2011 - European new car sales falling in Q1

The Europe wide figures for new car sales across europe fell by nearly 2 percent in the first quarter of the year. Whilst some countries experienced an increase a number of factors, including economic troubles in Portugal and Greece contributed to the overall reduction. Within the top five markets: Spain, Italy and Great Britain all experienced negative retail figures for new car sales.

Whilst this is gloomy news for much of the Motor Trade (particularly within the UK), there have been some brands that have bucked the trend. Alfa Romeo sales have increased 60 percent within the year to date, much of this change has been attributed to new models such as the Mito and Giulietta - which have provided unprecedented recent success for the brand.

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UK Government encourages Motor Trade apprentices

The new coalition Government is keen to see an increased uptake in apprenticeships for young people within the Motor Trade. Vince Cable spoke on the issue recently and the government are targeting an additional 100,000 apprentices in UK businesses by 2014.

Industry figures for the Motor Trade, recorded in excess of 11,000 apprenticeships during the past year. The trend towards apprenticeships and the government incentives offered are good news, for employers and potential employees at a time when youth unemployment is exceptionally high.

Training and career opportunities are available for many Motor Trader occupations. Many companies are taking on young people in this sector, with Jaguar / Land Rover being one of the largest, the company are creating 1,200 new apprentice places.

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Car Dealers should focus on customer relationships

Freely available pricing information available to consumers online for car prices and servicing costs is driving down Motor Trade profits. To maintain profitable businesses many dealers are investing in improving relationships with their customers.

Typically the increasing reliability reduced frequency of servicing on newer cars, effects the number of opportunities Motor Traders have to interact with their customers and the income streams for Motor Trade businesses.

To keep regular customer contact, many car dealers are increasing spend on IT systems, marketing and staff training. The increased spend is focussed on keeping a business relationship with the customer after the initial vehicle purchase.

During increasingly tough trading conditions, you could save money on Motor Trade insurance with iQuote. If your paying too much for your Traders Policy, visit our site for Car Dealer Insurance and cut your costs, but not your cover.

Information for Car Dealers: UK vehicles with the lowest depreciation

A survey by Glass's conducted on vehicles registered three years ago, has produced a list of the top ten cars for maintaing residual values. If you work in the Motor Trade and buy and sell vehicles, this is essential information for your business.

The vehicle values below are calculated on three year old vehicles with recorded mileage of 37,000. The vehicles each show a percentage figure, which is the amount of the original list price retained after the first three years.
 

1. Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion 5d (68%)
2. MINI 1.6 Cooper 3d (65.9%)
3. Honda CR-V 2.2 CTDi SE 5d (64.3%)
4. Land Rover Freelander 2 GS Td4 Auto (63.8%)
5. Audi Q7 3.0TDI Quattro S Line Tip (63.8%)
6. Land Rover Discovery 3 2.7TD (63.7%)
7. Audi TT Coupe 2.0T FSI (63.6%)
8. Nissan Qashqai 1.6 2WD Visia (63.3%)
9. Land Rover Range Rover 2.7TD Sport (62.5%)
10. Audi A5 2.7TDI Sport Coupe Multitronic (62.2%)

The VW Tiguan tops the charts for residual values, this is partially due to limited numbers available as this has never been strongly marketed to UK customers. This limits the number of cars available, but there is also the brand value of the VW badge, which is synonymous with quality.

Another detail to note for Car Dealers looking to make astute purchasing decisions is that despite cost and environmental factors, 7 of the top 10 vehicles are SUV's. Many industry watchers expected values of these larger thirstier vehicles to fall, but the smart money is sticking with 4x4's.

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Traders Insurance in times of austerity

In the past week the coalition government has announced a wide range of spending cuts, that will impact across all areas of society. Whether or not the spending cuts directly effect you and your Motor Trade business, there is likely to be a knock on effect to consumer confidence. With potentially hundreds of thousands less in work and with less disposable income to purchase used or new cars. This doesn't just effect vehicle sales, but also car valeters, mechanics and has wide ranging implications for all traders.

Therefore it has become even more important to purchase Motor Traders Insurance keenly. There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a Motor Trade Policy, price is obviously a key consideration. However price should not be the only factor, you should consider if you do have to make a claim - will your policy provide adequate cover to fully cover the cost of your claim.

When purchasing your Traders Policy, you should review whether you will require Demo Cover, Indemnity and Premises cover on your policy and the level of cover required for each item. When you get a Motor Trade Insurance Quote with iQuote Insurance, you will speak to an expert advisor who will get you the best possible quotation for Traders Insurance - that cuts your costs, but not your cover!

To find out more about a Motor Trade Policy with iQuote Insurance call today: 0845 434 7819

IMI will introduce Electric Vehicle qualification and training for the Motor Trade

Electric Vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicles are still far from ubiquitous, however they are becoming increasingly popular within the UK. This means that as cars of this type begin to enter the used car market, it is important for consumers to be able to have these vehicles serviced by a local garage or even mobile mechanics.

Earlier this year the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) announced an industry wide training, accreditation and qualification scheme to cover EV's. This scheme is now ready for introduction in January 2011, it is hoped this scheme will provide a much higher level of competency across the Motor Trade when dealing with this exciting technology.

There will also be increased choice for the consumer and by not being tied to a specific manufacturers dealer network for servicing and repairs, there is likely to be a benefit in terms of both convenience and cost.

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Car Dealers predict price increases in 2010

The Motor Trade is encouraging punters to buy cars before the year is out, to make huge savings on the price of a new car. There is an expected rise for new car prices of six percent, during the first three months of 2010. When this is then combined with the return to 17.5% VAT and a showroom tax, due to take effect in April - The cumulative effect is a substantial price rise on the forecourt next year.

Several manufacturers are launching deals which finish on December 31st 2009, which are being billed as ‘beat the VATman’. Other factors which may make buyers wary of purchasing cars in 2010, include the end of the scrappage scheme in February and the poor exchange rate of the pound against the euro.

All of these factors are an indicator of tough trading conditions to come for manufacturers and motor traders. However there is some good news with the cost of a traders insurance policy falling by up to 40% with iQuote Insurance. Get a Motor Trade insurance quote and find out how much you can save today.

20% increase in used car values

Since the beginning of 2009 motor traders are reporting an increase of 20% in the values of used cars. This is particularly timely news in advance of the number plate change at the start of September. You could find when trading your car in for a new vehicle that you are pleasantly surprised.

Although the new car market is beginning to recover with the introduction of the scrappage scheme, there has been a marked fall in the number of used vehicles coming into the market. According to many car dealers this has only served to increase prices even further. The current situation of demand outstripping supply of used vehicles is something that hasn’t been seen in many years.

Buyers looking for high trade in values are being encouraged to do their home work. If you have a vehicle that the car dealer wants and you know that dealers are running short of supplies, this puts you in a strong bargaining position. The current incentives in the form of the scrappage scheme for vehicles over 10 years old and higher trade in values for vehicles of a lesser age, have resulted in a buyers market if you have the purchasing power.

For car dealers there is also good news, with the introduction of our latest motor trade insurance products, you can get cheaper traders insurance with iQuote. Get an online motor trade quote with us and we will beat your existing premium.

Are UK customers getting a fair deal from the Motor Trade?

A recent survery of nearly 1,500 car owners found a less than satisfactory experience in their dealings with garages, MOT centres and other outlets within the Motor Trade. Within the survey it revealed that one in five motorists have been charged more than the amount quoted for the service or repair work by their garage or car dealer.

Other findings in the survey found that one in ten motorists have or believe they have been overcharged for work on their vehicle. The ‘Motor Codes’ self regulatory body is seen as a last chance saloon for the Motor Trade. With consumer confidence at a low ebb and consumers having no knowledge of where to turn if things go wrong. The inconsistent and overpriced repair work is believed to cost UK motorists in the region of Four Billion pounds per year.

For Motor Traders, we also believe a fare deal is something that should be expected. So at iQuote Insurance we guarantee to beat any genuine Motor Trade quote. Visit us online and enter the best quote you have received from our competitors and we will save you money on your Traders Insurance.

The Motor Codes regulatory body is trying to deliver and maintain standards within the Motor Trade. Garages adhering to the scheme will have the Motor Codes logo on display and this is the guarantee of professionally completed work at reasonable prices. Support your local garages that are members of the scheme and help repair the reputation of the motor trade.

Vehicle Scrappage boosts sales of Hyundai

The company which has benefited from increased sales is Hyundai, since the scrappage scheme was introduced their UK sales have increased to over 11,000 vehicles. This volume is more than in the previous four months and is bucking the trend of depressed figures elsewhere in the Motor Trade.

For car dealers the scrappage scheme is providing mixed fortunes, due to the weakness of the pound against other currencies (particularly the Euro). The biggest concern is that small cars will just not be available as manufacturers divert the supply of vehicles to schemes elsewhere, with a more favourable exchange rate.

However even for car dealers experiencing a lull, there is some positive news with low cost traders insurance available for combined cover or road risks only from iQuote Insurance. We guarantee to beat any genuine motor trade quote and will provide expert advice and a traders insurance policy tailored to your business.

To find out more about the savings available under the scrappage scheme visit the Hyundai website.

Used Vehicle values rise for 7th Month

The average prices of used vehicles continues rise, based on reported figures at UK vehicle auctions. The figures continue to rise despite the introduction of the government backed vehicle scrappage scheme for new cars.

Average values rose by over 2% in May, this was a 5.7% increase on the same period for 2008. Motor Traders welcomed the news and reflect the demand for used vehicles within the current ecomonmic climate.

The figures are particularly welcome news for the trade, as this is traditionally the quietest time of year for car sales. This suggests that the prices are resilient and the used car sector will continue to provide strong demand, both in car dealerships and auctions.

If your a Motor Trader and would like to save money on your Traders Insurance, get a Motor Trade Quote with iQuote Insurance to save up to 40% off your premium.

Suzuki poised to gain dealer servicing market share

The car maker has joined forces with Motaquip and has launched a servicing program for all makes of vehicles. This is expected to help drive their servicing business forward and help to make up the shortfall in revenue due to the fall in new car sales.

Motor Traders are having to work harder to maintain their incomes in the current ecomonic climate. More car dealer networks are expected to diversify into this manner to try and whether the current trading conditions. To assist with falling revenues, iQuote Insurance can save you money on Traders Insurance. For a limited time we guarantee to beat your existing motor trade quote.

Whatever make of car you own the dealer will type your registration into a parts catalogue to access 6,700 models of vehicles and all their components. The scheme is expected to have a positive effect on workshop business throughout the Suzuki GB dealer network. To facilitate this scheme Suzuki have partnered with Autodata for the supply of technical data to the car dealer network.

OFT investigate the Motor Trade and used car sales

Due to the number of complaints from the public, related to used car market and the Motor Trade sector, the Office of Fair Trading is conducting a study set to complete by the end of 2009.

Within 2008 there were 68,000 complaints related to second hand car sales. The purpose of the OFT study will be to understand the reasons behind the high level of complaints and to assess whether the current legislation offers sufficient consumer protection.

Despite the beginning of the economic downturn in 2008, the used car market in the UK was worth £35 billion. It is in the interests of used car dealers and consumers that confidence is maintained in the market. The main areas of concern in complaints were defective vehicles, servicing and misleading selling.

For used car dealers, Motor Trade Insurance is an important consideration. If you are looking for the right cover for your vehicles, premises and indemnity cover - iQuote Insurance will save you money on Car Dealer Insurance.

Motor Traders resilient despite the recession

In a recent survey of Motor Traders in the UK, over half were confident of their businesses position despite the tough economic conditions. Less than one in four had immediate fears about their ability to continue to trade and only 8% were considering leaving the Motor Trade voluntarily.

A significant number of Car Dealers sited the issues with gaining finance for both their customers and the businesses themselves as an ongoing issue. Although 70% of the respondents saw an increase in their used car business, which has gone some way to alleviate the issues with new car sales.

However since the introduction of the vehicle scrapping scheme last month in the budget, the balance is set to return to a more equal balance within the industry. The incentive of £2,000 to trade in your older vehicles is expected to drive sales of new cars.

Any increase in sales is welcome news for Motor Traders, further good news was announced last week by iQuote Insurance: Applying online for Motor Trade Insurance could save you up to 40% off your Motor Trade Policy until 31st May 2009.

5k Cashback on electric cars

The vehicle scrapping scheme being planned for rollout on UK vehicles, is already expected to offer users up to £2,500 off the price of a new vehicle when swapping in your old banger. However it is expected that the government will announce (in the budget) up to £5,000 off an electric car when you trade in your old motor.

This bold move has a dual benefit, not only will this promote environmentally friendly motoring, but it should also give a much needed boost to the beleagured motor trade industry. Gordon Brown hopes that this incentive will help establish the UK as a leading producer and consumer of cutting edge eco-friendly vehicles.

However you will have to be keen to ensure you can get one of these deals as there will be a £250 million fund for this scheme, which will be administered on a first come, first served basis. With the announcment of this scheme imminent, car makers are racing to develop the vehicles to sell under this scheme.

For car dealers whether you sell conventional fuel, hybrid drive or electric vehicles we can save you money on your motor trade insurance. With introductory discounts and expert advisors, get a cheaper motor trade quote with iQuote Insurance.

The scheme to replace existing vehicles with eco-friendly cars is part of larger vision which includes creating green cities with readily available electric car charging points and the plan to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the green motor trade sector.

UK to become centre for Electric car production

Nissan and GM are on the verge of committing to build ground breaking electric cars in the UK. The zero emissions vehicles would save existing jobs and could help create additional jobs, if the current trends towards electric vehicles continues.

This is positive news for the Motor Trade in this country, who have seen reduced footfall through their showrooms and slow vehicle sales in 2009.

Nissan are currently assessing their Sunderland factory as a site for manufacture of 50,000 electric cars per year. The companies goal is to become the world leaders in high volume electric car production. Whilst General Motors are considering manufacturing their latest electric cars on Merseyside.

For Car Dealers, whether you sell petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicles - a Motor Trade Insurance policy with iQuote Insurance could save you money.

Motor Trade backlog of 100,000 cars

Over 100,000 cars are ‘mothballed’ at one single dockyard due to lack of demand. As new car sales have fallen through the floor the motor trade has been forced to stockpile vehicles and cease production on a temporary basis.

The dockyard in Bristol is estimated to have £1billion of stock awaiting demand. This is a scene which is echoed throughout Europe. A lack of demand from car dealers has left all the Motor Trade in crisis. However a welcome rest bite at this time of need is cheap Motor Trade Insurance from iQuote Insurance. In a move designed to assist hard pressed traders if you get a better motor trade quote elsewhere, they will beat your quote.

In the stockpile of vehicles are unsold Toyotas, Hondas, Vauxhalls and Mitsubishis imported from overseas. However the vehicles are stockpiled for anything up to four months before there is enough demand to shift the backlog of motors. Managers said that stock is at the highest level for many years.

10 tips for Cheap Motor Trade Insurance

1. Shop Around
Motor Trade Insurance is a very competitive industry, this works in your favour so make sure you shop around in the market. Apply online for motor trade quotes from different insurers, when comparing quotes look at the level of cover being offered on your Motor Trade Policy.

2. Compare the Motor Trade market online
If you haven't got time to compare all of the different sites, visit a site that will compare motor trade insurance quotes for you. iQuote Motor Trade Insurance, will check the best rates in the market to save you time and money!

3. Motor Trade specialists
For cheap Motor Trade Insurance and the best possible cover for your business, it pays to visit a specialist insurer. By choosing an insurer with specialist knowledge you get the right motor trade cover at the right price.

4. Additional Cover
For Motor Traders having the right insurance cover can save you thousands of pounds over time. A Motor Trade Policy that includes indemnity insurance or cover for your motor trade premises, could be the difference between your business surviving or failing if the worst happens.

5. No Claims Bonus
Even if your bonus has not been earned on a Motor Trade Insurance policy, you could still use it to save money on your current traders policy. Many insurers including iQuote Insurance will mirror your no claims bonus from a private car policy to a Motor Traders policy.

6. Apply online as a new customer
There is every possibility that if you apply with your current insurer as a new customer, that they will provide you with a cheaper quote. If you don't receive a discount for applying online, the only cost to you - is the time spent completing the online form.

7. Voluntary Excess
You might want to look at voluntary excess. This is the amount you pay before the insurance company picks up the rest. This can be small but if you opt for a higher voluntary excess this would seriously lower the cost of a traders insurance policy.

8. Vehicles Cover
Never assume that high performance vehicles or Motor Bikes will automatically be included on a Motor Trade Insurance policy. Always check with the insurer first, this could avoid a costly assumption if you are not covered on the vehicle.

9. Make one single payment for your Motor Trade Policy
It is very convenient to pay for a Motor Trade policy in monthly installments, however this will cost more in the long run. If you can afford to do so, always pay for your Motor Trade Insurance in one payment when you take out the policy.

10. Don't hide details from your insurer
The more information you provide your Motor Trade Insurance Broker, the better tailored the policy can be to your needs. If you hide details to get a lower rate, it will invalidate your insurance cover and may cost vast sums of money if cover is not valid at the point of claim.

RMIF call on Government to action vehicle scrapping scheme

The Retail Motor Industry Federation has again called on the Government to implement a scheme which gives an incentive for owners to scrap vehicles over 9 years old. This has a dual benefit, both environmental and economic - typically newer vehicles produce less emissions, so a scheme designed to take older cars off the road will have a beneficial impact for the environment. The scheme would also bring renewed impetus to the ailing Motor Trade

The potential scheme has been welcomed by Motor Traders who are struggling in the uncertain economic climate. iQuote Insurance have also extended a hand to struggling Motor Traders to beat the credit crunch. Until the end of March there is a 10% discount on any Motor Trade Insurance Policy.

When a similar vehicle scrapping scheme was introduced in Germany the government offered €2,500 to motorists to scrap older vehicles. This has kick started the car sales market, with a 300,000 unit increase expected in 2009 as a direct result of the scheme. Before the move in Germany sales were predicted to fall by 10%, so a 300,000 increase would be a significant achievement.

Within the last week there have been discussions both within Government and in the House of Lords. iQuote Insurance are keen to extend our support to the growing swell of voices in support of this scheme. This scheme can deliver benefits to the environment and to the Motor Trade industry and should become legislation as soon as possible. Any delay will have an impact on the long term prospects of the industry as a whole.

Credit Crunch savings for UK motorists

Due to the fall in sales, nearly every car company is offering huge discounts across the range for new vehicles. Traditionally March is the biggest month for sales, with the first registration change of the year, however this year sales are expected to be over 30% down on last year.

Conservative estimates from the motor trade report £750 million pounds of savings on new cars in the UK. If anyone has the available cash to buy a new car, now is the time to purchase a vehicle. Market conditions are forcing dealers to offer unbelievable discounts on new vehicles to make way for 09’ stock. To help hard pressed dealers iQuote Insurance are offering up to 50% off motor trade insurance, which is much needed assistance in the current economic climate.

Currently some car dealers are offering £10,000 or more off the list price of new vehicles to clear existing stock. The biggest volume cars in the market are Vauxhalls which is unsurprising as on certain models of the Insignia and Tigra you can get a £5K discount.

The key to getting the right deal from your car dealer is to haggle over the price, options list and other free extras. For those with cash to splash it’s a buyers market, so push for sat nav, air con and an extended warrantee. Also make sure you get a price online before you visit the showroom, if you know the car you want - and what you should be paying, the dealer will want to offer you the deal to clinch that sale.

So remember if you have the money, now is the time to buy a new car with a huge discount and the extras you want thrown in!