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THE BOSS
FOUNDER
James Baggott james@thebaize.com
Twitter: @CarDealerEd
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jon Reay jon@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @JonReay
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
James Batchelor
james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @JRRBatchelor
STAFF WRITER
Jack Williams
jack.williams@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @JournoJack25
CONTRIBUTORS
Becca
HEAD OF
Graeme Windell graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @graemewindell
EDITORIAL ADVERTISING
SALES MANAGER
Kevin Day kev@blackballmedia.co.uk
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Michelle Searle michelle@blackballmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @cardealermich
DEALERS
Arnold Clark in Wales expansion
ARNOLD Clark has expanded into Wales with a new dealership in Cardiff.
The new addition is an Arnold Clark Motorstore, as well as Omoda and Jaecoo showroom, on Penarth Road.
The group now has more than 180 dealerships and represents 35 different brands. This new location in Cardiff was previously owned by Fordthorne and an ex-Ford dealership before moving to Jaecoo and Omoda.
Almost 70 staff are moving over to join Arnold Clark.
INDUSTRY
Big Motoring World ‘eyes sites’
BIG Motoring World says it is ‘continuing to evaluate opportunities to expand’ amid rumours it could be set to pounce on at least one more former CarShop site.
A senior source from within the used car supermarket group has told Car Dealer that the firm has agreed to a lease deal that would see it open a new location on the site of Sytner Select Warrington.
The same insider indicated that a deal could also be on the table for Sytner Select Bristol.
Lithia UK eyes up trio of Jaguar Land Rover sites as Group 1 continues to axe showrooms
Dealer group Lithia UK is eyeing a deal to buy three JLR sites as Group 1 Automotive continues to dispose of showrooms.
The American-owned Group 1 announced back in October that it would be ending its partnership with JLR, in order to ‘align with long-term growth ambitions’.
The news has sparked a frenzy of other dealer groups looking to get their hands on the sites, with Duckworth Motor Group recently confirming a deal to acquire all the group’s Norfolk Jaguar Land Rover sites.
Car Dealer has now been told that talks are ongoing about the future of stores in Chester, Derby and Preston, with insiders saying that a deal for Lithia UK to take them over could be close.
The Derby showroom previously made headlines in 2023, when a flood left the site under several feet of water, with the response sparking fury among customers.
In response to the latest rumours, the retail giant said it had begun ‘initial discussions’ over an acquisition but insisted that talks remain at a ‘very early stage’.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
A spokesperson for Lithia UK said: ‘We can confirm that we have recently begun initial discussions with Group 1 regarding a potential transaction involving their JLR stores in Chester, Derby and Preston. These conversations are at a very early stage.’
A spokesperson for Group 1 Automotive added: ‘We can confirm that we are in discussions with Lithia UK regarding the potential sale of our JLR franchise stores in Chester, Derby and Preston.
‘Until any transaction completes, the sites remain part of Group 1 Automotive UK, and it remains business as usual for customers and colleagues.’
Lithia UK has been growing its Jaguar Land Rover presence over recent years, having completed a deal to buy specialist JLR retailer Hatfields in October.
That acquisition added dealerships in Hull, Liverpool, Pickering, and Shrewsbury to Lithia’s Land Rover network, bringing its total to 11, including sites that also serve Jaguar customers with used car sales, servicing, and repairs.
Industry needs ‘continued government commitment’ to EV incentives
THE car industry needs ‘continued commitment’ from government to electric-vehicle incentives if demand for EVs is to be sustained.
That’s according to Renault UK’s boss Adam Wood, who spoke exclusively to Car Dealer as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) monthly registration data showed the two-millionth EV was registered during April. ‘What I would like to see is continued commitment from the government to the
electric vehicle incentives,’ said Wood. ‘It’s clear they’re having a demonstrable impact on the level of EV demand.
‘The fact Renault 5 is qualifying for an up to £3,750 electric car grant is one of the reasons, along with that accessible pricing, that’s leading us to be the best-selling electric car in the UK, not just total, but also in retail.’
In April, the Renault 5 was named the best-selling electric vehicle in the UK.
Production line at Sunderland to close
NISSAN is to close one of the production lines at its Sunderland plant but bosses say that no jobs at the site will be axed.
The Japanese manufacturer has outlined fresh plans to restructure its European operations, which includes cutting around 900 jobs across the continent.
While jobs in the North East are safe from the chop, the firm has confirmed it will be moving from two lines down to one. It is understood that the two lines were not running at maximum capacity and combining the two is intended to improve efficiency.
Cazoo positioned as ‘credible challenger’
MOTORS will rebrand its advertising business as Cazoo next month as the latter is the only ‘credible challenger’ to Autotrader, the company has said.
The Motors name, which has been a feature of used car advertising for almost two decades, will disappear completely, with the Cazoo name switch taking place on May 27. All web traffic will transition to Cazoo from this date onwards.
Barry Judge, CEO of Cazoo & Motors, pictured top, said: ‘Cazoo is already the second best known used car marketplace in the UK, with 60% consumer awareness.’
Greenhous Group reports profits rise
CAR dealer group Greenhous has reported a rise in profits after the firm performed ‘robustly’ throughout a period of ‘seismic change’.
Accounts seen by Car Dealer show that the retail group posted a pre-tax profit of £31.09m in the 12 months to the end of December, 2025. The result marks a £519,000 improvement on the previous year’s £30.57m, despite the firm being forced to absorb significant changes to its network.
The year saw the group close its Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles franchise.
Duncan McPhee quits loss-making Hendy for CEO role elsewhere
CAR dealer group Hendy has confirmed that experienced chief operating officer Duncan McPhee is to step down from his role, just days after announcing heavy losses.
Car Dealer reported on April 28 that the south coastbased retailer had posted a pre-tax loss of £18.1m, in accounts which were filed more than a month late with Companies House. The firm said that it will make a loss in 2025, too.
The group has now confirmed that McPhee, who previously worked as chief operating officer at Lookers,
will be departing in order to take up a CEO role elsewhere. While his next destination has not officially been released, Car Dealer understands he could be set to take over at Brayleys and Johnsons, which are now the under joint ownership of AWR Holdings.
The groups this morning announced respective reshuffles to their top teams, with CEO José Blanco set to step down later this year.
McPhee is expected to complete a 12-month notice period at Hendy prior to taking up his new position.
COURTS
Dodgy car dealer dodges jail term
A CORRUPT car dealer has narrowly avoided jail after admitting to defrauding two employers out of £176,000 in order to fund his gambling addiction.
Joe McStein ran sophisticated fraud campaigns while working at the now defunct Evans Halshaw Ford Northwich and Williams BMW in Liverpool. The 31-year-old stole both money and cars to pay for his ‘entrenched’ addiction but has been spared jail after making ‘full and frank’ admissions of guilt.
FRANCHISE NEWS
Omoda/Jaecoo signs to Ancaster
and
have continued their rapid UK expansion by signing a new franchise agreement with dealer group Ancaster.
The brands are among the fastest growing of all the new challengers from China, and Ancaster is to represent both at a new showroom in Welling. Bosses at the car dealer say that the site is being fully upgraded to reflect the ‘premium positioning of both marques’, offering customers an immersive retail experience alongside expert product knowledge and dedicated aftersales support.
OMODA
Jaecoo
BITE-SIZE
Click on the text box for the full story
DEALERS: The future of Group 1’s Norfolk Jaguar Land Rover sites has been revealed as the dealer continues to sever ties with the manufacturer.
Duckworth Motor Group has agreed to buy Group 1’s Norwich Jaguar Land Rover dealership. King’s Lynn will close at the end of the month.
AI: Autotrader has revealed that 85% of its car dealers are now using its AI-powered Co-Driver tools with more than 2.5m vehicle descriptions and smart image re-ordering in the last 12 months. Co-Driver uses rich vehicle classification, pricing and market data to generate vehicle descriptions.
CLASSICS: BMW has teamed up with its UK dealer network to provide a new pilot scheme aimed at making life easier for owners of its classic models.
The German brand has handpicked four UK sites to be part of the ‘BMW Classic Partner’ network, strengthening support for classic BMW ownership.
ONLINE AUCTIONS: Used car auction platform Motorway has started charging sellers a fee to sell their cars in its daily auctions. The firm told dealers this week that it introduced the fees on May 6 which range from £29.99 to £99.99 depending on the value of the car.
FINANCE: Aston Martin Lagonda boss Lance Stroll is to pump a further £50m into the struggling carmaker after the firm posted another quarterly loss. The British marque says that it has agreed the new funding facility with Stroll’s investment vehicle, after publishing its financial figures for the first three months of 2026.
THE Met Police has confirmed it is investigating a huge motor trade fraud that has seen ‘ghost cars’ and rogue dealers con firms out of millions of pounds.
The scam is reported to have cost the car finance industry more than £10m after criminals managed to submit fake finance proposals via a network of car dealers. Brokers say it is the ‘largest fraud’ ever to have
COMPANY NEWS WARRANTIES
Alexanders Prestige returns to profitability
SUPERCAR dealer Alexanders Prestige has returned to profitability following a ‘much improved’ performance in 2025.
The luxury retailer slipped to a pre-tax loss of £304,065 in its last set of annual accounts but new documents have now revealed a ‘strong recovery’.
Figures published via Companies House show that Alexanders Prestige Group Limited has delivered a profit before tax of £585,533 for the 12 months ending August 31, 2025. Bosses say the turnaround has come despite ‘difficult trading conditions’.
rogue’
hit the car finance industry with several institutions said to have lost millions of pounds.
The scam has been investigated by the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service which has passed a file to the Met Police for further investigation.
The Met Police said: ‘We can confirm that this remains an active investigation and enquiries are ongoing.’
Discovery named most unreliable
THE Land Rover Discovery is the UK’s most unreliable used car, according to fresh data from Warrantywise.
The warranty provider has released the results of its annual Reliability Index, which sees the firm ranking used cars in several key areas.
A sample of 250 vehicles was judged on request frequency, average vehicle age at time of fault, average mileage and average labour time to give a comprehensive overview of which cars can be trusted best. Each car was then given a score out of 100 with the Discovery coming bottom at 17.2.
FINANCE
Vertu Motors to get £3.4m for JLR issues
VERTU Motors has secured an insurance payout of over £3m following the disruption caused by last year’s cyber attack on JLR, boosting its full-year profit expectations.
The dealer group, which has 191 sales outlets across the UK, said the total claim agreed came to £3.9m, with a £0.5m policy deductible applied, bringing the final net amount to £3.4m.
The business had already received a £1m interim payment, as detailed in its trading update published last month.
Here and there
Here for the long-term. There when it matters.
We rise to challenges and work hard, because your goals are our goals.
We make face-to-face visits and answer 99% of calls first time*.
We’re passionate about partnerships and committed to going the extra mile for customers.
We have a proven track record and a long history of lending.
CAR DEALER POWER IS BACK – GET YOUR VOTES IN NOW!
• Car Dealer Power to include new category in 2026
• Awards to feature new ‘Trade Insurance’ gong
• Voting is currently open so make your voice heard before the poll closes on June 11
by Jack Williams @JournoJack25
Car Dealer Power is back once again for 2026 and this year there is a whole new category for dealers to have their say on.
This year’s instalment of the awards sees the addition of a new ‘Trade Insurance’ prize, aiming to honour the firm that offers the best cover to car dealers.
The new category reflects the growing role insurance plays in keeping dealerships resilient, compliant and ready to handle whatever challenges come their way.
Dealers are now invited to share their experiences and help identify the providers that are truly delivering outstanding service and value across the sector.
James Baggott, Car Dealer’s editor-in-chief, said: ‘We have introduced the new “Trade Insurance” category at this year’s Car Dealer Power Awards because it’s an area that’s become increasingly important to dealers’ day-today operations.
‘From protecting stock to safeguarding businesses against unexpected risks, the right insurance partner can make a huge difference.
‘This category gives dealers the chance to recognise the providers that truly understand their needs and deliver when it matters most.
‘As always, these awards are driven by dealer feedback, so I’d strongly encourage everyone to get their votes in and make sure their voices are heard.’
The Car Dealer Power 2026 survey opened last month and runs until June 11, with winners and highly commended placed firms to be named on July 14.
As an extra bonus for filling out the survey this year, respondents will be in with a chance to win some Apple prizes…
1st place Apple Watch Series 11 Two runner-up prizes Apple Airpods 4
*For full competition terms and conditions, click here
Prizes will be dished out in 23 supplier categories, with the best car manufacturers to represent and the car of the year also being revealed.
The supplier categories are listed below and the winner of each receives a prestigious Car Dealer Power trophy.
Any car dealer can vote in the Car Dealer Power awards, while independents can skip straight to naming the best suppliers to do business with, and it only takes a few minutes.
We’re looking for the cream of the crop in the following categories
SUPPLIERS
• Cleaning Product
• Recruitment Agency
• Used Car Valuations
• Consumer Lead Generation
• Dealer Management System
• Website Provider for Independent Dealers
• Website Provider for Franchised Dealers
• Provenance Checks
• Warranties
• Paint Protection
• Auction House
• Online Advertiser for New Cars
• Consumer to Trade Stock Acquisition Platform
• Online Advertiser for Used Cars
• Trade Insurance – NEW FOR 2026
• Finance (Sub-Prime)
• Finance (Prime)
• Personalised Video
• Extra Mile Award
• Product Innovation
• Trade to Trade Stock Acquisition Platform
• AI Product
• Data Insight
MANUFACTURERS
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Car of the Year
Voting for this year’s awards will close on Thursday, June 11 – but don’t delay!
DWV helping dealers keep stock sale ready with mobile cosmetic repairers
Scratches, scuffs, chips and dents might be classed as minor damage but they can have a major impact on a vehicle’s price and saleability. Tying up your workshop with minor repairs to sales stock can be time consuming and costly – and achieving a top-class finish to paint damage, for example, means using an OEM-approved paint system, mixed to the correct colour code and applied to manufacturer-compliant standards.
That is where Dent Wizard Ventures (DWV) can help. As one of the largest specialist mobile SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology), dent removal and alloy wheel repairers in the UK, DWV carries out almost 200,000 repairs a year nationwide. Working with many of the industry’s most recognisable brands, they offer the ability to process high volume, automated repair bookings, with a simplified, fixed pricing structure and comprehensive reporting to ensure transparent, efficient and cost-effective operations.
Market-leading repair platform
Utilising an extensive network of over a hundred specialist mobile repair technicians across the UK, DWV works with dealerships, auction houses, lease return depots, corporate fleets, insurance partners, and private customers to carry out convenient repairs at their preferred location, date and time, without the need for a traditional body shop visit.
DWV has supported manufacturers, retailers and their customers with specialist cosmetic vehicle repairs and refurbishment for more than 30 years. Behind that longevity is continual innovation to meet ever-changing market requirements, ensuring the delivery of solutions with real value. Today, that includes a market-leading online self-service platform that
lets customers manage their repairs anytime, anywhere – via mobile, tablet or PC, 24/7. Those repairs include:
• Bumper scrapes
• Paint scratches and chips
• Bodywork dents
• Alloy wheel refurbishment and repairs.
Setting the standard in mobile SMART repairs
“We aim to deliver a seamless, end-to-end customer journey, supported by a state-of-the-art electronic booking system,” says Andrew Radi, Managing Director of DWV and CCO of parent company Car Care Plan. “Operating the largest nationwide mobile SMART repair network, this service is unmatched in scale, consistency, and response times. And that is backed by a 4.8 out of 5 customer review score.
“With a simplified, fixed price structure rolled out nationally, we provide total pricing transparency and detailed site level reporting, giving dealer groups clear visibility of repair activity and cost performance, which is why we are recognised as a UK leading cosmetic and alloy mobile repair network.”
Cosmetic repairs and insurance under one provider
DWV is part of the Car Care Plan group, a leading provider of automotive aftersales protection products. Trusted to safeguard drivers across
the UK for over 50 years, they work with over 30 major manufacturers and more than 2,500 retailers, registering in excess of 1.5 million vehicle protection products annually.
DWV’s mobile repair services can be seamlessly paired with Car Care Plan’s award-winning product range. That includes their Defaqto fivestar rated Cosmetic Repair Insurance and Alloy Wheel Protection, for example. Their integrated offering ensures a simplified end-to-end service for retailer partners, improved quality control, higher customer satisfaction rates, and superior operational efficiency.
If your business is looking for a professional, specialist mobile repair service to ensure your vehicle stock is sale-ready, DWV’s specialist technicians are ready to help.
DENZA Z9GT
BYD’s European assault continues with a new premium brand called Denza. The Z9GT is the first of two models, and James Batchelor has driven it.
WHAT IS IT?
Not content with just launching its own name in Europe and subsequently disrupting the new car market, BYD now has visions of mixing with the posh brands like BMW, MercedesBenz, and Porsche.
Meet Denza, BYD Group’s premium sub-brand, which will be arriving in the UK later this year with a pair of upmarket offerings – a Lexus LM-rivalling luxury people-carrier, and, as tested here for the first time, a shooting brake-styled four-door grand tourer that comes with hybrid and pure-EV power.
WHAT’S NEW?
Creating a more aspirational premium brand that brings in bigger profits and a more affluent customer base is one of the oldest tricks in the book for any carmaker. But history is littered with posh marques that have arrived in Britain and failed to make an impact. BYD bosses feel Denza will succeed though, mostly because of what it calls ‘wow technology’. So, the Z9GT wades into Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT territory sporting a tri-motor powertrain (in the EV version) and stupendously clever parking gizmos. It can be plugged into BYD’s new and industry-leading ‘Flash Charging’ technology, which sees road-side chargers giving 1,500kW of juice, allowing for a 10-to-70% charge in just five minutes, and a 20 to 97% charge taking nine minutes.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Let’s take a look at that tri-motor powertrain in a little more detail. So, there’s one motor at the front and two at the rear, which, combined, gives a whopping 1,140bhp and 1,210Nm of torque. These get their power from one of BYD’s new second-generation ‘Blade’ batteries’. Rated at 122.4kWh, you might think it has a colossal range, but just 372 miles is claimed. That’s pretty ordinary, but remember that charging tech – BYD says there will be 300 Flash Charging sites in the UK by the end of 2026.
The Z9GT also comes in plug-in hybrid ‘DM-i’ guise, which sees a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a chunky 63.82kWh battery to give 765bhp and a 497-mile range. A single motor version of the EV is expected, too, potentially offering a longer range but at a lower price.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
With power figures that better a Bugatti Veyron from two decades ago, you might imagine the main event would be the speed. To a certain extent it is – pull the boost paddle on the steering wheel, and this 2.9-tonne car rockets to 60mph in 2.5 seconds. Quite frankly,
Power
The Tri-electric motors produce a whopping 1,140bhp and 1,210Nm of torque
THE KNOWLEDGE
Denza
Z9GT EV
Price (est): £100,000
Engine: Tri-electric motors
Power: 1,140bhp
Torque: 1,210Nm
O-60mph: 2.5 seconds
Max speed: 167mph
Range: 372 miles
Charging speed: 1,500kW
though, it’s a pretty unpleasant experience, but impressive nonetheless. No, the main focus here is comfort. Happily, BYD’s engineers have focussed on the ‘GT’ part of the name, as it’s a very refined car to drive. There’s a very floaty feel to the car, even in the stiffest of the various suspension modes, while in normal driving the Z9GT is even more composed than a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. But this doesn’t mean the Z9GT isn’t engaging to drive, as the steering is sharp and accurate. Essentially, the Z9GT feels like a surprisingly well-sorted GT car with a sporting feel, rather than an upscaled sports car like the Taycan.
A quick note on manoeuvrability – around town, the Z9GT is seriously impressive thanks to its rear-wheel steering that gives this big car a supermini-like turning circle. There’s also ‘crab-walking’ tech that allows the car to drive diagonally down a road. Will owners ever use this? Answers on a postcard.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
While BYD is very clear that it hasn’t looked to European rivals as inspiration to create its Denza premium brand, there is a vaguely familiar look to the Z9GT. Perhaps it’s the Porsche Panamera-aping haunches, but there’s certainly a good looking car that gives off the upmarket vibe that BYD was hoping for.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Interior quality is seriously impressive, with acres of leather-covered surfaces, tactile plastics, and real wood and metal detailing. The Z9GT pretty much is on par with European rivals in this regard, but you could say it should be for the price Denza is charging.
There’s the usual large central touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions, plus an on-trend third screen for the passenger. For a 3.1-metre-long car, interior space is predictably enormous, with rear-seat passengers able to properly stretch out.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Buyers will likely have the option to choose different colours and materials, but there won’t be trim levels. There will be just one very high level of standard specification, with luxuries including heated, cooling and massaging seats, a fridge, and doors that electrically open and close. Denza hasn’t confirmed prices yet, but it’s expected that the plug-in hybrid will be in the region of £90,000 to £95,000, while the EV will be pegged at around £100,000.
VERDICT
Making your mark in the volume end of the market is one thing, but establishing a credible brand that people will aspire to own is quite another. The Z9GT has all the right credentials on paper, and when you factor in its unmatched charging abilities it’s clear that BYD is trying to do more than other premium off-shoots from established European players. Are Brits ready for a £100,000 Chinese EV? Only time will tell.
Cabin
The quality of the interior is seriously impressive with leather and real wood and metal detailing throughout.
There’s a very floaty feel to the car, even in the stiffest of the various suspension modes.
Charging capability is truly impressive – if you can find a fast enough charger, of course.
Why Used Electric Cars could become dealers’ biggest opportunity
The UK’s electric vehicle transition is underway - driven by new car registrations. Increasingly, it is now the Used EV market that will determine how quickly electric motoring becomes truly mainstream.
With growing volumes of electric vehicles returning from fleets and finance agreements, Used EVs are beginning to appear in far greater numbers on forecourts. For retailers this presents a compelling opportunity: vehicles that appeal to value driven customers, align with cost of living priorities and, when retailed confidently, can deliver sustainable margins.
It is clear the challenge is not demand. It is confidence, execution and communication
Used EVs: moving from niche to normal
Consumer awareness of EVs has never been higher. Rising fuel costs, environmental awareness and increased visibility on UK roads have all played a role in shifting electric vehicles from early adopter territory into the mainstream.
Crucially, Used EVs reduce barriers to ownership. As prices soften and model choice expands, electric vehicles have become accessible to a far broader audience, particularly for those where value and monthly affordability matter most.
We’re definitely seeing a shift in buyer behaviour. Many customers are no longer asking whether electric is viable; they’re asking whether it’s affordable, practical and predictable. That is exactly where the Used market comes into its own.
From a dealer perspective, this matters because Used EVs are fast becoming one of the strongest margin opportunities in electric retailing, provided they are positioned correctly.
Where value is won – and lost – on the forecourt
Despite growing interest, hesitation remains at the point of sale. Customers can arrive with misconceptions around battery health, charging, depreciation and longterm usability. In most cases, these concerns are shaped more by perception than reality.
This creates a clear opportunity for dealers who can lead conversations with facts, clarity and confidence
Research consistently shows that when customers understand the total cost of ownership, their perception of EV affordability changes rapidly. Monthly running costs, fuel savings and lower servicing requirements can significantly rebalance comparisons with petrol and diesel vehicles, particularly in the Used space.
The issue is that these conversations don’t always happen early enough, or consistently enough, in the sales journey.
Why finance is essential to unlocking Used EV demand
Just as with ICE vehicles, finance remains a key enabler for Used EV sales. But in EV retailing, its role is even more important.
Well structured finance helps to:
• Reduce upfront cost barriers
• Address uncertainty around future values
• Align Used EV affordability with petrol and diesel equivalents
• Shift customer focus from risk to predictable monthly payments
For many buyers, especially first-time EV customers, confidence comes from knowing what the car will cost to run and own in real terms. Finance provides the structure that allows those conversations to happen clearly and credibly.
Turning confidence into conversion
One of the clearest insights from the market is that experience changes perception
Customers who have driven an EV, or even know someone who owns one, hold much more positive and accurate views around cost, charging and battery longevity.
This places dealerships in a strong position. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to normalise electric driving, demystify ownership, bust myths and build trust.
The most successful Used EV retailers are doing three things well:
1. Leading with education, not reassurance
Clear, fact based explanations and lived examples around battery performance, real world range and charging behaviour reduces doubts far more effectively than generic reassurance.
2. Embedding EV messaging consistently Confidence is built through repetition. When every team member can communicate the same clear narrative, from sales to aftersales, trust increases.
3. Putting affordability front and centre
Presenting finance alongside the vehicle, rather than as a secondary step, helps customers understand EVs in the context that matters most: monthly cost and usage.
Step into the new era!
Used EV volumes will continue to grow. As more vehicles return from fleets and lease agreements, competition will increase, not just for customers, but for quality stock.
Dealers who build expertise now can establish themselves as trusted destinations for Used Electric Vehicles, refining their processes, training and propositions ahead of the wider market.
Those who delay may find themselves playing catchup, facing customers without the confidence or infrastructure required to convert interest into profit.
A sustainable opportunity for the long term
At Black Horse, we see Used EVs as a cornerstone of the electric transition, not just environmentally, but commercially. When supported by the right finance structures, clear communication and confident execution, they represent a sustainable growth opportunity for dealers across the UK.
The transition to electric is already under way. The question for retailers is not whether Used EVs will play a central role, but who will be best positioned to make the most of it.
For the use of motor dealers and other motor professionals only. Black Horse Limited. Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered Number: 661204 England and Wales. Black Horse Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
JAMES’S VIEWS ON THE NEWS
What’s happening?
I’m fascinated to learn how car dealers across the world use data to power their businesses.
In a world where more and more information is collected across the car buying journey, the very smartest dealers are harnessing this information to supercharge their success.
Everyone has heard how Autotrader’s Retail Ratings can help inform car buying decisions to improve speed of sale. But how else are dealers using data to improve their performance?
Well, one lesson from the States, shows how some of the biggest and most successful used car dealerships in the world are using it to their advantage. And they’re not only just using the data, they have turned it into an algorithm to help them work out what cars to buy and, importantly,
which to move on.
CarMax is the largest used car dealer in the States selling 790,000 retail cars last year and, interestingly, a further 540,000 wholesale.
I visited one of their showrooms when I was in Las Vegas earlier this year and the scale of the operation was on another level compared to anything I’ve seen here in the UK.
The firm buys huge numbers of vehicles from the public every week – think of it as a hugely successful We Buy Any Car operation.
But while it buys huge numbers of cars to sell retail it also punts nearly as many out via its auctions to dealers – and it’s using data to decide which cars end up the lanes rather than its forecourts.
It has a term internally dubbed ‘unprofitable reconditioning’ where the used car dealer uses
The firm buys huge numbers of vehicles from the public every week – think of it as a hugely successful We Buy Any Car operation.
data sets to decide which cars to keep and which to move on.
From buying huge numbers of cars, the firm has learned which cars are worth spending money on prepping mechanically and cosmetically to generate profit, and which are not.
If the firm’s algorithm says it’s not worth the effort, CarMax sends it to auction. These data-led decisions have helped it generate hundreds of
The Need to Knows Hendy Group falls to huge loss as late accounts finally posted
Hendy Group has reported an £18.1m pre-tax loss for 2024, a sharp reversal from a £7.1m profit the previous year, while also warning that 2025 will remain loss-making. Turnover slipped to £1.1bn and the business breached banking covenants, prompting fresh refinancing with a short-term funding facility.
Auditors BDO flagged ‘significant doubt’ over its ability to continue as a going concern. The group has responded with major restructuring including site closures, job cuts, reduced manufacturer relationships and new leadership hires, as it targets a return to profitability in 2026.
Pic of the month
BMW has launched a UK pilot for its ‘Classic Partner’ programme, appointing four dealers – Halliwell Jones Wilmslow, Sytner Stevenage, Group 1 Hailsham and Dick Lovett Bristol – to provide specialist support for owners of its historic models. The scheme is designed to give customers access to manufacturer-approved expertise and aftersales support.
millions of dollars of profit from dealers who don’t have access to that same information.
It raises the question: Are these less data-led dealers effectively buying mistakes?
Most dealers rely on instinct and gut feeling to buy cars and lack the data to help them make the sorts of decisions that CarMax does.
Constellation Automotive Group here in the UK should be the closest in terms of scale and similarities to be able to replicate the model. It has all the elements needed to make it work, but last year clocked up huge losses. What’s it missing?
It’s fascinating to see how car dealers across the world are leveraging different data sets to power their businesses and in a world where AI
Mercedes-Benz and two other firms to challenge FCA over finance redress scheme
Mercedes-Benz and two other lenders have launched legal challenges against the Financial Conduct Authority over its motor finance compensation scheme, as the deadline for appeals passes. The FCA confirmed three firms are contesting the plans, while other major lenders and the Finance and Leasing Association have opted not to challenge despite expressing concerns. The scheme, which covers around 12.1m agreements and an estimated £7.5bn in payouts, is now facing pressure from both lenders and consumer groups.
can digest this faster than anyone else, the way we make decisions in automotive retail is going to carry on changing for the better.
The role of a dealer is rapidly evolving from a ‘buy stock and work it out later’ model to one led by data that governs decisions. CarMax has taken that one step further by letting a computer make the call rather than a human.
That might sound like it takes some of the fun out of selling cars, but if it makes dealers more profitable as a result, is that a bad thing?
Personally, I like the jeopardy of buying the odd car off the cuff but invariably follow the data far more often than I do my instincts. If I trusted my gut I’d end up with far too many old Fiats…
ONE of the most annoying things at my little car dealership is missing a phone call. We pay so much to generate leads so when one goes unanswered I find it incredibly frustrating.
But when you’re doing everything it’s not possible to get to every call. That’s why I was so excited to deploy Moneypenny’s AI receptionist.
The Clever Car Collection was one of the first to test the firm’s new AI-powered answering service and it has made a real difference. When you call the dealership and fail to get an answer from us, our AI-powered answering service kicks in. Customers can have a chat with the robot and ask simple questions about our stock, our opening hours or our services. If there’s a car they like the look of, the AI can send them a link to our stock to check out the advert in more detail and encourages them to go and watch our walk around videos.
It instantly messages us to say we missed a call and gives us a synopsis of what was discussed which allows us to prioritise call backs. What I really love is the way that if customers don’t like the AI, or don’t get the answer they want, the Moneypenny system transfers them to a human who can help further.
It’s a great product that has really helped back up the small, busy team that runs our used car business. From what I hear from the Moneypenny team, demand is growing rapidly from the automotive industry too.
CAR NEWS ROUND-UP
Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results...
New Corsa GSE brings the spirit of the old-school hot hatch
New RS5 set to hit the road this summer
AUDI’S new plug-in hybrid RS5 has gone on sale from £89,400.
Available in saloon and more practical Avant – or estate –bodystyles, the RS5 marks one of the first uses of Audi’s 2.9-litre V6 plug-in hybrid system.
Combined, the two generate 630bhp, an increase on the 450bhp developed in the previous-generation car. Audi says that this output allows the RS5 to manage 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds.
VAUXHALL has launched its most powerful Corsa model to date with the new GSE.
Built ‘with the sporty GSi genes of the Nova’, the new Corsa GSE has been designed as an electric hot hatch with a range of upgrades and tweaks.
At its core is a single electric motor with 277bhp and 345Nm of torque, allowing the Corsa GSE to go from
More luxury for flagship ‘SV Ultra’
LAND ROVER has revealed a new flagship variant of the Range Rover with the ‘SV Ultra’. The Range Rover SV Ultra aims to deliver the highest level of luxury and will sit at the top of the firm’s model line-up. The SV Ultra can be ordered in several paint colours with a Titan Silver finish made exclusively for this new range-topper. It includes fine aluminium flakes and advanced pigment technology.
0-60mph in just 5.2 seconds. In fact, it makes it the fastest-accelerating car in the current Vauxhall range. It’ll reach a top speed of 112mph, too.
Three driving modes will be available – Sport, Normal and Eco – with each tweaking the car’s settings. Underneath, the Corsa gets a front limited-slip differential and a lowered sports chassis for nimbler handling.
Cayenne Coupe Electric revealed
PORSCHE has used this year’s Beijing Auto Show to reveal the sleek Cayenne Coupe Electric. The Cayenne Coupe Electric comes equipped with the latest technology found in the SUV variant, and features a slipperier body to make it more efficient.
Its exterior dimensions are the same length as the SUV, but has a 24mm lower roofline, which reduces drag and helps improve efficiency.
Ariya upgraded with fresh design
NISSAN has improved its electric Ariya with revised suspension and new technology features.
First revealed in 2021, the Ariya remains one of Nissan’s core electric models, sitting alongside the Leaf and Micra in the firm’s range of EVs. For 2026, Nissan has revised the exterior look of the Ariya, introducing a new bodycoloured front panel and a more distinguished black trim piece.
PORSCHE
NISSAN
LAND ROVER
AUDI
VAUXHALL
New Seven ‘Miami Special Edition’ revealed
CATERHAM has introduced a new limited-run version of the Seven track day sports car with the ‘Miami Edition’ launched at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix.
The Caterham Seven Miami Edition will be limited to just 12 examples and has been designed to celebrate the automotive culture in the Floridian city. The car is finished off in bespoke Aqua custom paint with a unique Miami Edition decal pack in Vibrant Pink and White. At the rear, there is a ‘Miami’ script and a silhouette of the Formula One Miami race track.
Powering the car is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Ford Duratec petrol engine that produces 210bhp, it can hit 60mph in 3.8 seconds and will
EX5 model line-up gains new variant
GEELY has added a new flagship variant to the EX5 electric SUV model line-up with the Ultra specification.
The Ultra variant gets a new 68.39kWh battery pack for a range of 280 miles, plus a 13.8-inch head-up display, a 16-speaker FlyMe premium sound system, a powered tailgate, a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats with a massage function. Prices start at £38,990.
Purosangue gets even more driver-focused
FERRARI has added some extra edge to its Purosangue with a new ‘Handling Speciale’ model.
The Purosangue is a first four-door, four-seater Ferrari equipped with the firm’s 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine that develops 715bhp and allows this model to hit 60mph in 3.1 seconds. Buyers can now enhance the Purosangue’s driving experience further with the Handling Speciale.
CATERHAM
FERRARI
GEELY
NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM THE CAR DEALER PODCASTS
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Chinese
You can see already that the Japanese are being affected, but the Europeans also and the Americans.
car brands could take 25% of UK market, warns IM Group boss
Chinese carmakers could snatch as much as a quarter of the new car market as they take advantage of the UK’s lack of tariffs and growing appetite for electric vehicles, IM Group boss Andrew Edmiston has warned.
Speaking on a recent Car Dealer Podcast – which you can watch above and listen on your favourite streaming services – the IM (International Motors) Group managing said the speed at which Chinese car companies had arrived in Britain had been a ‘surprise’.
‘I can’t remember exactly what the current Chinese volume is, but it will be 25% of the market very quickly,’ he told podcast hosts Jon Reay and James Baggott.
‘So, where’s those 500,000 units going to come from out of two million? There’s not going to be more cars sold, so who’s going to make way?’
Edmiston remarked that all brands will be under pressure from the speed and scale of Chinese carmakers, from Japan to Europe and America.
He added: ‘You can see already that the Japanese are being affected, but the Europeans also and the Americans.
It’s everybody really. You would worry for some manufacturers.’
Solihull-based IM Group represents Subaru, Isuzu, GWM and XPeng in the UK, with Chinese LCV maker Foton also due to join the portfolio in the near future.
The rise of Chinese carmakers had been developing for the past few years, but Edmiston admitted that the speed at which these brands have arrived in Britain was still surprising.
He said: ‘Even though I knew China has the capacity to do this, when it actually happens you don’t exactly know how it’s going to feel, do you?
‘The changes that it’s brought everybody, I think that those are the things that, you know, the speed of that, that’s probably been quite surprising.’
The UK has been very attractive to Chinese car manufacturers because it is a large market with no no major tariff barriers and strong regulatory pressure to grow EV sales, he explained.
‘The Chinese just basically look at the UK and say, well, it’s quite a big market. There are no barriers and tariffs for us and EV sales are growing and effectively being incentivised to grow,’ he said.
Chinese carmakers accelerating UK expansion amid ‘hyper-competition’ at home
The influx of new Chinese car brands into the UK shows no signs of stopping over the coming years, with manufacturers continuing to expand at rapid pace.
That is the verdict of Autotrader chief customer officer Ian Plummer, who says that the Chinese market is operating in a ‘whirlwind’.
Appearing on a recent episode of the Car Dealer Podcast, Plummer told hosts James Baggott and Jon Reay about his recent experience at the Beijing Motor Show, which Autotrader attended in order to gain more
insight of what the British market can expect to arrive over the coming months and years.
He explained that a number of brands still have UK launches ‘in the pipeline’ and said their emergence could spell trouble for established European competitors.
‘The feedback we’re sharing from China, is what goes on in China doesn’t stay in China. It’s not like a tour or a golf weekend with your friends,’ he said.
‘It definitely comes over here pretty damn quick, China speed-like, so it’s useful to
understand all of that and get ahead of it but also it’s useful to understand which brands are likely to come. It’s fascinating. It’s a whirlwind place.’
He added that ‘hyper-competition’ is now driving firms to look overseas, amid shrinking margins and lower profits at home.
Plummer added: ‘The market is moving so fast, technology racing ahead and the reason why the Chinese are coming over here is clearly they’ve got great cars and they have an opportunity, but their market is so tough.’
IM GROUP
Quick decisions Faster deals
FINANCE NEWS
by James Batchelor @JRRBatchelor
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is urging motor finance lenders to continue preparing for its proposed redress scheme despite legal challenges that could delay compensation payouts until at least late 2026.
In an update published on May 8, the watchdog said it remains committed to securing ‘fair compensation for consumers as quickly as possible’ while also ensuring ‘a healthy motor finance market’.
Car Dealer reported last month that multiple legal challenges had been launched against the proposed scheme from big hitters such as Mercedes-Benz, who are not happy with its plans for redress, which would result in an estimated average of £829 per payout.
The regulator now says that hearings are unlikely to take place before October, and it is now discussing whether parts of the scheme can be temporarily suspended while firms continue preparatory work. The FCA acknowledged the growing frustration among
FCA prepares lenders for ‘no scheme’ scenario in motor finance comp row
consumers, many of whom have been waiting more than two years for clarity.
Despite this, the regulator told lenders to continue preparing for the scheme. Work expected to continue includes identifying relevant complaints and agreements, gathering commission and disclosure data –including information held by brokers – and cooperating with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) on existing complaints.
Lenders are also still expected to submit implementation plans by May 12, although the FCA said it would not insist on formal attestations at this stage. At the same time, the FCA said firms must now prepare for a possible ‘no scheme’ outcome if the Upper Tribunal quashes all or part of the proposal. Under that contingency, lenders would face a complaint-led process, with firms expected to handle complaints within standard statutory timeframes from mid-November 2026.
The FCA stressed that a complaint-led process would likely create ‘significant extra costs’ for lenders and risk leaving some affected consumers uncompensated.
Blue Motor Finance ‘teetering on the brink’ LENDERS
BLUE Motor Finance is said to be ‘teetering on the brink of collapse’, with national media reports suggesting the firm is lining up administrators.
Sky News reported the lender is facing a redress bill of over £50m, leaving it ‘scrambling to secure a rescue deal’.
The finance house is yet to officially respond, but Car Dealer understands that reps have told retailers that the claims are false.
In messages seen by Car Dealer, one finance manager even told account holders that Sky have ‘fallen foul to misinformation’ and suggested the rumours may have been generated by rival firms.
In its initial report, Sky News claimed that accountancy firm EY had been drafted in to help bosses put together a possible rescue plan and potentially oversee an insolvency process if no deal can be reached.
Insiders also told the news outlet that Blue has been left hunting for new financing after bank Shawbrook cancelled a ‘forward flow’ funding agreement earlier in the year.
Car Dealer has approached Blue Motor Finance for comment.
TIME IS MONEY
RICHARD PYGOTT
A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING
Scrolling sales
‘S
o what are customers actually looking at when they’re watching us on social media?’
It’s a question a few dealers have asked me lately in slightly different ways, because ‘customers are on social media before they buy’ is one of those lines everyone nods along to, but I don’t think many people actually unpack properly.
The reality is, they’re not just watching – they’re forming opinions in the background. Quietly. Consistently. And usually without ever saying a word.
They form a mental checklist, and once you start looking for it, it’s pretty consistent.
Consistency is the first thing. Not perfection, just showing up. You can tell a lot about a dealership by how often they post online. Post once, disappear for weeks, and it doesn’t feel like a busy operation. The dealers doing well are just there often enough that people start to recognise them without really thinking about it.
Tone comes next, and I think you can always tell when content’s been overworked. Over-polished posts don’t really connect anymore. People respond far better to something that sounds like a human being. A walkaround that feels natural will always beat something that feels like it’s been signed off three times before it saw daylight.
Reassurance is another big one. Not just stock, but proof. Handovers. Happy customers. Real stories. The signal that other people have bought from you and it’s gone fine. That tends to land a lot harder than any spec list ever will.
Then there’s ease of contact. If someone’s been watching you for weeks and finally reaches out, the speed and simplicity of your reply either confirms what they already believe about you… or completely knocks it off course. A slow reply doesn’t just lose a lead, it dents trust that’s already been built.
And finally, authenticity vs polish. A few years ago, polished content was the goal. Now it can actually work against you. People aren’t comparing you to adverts, they’re comparing you to other people in their feed. And in that world, overly polished often feels like distance, not quality.
The mistake a lot of dealers still make is treating social media like a digital forecourt. Stock in, stock out, repeat.
Richard Pygott is digital marketer for First Response. Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk
But customers aren’t really browsing anymore. They’re researching in the background of everything else going on in their lives. And that changes how this all works.
Because by the time they message you, most of the trust is already there. The scroll has already done the heavy lifting.
At that point, it’s not about grabbing attention. It’s about not getting in the way of a decision that’s already forming. And the dealers who get that are the ones quietly turning scrolling into conversations… and conversations into sales.
You can tell a lot about a dealership by how often they post online.
If you want to know how First Response Finance can help you turn more of your engaged customers into sales, please click here to get in touch.
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SUPPLIERS GUIDE
LOOKING FOR A MOTOR TRADE SUPPLIER? YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE
Auctions
Auction4Cars.com
W: auction4cars.com
T: 03003 730 866
E: customerservice@auction4cars.com
Info: The UK’s leading independent trade car auction site. Completely online, it boasts some of the lowest auction fees on the market.
Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales
BCA
W: bca.co.uk
T: 0344 875 3480
Finance
Close Brothers Motor Finance
W: closemotorfinance.co.uk/
Info: Close Brothers Motor Finance are a specialist finance provider, working with over 8,000 dealer partners to offer flexible finance solutions for car, motorcycle and LCV customers.
Finance
E: customerservices@bca.com
Info: BCA’s remarketing programmes deliver volume, choice and availability for buyers, and speed, efficiency and market-leading returns for sellers.
Automotive E-Commerce
ATG
W: atg.auto
T: 0844 264 3519
Info: Leading provider of retailing solutions, Automotive Transformation Group maximises sales for retailers, OEMs, financiers and fleet suppliers by making car buying easier for their consumers.
Data
Real World Analytics
W: realworldanalytics.com
T: 0808 1890 617
E: auto@realworldanalytics.com
Info: We are a SaaS-based data analytics solution provider for multisite dealers. Our business intelligence tools help customers make faster and better decisions.
DMS
MotorDesk
W: dealerdesk.co.uk
E: contact@dealerdesk.co.uk
Info: Modernise your stock management, advertising, communication, sales and website. DealerDesk provides you with easyto-use tools designed to simplify your dealership management.
Finance
Blue Motor Finance
W: blue.co.uk
T: 020 3005 9331
E: dealersupport@blue.co.uk
Info: Blue is transforming the car finance market, making car ownership simple and flexible and providing motor traders with access to essential finance.
First Response
W: dealer.firstresponsefinance.co.uk
T: 0115 671 1755
E: marketing@frfl.co.uk
Info: First Response is an awardwinning UK finance company providing simple financial solutions. Get in touch and let us help increase your profits.
Finance
Forza Finance
W: forzafinance.co.uk
T: 01245 245678
Info: Benefit from Forza Finance’s expertise, choice of products and lenders. Their personal approach will help you achieve higher levels of finance penetration and, ultimately, sell more cars.
HR & People Management
HR Manager
W: hrmanager.co.uk
T: 01480 455500
E: info@hrmanager.co.uk
Info: HR Manager is Lawgistics’ new digital compliance portal designed to assist employers in managing their legal obligations, responsibilities and duties.
Insurance
Tradesure
W: tradesureinsurance.co.uk
T: 0121 248 9313
Info: Providing motor trade insurance to full- and part-time motor traders in the UK, the Tradesure team are reliable professionals who know how to help you.
Key Control
Traka
W: traka-automotive.com
T: 0333 355 3726
E: automotive@traka.com
Info: Bespoke software and electronic key management cabinets to deliver the most effective solution to dealerships to manage their keys and vehicles.
Lead Management
GardX AD-Vantage
W: gardx.co.uk/gardx-ad-vantage
T: 01243 376426
E: goforaspin@gardx.co.uk
Info: The award-winning 360 service offers an engaging display of the vehicle while additionally presenting profitable F&I products to a consumer.
Lead Management
iVendi
W: ivendi.com
T: 0330 229 0028
E: tellmemore@ivendi.com
Info: iVendi delivers a fully connected platform that engages consumers, converts buyers and manages transactions of vehicles online and in the showroom.
Legal & Compliance
Lawgistics
W: lawgistics.co.uk
T: 01480 455500
E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk
Info: The legal experts for the motor trade, giving advice and support to our industry for over 15 years. Not anti-consumer, just pro-trader.
Marketing, PR & Video
OnCue Communications
W: oncuecomms.com
T: 020 8125 3880
Info: We are a leading provider of PR, video and events services to the automotive industry. The PR team has a proven track record of securing high-value, big-impact media coverage.
Marketing, PR & Video
Marketing Delivery
W: marketingdelivery.co.uk/
T: 01892 599911
E: get.in.touch@marketingdelivery.co.uk
Info: Our SocialStock helps target prospects with tailored stock remarketing and social media advertising tools, and automated lead capture for Facebook.
Oil & Lubricants
Mobil™
W: mobil.co.uk
T: 0800 0857 420
Info: Whether using Mobil 1™ or Mobil Super™, Mobil™ engine oils meet or exceed the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers.
Recruitment
WeRecruit Auto
W: werecruitauto.co.uk
T: 01603 550041
Info: Permanent recruitment – here to assist businesses within the automotive sector find the best fit for their company in terms of skillset, experience and culture.
Trade Bodies
Ben
W: ben.org.uk
T: 0808 131 1333
Info: Ben is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their families.
Vehicle Photography Dealer 360
W: dealer360.co.uk
T: 01270 780855
E: nicky.spratt@ukturntables.com
Info: UK makers of photo booths incorporating our turntables for car, van and motorcycle dealers. Our software controls turntable and cameras – a onestop solution.
Vehicle Preparation & Cleaning
Autoglym Professional
W: autoglym.com/professional
T: 01462 677766
E: enquiries@autoglym.com
Info: Award-winning Autoglym Professional products deliver exceptional results with safe, easy application. supported by expert aftersales service, training and nationwide delivery.
Vehicle Tracking
Meta Trak
W: metatrak.co.uk
T: 020 8867 2340
E: enquiries@metatrak.co.uk
Info: Total vehicle security. Clever tracking technology, advanced immobilisation, 24/7 monitoring and an easy-to-use app. Security. Connectivity. Peace of mind.
Warranty Providers
AutoProtect
W: autoprotect.co.uk
T: 01279 406888
E: sales@autoprotect.net
Info: AutoProtect offers a full portfolio of award-winning protection products, including GAP. We lead the market with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.
Warranty Providers
Car Care Plan
W: carcareplan.com
T: 0344 573 8000
Info: Car Care Plan is a leading provider of motor protection products, trusted around the world to deliver quality protection with integrity and a customer-oriented outlook.
Warranty Providers
Centurion Warranties
W: centurionwarranties.co.uk
T: 0800 368 7420
E: support@cwuk.net
Info: Centurion offers comprehensive aftermarket warranty solutions to motor dealers across the UK who sell first-owned vehicles through to high-end, prestige and sports cars.
Warranty Providers
Händler Protect
W: handlerprotect.com
T: 0800 088 7889
E: sales@handlerprotect.com
Info: Händler Protect is an exclusive dealer warranty provider. Proud to partner and represent more than 1,000-plus ‘active’ independent motor dealers across the UK each month.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Bluesky Interactive
W: blueskyinteractive.co.uk
T: 01926 651000
Info: Bluesky Interactive drive dealer websites and digital marketing forward thanks to game-changing innovation, the latest technology and our exceptional relationships with our clients.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Haswent
W: haswent.com
T: 020 3920 6164
E: hello@haswent.com
Info: Composer is a next-gen automotive platform. You have extensive stock management options, and you’ll gain a brilliantly responsive new website.
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Spidersnet
W: spidersnet.co.uk
T: 01273 837749
E: hello@spidersnet.co.uk
Info: Websites that are designed to increase the number of customers for dealers. We have solutions for all budgets and needs. All solutions include our DMS Autopromotor.
MAZDA CX-80
We’ve really been racking up the miles in the CX-80, and our car has even taken part in a gruelling towcar competition. James Batchelor reports.
Diesel power might not exactly be in vogue recently, but in the world of towing there’s nothing quite like it.
While petrol engines tend to be smoother and electric alternatives (petrol plug-in hybrids and full-EV) offer silent running, diesel has traditionally given the best blend of performance and economy. This was put to the test a while ago as my Mazda CX-80 was entered into the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year awards, and the big Mazda massively impressed.
As I am a judge of it, and had specified my car with the optional £980 towbar, my car was duly entered. The competition is the original of its type, and has been going for more than 40 years. It’s a four-day judging process held at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire and involves a multitude of gruelling tasks, from high-speed driving and hill starts to manoeuvrability and practicality tests.
The diesel CX-80 has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500kg (the petrol plug-in hybrid is rated at 2,600kg), and with the Club recommending that the weight of the caravan should not exceed 85% of the towing car’s kerb weight for safety reasons, it slotted into the 1,800-2,000kg weight category, and was tested pulling an 1,879kg van. At this kind of weight, the CX-80 was up against a wide range of competitors, from electric SUVs to diesel pick-ups, and while the Porsche Macan Electric took class honours, the CX-80 wasn’t far behind. The judges, which included me, loved the engine’s creamy power delivery, the car’s agile handling and strong handbrake on the tough hill-start test.
Away from the test track and the judges’ clipboards, I have also been doing some towing for friends. I recently assisted a chum move a whole load of stuff with his trailer, and again I was amazed at how the CX-80 takes towing in its stride. The engine’s 550Nm of torque is useful when getting up to speed and overtaking, of course, but of equal importance is how the car handles when towing a heavy load.
There’s little to no ‘shunting’ from the trailer, and the car takes control of the weighted trailer – some cars can feel as though the trailer is in charge.
Aside from towing, the CX-80 is proving to be a wonderfully relaxing car to drive on long journeys and early-morning dashes to the airport. The diesel is returning up to 50mpg on those longer drives, and the interior is so quiet, comfortable and cosseting. The high-up infotainment screen isn’t distracting, and it’s easy to turn off the bings and bongs for the speed limit warning as there’s a big ‘off’ switch on the dashboard.
My only slight annoyance is the mild-hybrid system, as although it does a great job at ironing out the diesel’s inherent gruffness, it can sometimes switch into electric mode at the most inopportune moments. This sudden cut-off feels like the engine has died, and it’s quite a disconcerting feeling. The solution is to turn off the function, called ‘i-stop’, but it kind of undermines the whole point of the system.
As I’ve been racking up the miles in the CX-80 so much of late, it’s due its 14,000-mile service soon. This will be a chance for the car to have a bit of R&R after a busy few months.
Mazda CX-80 3.3D 254ps AWD Takumi Plus
This month’s highlight: Discovering just how good the CX-80 is at towing heavy loads
OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING
Mileage: 8,759
With rising fuel prices ‘our’ BYD’s fual economy has proved to be very helpful indeed!
‘Our’ seven-seat XC90 is an ideal choice for families with three or more children. Mileage: 6,589
