Executive Views
Executive View: Technology’s impact on vehicle repairs and maintenance in 2025
The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation driven by new technology, shifting consumer preferences and a global push for sustainability. These forces are redefining how vehicles are designed and repaired, writes Marc Russell.
Executive View: The need for omnicompetent technicians is growing
The market for ambitious technicians able to work on a variety of powertrains is only set to become more competitive, which means dealer groups and franchised networks must get working on their employer brand, advises AM's regular columnist Professor Jim Saker, president of the Institute of the Motor Industry.
Executive View: The route to target achieved in the EV market
James Vickery, head of policy, ZEV regulations at the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), part of the Department for Transport, explores how the UK's motor retail industry overall can have confidence that the first year of the ZEV Mandate was a success.
Executive View: Tackling toxic behaviour in the automotive workspace
In this latest leadership lesson from the business improvement experts at Sewells, its managing director Gail Harrison challenges dealership leaders to tackle the 'energy vampires' in the business rather than allow a culture that passively accepts toxicity.
Executive View: Is the rise of EVs killing the motor trade?
The trade is going through tough times as a transition period to mass-market electric vehicle adoption is not being managed well, and Kyle Harris, managing director of Auto Logistic Solutions can't help but think that the politicians have got it wrong. In a guest Executive View for Automotive Management he explains his reasoning.
Executive View: Is this the experience we want for EV and PHEV beginners?
Is the UK Government's strategy for electric car adoption a special case or a basket case for consumers, wonders Professor Jim Saker, regular Automotive Management contributor and president of the Institute of the Motor Industry.
Executive View: The changing patterns of car ownership
Mike Todd, chief executive at Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) UK, shares his thoughts on the direction the automotive industry is moving in, how consumer preferences are shifting to experience the latest vehicles, and what is next for an altering car ownership landscape.
Executive View: Tips to drive change in the automotive industry
This time, in our monthly advice series for automotive managers and business leaders, Sewells' managing director Gail Harrison encourages AM readers to reflect and identify how they can lead from the front and ensure their teams are aligned with the strategy.
Executive View: Stellantis woes and why “wartime CEOs” are currently the best fit
Flattened consumer spending, persistently high interest rates and supply chain disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions have forced auto manufacturers (both budget and luxury) to negatively adjust their forecasts, writes Adrian Stalham of Sullivan & Stanley
Executive View: The EV skills shortage will hinder Europe’s energy transition
Electric vehicles have been around for a decade yet owners are driving around in circles when finding specialist technicians to fix their motors, according to Marc Russell, chief commercial officer of FixMyCar.
Executive View: Reducing VAT on public charging is only a first step to boosting EV adoption
A report by the Resolution Foundation urges the government to align its policies with the swiftly evolving EV landscape to make adoption more accessible, writes Fraser Brown of automotive consultancy MotorVise.
Executive View: Innovation in motor finance is needed to unlock sales growth
Providing car loans and other forms of motor finance is a critical role of dealerships that must continue in the future as buying habits and technology advance, believes Mike Allen, the managing director of Cambria Private Capital, a firm that invests in and provides advisory services to automotive startups and scaleups.
Executive View: The issue is that we're battling a rational consumer
The Government's aims for zero carbon motoring will need to do more to convince a general public which is happy to be greener if it doesn't cost them more money or time, notes AM's regular columnist Professor Jim Saker, president of the Institute of the Motor Industry.
Executive View: Lack of SAF accreditation is a deal-breaker for FLA car loans providers
Dealerships risk a halt to their car loans provision in 2025 if they've not put staff through the Specialist Automotive Finance accreditation programme, warns Lisa Watson, sales director at Close Brothers Motor Finance.