All articles by Charles Wheeldon
Charles Wheeldon
Beware the slides of March
In contrast to the UK, where car registrations during both March and the first quarter increased year-on-year, sales of new cars in the EU slid downwards for the sixth consecutive month in March, with sales declining by 7% compared to March 2011.
March recoveries nudge £3m
A £125,000 Ferrari 458 Italia was the most expensive vehicle recovered in March under the FLA Vehicle Recovery Scheme. The car was discovered by Merseyside police, and was one of 480 successful UK recoveries in the month, with a total value just £11,000 shy of £3m. As usual Vauxhalls (93) and Fords (83) were the most common marques seized, followed by Volkswagen (40) and Peugeot and Renault (both 30).
Motor Finance Round Table: What about the future?
For every dealer that has adopted web-based marketing strategies with enthusiasm, there are probably 10 more who feel such efforts are a distraction from the business of selling cars and finance. Can F&I prosper without new technology, or is it time the industry switched on to the digital channel?
Poor start to year for Europe’s new car market
The European new car market had its worst start to the year since 2009, declining 7.1% in January compared to January 2011, according to auto intelligence company JATO Dynamics. In the big five European markets, combined sales in France and Italy fell by 66,481 units for the month, with UK and German sales remaining level, and Spain recording a slight increase. Only three of the top 10 brands increased sales compared to January 2011: Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen, while French and Italian brands suffered from a decline in new car sales within their domestic markets.
Databank: PCP focus
Personal contract plan purchase values and rates, including, personal loan rates, from Jigsaw Finance and moneysupermarket.com.
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Databank: FLA Vehicle Recovery Scheme
Finance & Leasing Association Vehicle Recovery Scheme (in association with HPI Crushwatch) top five marques and recoveries.
Data bank: FLA motor finance statistics
December 2011: Cars bought on finance by consumers and by business, according to the Finance & Leasing Association.
Databank: Motor industry stats from the SMMT
January 2012 motor industry statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, including best-selling models and brands.
Databank: used car values
January 2012: Used car statistics in conjunction with British Car Auctions, including average wholesale prices.
BEN launches free recruitment service
Automotive industry charity BEN has launched a free online recruitment advertising service for the automotive industry. Recruiters can post an unlimited number of vacancies on BEN Autojobs in BENs main website The site is also free for prospective candidates looking for a job.