Electric Cars create new challenges to Motor Traders

Last week saw the launch of another electric city car, the Citreon C-Zero which are starting to prove popular with buyers in urban areas. The take-up of these new cars is expected to increase, with the current record highs in fuel prices. The trend towards Hybrid and all Electric vehicles provides challenges across the Motor Trade for Car Servicing, Repair and MOT stations.

Business that are slower to adopt with equipment and servicing plans for these greener vehicles will lose business to other better equipped centres. Whilst the numbers of these cars are still relatively small, the hybrid and all electric sectors of the market are growing rapidly.

Whilst in tough economic times it is difficult to invest in new equipment and training for staff to ensure they are fully equipped for electric vehicles, the question for Motor Traders will become - can I afford not to?

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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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Car Dealers launch VAT saving offers

To help encourage demand within the Motor Trade during the traditionally quiet first quarter, some manufacturers and car dealers are offering to absorb the VAT rise. When dealers opened for business they and their customers faced an increase in VAT to 20%, the highest rate since the introduction of VAT within the UK.

Already in 2011 Seat and Subaru have announced deals to absorb the cost of the VAT rise, when purchasing new vehicles. Many car dealers will be watching to see if this provides a significant boost to sales and may well follow suit.

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Mobile vehicle valuations for the Motor Trade

There is a new online service for mobile available from Glass's which provides valuation tools for Car Dealers whilst on the move. The mobile revolution for web usage has continued to grow during 2010 with online traffic from mobiles increasing 3-fold. The new service 'GlassNet Unlimited Mobile' reflects this trend and the increasing diversity of the Motor Trade.

The new mobile service will provide greater flexibility for Car Dealers who visit a customers to value vehicles, work on multiple sites and motor traders working from home. The mobile service will allow dealers to input specific vehicle information such as mileage and options to get an accurate valuation of any vehicle.

At iQuote Insurance we are also publishing new services for mobile devices, such as your iPhone, Blackberry or iPad. You can now get a quote for your Traders insurance online at our new mobile site: iQuoteMotorTradeinsurance.co.uk/mobile/ - Visit us for a Motor Trade Insurance Quote tailored to your business.

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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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.

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Car Dealers offering independent scrappage schemes

The government scrappage scheme was widely acknowledged as a huge success within the Motor Trade industry, by the time the scheme had run it's course in March 2010 it had accounted for 400,000 vehicle sales. When vehicle sales had been predicted to plummet, the scheme provided a much need boost for Motor Traders.

Since the schemes expiration earlier this year, many manufacturers have since provided their own offers to recycle your old car for a newer model. Although not government backed, there are still many bargains to be had when shopping around within the range on offer from car dealers. Nissan, Kia and many others are offering schemes to recycle your old vehicle when you purchase a new car. This is helping to drive new car sales and put cleaner, greener vehicles on Britains roads.

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Motor Traders profits on the rise in 2010

Car Dealers have reported an average profit rise of eighteen and a half percent during the first half of 2010, when compared to the same period in the previous year. The latest figures support the feedback from many motor traders that a fledgling recovery is underway in the vehicle sales sector of the economy.

This result is doubly impressive when the wider economy is experiencing much slower growth than the figures achieved by car dealers. However the confidence that the year-on-year improvement will continue to gather momentum is lacking. In the second half of 2009 vehicle sales were driven forward by the popular scrappage scheme introduced by the government. The predictions for the later half of the year are considerably more modest.

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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 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Car Dealers losing out on servicing income

In the tough economic climate within the Motor Trade industry the revenue that can be generated through vehicle servicing is a larger proportion of overall income. Within a climate of falling sales this income is of increasing importance.

Only about 30% of owners return their vehicle to the dealer where the purchased was made for servicing. Most owners choose their local garage or a franchised dealer for their make of vehicle to carry out servicing and repairs.

For motor traders and dealer to tap into this sector of the market, they must deliver on good workmanship and value for money. However as long as these key factors are delivered within the service - there is the potential to increase earnings from servicing and repair work to help weather the current credit crunch.

For cost conscious car dealers of any size a motor trade insurance policy with iQuote will help to reduce your overheads. Motor trade policies can be provided for road risk insurance or combined cover and you will receive a traders policy tailored to your needs.