Auto Trader tweaks Deal Builder, Ford teams up with Renault, and Volvo's falling out with Brindley Group – with Sam Watts, episode 235
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as the Car Dealer Podcast tackles the latest industry news, including Auto Trader's updates to Deal Builder, which aims to enhance dealer-customer interactions. Sam Watts from Family Car Guys shares insights on navigating a quiet December in car sales and the challenges of managing stock. The episode also covers Ford's collaboration with Renault for electric vehicles, the fallout between Volvo and the Brindley Group, and Cox Automotive's concerns over BCA's acquisition of Aston Barkley. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and expert opinions on the evolving automotive landscape.
Auto Trader tweaks Deal Builder product making reservations optional
Cox says BCA could command ‘unassailable market position’ following Aston Barclay deal
Ford to utilise Renault 5 platform as carmakers agree ‘landmark’ strategic partnership
Volvo cancels dealer’s contract with immediate effect after it moves into temporary showroom
Fast growing used car dealership boss and Peugeot MD to take to Car Dealer Live stage
Mini Goodwood
"It was a very nice mini inspired by Goodwood, which was a special edition that they made. I say they made, mini made it, and then they shipped it off to Rolls Royce..."
The Mini Goodwood is a special version of the Mini car that has luxury features added by Rolls Royce, like leather and wood finishes. It's designed to be more upscale than regular Minis.
The Mini Goodwood is a special edition of the Mini that was inspired by the luxury of Rolls Royce. It features high-end materials and finishes, making it a unique offering in the Mini lineup.
Rolls Royce
"...and then they shipped it off to Rolls Royce, and Rolls Royce filled it with Rolls Royce leather and carpet..."
Rolls Royce is a famous car company that makes very expensive and luxurious cars. They are known for using the best materials and allowing customers to customize their cars a lot.
Rolls Royce is a renowned luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-end vehicles and bespoke craftsmanship. They are famous for using premium materials and offering extensive customization options.
Mini
"So that's what you bid, but it went for 12 and a half, this 2007-2008 mini."
The Mini is a small and stylish car that is fun to drive. The 2007-2008 models are newer versions that have updated features and technology.
The Mini is a small car known for its compact size and fun driving experience. The 2007-2008 models are part of the modern generation of Mini vehicles, which maintain the classic design while incorporating modern technology and performance features.
timing chains
"...June was an unlucky month, and we started to get, they're like buses all coming at once, coming back with big issues, timing chains breaking on cars of 40,000 miles on the clocks. Cars, you just wouldn't expect these issues to be happening."
Timing chains help keep the engine parts moving in sync. If they break, it can cause serious engine problems, which is why it's surprising when they fail at low mileage.
Timing chains are critical components in an engine that synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. They ensure that the engine's valves open and close at the correct times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
"We've got, let's say we had a discovery sport, for instance. But we sell those cars like hotcakes down here."
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a type of SUV that can handle rough terrain and is often used for both city driving and outdoor adventures. It's known for being comfortable and practical.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a compact luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and versatility. It's popular in both urban and rural settings, making it a sought-after vehicle in various markets.
Honda Jazz
"...that's when we get offered cars, locally, little Honda Jazzes, the Yeti that came in the other day..."
The Honda Jazz is a small car that is easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's a good option for people who need a reliable vehicle for everyday use.
The Honda Jazz is a subcompact car known for its practicality and efficiency. It's popular in various markets for its spacious interior and versatility, making it a great choice for city driving.
Yeti
"...the Yeti that came in the other day, which we bought great cars, really great cars."
The Škoda Yeti is a small SUV that is good for driving in different conditions. It has a lot of room inside and is comfortable for passengers.
The Škoda Yeti is a compact SUV that combines practicality with off-road capability. It is well-regarded for its spacious interior and comfort, making it suitable for both urban and rural driving.
Peugeot 207
"So if it's an old Peugeot 207 banger, we'll make it a banger for someone. We'll get it right, we'll fix it up, we'll buy it at the right price, hopefully."
The Peugeot 207 is a small car that was made by the French company Peugeot. It's easy to drive around town and is good for everyday use.
The Peugeot 207 is a supermini car produced by the French automaker Peugeot from 2006 to 2014. It's known for its compact size and practicality, making it a popular choice for city driving.
flipping cars
"And by that, I mean you find a car, you buy the car, you fix it up a bit and you sell the car. It is very, very basic business."
Flipping cars is when someone buys a car for less money, fixes it up, and then sells it for more money. It's a way to make a profit by improving the car's value.
Flipping cars refers to the practice of buying vehicles at a lower price, making improvements or repairs, and then selling them for a profit. This can be a lucrative business for those who know how to identify undervalued cars.
Saab 93
"I mean, we've had a Saab 9-3 that we've had up for auction, John. It's done very, very well."
The Saab 9-3 is a car made by the company Saab. It's a smaller, sporty car that many people enjoy for its style and performance.
The Saab 9-3 is a compact executive car produced by the Swedish automaker Saab. It is known for its unique design and turbocharged engines, offering a blend of performance and comfort.
MOT history
"So, it's got MOT history on it. You know, a lot of car sites don't have MOT here."
MOT history is a record of a car's yearly safety checks in the UK. It shows if the car has passed or failed inspections, helping buyers know about any past problems.
MOT history refers to the record of a vehicle's annual inspection in the UK, known as the MOT test. This test checks that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards, and the history can reveal past issues or repairs.
Kia Picantos
"...ly, John, but if I do have a sudden influx of Kia Picantos, I know where to send them. Dealers can find out..."
The Kia Picanto is a small car that's easy to drive and park, perfect for city life. It's known for being budget-friendly and good on gas, which makes it a popular choice for people who want a reliable vehicle without spending too much money.
The Kia Picanto is a compact city car known for its affordability, practicality, and efficient use of space. It has gained popularity for its nimble handling and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for urban driving. The mention of Kia Picantos in the podcast likely relates to their availability and appeal in the small car market.
Volvo
"...this is Volvo canceling a dealer's contract with a major effect after it moved into a temporary showroom. So this is the Brindley group who operate Volvo or did operate Volvo in Wolverhampton."
Volvo is a car company from Sweden that makes safe and reliable vehicles. They are well-known for their focus on safety features in their cars.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety and durability. The brand has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles and has a strong presence in the luxury car market.
Hyundai
"He said, we decided to relocate our growing Hyundai business and to begin a new partnership with Cherry who will operate from the former Hyundai showroom and to support these changes, both the building's required modification, he said."
Hyundai is a car brand from South Korea that makes many types of vehicles, including cars and SUVs. They are popular for their affordable prices and long warranties.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs. They are known for offering good value and a strong warranty.
Cherry
"He said, we decided to relocate our growing Hyundai business and to begin a new partnership with Cherry who will operate from the former Hyundai showroom and to support these changes, both the building's required modification, he said."
Cherry is a car brand from China that makes different types of vehicles, often at lower prices. They are working to grow their business in other countries.
Cherry is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans and SUVs. They focus on affordability and have been expanding their presence in various markets.
Volvo EX30
"...to show you this excellent Japanese Volvo magazine that I bought to go with my lovely long term Volvo EX 30 series."
The Volvo EX30 is a new electric SUV made by Volvo. It's designed to be eco-friendly and stylish, showing Volvo's focus on electric cars.
The Volvo EX30 is a compact electric SUV from Volvo, designed to offer a blend of performance and sustainability. It represents Volvo's commitment to electric mobility and modern design.
electric underpinnings
"...they will be borrowing Renault's electric underpinnings for some of their cars going forwards."
Electric underpinnings are the parts and technology that make electric cars work, like the battery and electric motors.
Electric underpinnings refer to the foundational technology and components that support electric vehicles, such as the battery and electric motor systems.
Renault 5
"...the platform that's underneath the Renault 5 and the Alpine A290 and the Renault 4."
The Renault 5 is a small car that Renault made a long time ago, popular for being easy to drive and park.
The Renault 5 is a small hatchback that was produced by Renault from the 1970s to the 1980s, known for its compact size and efficiency.
Alpine A290
"...the Renault 5 and the Alpine A290 and the Renault 4."
The Alpine A290 is a new electric car made by a company called Alpine, which is part of Renault and is known for sporty cars.
The Alpine A290 is a modern electric vehicle from Alpine, a subsidiary of Renault, focusing on performance and sporty design.
Nissan Micra
"...the Nissan Micra and whatever else other cars are on this particular platform..."
The Nissan Micra is a small car made by Nissan that is great for driving in cities because it's easy to park and uses less gas.
The Nissan Micra is a small hatchback known for its compact size and fuel efficiency, popular in urban environments.
Ford Fiesta
"...ng to have a French Franco American tiny electric Ford Fiesta car. Now, like Ford says, this is going to be ve..."
The Ford Fiesta Active is a small car that looks a bit tougher than regular small cars, making it great for people who want to drive on different types of roads. It's still easy to handle and park, but it has some extra features that help it look and feel more adventurous.
The Ford Fiesta Active is a crossover variant of the popular Fiesta hatchback, designed to offer a more rugged appearance and enhanced versatility. It features raised suspension and additional body cladding, making it suitable for light off-road adventures while maintaining the Fiesta's fun driving dynamics. The discussion around the Fiesta Active may highlight its unique blend of practicality and style in the subcompact segment.
Ford Capri
"I think Ford have had their fingers burned on electric cars because the Capri and the Explorer."
The Ford Explorer is a type of SUV made by Ford that is known for being roomy and good for families.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 1990. It is known for its spacious interior and versatility, making it popular among families.
Ford Explorer
"...burned on electric cars because the Capri and the Explorer. Explorer? Yes, the Explorer."
Volkswagen ID.3
"...the ID for an ID 3. Volkswagen has an ID 2 coming out that they've been shouting about for quite some time."
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a smaller electric car made by Volkswagen. It's designed to be affordable and practical for everyday use.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a compact electric hatchback that is part of Volkswagen's ID family, designed for the mass market and built on the MEB platform.
Volkswagen ID.4
"...the Capri and the Explorer, both quite famously Volkswagen based products, same platform as the ID for an ID 3. Volkswagen has an ID 2 coming out that they've been shouting about for quite some time."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a fully electric SUV made by Volkswagen. It's part of a new line of electric cars that the company is producing.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It is built on the MEB platform, which is designed specifically for electric vehicles.
Volkswagen
"...the Capri and the Explorer, both quite famously Volkswagen based products, same platform as the ID for an ID 3."
Volkswagen is a German car company famous for making popular cars like the Beetle and the Golf. They are one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
Volkswagen is a German automaker known for producing a variety of vehicles, including the iconic Volkswagen Beetle and the Golf. The company is a major player in the global automotive market and is part of the Volkswagen Group, which includes several other brands.
platform sharing
"...Why is Ford not borrowing the underpinnings from that? I wonder if Ford and VW or Ford perhaps not very happy with the VW products they've been getting."
Platform sharing is when car companies use the same basic structure for different models. This helps them save money and make production easier.
Platform sharing refers to the practice of using the same vehicle architecture or platform for multiple models, allowing manufacturers to save costs and streamline production.
Skoda
"...they hadn't heard of a Volkswagen or Skoda dealer going into administration for 25 years. So I think they are, they're the sort of brands that don't normally end up in that way."
Skoda is a car brand from the Czech Republic that makes affordable cars. They are part of the Volkswagen family and are known for being practical and good value.
Skoda is a Czech automobile manufacturer that is part of the Volkswagen Group. The brand is known for producing affordable and practical vehicles, often praised for their value for money.
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