Prepare for holiday spike in customer upgrades: Motors

Dealers should prepare for car owners upgrading their used vehicles ahead of motoring holidays in the UK and abroad.

The findings come from Motors’ independent Consumer Insight Panel, which polled the views of over 2,000 consumers.

Overall 54% of owners plan to use their own car on holiday in 2024, representing an annual growth of 4%.

Over a quarter (26%) of owners expecting to use their car on holiday in the UK plan to buy one that is more suitable ahead of going away. This figure rises to 44% for those travelling further afield to continental Europe.

The post-pandemic appetite for staycations remains strong with 46% planning to use their own car on holiday in the UK, an 8% increase on 2023. While taking cars across the English Channel remains virtually unchanged year-on-year at 12%.

Once again car holidays are skewed towards family owners with children evenly split between playschool, primary school and secondary school ages.

“With the first hints of summer sunshine finally starting to break through, our research shows how dealers can expect customers to be considering trading in their cars as they plan getaways from the late May Bank Holiday through to the main school holidays in August,” said Lucy Tugby, marketing director of MOTORS.

“For dealers this presents an opportunity to start planning their used car inventory requirements, schedule pre-summer marketing campaigns and plan how they can maximise their online visibility. 

“Family buyers will be looking for more suitable and reliable vehicles than they currently have and online listings enhanced with high quality images, video walkabouts and family-friendly descriptions will help drive engagement,” said Tugby.