All,
As we know Q1 has been an interesting time for both Franchise and None-franchise dealers with the pressures and focus from the manufacturers, and the continual threat used volumes are just over the hill!
There’s been some very intriguing debates surrounding Pre-reg./tactical registrations, with many mixed messages about whether they’ve been done to achieve target or just to take advantage of the ‘cheques’ on offer from the manufacturers. Interesting that Retail takes up a 2.6% Y-O-Y increase; whereas, Fleet picks up the slack with a +12.4% (Business -11.4%).
An area that is always one to watch, is the performance from the manufacturers via Daily Rental, with Vauxhall down -19% and BMW -37% comparing 2014 to 2015 but overall the sector is +15%.
How is the general market for yourself, is the quality of Used stock still a concern and driving premiums for the ‘ready to retail’ product?
Do you believe the used volumes are on the way, the main stock currently through auction centres appears to be dealer part-exchanges – so is the fleet replacement due?
Are there ‘pockets’ of tactical registration models that will impact on the used car market – such as the rumours of the Zafira’s done in Dec 14’?