BCA Automotiv has speeded up the used car buying process for dealers with the UK launch this month of BCA Direct, an online retailing platform. BCA Direct, which sources vehicles from manufacturers, contract hire and fleet operators, offers three transaction methods: fixed-price instant purchase, electronic auctions and tenders. A Pipeline stock module gives dealers advance notice of vehicles that will shortly become available.
Vauxhall Network Q is offering a 15,000-mile, no time limit guarantee on all used cars, which will benefit low mileage drivers.
North-east dealer group Benfield Motors has responded to the growing threat from internet-based importers and car superstores by launching another innovative pilot scheme to lure back customers. Bid N Buy, which ran for 10 days, gave customers the opportunity to place a bid on all used vehicles at Benfield's Skoda dealership, including Vauxhall, Citroen, Ford, Toyota and Seat models.
We should never forget what drives used car values - and that is the pound in the pocket of the person on the street. If their money is heading towards cosmetics, a new TV or a holiday then it will clearly not be spent on a car. And the less demand for a car the greater the impact on residual values. Similarly, if people release equity from their house then maybe.
Over the past four weeks the used car dealer's job has become increasingly difficult. It has affected all sectors, from late-plate models to seven year-old vehicles. There are several reasons for the problems currently besetting the trade. First there has been a slowdown in retail demand, driven in no small part by consumer uncertainty over new car prices and a general lack of public confidence in the motor trade in the wake of the Competition Commission report.
Motor finance house General Guarantee is up for sale for the second time in two years.
A computerised vehicle scanner is being tested by CarScan at its Edinburgh headquarters.
Leading High Street intermediary Hill House Hammond is drafting in staff from around the country to fill the gap left by the collapse of its first response motor claims partner, Motor & Legal Group.
R-M has conceded that it must improve delivery time to the UK following distributor dissatisfaction.
Aftermarket companies are rushing to put their products on the internet.
Carmakers, nervous about the release of the Competition Commission report into new car pricing, have been cautious with their finance plans for the second quarter.
Vauxhall has denied speculation that it may offer a three-year warranty on the Agila mini people carrier.
Autosmart has launched a new service designed to remove the hassle of managing the valeting bay.
Dealers are being urged to focus on maximising sales of warranties, finance and insurance packages.
Alpine, the in-car audio and navigational system manufacturer, will next month be the first company to introduce DVD (Digital Video Disc) navigation in the UK.
Internet start-up Service4cars.com claims motorists will save up to 25% when booking a service with a franchised dealer through an online service which will also reduce unused workshop capacity.
The Dixon Motor Group is to expand its bodyshop chain of branded Car Clinics this year.
A pilot servicing loyalty scheme is being launched to customers in seven Renault dealerships.
American online training specialist CyberCar.com has poached new media director Dave Hawkins from Kalamazoo International.
An increasing number of dealerships are turning to outsourcing.
R-M is launching a series of new services and products for its distributor and bodyshop customers this year as it pursues a 12% UK market share.
Warranty companies are increasingly turning to internet-based car locators.
Suzuki GB has extended its UK roadside assistance service.
Peugeot, which extended its new-car retail warranty cover to three years in January, has launched a One + Two Year fleet warranty package.
Ford Motor Company is separating its Visteon Automotive Systems parts unit by distributing shares to shareholders.
Gregory Distribution, which runs a fleet of 400 vehicles from its base in Exeter, Devon, is claiming fuel savings of up to 6% following a field trial in conjunction with Shell.
Consolidation among the refinish paint brand manufacturers has led to many changes, both on a financial and industry level.
JCT600 is preparing for further expansion despite a fall in pre-tax profits, blamed almost entirely on a decline in used car values.
The Government response to the Competition Commission report should give dealers more control over their own destiny.
Reynolds and Reynolds, which has a 26.5% stake in Kalamazoo International, has acquired CyberCar which is preparing for a European launch.
