Buyer found for Auto Windscreens

The Windscreen repair brand, Auto Windscreens was placed in administration last month (February), when additional capitalisation for the business could not be found. A buyer has emerged for some of the companies assets and use of the brand name. Markerstudy Group a major player in the Motor Trade insurance market, has acquired the business assets from the previous owners a private equity firm.

In a press release from Auto Windscreens, the company strikes a positive note for a 'bright future' with the creation of 250 new jobs in the business. The intention is to compete as a major player within the UK windscreen market place. The Markerstudy Group currently employs 500 staff in the UK with head offices located in Kent.

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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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Motor Trade facing tough challenges in 2011

Figures for January 2011, indicate a tough trading climate for the Motor Trade during the coming year. The SMMT statistics recorded a fall of 11.5% in new car sales. Increasing unemployment, lack of available finance and increases in VAT and fuel prices are all effecting consumer confidence and personal budgets.

Motor Traders and manufacturers are providing incentives to buyers to help revive flagging sales. However most consumers are taking a cautious approach with job security proving a factor with large numbers of public and private sector workers.

Many Car Dealers are focusing their stock on smaller more efficient cars, to help with rising fuel costs, with prices currently at a record high. The early indicators for this year are that their is a marked downsizing in cars and engine size. Electric cars are also becoming more attractive to buyers as the costs of petrol and diesel continue to increase. However the range of the current crop of electric cars and the number of public charging points needs to increase before this becomes a viable alternative for most road users.

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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.

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Car Dealers still purchasing at auction during the freeze

Despite the arctic conditions many of the major vehicle auctions are reporting steady levels of vehicle sales during recent snow and wintry conditions. Many Motor Traders now purchase from auctions using online services and this method of buying saw spikes in usage during the heaviest snow and ice. Some vehicle auctions experienced increases in online bidding and purchase activity of over fifty percent.

Within the Motor Trade many are grateful to have online tools such as Simulcast to keep buyers and sellers trading, during very difficult travel conditions and the early freeze across much of the country.

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Positive annual sales for the UK Motor Trade

The annual figures for new car sales are up by nearly 5% on the vehicle sales for the first ten months of 2009. This is good news for Car Dealers, however figures for October were much lower than last year, as the scrappage scheme was still active in the latter months of last year. This makes the overall annual increase all the more impressive and provides much for motor traders to be positive about for 2011.

The total number of new car registrations in 2010 is expected to top 2 million in the UK. Industry analysts expect continued improvements in the Motor Trade market, driven by improving consumer confidence and modest economic growth to fuel higher sales for the coming year.

Currently the top five selling cars in the UK (for 2010) are:

1. Ford Fiesta
2. Volkswagen Golf
3. Vauxhall Astra
4. BMW 3 Series
5. Ford Focus

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Top tips for Traders with iQuote Insurance

When you purchase a Traders Insurance policy, we are committed to providing you with the most competitive deal on your Traders policy. Because you are covering your livelihood and vehicle stock, you shouldn't purchase insurance cover purely on price. You should also consider the level of cover required and whether you require additional benefits such as premises or indemnity cover.

We have listed some handy tips designed to save you money on Motor Trade insurance:

• Make sure that any additional drivers you add to your Traders policy are over 25 years of age. Any drivers younger on the policy will result in a significant increase of your insurance premium.
• If you haven't got any No Claims Bonus in the Motor Trade, ask your insurance broker if you can 'mirror' your No Claims from a private car policy. This means you could still get generous discounts even though your No Claims has not been earned in the Trade.
• If you have the available funds, pay for your insurance in one payment at the inception of the policy. Although most brokers can finance your policy, you will pay more for your insurance in interest charges.
• Many policies will not cover high performance vehicles, within your Motor Trader insurance. If you need cover for a Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi EVO or other high performance vehicles, you must notify your insurance broker or insurer. Otherwise you may unwittingly end up without cover in the event of a claim.
• Consider the amount of additional cover you require, by limiting the amount of premises cover or increasing the voluntary excess you are willing to pay, you can make large savings on the cost of your Motor Trade policy.

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Car Dealers report increasing demand to beat the VAT increase

Many car dealers are reporting an increase in forecourt demand during the past month, due to the impending VAT increase. In January 2011 the rate of VAT increases from 17.5% to 20% which will have a hefty impact on new car buyers. For example the increase in purchase price on a mid-range Ford Focus will be in excess of £500.

The more expensive the vehicle, the larger the increase in cost becomes if you wait until the new year to purchase your new car. This is driving demand for new cars, which is expected to continue to accelerate during the final two months of 2010. The VAT increase doesn't just effect consumers, but will also have far reaching effects on the Motor Trade, which has thus far been relatively resilient in the tough trading conditions since the start of the economic downturn. Whilst this rise in VAT brings in large sums for the Exchequer many Motor Traders have questioned the timing of the increase, just as many of the current spending cuts are beginning to bite.

If you are looking for cheaper Car Dealer Insurance, to help battle rising costs within your business, get a quote with iQuote insurance. We have access to the most competitive Motor Trade insurance schemes in the UK - saving you time and money.

Internet Marketing is becoming critical to Motor Traders

Much of the Motor Trade has been slow to harness the power of the internet, as a tool to drive new business, however this is rapidly changing. As consumer patterns are changing, prospective customers are increasingly likely to book vehicle servicing, repairs and purchase vehicles online. For those Motor Traders that have not already harnessed the power of promoting their business online, it is becoming increasingly important to drive visitors to their website - or be left behind by competitors.

In many other industries, but particularly insurance this transition is a familiar story. The insurance industry has been revolutionised by changing consumer patterns. If we look at the example of Motor Trade insurance, companies that haven't been able to gain a strong online presence have ceased to exist.

Although the Motor Trade has been slower to adapt to an online market place, a solid strategy for online marketing for Car Dealers, Mechanics and Valeters is becoming ever more important. The first place that a customer will research for your services are online. The actual purchase may happen on the phone, or face-to-face but the majority of customers will complete their research on the net. So whatever type of Motor Trade activity you are involved in, you should review your website and how prominently it appears within Google for your products and services.

Looking for cheaper Traders Insurance? Call us today on: 0845 434 7819 to find out how much you could save.

Customer complaints on the increase reports OFT

The Office of Fair Trading has reported an increase in the number of used car complaints from consumers, the number of reported complaints has risen to 38,000 during the first half of 2010. From the perspective of car dealers this is causing costs to rise and increases the importance of choosing the right Motor Trade Insurance policy.

Whilst reputable used car dealers, take every reasonable precaution with vehicles they sell - there is still the potential that a substantial claim could arise from a defective vehicle that has been sold or serviced by you. Therefore indemnity insurance cover on your Motor Trade policy can help protect against this potential risk to your trading activity.

In response to the recent increase in customer complaints, the OFT has launched a campaign to help customers better understand their rights when purchasing a vehicle. Most of the complaints recorded within the figures, have become apparent in the first three months. In such circumstances the dealer will often be responsible for fixing the issue, with no charge to the customer.

Looking to save money on your Traders Insurance? Call us today on: 0845 434 7819 to find out how much you could save.

Reduction in used car values

According to Motor Trade industry figures - the value of used cars in comparison to the same month last year has fallen by 3%. This is the first time a fall in values has occurred this year.

Their are variations in these values, with small cars seeing the most dramatic drop in values. However despite heavier taxation and increased fuel costs, four wheel drive vehicles have seen an increase of over 10%.

The overall drop in values is an opportunity for a bargain when purchasing vehicles for both consumers and traders. Similarly with iQuote Insurance you could benefit from a bargain on your Traders Insurance when you get a quote online.

Car Dealers need to embrace electric cars

According to a recent industry survey many motor traders and car dealers have been hesitant to become involved in the electric car revolution. Whether electric cars really are the answer to 'green' car use, is still a subject of debate. However there is an increasing popularity with consumers, for both environmental and economic reasons.

Also the Motor Trade should keep site of the fact that electric cars will need much less dealer servicing than current vehicles with combustion engines. This will have a direct result on Motor Dealer revenues from servicing. The onus will move to the dealer to ensure that they provide a service that is compelling for drivers to require the dealer. This may involve maintenance for wear and tear on parts and safety checks on vehicles. It may transpire that to try and retain servicing incomes the car dealers may end up visiting the customer and providing a more 'bespoke' service.

At iQuote Insurance we provide a bespoke service to customers who require Motor Trade Insurance. In a challenging market for Motor Traders, we go the extra mile to save you money. So if you need Traders Insurance we will arrange a policy that cuts costs, but not cover.

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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.

UK car sales up for the first time in 2009

For the first time in 2009, the monthly car sales figures are up on the previous year. In July there was a 2 percent increase compared to figures for July last year. This is widely acknowledged to be a direct result of the governments vehicle scrappage scheme; which has made a more buoyant market for car dealers.

However within the coming months the money for the scrappage scheme is expected to run out. The motor trade is extremely keen for the scheme to continue, as this has provided much needed relief in the industry. The June figures were the smallest fall of the year, now with the increase in July it is hoped that a continue of the scheme will see the industry return to a healthier position.

Here at iQuote Insurance, we are keen to assist car dealers in the current economic conditions, so if you need traders insurance - we guarantee to beat your existing motor trade insurance quote. Visit us online and we can provide a motor trade policy for road risk insurance or combined motor trade.

Motor Traders switch to online marketing

In a recent survey of two hundred car dealers in the UK, the top 3 marketing methods are all internet generated (Promotion of vehicles on their own websites, being coming out top). There has been a pronounced shift away from traditional media to get customers buying cars.

Car dealers have also confirmed the success of the vehicle scrappage scheme. With 53% of dealers experiencing improved sales compared to the first half of 2008. The improvement of car sales is even more pronounced for used vehicles, with 75% of dealers seeing improvements in this sector.

This improvement is all the more remarkable, with the reduction in marketing spend; 77% of dealers have reduced their marketing budgets. The Traders that are doing well in the current market, are those who have switched their focus to small hatchbacks, superminis and family cars. Those who are struggling have a business model based on 4x4’s or luxury cars as many buyers are carefully considering their choice of vehicle.

In addition to marketing online, their are further savings by shopping around for Car Dealer insurance online. iQuote insurance can provide cheap motor trade insurance and expert advice on your traders policy. To find out more call iQuote on: 0845 434 7819

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.

Car Dealers concerned as new car production falls

Despite the introduction of the vehicle scrappage scheme new car production has fallen by 43% in May 2009. The first five month of the year have seen new car production fall by 54%, the figures for commercial vehicles see an even sharper decline of 65% for the year.

However the scrappage scheme was not implemented until mid-may, the figures for June should provide a more accurate picture of the market. Due to the changeable conditions in the new car market, the production ouput of firms is heavily influenced by sales on Car Dealer forecourts.

The Motor Trade and in particular the commercial sector is experiencing the worst downturn for many years. However to assist Car dealers and Motor traders, iQuote Insurance are offering a saving of 40% off your Traders Insurance.

Visit the iQuote Motor Trade website for a motor trade quote to get your ‘credit crunch’ saving on a traders policy.

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.