Fact: New Car Sales Top 2 Million!

Contrary to all expectations new car sales for the 12-months to February 2010 actually topped the two million barrier – at 2,042, 718. With SMMT reporting 2009 at 1.994 million (down 6.4% on 2008) and projecting 2010 at 1.817 million (down 8.9% on 2009) it’s either a quirk of timings or better than expected sales during recent months that’s driving the statistics upwards, or probably both.

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Crunch Cranks Up Consolidation

The release of Pendragon’s trading figures for 2009 and optimistic pronouncements from other dealer groups suggest that the sector is accommodating itself to the post-credit crunch environment. But could this result in less choice for consumers?

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Mini: Less a Car, More a 360 Attitude?

I have to admit there isn’t much about the modern day Mini that I don’t like; it’s the interpretation of something that was iconic back then that just effortlessly evolves to be better today with each new twist and change. (more)

Do You Really Know Your Employees?

59%. That’s the fraction of reference checks that uncovered discrepancies in information provided by applicants for US motor-dealer jobs, according to payroll services firm ADP. The figure is the highest discrepancy rate among eight US industries, ranging from manufacturing to transportation. Motor-retailer applicants also had the highest percentage of past driving violations (43%), ADP says. (more)

February +26.4% in February

It seems the recovery of the new car market is making continued progress, with February registrations up by +26.4%  to 68,686 vehicles. The latest figures, released today by SMMT, show that private buyers confidence is obviously returning at 44.8% share, the same as January. The other notable fact being scrappage contributed 19.6% of all registrations in February. (more)

Can Volvo Ever Be Naughty?

Along with the new S60 Volvo will unveil their latest ad campaign building on their responsible reputation by showing a fun and adventurous side, rolling out during the year. Starting later this month, the campaign kicks off with a digital ‘experience’ followed by television, social media, experiential events, press ads, outdoor and promotions to Volvo’s CRM file later this year. (more)

Why don’t dealers twitter?

Research published in Motor Trader recently claimed that only one in ten of car dealers used any form of social networking to promote their company, compared to 49% of all other businesses.

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Car Ads: w/e 28 Feb

This week’s best car ad (and prettiest) has to be the launch of Maserati’s new Grancabrio, set against a skyline where, no doubt, the four seater drop-top can be found on every street corner. But here in the real world it seems to have been a relatively quiet ad week running up-to March and plate-change, with no new campaigns launched and most activity being a continuation of that previously reported. (more)

The Next ‘Must Have’

What self-respecting motor dealer would be without a web site today? So with smart phones now 16% of all mobile phones sales, which increased by 23.8% last year and Apple claiming ‘an app for everything’ – why is it the motor retail trade has only TWO apps available to would-be-buyers? Though, earlier this month we didn’t even have two! (more)

Toyota: Pulling Together…

Against a background of possible US criminal action and an undeniable dent to its reputation, Toyota continue to recover their position with consumers with the start of a national press charm offensive.
With the headline “We’re pulling together to put things right” the ads aims to reassure consumers they’re working hard to ensure safer cars in the future. (more)