After a strong performance across the industry in August and September, it seems pretty clear motor dealers are facing uncertain times in Q4 and ahead into next year. As I write this, retailers in...

With dealerships having reopened in June, retailers have been able to gauge the enthusiasm among consumers for purchasing new cars, and by and large they are encouraged. However, there are still fears...

With a greenfield site in Oldham, representing Audi’s first open point for over 15 years, Jardine Motor Group is taking a completely fresh approach to recruitment, remuneration, processes and...

Jeremy Thomson, Mazda UK’s managing director, is encouraging his franchise holders who run the brand’s 132 outlets to move towards a competitive commission-free salary structure for sales staff...

Connected technologies and advanced on-board computing systems, such as that pioneered by BMW and Volvo, means the traditional service pattern and traditional aftersales workshop is already changing...

BMW is following the lead of Apple and o2 by putting a ‘Genius’ product expert into many of its retail outlets. The company has just made public large-scale plans to boost the levels of...

Fuel costs and safety concerns mean that the distance an employee has to travel to work – as well as the time that journey takes – is becoming an increasingly important concern for both...

Former British prime minister Harold Macmillan was once asked what was the most difficult thing about running a government. He is alleged to have replied: ‘Events, dear boy, events’. So,...

Do you ever feel that you are on your own when there’s a tricky problem to solve? You can’t always ask your bank manager, or your manufacturer. You need someone you can trust to give you...

What is the difference between the employed and self-employed? It has become a key question in the light of a recent motor industry case, as self-employed people generally have no employment rights....

The VAT change will happen whether we like it or not. But the problem will be exacerbated by the way the holidays fall in the run-up to January 1. Of the 14 days before new year, seven are public...

Have you noticed how the aftersales budget in dealerships generally turns out to be much closer to actual performance than that of the sales department? Is it because service and parts are more...

Many dealerships believe they are closing up to 25% of their opportunities to do business. But often, once they have put an effective showroom logging system in place, they find it is as low as 10% or...