An end to the cost of living crisis and more stable electric vehicle (EV) values and prices jointly top the Christmas wishlist of car dealers, according to Startline.

In December’s Startline Used Car Tracker, the two factors were chosen by 47% of motor retailers - while 40% would like better motor finance availability and 37% want better access to stock.

Additionally, 35% would like Santa to bring lower showroom rents, 30% want lower online advertising costs and 13% would opt for a new government.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “As the end of the year nears, most dealers appear to be very much thinking about the bigger picture, wanting to see a general improvement in living standards for all and to see a more stable used market for EVs emerge.

“However, they’re also concerned about factors that affect them directly on a day-to-day basis – the showroom, advertising and motor finance. Keeping a lid on costs has been an ongoing concern for many motor retailers this year and one that isn’t going away.

“In a recent edition of the Startline Tracker, more than half of dealers said that they were optimistic about 2024 and that’s very good to see but there are still many headwinds affecting the sector.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 301 consumers and 60 dealers were questioned.

Our digital products