petrol

Power: 626bhp

Torque: 900Nm

Max speed: 207mph

0-60mph: 3.7 seconds

Economy: 18.8mpg

Emissions: 340g/km CO2

TARGET BUYERS:

Bentley enthusiasts and collectors of the W12 engine.

THE RIVALS:

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Subtle detailing

2. Sumptuous interior

3. Prodigious performance

DEAL CLINCHER:

It’s the last chance to buy Bentley’s four-door saloon with a W12.

Inside

The build quality and craftsmanship are magnificent and owners have virtually no limits when choosing colours and finishes.

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ROAD-TRIPPING TO THE UK’S MOST EV-FRIENDLY TOURIST ATTRACTION

As families enjoy the Great British staycation, Rebecca Chaplin discovers just how easy a UK road trip is in an electric vehicle.

With the summer holidays now in full swing, many families will be driving across the country – and this year more of them than ever will be doing it under battery power. A survey of 1,000 Brits found that around 57 per cent are planning a staycation and will be journeying 100 to 200 miles.

To help those EV drivers plan their staycations, the electric charging network Gridserve, which commissioned the data, compiled an EV Holiday Hotspot Index. This shows EV owners just how easy it will be to charge near many popular tourist attractions.

The index was created by analysing top tourist attractions and creating a score out of 100 based on their proximity to a Gridserve charging station, local AC and DC charging points per visitor nearby and the availability of charging at hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation in the area.

Top of the list was Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. To put it to the test, I embarked on a near-700-mile round trip in a Genesis GV60 from my home on the south coast to County Durham – slightly further than most families are planning. I wanted to try to just use Gridserve’s chargers – and to make things just that bit more interesting, I’d also be travelling with my partner and young son.

One thing was for sure: we’d need to stop more frequently than the Genesis GV60 would. It has a WLTP range of 321 miles, but even my estimate that it would do at least 250 miles between charges would be more than enough.

The journey was to be spread over three days, with us breaking the back of the driving on day one as we set our sat nav for Ripon in Yorkshire. My plan had been to stop twice so we were always comfortably charged, and that started with a top-up at Cherwell Valley services, 100 miles into the journey.

Here we drew up at one of the new Gridserve Super Hubs, where you can find six, 12 or more chargers. In this case, six connectors were rated up to 350kW – a massive change since the last time I’d driven an EV long distance. Would the Genesis get that, though? In this case, no. We were lined up with five other cars all trying to draw from the same source, and the balance meant we were only getting about 40kW. Did it matter in this case? Not really. By the time we’d stopped for some lunch, we were back up to 80 per cent and ready to get back on the road.

It would be another 200 miles to our hotel for the night but we decided to risk only a five-minute charge at Trowell North Services. This left us with 30 miles when we arrived at

Arriving at Beamish

THE UK’S TOP EV-FRIENDLY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ARE:

1 Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

2 Midlands Arts Centre

3 Durham Cathedral

4 Hampton Court Palace

5 Eden Project

6 National Railway Museum

7 Pugneys Country Park

8 Millennium Gallery

9 The Bodleian Library

10 Stonehenge

Loading up for the off

the hotel in Yorkshire. The next day, we made it comfortably to Bedale Services despite the diminished range, although to add some drama to our journey, we tried several chargers but none wanted to connect to the car.

We eventually realised it was actually the charger cable that wasn’t quite lining up, and once we’d figured this out we were charging at close to 150kW. Soon we were up to nearly 90 per cent and on our way to Beamish! The museum, near Stanley, was surprisingly busy with other visitors for early midweek, and it was interesting to take a step back in time after our journey trying out what could be the future for many.

We’d also be stopping at the nearby Gridserve charging station in Washington, with Super Hubs on both sides of the A1 just 10 minutes from Beamish, which made it such a good location for EV drivers. When we stopped, it was busy, but we were still able to pull straight into a bay and again were pulling 150kW.

By the time we’d finished lunch we were at full charge – something I would rarely do. Probably sounds a little strange but at over 80 per cent charge the rate drops considerably, so in the past I had always thought it was a waste of time. As chargers are so much faster now though it took no time at all to fully charge.

In fact, on our return journey south we also made a stop at Woolley Edge services and once again charged to 100 per cent in no time.

That meant that when we stopped in the Peak District around an hour later, we were still considerably charged up and ready for our final drive the next day.

With 216 miles of charge remaining and a 195-mile drive, things were looking pretty tight on the way home, but with nearly around 500 miles under our belt with the GV60 we were feeling far more confident in its accuracy.

In fact, we stopped at Warwick services on the M40 – following a slightly longer journey to avoid Silverstone and its F1 traffic – and found it was the first time we couldn’t drive straight into a space and charge.

We considered trying to charge again but, feeling confident, we pushed on with the remainder of the journey without having to plug in again. That was a total of five hours of driving from Woolley Edge services to our home, which I have to say is really impressive.

All in all, I was generally surprised with how easy charging was, as there’s a lot of negative press about the state of the UK network. Yes, it definitely wasn’t perfect, but we weren’t stranded anywhere. We also exclusively charged at Gridserve stations, meaning there were plenty of other networks to choose from. We could even have charged overnight at our first hotel for free and then we likely wouldn’t have needed to charge before Beamish.

As these networks grow, the outlook for electric car road trips and the EV Holiday Hotspot Index could look very different in only a few years.

GRIDSERVE TEST DRIVES HELP TO FLY THE EV FLAG

WE know that charging is one of the biggest block for people considering an EV as their next car, but while Gridserve is working on improving its network’s reputation, it’s also helping to convince people to make the switch in other ways.

At two of its largest forecourts, it’s added the option for people to book a test drive in a whole range of models. With so many new brands and models on the market too, this makes trying different brands back to back in a non-sales environment easier (although Gridserve does have its own leasing arm, which will no doubt be part of its reasoning for offering these test drives).

Those with good memories will remember the EV Experience Centre in the Centre:MK. This was opened by Chargemaster – now BP Pulse – in 2017, and here consumers could see a wide range of the latest EVs and speak to experts about owning one. It closed in 2021, in part due to restrictions but also because it says it met its goal of increasing EV ownership in Milton Keynes by 23 per cent by 2023 – two years early in fact.

Now, Gridserve’s test drives offer a new way for people to try out one of 10 models currently offered from BMW to Vauxhall and Ora to Genesis. Hour-long blocks can currently be booked online for its Braintree or Norwich sites, but this will be rolled out further, it says.

We stayed the first night at the Swinton Park Hotel –old castle, new tech!

COOL STUFF Beats Studio Pro

We’ve got some excellent products for you this month, covering an interesting cross-section of outdoor activities. We’re right in the heart of the summer holidays, after all, which is a time when we’re all trying to make the most of the (allegedly) warmer weather and lighter days. Many of the items on this month’s list can help make those days even more exciting – so let’s check them out.

Luminox Pacific Diver

£559

YOU can’t go wrong with a brightly coloured diver’s watch during the summertime and Luminox has just added some striking new colours to its chunky Pacific Diver range. These special summer editions definitely stand out from the crowd, with yellow and orange shades available to choose from.

Ducati Powerstage RR Limited Edition £11,690

DUCATI might be known for creating some of the sharpest motorcycles in the world but it also has quite an extensive line-up of e-bikes.

The new Powerstage RR Limited Edition is restricted to just 230 examples, with each one bringing some of the very latest tech to come to the world of mountain biking.

As well as an entirely carbon-fibre body, it’s got a 250W Shimano power unit that can help deliver up to 85Nm of torque. It’s pricey, but what else did you expect from Ducati?

£349

BEATS has become one of the go-to names in the audio business, creating products that incorporate the latest technology but also bring some smart exterior design. The Studio Pro arrives as a classier, more toned-down affair than we’ve seen on previous iterations, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the sound department.

As well as high-end sound, the Studio Pro can also be used for high-quality voice calls, while active noisecancelling can help prevent exterior sounds from ruining what you’re listening to.

It’s far more than just looks, mind you. The Pacific Diver uses a stainless steel 44mm case and can handle a dive of up to 660 feet.

Luminox also claims that with its clever light technology, you’ll be able to see the face in ‘any light conditions’.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 £1,749

ALTHOUGH modern phones are packed with technology, you could also argue that they’re all a bit – well – boring. Samsung’s decision to create a folding phone really aimed to shake things up and bring a little extra character into this segment.

The new Galaxy Z Fold5 marks five years since Samsung created a folding phone and with it comes a whole load of refinements. It’s thinner and lighter than its predecessor but manages to include a 7.6inch main screen alongside a smaller outer screen.

It’s a clever thing indeed!

We like to offer our dealers a choice of stock funding options

BUSINESS NEWS

A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE UK

RESULTS

HSBC profits more than double as rates rise

INTERIMS

Greggs eyes more shops as sales reach £844m

GREGGS has said it will target more shops in supermarkets and airports as the company’s continued expansion helped to drive sales higher.

Bosses also said it benefited from its ‘value position’ over the first half of the year amid continued demand from customers with squeezed household finances. The high street bakery chain revealed that sales jumped by 21.5 per cent to £844m for the six months to July 1.

APPOINTMENT

Allison Kirkby to take over as boss at BT

BT has appointed the first female chief executive in the group’s history dating back more than 170 years.

The telecoms giant named Allison Kirkby as its new boss to take over from Philip Jansen when he retires by the end of January next year.

Kirkby has been a non-executive director since 2019 and is president and chief executive of Swedish telecoms firm Telia Company.

RESTRUCTURE

HSBC has unveiled its second share buyback of the year after profits more than doubled thanks to interest rate rises in the UK and globally.

The company notched up pre-tax profits of $21.7bn (£16.9bn) for the first half of 2023, up from $8.4bn (£6.6bn) a year ago after a betterthan-expected performance in the second quarter. Revenue soared by 51 per cent to $36.9bn (£28.8bn).

Clintons set to close 38 shops to avoid insolvency

CARD chain Clintons is considering plans to shut 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency, according to a report.

It is understood the high street retailer has appointed restructuring experts from FRP Advisory as it seeks to secure its future. The business is looking at a move that could see the firm swap its debt for equity and shut more than a fifth of its estate of 179 shops, according to the Times.

Jobs under threat as Wilko rescue fails ADMINISTRATION

BUDGET retailer Wilko has entered administration after failing to secure a rescue deal, putting around 12,000 jobs in jeopardy although it is continuing to trade.

The chain, which runs more than 400 stores across the UK, told staff on August 10 that it had hired administrators from PwC to oversee the process. Its sales and shopper footfall came under pressure as consumer budgets were hammered by the rising cost of living. PwC will try to find a buyer for the store estate and brand.

Tesco staff can ask for flexi-work from the off

TESCO has rolled out changes allowing all its staff to request flexible working from their first day at the chain, nearly a year ahead of an incoming change in the law.

The grocery giant brought in its new flexible working policy at the beginning of August, giving its 300,000-plus workforce the right to ask for part-time or flexible working hours from day one. Under current rules, employees must wait six months before being allowed to make the request.

INDUSTRY VIEWS

NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM CAR DEALER LIVE

cardealermagazine.co.uk/live

Women face being left behind on the road to 2030, car industry is warned

While the automotive industry is preparing for a step-change in the way cars are built, powered and sold, it’s ignoring a growing gender gap among its customers that may well be a block to mass adoption of electric cars in the UK.

That’s one of the findings from a series of research projects by Auto Trader that looked at why women feel disenfranchised with the car-buying process, and how carmakers, dealers and suppliers can engage women better with electric cars.

Ultimately, the research found that women are being left behind in the electrification of cars but the problems are easily fixed.

Motoring journalist and Auto Trader editorial director Erin Baker told Car Dealer Live: ‘There’s already a huge gender gap in automotive on both B2B and B2C levels. There aren’t enough women in retailers, OEMs and inside my industry –motoring journalism. If you look at the consumer and the people we are selling cars to, women are almost half of the drivers out there.’

The findings of the research

CAP HPI

have been published in a new Auto Trader report called ‘No Driver Left Behind: Women and the journey to electric’.

In the report’s introduction, Baker says: ‘Women have been excluded, ignored, patronised and mansplained to by brands, marketing and the industry, almost to the point of total alienation.’

She adds: ‘You’d be forgiven for assuming the advent of electric vehicles, with their more lifestyleoriented stories...would fundamentally change this relationship for the better.’

However, Baker, speaking on Car Dealer Live, said that change isn’t happening.

But the report offers solutions on how to prevent leaving women behind in the journey to mass electric motoring. For dealers, this includes showcasing and marketing electric cars in more engaging ways, and using different language and approaches on social media and marketing communications.

Baker said: ‘We need to respond to the data in this report and start thinking outside the box, or women will be left behind on the road to 2030.’

Used car trade prices see biggest fall of the year so far

Used car values were down by 1.9 per cent in July – the biggest drop of the year but there’s nothing to worry about.

That’s according to Cap HPI, which said there is some seasonality at play.

Speaking to Car Dealer associate editor James Batchelor for our monthly look at used car values in the trade

sector, Derren Martin, director of valuations at Cap HPI, said July had proved to be ‘a bit of a tricky month’. He commented: ‘We’ve spoken to some dealers who are a little bit disappointed with their performance. I don’t think anyone is overly stocking up at the moment. We’ve had a value drop this month of 1.9 per cent, which

is equivalent to about £350. That’s at the three-year point. But it does feel a little bit seasonal.’ Martin added that there was ‘nothing massively untoward’ about the fall, although it was slightly above the norm for a July and the largest drop so far this year. He emphasised there wasn’t any cause for concern about falling values.

You can watch all our Car Dealer Live broadcasts by clicking here:

Women have been excluded, ignored, patronised and mansplained to by brands, marketing and the industry.

Erin

Auto Trader editorial director

WE’RE AWARD-WINNING THANKS TO YOU!

This year we’ve won not one, but three awards - an achievement that we are all very proud of.

Our customers voted First Response Finance as the ‘Best Car Finance Provider’ in the Consumer Credit Awards 2022 for the second consecutive year. In addition to that, we’ve won the prestigious ‘Firm of the Year’ award!

The second recognition came from our dealer partners who voted us ‘Finance Provider of the Year (Sub-Prime)’ in the Car Dealer Power Awards. We are honoured to have won this award 8 times!

Vans, cars, motorbikes - it doesn't matter what type of vehicle we’re financing, our award-winning service remains the same.

CONSUMER DUTY

New rules mean higher and clearer standards for firms

The Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty has come into force, setting a higher bar for finance firms and giving customers more certainty that the product they are taking out does exactly ‘what it says on the tin’.

It sets higher and clearer standards of consumer protection across financial services, requiring firms to put customers’ needs at the heart of what they do.

The impacts of the new duty, which took effect on July 31, will be far-reaching, weaving through the design of financial products through to the way firms treat their customers.

Over time, it is hoped the duty will improve trust and confidence in financial services, says the FCA. It could help to prevent rip-offs, unexpected charges and potential future misselling scandals from happening in the first place.

Under the duty, finance firms will have to provide products that are fit for purpose, offer fair value and work as the customer expects.

The duty could also potentially help prevent people from being sold unnecessary ‘addons’ to financial products, stopping them from wasting money.

Firms should also be able to explain and justify their pricing decisions.

Nisha Arora, director of cross-cutting policy and strategy at the FCA, said: ‘People should know what they are paying and know what they are getting for what they pay.’

Firms will have to actively support and enable their customers to achieve their financial objectives. ‘It’s about helping their customers, rather than just sitting back,’ she told the PA news agency. Processes for complaining, switching and cancelling products should also be straightforward.

Vulnerable customers’ needs are also at the heart of the new duty.

CREDIT

Dealer finance helps non-card market hit £1bn

CREDIT such as car dealership finance helped the non-card market double over a month to £1bn.

Latest figures show consumer lending hit a five-year high in June as more households relied on loans to pay bills amid higher living costs. Net borrowing of consumer credit rose to £1.7bn – the most since April 2018, according to the Bank of England’s Money and Credit report, and surpassing analysts’ expectations of £1.3bn for the month, said Pantheon Macroeconomics UK.

Borrowing on credit cards remained stable at £600m, but other forms of credit such as personal loans and car dealership finance doubled from £500m in May to £1bn in June, the data revealed.

However, households put more cash into accounts as savings rates increased. People put an extra £3.4bn into banks and building societies, having withdrawn a net £3.1bn in May.

It reflected a rise in people locking away cash into accounts where they can benefit from interest, as well as current accounts without interest.

Team effort and dealers’ trust are the winning factors for us

Ihave had many dealers ask me over the years: ‘Who is the best sub-prime finance company?’ Having spent the past 13 years working for First Response Finance, I might be somewhat biased and don’t believe I’m best positioned to answer the question. I’ve always found that the best answer lies in the feedback, recognition and reputation we’ve developed over the past 20 years.

While everyone who works for First Response Finance contributes to the company’s success, the people who are best placed to answer the question are our dealer partners who work with us daily. It’s their daily interactions and experiences of our service that provide the most accurate measure of our performance.

Our track record of being voted the best finance provider in the sub-prime category by Car Dealer readers for 11 of the past 12 years serves as a powerful measure of our service and the trust our dealer partners have in us.

We do not take these awards or recognition lightly; they reflect the collective effort of our entire team and the trust of our dealer partners. These awards and recognition stand as an excellent benchmark compared with numerous other companies that are also performing exceptionally well, and we always appreciate the feedback.

In the words of James Batchelor, associate editor of Car Dealer, when announcing the 2023 Car Dealer Power Best Finance Provider – Sub-Prime award, ‘Readers love their superb service and passionate team that always goes above and beyond to help get the deal done.’

So why have motor dealers continually voted us one of the best sub-prime finance companies? Well, since 1998 we’ve helped thousands of dealers sell more than 200,000 vehicles to customers who were turned down by their existing panel of finance lenders. We’ve been able to do this because of our manual underwriting process, which allows us to carefully assess the applications that dealers propose to us. Our dealer partners also love our automated approval process, designed for customers in the middle ground between prime and sub-prime.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, motor finance lenders and banks are tightening their lending criteria, meaning a larger number of customers will now need more assistance in getting approved for the car, bike, or van they want to buy. Our flexible criteria allow us to consider applications on a case-by-case basis, providing a lifeline to customers who have been turned down elsewhere.

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience our exceptional award-winning service, you can find more information on our dedicated site for dealerships –dealer.firstresponsefinance.co.uk

Our

flexible criteria allow us to consider applications on a case-bycase basis.

SUPPLIER NEWS

A ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS THE UK

Motorway buys Total Car Check

MOTORWAY has bought provenance check provider Total Car Check as it looks to strengthen its focus on ‘accuracy and transparency’.

Founded by David James in 2009, last year saw Total Car Check generate more than 42m UK vehicle checks with an increase in revenue of around 30 per cent. James will join Motorway as director of vehicle data and Total Car Check’s employees will join Motorway’s growing team of 400-plus staff.

Cox notches up another supermarket sweep

Edd China is Warrantywise’s new expert arbiter

FORMER Wheeler Dealers master mechanic Edd China is Warrantywise’s new expert arbiter.

The TV personality, presenter, motoring specialist and inventor, seen here with Warrantywise CEO Lawrence Whittaker, has taken over from Quentin Willson to help shape and refine the warranty packages offered by the Car Dealer Power 2023 trophy-winning company. He will offer an unbiased view of any dispute, using his discretion to review each claim on its merits and having the final say.

Alan Greer is made head of finance

COX Automotive has signed terms with four supermarkets that will result in an additional 2,000 vehicles a year selling through Manheim Auction Services.

Car360, Chris W Roads, Phantom Motor Co and JW Autos join Big Motoring World, AvailableCar, CarShop and Carsa as supermarkets to sign, or re-sign, with Cox Automotive this year. Other supermarkets using Cox’s auction brands include Carverse.

ALAN Greer has been appointed as the new head of finance at Startline Motor Finance.

As well as managing and developing the finance function of the business, his responsibilities will include contributing to its overall growth strategy and business plan by delivering value-added insights from a financial perspective.

Previously, he spent more than 20 years at Clydesdale Bank and Virgin Money.

Consumer Duty sees core platform changes

MOTOR sales tech specialist iVendi has brought in changes to its core Connected Retailing platform to reflect the new Consumer Duty.

The company says it’s made the changes across all its product range to meet the FCA aims of ensuring customers have products that meet their needs and offer fair value.

Its Consumer Duty process now covers from initial motor finance quote results to the final application submission, with new pages added.

As the costof-living crisis continues, motor finance lenders and banks are tightening their lending criteria.

Richard Pygott p43

STATISTICS

THE LATEST REGISTRATION FIGURES

New battery-electric vehicle registered every 60 seconds as July marks full year of growth

The new car market has recorded a full year of growth as registrations were up again in July. Latest figures from the SMMT showed that new car sales went up by 28.3 per cent during the month versus the same month last year.

July was the 12th consecutive monthly year-on-year increase, making it a year of non-stop growth, said the organisation, as carmakers enjoyed ever-improving component supply chains. It was the best July since 2020 when dealers reopened their doors following months of lockdown.

Company registrations drove the growth, as uptake by large fleets increased by 61.9 per cent to 80,961 units and business registrations rose by 28.7 per cent to 2,915 new vehicles. Private demand, meanwhile, remained stable at 60,045 units (up 0.3 per cent).

The Ford Puma was July’s best-selling car and remains the year-to-date most popular car. Electrified cars – hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) –accounted for 35.4 per cent of the market, but it was BEVs that recorded the largest gain. Registrations of pure-electrics rose by 87.9 per cent year on year, accounting for 16 per cent of all registrations for the month.

That figure will rise to 23 per cent across all of 2024, predicted the SMMT. The organisation said a new BEV was registered every 60 seconds in July – a figure that will fall to every 50 seconds by the end of the year and 40 seconds by the close of 2024. However, the trade body countered this by saying ‘every means of support must be provided’ in helping consumers switch to electric cars, from ‘fiscal incentives to purchase reassurance’.

Ford notched up 4,124 registrations of its Puma, placing the crossover at the top of July’s sales chart. It was followed by four SUVs – the Kia Sportage (3,060), Nissan Qashqai (3,032), Vauxhall Mokka (3,002) and Hyundai’s Tucson (2,608).

July’s performance strengthened the Puma’s grip at the top of the year-to-date chart with 26,889 registrations. Vauxhall’s Corsa is in second place (23,751) and the Nissan Qashqai is third with 23,015 registrations.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: ‘The industry remains committed to meeting the UK’s zero-emission deadlines and continues to make the investments to get us there.

‘Choice and innovation in the market are growing, so it’s encouraging to see more people switching on to the benefits of driving electric.

‘With inflation, rising costs of living and a zero-emission vehicle mandate that will dictate the market coming next year, however, consumers must be given every possible incentive to buy. The government must pull every lever, therefore, to make buying, running and, especially, charging an EV affordable and practical for every driver in every part of the country.’

Choice and innovation in the market are growing.

Click here to see our top 10 rolling sales charts for July 2022 to July 2023

Mike Hawes SMMT chief executive

REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

THAN 3.5 TONNES

Van market grows for seventh month in a row

THE number of LCVs registered in the UK went up by just over 44 per cent to 26,990 units in July – the seventh consecutive month of growth.

That’s according to the latest year-on-year figures from the SMMT, which also showed that in the best July since 2020, when 27,701 units were registered, the figures were up 4.4 per cent versus pre-pandemic July 2019’s total of 25,862.

The trade body attributed it to rising demand for new vans, pickups and 4x4s, as well as the easing of supply chain issues that had constrained production. Demand for zero-emission vans continued to grow, with battery-electric vans soaring by 94.6 per cent to 1,489 units and a 5.5 per cent market share – up from 4.1 per cent last year.

REGISTRATIONS OF NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 3.5  TONNES TO 6.0

TONNES

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SUPPLIERS GUIDE

LOOKING FOR A MOTOR TRADE SUPPLIER? YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE

Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales

BCA

W: bca.co.uk

T: 0344 875 3480

E: customerservices@bca.com

Info: BCA’s remarketing programmes deliver volume, choice and availability for buyers, and speed, efficiency and market-leading returns for sellers.

Automotive E-Commerce

ATG

W: atg.auto

T: 0844 264 3519

Info: Leading provider of retailing solutions, Automotive Transformation Group maximises sales for retailers, OEMs, financiers and fleet suppliers by making car buying easier for their consumers.

Data

Real World Analytics

W: realworldanalytics.com

T: 0808 1890 617

E: auto@realworldanalytics.com

Info: We are a SaaS-based data analytics solution provider for multisite dealers. Our business intelligence tools help customers make faster and better decisions.

DMS

DealerDesk

W: dealerdesk.co.uk

E: contact@dealerdesk.co.uk

Info: Modernise your stock management, advertising, communication, sales and website. DealerDesk provides you with easyto-use tools designed to simplify your dealership management.

Finance

Blue Motor Finance

W: blue.co.uk

T: 020 3005 9331

E: dealersupport@blue.co.uk

Info: Blue is transforming the car finance market, making car ownership simple and flexible and providing motor traders with access to essential finance.

Finance

Close Brothers Motor Finance

W: closemotorfinance.co.uk/

Info: Close Brothers Motor Finance are a specialist finance provider, working with over 8,000 dealer partners to offer flexible finance solutions for car, motorcycle and LCV customers.

Finance

First Response

W: firstresponsefinance.co.uk

T: 0115 946 6317

E: marketing@frfl.co.uk

Info: First Response is an awardwinning UK finance company providing simple financial solutions. Get in touch and let us help increase your profits.

Finance

Forza Finance

W: forzafinance.co.uk

T: 01245 245678

Info: Benefit from Forza Finance’s expertise, choice of products and lenders. Their personal approach will help you achieve higher levels of finance penetration and, ultimately, sell more cars.

HR & People Management

HR Manager

W: hrmanager.co.uk

T: 01480 455500

E: info@hrmanager.co.uk

Info: HR Manager is Lawgistics’ new digital compliance portal designed to assist employers in managing their legal obligations, responsibilities and duties.

Insurance

Tradesure

W: tradesureinsurance.co.uk

T: 0121 248 9313

Info: Providing motor trade insurance to full- and part-time motor traders in the UK, the Tradesure team are reliable professionals who know how to help you.

Key Control

Traka

W: traka-automotive.com

T: 0333 355 3726

E: automotive@traka.com

Info: Bespoke software and electronic key management cabinets to deliver the most effective solution to dealerships to manage their keys and vehicles.

Lead Management

GardX AD-Vantage

W: gardx.co.uk/gardx-ad-vantage

T: 01243 376426

E: goforaspin@gardx.co.uk

Info: The award-winning 360 service offers an engaging display of the vehicle while additionally presenting profitable F&I products to a consumer.

Lead Management

iVendi

W: ivendi.com

T: 0330 229 0028

E: tellmemore@ivendi.com

Info: iVendi delivers a fully connected platform that engages consumers, converts buyers and manages transactions of vehicles online and in the showroom.

Legal & Compliance

Lawgistics

W: lawgistics.co.uk

T: 01480 455500

E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk

Info: The legal experts for the motor trade, giving advice and support to our industry for over 15 years. Not anti-consumer, just pro-trader.

Marketing, PR & Video OnCue Communications

W: oncuecomms.com

T: 020 8125 3880

Info: We are a leading provider of PR, video and events services to the automotive industry. The PR team has a proven track record of securing high-value, big-impact media coverage.

Marketing, PR & Video Marketing Delivery

W: marketingdelivery.co.uk/

T: 01892 599911

E: get.in.touch@marketingdelivery.co.uk

Info: Our SocialStock helps target prospects with tailored stock remarketing and social media advertising tools, and automated lead capture for Facebook.

Oil & Lubricants

Mobil™

W: mobil.co.uk

T: 0800 0857 420

Info: Whether using Mobil 1™ or Mobil Super™, Mobil™ engine oils meet or exceed the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers.

Recruitment

WeRecruit Auto

W: werecruitauto.co.uk

T: 01603 550041

Info: Permanent recruitment – here to assist businesses within the automotive sector find the best fit for their company in terms of skillset, experience and culture.

Stocking Finance

STAR Stocking Finance

W: starassetfinance.com/ stocking-finance

T: 0330 202 0619

Info: STAR Stocking Finance offers simple and flexible stocking finance that enables you to cost-effectively manage the buying and selling of your forecourt stock.

Trade Bodies

Ben

W: ben.org.uk

T: 0808 131 1333

Info: Ben is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their families.

Vehicle Photography

Dealer 360

W: dealer360.co.uk

T: 01270 780855

E: nicky.spratt@ukturntables.com

Info: UK makers of photo booths incorporating our turntables for car, van and motorcycle dealers. Our software controls turntable and cameras – a onestop solution.

Vehicle Tracking

Meta Trak

W: metatrak.co.uk

T: 020 8867 2340

E: enquiries@metatrak.co.uk

Info: Total vehicle security. Clever tracking technology, advanced immobilisation, 24/7 monitoring and an easy-to-use app. Security. Connectivity. Peace of mind.

Warranty Providers

Autoprotect

W: autoprotect.co.uk

T: 01279 406888

E: sales@autoprotect.net

Info: AutoProtect offers a full portfolio of award-winning protection products, including GAP. We lead the market with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.

Warranty Providers

Car Care Plan

W: carcareplan.com

T: 0344 573 8000

Info: Car Care Plan is a leading provider of motor protection products, trusted around the world to deliver quality protection with integrity and a customer-oriented outlook.

Warranty Providers

Händler Protect

W: handlerprotect.com

T: 0800 088 7889

E: sales@handlerprotect.com

Info: Händler Protect is an exclusive dealer warranty provider. Proud to partner and represent more than 1,000-plus ‘active’ independent motor dealers across the UK each month.

Warranty Providers

Warrantywise

W: warrantywise.co.uk/dealer

T: 0800 001 4551

E: dealers@warrantywise.co.uk

Info: Warrantywise sells over 100,000 warranties per year. Quentin Willson personally designed Warrantywise to be the UK’s best used car warranty.

Warranty Providers

WMS

W: wmsgroup.co.uk

T: 01844 293810

E: sales@wmsgroup.co.uk

Info: Open 24/7, we offer award-winning warranty products for FCA- and non-FCA-registered dealerships.

Website Design & Digital Marketing Bluesky Interactive

W: blueskyinteractive.co.uk

T: 01926 651000

Info: Bluesky Interactive drive dealer websites and digital marketing forward thanks to game-changing innovation, the latest technology and our exceptional relationships with our clients.

Website Design & Digital Marketing Haswent

W: haswent.com

T: 020 3920 6164

E: hello@haswent.com

Info: Composer is a next-gen automotive platform. You have extensive stock management options, and you’ll gain a brilliantly responsive new website.

Website Design & Digital Marketing Spidersnet

W: spidersnet.co.uk

T: 01273 837749

E: hello@spidersnet.co.uk

Info: Websites that are designed to increase the number of customers for dealers. We have solutions for all budgets and needs. All solutions include our DMS Autopromotor.

MAZDA CX-60

With our much-loved Mazda CX-5 going off to a new home, it’s time to try something new – and it’s fair to say that we’ve had a bit of an upgrade…

This is our new CX-60: Mazda’s biggest and poshest model for quite some time. It’s a car that the Japanese brand is hoping might entice some BMW and Audi customers into its showrooms – and, of course, some existing CX-5 drivers (like us) that fancy something bigger.

To that end, Mazda has thrown everything it can at making the CX-60 a success. It’s new from the ground up, sitting on a new rear-wheel-drive-focused platform that should inject a bit of fun into how it drives. It’s stuffed full of technology too, including a camera-based driver recognition system that adjusts the seat and steering wheel positions for you automatically.

Most excitingly – for me at least – is what Mazda has been up to in the engine department. You can have the CX-60 as a city-friendly plug-in-hybrid petrol but we’ve got something much more likely to pique the interest of the average BMW owner: a new 3.3-litre straight-six diesel.

Diesel, if that rings a bell, is the fuel most car manufacturers now seem to be a bit scared of: discontinuing it in favour of petrol and plug-in-hybrid options. Mazda has taken a slightly different path. It reckons diesel is still very useful to plenty of customers, particularly those who do lots of motorway miles, or who tow caravans, and so on.

Our car is the middle-of-the-range ‘Homura’ trim, but in typical Mazda fashion it comes filled to the brim with standard equipment. There’s too much to cover without hitting our word count, but niceties such as heated and cooled leather seats, a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and a 12-speaker Bose stereo are all bundled in.

Admittedly, we also ticked the option boxes for a rather lovely panoramic sunroof, a technology park with surround-view cameras, wireless phone charger and more – but even these don’t break the bank.

Anyway, enough about the spec – what’s the CX-60 actually like? Well, customers upgrading from a CX-5 might be in for a bit of a shock. In many ways, the CX-60 is decidedly un-Mazda. Hit the start button and you’re met with a deep, billowing engine note that falls somewhere between a BMW 530d and a V6 Range Rover.

Even in the first 30 yards of driving, the difference between the CX-60 and its little brother is clear to see. We’re not saying the CX-5 feels flimsy, but the ’60 has some proper reassuring heft to it – a sense of solidity, if you like.

Then there’s the engine. The 3.3-litre diesel is a bit of a marvel as far as I’m concerned. There’s more than enough power and torque to propel the CX-60 along with ease, with plenty in reserve for the occasional overtake or power-sapping motorway incline. It even makes a fabulous and rather addictive roar in the process. Compared with any of the CX-5’s engine choices, it’s an absolute revelation.

So far so good, then? Sort of. The only fly in the ointment so far is the ride quality, which seems to be a curious combination of bouncy and firm at the same time. Its particular pet hate seems to be lumpy bits of motorway, where it’s capable of launching rear passengers almost clean out of their seats. Beyond that, though, the CX-60 has been a great companion as we settle into its first month with us. It’s been absolutely eating up the motorway miles so far, and incredibly even returning well over 50mpg without any effort from me. If that’s not proof that Mazda was right about diesel all along, I don’t know what is.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Mazda CX-60 Homura

Price (as tested): £33,690

Engine: 3.3-litre diesel

Power: 250bhp

Torque: 550Nm

0-60mph: 7.4 seconds

Top speed: 136mph

Fuel economy: 54.3mpg

(WLTP combined)

Emissions: 138g/km CO2

Mileage: 1,420

This month’s highlight: Taking delivery of ‘our’ new diesel-powered CX-60 and already getting over 50mpg!

OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING

Mileage: 14,616

Despite a slow puncture, the Qashqai proved its worth during some home improvements.

BMW 330e Touring M Sport

Mileage: 6,731

The Bimmer plug-in hybrid seems up for any occasion and the level of refinement is impressive.

A new diesel in 2023 is quite a rare thing. But that’s what’s under the bonnet of ‘our’ new Mazda CX-60, as Jon Reay reports.

Services that make a difference

At Black Horse, we support dealers with expert knowledge and insight, so you can support your customers.

We underpin everything with straightforward tools and systems to simplify the finance journey and help you grow your business.

Find out how we can help you at www.blackhorse.co.uk