Europe’s new car market has seen a surge in hybrid sales in Q1 while EV demand falters, according to JATO Dynamics. In Q1, 382,700 hybrids were registered which is the highest number of quarterly registrations for the category since 2021. Volumes were up 18% on Q1 2023. Consumers feel hybrid cars have an advantage over EVs as they are self-charging and, on average, 27% cheaper than an electric model. Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO Dynamics, said: “Although registration figures for the first quarter of 2024 paint a reasonably positive picture, the data for March is concerning. “The avera ..read more

Desira Group has expanded its portfolio with the addition of Simpson Garage Great Yarmouth for an undisclosed sum. Simpsons will not change the name to Desira, it will continue trading as it is. The addition of Simpsons includes new and used motorhome sales (a new area of growth for Desira), used car sales and aftersales franchises for Skoda, Fiat and Fiat Professional. No changes will be made to Desira’s existing Nissan, Fiat and Citroen North Quay Dealership. Desira Group directors Stuart Stone and Michelle Gant have worked closely with Simpsons’ directors Belinda Crick and Andrew Aldis, wh ..read more

Cars are selling almost twice as quickly as in 2023, suggesting the used car market has recovered from last year’s crash, says trading platform HonkHonk. The average time to sell is now 36 hours, 22 hours faster than Q4 2023. Some cars are even bought by dealers within two hours of being listed and prices are rising for cars in good condition. Sebastien Duval, CEO of HonkHonk, said: “The speed of sales we’re seeing now is very good news for consumers because no one wants a long drawn-out process when they’ve decided to sell. “Motorists have adjusted to more realistic expectations too, so deal ..read more

Citygate Automotive is opening a new Kia dealership in Watford which is in the process of being built. The dealer group currently represents Kia, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial, Cupra, Seat and Skoda. “I am excited to announce that Citygate Automotive is strengthening it’s partnership with the fantastic Kia UK Limited brand, by opening a new retailer in Watford! “It might still be a building site, but we are still serving our new customers for sales and service,” said Mo V, head of business at Citygate Automotive on LinkedIn. This story continues at Citygate opens new Kia dealership in Watf ..read more

The Tesla share price has dropped by 45% since the end of December on the back of a series of negative news stories and announcements.  In most listed companies this would be a source of huge concern, but despite the fall, the market capitalisation of the company remains over seven times greater than that of Toyota, and Elon Musk continues to demonstrate the robust attitude to the media and investors that we have become used to over the years.  It’s only a couple months since I last wrote about Tesla, but there has been so much in the news in recent days about the maker of ..read more

Pinewood delivered its maiden results as a motor dealer software company with £24.5m turnover in the 13 months to January 2024. This compare with £19.1m in full year 2022. Pre-tax profits hit £9.9m compared to £7m last time. In February Pendragon announced the sale of its dealerships and leasing businesses to Lithia for £367m. The move marked the beginning of the transformation of Pendragon into Pinewood Technologies, a pure-play software listed business under CEO Bill Berman. Pinewood is set to roll out its software network in Lithia Motors networks in both the UK and US and is also building ..read more

UK car production declined in March, down -27.1% year on year to 59,467 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While this marks the first fall since August last year, it aligns with expectations for a variable year as manufacturers adjust factories to produce new cars, notably electric. UK car and light van production are expected to fall -6.2% to some 940,000 units this year, returning to growth in 2025. Bank holidays also had a role to play as there were fewer working days this March than in March 2023. Volumes for the UK declined -0.3% to 19,995 units in ..read more

MINI has announced prices and specification for the Aceman, the brand’s mid-size all-electric crossover. Priced from £31,800, it goes on sales in November 2024, available in two output levels – E and SE – and a choice of three trims – Classic, Exclusive and Sport. The Aceman E has a high-voltage battery with a capacity of 42.5 kWh, offering up to 192 miles of electric range (WLTP). A 135 kW/184 hp electric motor generates torque of 290 Nm and accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds. With an increased output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Aceman SE offers an increased range of 252 m ..read more

Isuzu UK has launched the ARB HUB range of 4×4 accessories for its dealer network. A selection of dealers from the Isuzu network will undergo training to become hubs for the ARB 4×4 accessories. ARB is an Australian brand featuring products designed to enhance off-road capabilities and vehicle camping experiences, including off-road suspension systems and underbody protection to rooftop tents and camping accessories, Darren James, group resource director at IM Group, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the ARB HUB dealer programme, developed together with ARB UK. “This initiative underscores o ..read more

Drive Motor Retail has opened a standalone MG dealership in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The site is the area’s only franchised MG dealership and is offering used and new sales. The site will also offer servicing and repair facilities, including MOT testing and MG parts and accessories, which will be located at Drive’s Hyundai dealership in Scarborough. Carl Prescott, Drive MG Scarborough general manager, said: “We are excited to announce the opening of our prestigious new MG dealership in Scarborough. This marks a significant milestone for Drive as we continue to expand our services across ..read more