petrol head

For those of us old enough to remember there was only 1 plate change annually the 1st August, it was the day of the year if you were in the motor trade. Mine 1st one as a fresh faced teenager was 83, when the plates were reversed and the A was the start letter on the left hand side of the plate as you looked at it, have I got that right? That was some day and we got through it by delivering cars on the 30th / 31st where the cars were ready and the customers were entrusted not to drive the car. This was a process I continued to practice with the sales teams up until the change in 2001, where 1.3 & 1.9 never felt the same as 1.8. I vividly remember as a kid counting the new registrations on very journey for about a month. Be interested to hear other peoples memories........

What’s going on?

Your not wrong, whilst only 9 replies, it would seem I'm wasting my money? To reinforce my thoughts I had lunch yesterday with a Senior Aftersales Manager, been in the Industry for 4 decades and never heard of the IMI. The bigger surprise is the IMI right all the apprentice programs for the Industry, yet still largely unknown. If you want to know more their website is below, I don't know who designed it, but it's a nightmare: https://tide.theimi.org.uk/ So what other bodies / organisations are people members of?

I would be amazed if he cut VAT, maybe some additional goods may become VAT free?

I think you have already had some good advice but would add the following: - As well as rent you have business rates, employee costs, marketing, maintenance of the site, insurance, licencing, theft, vandalism........ - I ran a very successful business in London back in the 90's, we had a niche Franchise, tiny showroom you could fit 4 cars in. We had 6 parking spaces close to the showroom and the rest of the stock I kept miles away in a cheap space. Customers would call from the adverts before they came to see the car, so we could move it to the showroom or take the car, as we usually did to them. I knew, sounds arrogant I know, exactly what the market was and only stocked petrol and Auto SUV's and MPV's, I would buy others, but move them on in the trade for a profit, with the premise being the trade account will always cover my salary and associated costs. - Managing, recruiting employees will eat your time like you won't believe and getting others to share your values is key. Keep us posted.

I really don't think you will find anyone who can do it for free???? Have a few contacts there and if you PM me with the exact details I can link you.

Just export it, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia would take it, try one of the big parallel importers, some even have premium Franchises alongside their grey market business.....

If anyone hasn't had their fingers burned at an auction or in general buying cars, then then they won't have bought many. The auctions will calm down once we get back to a degree of normality, with a few exceptions.

Good point, be back to normal soon I’m sure.

We have had a self funded scrappage scheme for years, it's called the MOT

I have been a member for 2 decades and for have questioned the value of renewing my membership for the following reasons: 1. Nobody ever seems to place any value on the fact I'm a member, I have the post nominals which nobody takes any notice of, save for when overseas and they call me Mr. Fimi 2. Completing the CPD as someone who has been in the Industry for 4 decades is quite ridiculous. 3. The website is completely unfathomable and has nothing of any relevance. 4. The member meetings seem to be aimed at those with time on their hands and I'm told are only sparsely attended. 5. Magazine has about 3 minutes of interesting reading. Therefore be interested in people's thoughts in this regard.

Great interview, Tom is such a character and certainly doesn't lack confidence!