Automotive Management

22/07/2026

Fleet operators are becoming increasingly frustrated by how some manufacturers and dealer networks respond to vehicle faults.

The Association of Fleet Professionals says members have raised issues around handbrakes, tyres, windscreen sensor software, alarms and EV traction batteries.

Some fleets say they are being told their problems are one-offs, only to find other operators are facing the same issues.

For dealers and aftersales teams, this is where downtime becomes a brand reputation issue. If parts, technician capacity or warranty support are too slow, fleets may start looking elsewhere.

Are fleets getting enough support from OEMs and franchised networks when vehicles go wrong?

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22/07/2026

How much do you trust the history behind the used cars coming into stock?

Arnold Clark is adding Solera Cap HPI incident history data to its retail and remarketing operations as part of a renewed three-year partnership.

The data will help identify previously unrecorded damage events earlier in the vehicle appraisal process.

For dealers, that could support better buying decisions, more accurate pricing and stronger customer confidence when retailing used cars.

It will also be used across Central Car Auctions and integrated into Arnold Clark’s Invent auction management platform.

Are more detailed damage history checks becoming essential for used car retailers?

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21/07/2026

The automotive industry is urging the new Government to give clearer support to motor retail, manufacturing, fleet and aftermarket businesses.

Following Andy Burnham’s appointment as prime minister, trade bodies including the NFDA, SMMT, IMI and BVRLA have set out what they want to see from the new cabinet.

Key issues include the ZEV mandate, eVED, EV charging, automotive skills, apprenticeships and long-term investment certainty.

For dealers and sales teams, the practical question is simple: can businesses keep investing in EV retailing, training and customer support without clearer policy direction?

What would make the biggest difference on the ground: ZEV clarity, charging support, skills investment or stronger EV incentives?

Read the full industry reaction in the comments ⬇️💬

21/07/2026

Zeekr International is preparing to launch in the UK, but it has not yet confirmed how its cars will be sold.

The Geely Auto-owned premium EV brand has appointed Tom Johnson as chief commercial officer for Zeekr UK ahead of orders opening before the end of 2026.

Johnson has more than two decades of retail and network experience, including roles at Ineos Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley Motors.

For dealers, the big question is whether Zeekr will build a franchised network, keep a direct-to-consumer model, or use a mix of physical and online channels.

Would you expect a premium EV brand to need established dealer partners to build customer confidence in the UK?

Read the full story in the comments.

21/07/2026

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20/07/2026

Motor Range has passed £100m in annual revenue after expanding its used-car supermarket business.

The North West independent dealership grew revenue by 14% to £105.3m after acquiring a former Sytner CarShop site in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The business sold 6,186 vehicles during the year and now operates across Liverpool and Manchester.

Profit fell by almost 30%, but Motor Range said this was linked to one-off acquisition costs, while roadworks near its Liverpool site also affected trading.

For used-car retailers, does independence make it easier to respond to changing demand and stock the cars customers actually want?

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20/07/2026

Johnsons Cars and Brayleys Cars will come together under a new name: Athenea.

The rebrand will create one national identity across the combined AM100 dealer group, which now operates 79 franchise sales points, represents 21 brands and employs close to 2,000 people.

The new brand will start rolling out from late 2026 across dealerships, digital channels and customer communications.

For customers, the group says the same employees, dealerships and services will remain in place as the new identity is introduced.

For dealers, it’s another sign of how consolidation is reshaping the AM100.

Could a single national brand make integration easier after major dealer group acquisitions?

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17/07/2026

Honda says its renewed focus on hybrids and tactical EV launches will help it get closer to what customers actually want.

The brand has cancelled the Honda 0 series and is putting more emphasis on sustainable profitability, customer choice and models that match real-world demand.

For dealers, the interesting part is the showroom opportunity. Honda UK says the sub-£20k Super-N electric city car could bring in younger, incremental customers, while the new Prelude reconnects with the brand’s performance appeal.

With Chinese new entrants increasing competition, Honda also says dealership product knowledge will be key.

Are your customers still leaning towards hybrids, or are more ready to consider full EVs?

Read the full Honda interview in the comments ⬇️💬

17/07/2026

PEUGEOT UK has appointed Steve Wass as managing director.

Wass moves up from his role as Peugeot UK sales director and has more than 25 years of experience across sales, aftersales, dealership operations and marketing.

He succeeds Nicola Dobson, who has moved into a wider Stellantis UK role as marketing operations director.

For Peugeot retailers, the appointment brings a leader with experience across several areas of the brand and the wider Stellantis business.

What would you want to see from Peugeot UK’s new leadership?

Read the full appointment story in the comments 💬🔗

16/07/2026

The FCA has acted against 170 misleading car finance claims adverts in June.

The regulator says some promotions did not make clear they were financial promotions, while others used references to the FCA’s proposed motor finance redress scheme in ways that could mislead consumers.

Since January 2024, more than 1,200 adverts have been removed or changed following FCA intervention.

For dealers and finance teams, this could add to customer confusion around motor finance claims, especially as the redress scheme is still unresolved.

The FCA says motorists do not need to use a claims firm or law firm to claim compensation through any regulatory redress scheme.

Are customers asking your dealership more questions about finance claims?

Read the full story in the comments ⬇️🔗