James Baggott

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Posts posted by James Baggott

  1. Posted

    If you want an honest and interesting take on just how all this will affect the industry you'll like today's Car Dealer Live, that's not live anymore, but still just as good to watch.

    It was 40 minutes or so of very interesting chat with a team of people who really know this industry. Autocar editor, editorial director and MD all joined me.

    I really enjoyed it and learned a lot - if you have some time over the weekend you can watch it here...

    https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/car-dealer-live-26-autocar-editorial-director-jim-holder-editor-mark-tisshaw-managing-director-rachael-prasher/191297

    • Like 1

  2. Posted

    Morning

    Been working on this - crystal ball time, but some interesting comments in it nonetheless.

    Investigation: Why car dealers need to hold their nerve on used car prices - and what happens next to values?

    We've taken a close look at the used car market as fears of dealers liquidating stock could see prices tumble. Dealers tell us the trade needs to hold tight and stay firm.

    https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/investigation-car-dealers-need-hold-nerve-used-car-prices-attention-turns-happens-next/191381

    Let me know your thoughts as always

     

  9. Posted

    Couple of updates here that people may find interesting:

    Are dealers allowed to offer click-and-collect for cars during lockdown?

    https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/car-dealers-allowed-offer-click-collect-pick-cars-lockdown/191091

    And for those who still want to do it after reading that...

    Guide: What dealers need to consider if they're planning click and collect sales

    https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/dealers-need-consider-theyre-planning-click-collect-sales/191116

  14. Posted

    Following the NFDA statement I've been subtle but you'll see in this story they have been today told be BEIS that they need to amend what they said... I buried that news in this piece, because I didn't want to laud it over them, but still it had to be said...

    https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/car-manufacturers-unfairly-pushing-dealers-reopen-following-government-clarification/191015

    • Like 3

  17. Posted

    9 minutes ago, justina3 said:

    PS James, whilst i fully understand the need for adverts it was impossible to reply to this on my phone as the adds kept covering the reply button.

    Yeah I’ve found that too. On desktop for me. I’ll get it looked into tomorrow as it’s frustrating. But yes, you’re right, without the adverts we wouldn’t be able to host this forum for free. 
     

    And on the article front, just trying to summarise findings from a cross sections of experts. If you take a look at it you’ll see I’ve canvassed a lot of opinion so as to not rely on one source. The more expert opinion in my mind the better. 

    I can’t say I agree with them. I think working at home will be far more likely and could reduce the need for cars but it’s not my opinion I’m reporting in the piece it’s that of others. 

    Enjoy the painting :) 

  18. Posted

    Morning all,

    I hope you've got a relaxing Sunday ahead planned. I've been working on this piece this weekend which gives hope to the trade that a fear of public transport could fuel car sales.

    I'm undecided. I take the points, but think home working could mean many stay at home - not to mention a possible prolonged downturn as many people lose their jobs.

    However, the surveys in this certainly point to some positive signs. 

    Investigation: Fears of public transport could fuel new and used car sales when lockdown lifts

    Let me know your thoughts below.

    Enjoy your Sunday

    James

  21. Posted

    Hi all

    I've been investigating WhatsApp broadcast lists which would allow people to:

    1. Get breaking news from Car Dealer (well me) to their phones

    2. Other users in the group cannot see other users' numbers 

    3. Other users cannot reply - it's simply a way of you hearing about news when it happens

    I’ve had some good feedback from dealers and have set it up.

    You'd have to tell me your mobile number privately and add mine to your contacts and then away you go.

    Send me an email to james@blackballmedia.co.uk if you want to be added with your mobile number, full name and then I’ll reply with my number.
     

    Thanks for your support and I hope you find it useful  

  22. Posted

    8 hours ago, RH Trading said:

    confused now, on a whatsapp traders group for Birmingham and one of the VW guys posted this, this morning -

    NFDA Clarifies BEIS Position on Online Sales and Deliveries

    Following recent articles concerning comments attributed to BEIS in connection with remote (online) sales and deliveries by certain media publications, the NFDA have spoken to a senior official in BEIS for clarification. The clarification obtained can be summarised as follows:

    • Contrary to media reports, no official statement has been released by BEIS in the last few days regarding dealers’ entitlement to sell remotely and deliver cars to customers.
    • It was suggested that the comments attributed to BEIS yesterday by some parts of the automotive media, would have come from a member of the BEIS press office and should not be taken as official guidance; nor should they be taken as a statement or recommendation that dealers should open, sell online or deliver vehicles etc. It is not up to BEIS to determine the commercial approaches taken by businesses.
    • The position of BEIS has not changed from earlier guidance. BEIS’ position is that a retailer’s (dealer’s) decision to sell remotely (including online) and deliver products remains exclusively a decision for the dealer.
    • This decision will naturally be informed by a range of considerations arising from the present COVID-19 crisis, not simply whether the dealer technically has the right to sell online and deliver cars in accordance with Government guidance.
    • As an aside, if one party were to be forcing or applying pressure to another party to trade and deliver products to customers at the present time – where the latter was not comfortable that all of the relevant precautions could be taken or was otherwise ill-equipped to do so as a result of issues connected with COVID-19 - this would raise concerns, and is something that should be reported to BEIS.
    • BEIS has no immediate plans to issue further guidance to supplement or amend that already issued in the previous weeks by the COVID-19 Response Team of the Cabinet Office. Businesses should, if they require further guidance at this stage, - including in terms of the precautions to follow if choosing to sell remotely and offer deliveries (which is an option as already explained by the likes of the NFDA) - seek it from responsible and professional trade bodies, such as the NFDA and SMMT

     

    https://www.nfda-uk.co.uk/industry-issues/nfda-clarifies-beis-position-on-online-sales-and-deliveries#entry

     

    what did you get confirmation of James, doesnt look like anythings changed or is this just for main dealers?

    This is a ridiculous statement. If you read it it simply confirms exactly what I wrote while libelling us at the same time. I got it from the government press officer at BEIS. 
     

    I standby what I wrote. And as you’ll see above - despite having a pop at me - they’re confirming exactly the same thing...

    • Like 2