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Very much this. Survival of the fittest, which can't be a bad thing.

I’m no economist but the 2 things are surely linked?

I am involved in a business which is diametrically opposite of the car trade. The only similarity is the downturn over the last few months...since Boris became PM. In fact. It’s been quite dramatic. I think most businesses have suffered.

I think fear of no deal Brexit is what's presently driving the economy shrinking (though personally I'm hardly surprised, there is no immediate upside, and a lot of opportunity to lose trade for everyone). The banks grabbing cash will become the norm - https://www.mkfm.com/news/local-news/confirmed-saxon-bridge-liquidation/ Sad end to a good business that overstretched themselves, I suspect there may be many more. Keep debt manageable and build your business in a manner that can cope with good times and bad times (and never overspend in the good times, keep the profit for the bad times).

I can’t believe the OP will think there is a recession looming and it is not because of Brexit. Everyone that voted Leave won but in doing so screwed a whole country (two actually when you count Eire). On a positive note Recession is actually great news for used car sales.

Thins out a few elements of competition, gives new opportunity for people. Anyone who has ensured they have adequate savings and investment in infrastructure whilst the times are good should prosper and be able to weather the storm when times are bad. I feel for anyone who struggles or goes under but ultimately whilst I wish everyone well and enjoy seeing success the game ain't built on sympathy.

It’s all about keeping overheads in check. As said so many times it’s about what you keep not what you turn over. I think a lot of people who on the surface do well are being found out now the going is getting hard.

Reminds me of a conversation with a friend in the 2009 crisis. Two of his friends had businesses in trouble. One had a small amount of debt so the bank just called the debt in and forced them out of business. The other had a massive amount of debt so the bank called them in and discussed a repayment plan. A small amount of debt is your problem, a large amount of debt is the banks problem.

VAG TFSI are the only engines we avoid. The high oil burning Mazda/Ford stuff and nightmare 1.6 PSA engined Minis and 207s we stock but probably one in four causes grief...still profitable enough to stock. Stock anything supermarkety really but not much German, not much 4x4 and very very little Prestige or sporty stuff if possible...more to avoid a certain demographic of punter than the cars themselves. Forgot to add we don't really do much diesel.