In this episode… we dive into the fast moving and exciting world of digital retail. Joining James for this extended episode are not one but three experts from the Cox Automotive Europe family: Darren Sinclair, managing director for Cox Automotive Retail Solutions; Didier Van Bouwel, COO of Modix and Roland Schaack, CEO of Codeweavers – the automotive software business acquired by Cox Automotive earlier this year. The trio discuss what digital retail means, how its application in automotive is being influenced by ever-evolving consumer behaviours, and what the future of digital retail looks lik ..read more

In this episode… James Davis is joined by Dan Boakes, head of buyer sales at Cox Automotive to talk about independent dealers. Dan and his team are responsible for Cox Automotive’s relationship with almost 10,000 independent dealers in the UK so have a better view than most about how they are fairing as we approach the half way point of the year. Expect the conversation to cover lots of ground, from stock shortages to online trading – and why 2021 is turning out to be a good year for many, not another one to forget ..read more

In this episode… James Davis is joined once again by Sebastian Fuchs, managing director of Cox Automotive Europe’s RMS Automotive and Manheim Express brands to discuss the role each brand is playing in helping manufacturers, fleets and dealers better compete in a fast moving, multi-national market. Sebastian reflects on the emergence of white labelled remarketing channels, Manheim Express’ first year of operation, and how technology is driving a better customer experience ..read more

In this episode… Manheim Auction Services’ head auctioneer Andy Conde returns to Fuel/talk to share his latest observations from the rostrum, this time joined by Stuart Peak – Manheim’s national LCV manager to discuss how the wholesale market for vans is currently fairing. Andy and Stuart are the genuine experts in their field and never shy to share an opinion, so make a brew, set your phone to silent and enjoy the conversation ..read more

In this episode… James Davis is joined by Pete Bell, Chief Operating Officer, Cox Automotive Europe & Liam Quegan, Managing Director, Manheim Auction Services and NextGear Capital. This year Manheim in the UK is celebrating its 100th birthday. Pete and Liam reflect on how Manheim business became what it is today, the innovations that have defined the business over the years, and why Manheim’s past is a good guide to its future. Plus, they share news on how the company plans to celebrate this rare and magnificent milestone ..read more

In this episode… Philip Nothard joins James Davis once more, this time to talk about AutoFocus, the new quarterly insight digital magazine from Cox Automotive. Philip explains the rationale behind AutoFocus and shares an overview of what readers can expect to find in this first issue – including a look at the current new and used car sectors and Cox Automotive’s revised Q2 and 2021 new and used forecasts. Plus he discusses AutoFocus’ first article on the EV revolution - a look at where we are now, what customers and dealers think, and what needs to be done for national EV targets to be met ..read more

In this episode… James Davis is joined by Cox Automotive’s Chief Customer Officer, James Leese and Philip Nothard, Insight & Strategy Director to discuss their expectations and hopes as showrooms in the UK start to reopening following the third national lockdown. They discuss how this latest lockdown has differed to those preceding it, how the market has performed during Q1 and their expectations for Q2, and the ways in which Cox Automotive continues to support its dealer customers as they start to resume business as usual ..read more

In this episode, James Davis chats with Sam Walton, commercial director of Manheim Vehicle Services, one year on from Cox Automotive’s acquisition of C Walton Ltd. Sam joined Cox Automotive through the acquisition and now heads up the enlarged vehicle services business. She reflects on the last twelve months, her experience of integrating two businesses during lockdown, why the acquisition made perfect sense for both organisations, and her vision for the future of vehicle services ..read more

In this episode… James Davis is joined by Lorna McAtear, Fleet Manager at National Grid, winner of the 2021 Barbara Cox ‘Woman of the Year’ Award, and Alison Fisher, HR Director for Cox Automotive International. Lorna was announced as the third winner of the Barbara Cox Award at the Women With Drive event on – International Women’s Day (8th March). Alison and Lorna chat about this year’s shortlist, why it’s important we recognise the women helping to shape and lead the automotive industry, and reflect on another inspirational Women With Drive event ..read more

For this episode of Fuel/talk, James chats with Mark Shearer, Director of Movex about the future of vehicle movements. Movex can be described as ‘Uber for vehicle movements’ - the platform connects dealers with cars to move with transport providers who bid for the business on a reverse auction basis. It’s a simple but smart formula that, in a normal year, sees over 400 active providers compete for more than 100,000 vehicle movements. Mark joins James to talk about why the pandemic has given a renewed focus on vehicle movements, how the platform is helping both sides of the transaction create e ..read more