In his latest opinion column for Automotive Management (AM), professor Jim Saker considers the ‘profound impact’ of a shjift to agency-style franchise agreements for car retailers.
The automotive world has been profoundly affected by COVID-19, but even before the pandemic hit the sector was undergoing a transformation in how, where, and what cars consumers wanted to buy.
The car retail sector’s well-considered the acceptance of Government’s COVID-19 support have left many businesses on a sound footing to deliver a successful 2021.
The shortage of supply of semiconductors and microprocessors is having a profound impact on the global automotive sector, but how will car makers' strategies evolve to mitigate against the issues.
With the publication of its ‘Fit for 55’ proposals, the European Commission has taken a key step towards its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Recent figures suggest that we’re finally emerging from the worst period for new car sales in living memory.
In his latest guest opinion article for AM, Prof Jim Saker questions whether a car manufacturer's 'teddy in a box' free gift was appropriate for a "grumpy old academic".
The car retail sector has been hit hard since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Used car dealers have been urged to remember that consumers ultimately dictate the price a car can be sold at as wholesale values continue to place pressure on stocking levels.
In an exclusive 'guest opinion' for AM, Dealerweb director Martin Hill asserts that reports of the death of the traditional car retailer have been greatly exaggerated.
Franchised car retailers and their manufacturer partners have been warned that they are at risk of losing the battle for the used car market as emerging online disruptors assert dominance in stock acquisition.
The introduction of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) is a vital step towards the Government achieving its plans to phase out both petrol and diesel cars by 2030 to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
It’s nearly 450 days since dealerships were able to open their doors without the threat of Covid-19 causing ambiguity and confusion.
Does HMRC’s new VAT policy on the costs of charging electric vehicles (EVs) stack up with the government’s wider environmental goals?
It is always interesting to reflect on how the emphasis in the UK's car retail sector has changed over the years.
The most recent Auto Trader Market Report (November 2020) which investigates the long-term trends in digital retailing, shows that consumer appetite towards buying online is increasing.
The automotive industry is experiencing change at a pace never seen before and across more than one vertical.
Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), chief executive Steve Nash has highlighted £2bn in lost Apprenticeship Levy funds as a demonstration of “inconsistencies” in Government’s approach to upskilling the UK workforce.
It’s been a busy couple weeks for those following the development of autonomous cars – or at least the capabilities and regulations that may enable autonomy.
AM contributor, Professor Jim Saker of the Centre for Automotive Management at Loughborough University, shares his opinion on the moral and economic arguments for diversity.
