Constellation's multi-million pound losses in detail, and was 2025 the year of the Chinese car? – with Tim Atkinson, episode 238
About this episode
Tim Atkinson, founder of Sports and Touring, joins the Car Dealer Podcast to discuss the challenges facing the automotive industry, including Constellation Automotive's significant losses and the rise of Chinese car manufacturers. Tim shares insights on his journey from aviation to car sales, emphasizing the unpredictability of retail car sales and the impact of consumer rights legislation. The episode also explores the competitive landscape, with a focus on how independent dealers can adapt to market changes and the importance of maintaining quality in customer service.
CarWow
"...interesting leads from places like CarGurus and CarWow."
CarWow is a website that helps you find the best deals on new cars. You can see offers from different dealerships and choose the one that works for you.
CarWow is an online platform that allows users to compare new car deals from different dealerships. It helps buyers get the best price on their new cars by facilitating competitive offers.
CarGurus
"...interesting leads from places like CarGurus and CarWow."
CarGurus is a website where you can buy and sell cars. It helps you find good deals and compare prices from different sellers.
CarGurus is an online automotive marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of cars. It provides tools for users to research vehicles and compare prices from various dealerships.
Jaguar F-Type
"...the second car I bought into stock was an F-Type Jaguar. And I went and collected it myself..."
The Jaguar F-Type is a high-end sports car that looks great and drives really well. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, with different engine options to choose from.
The Jaguar F-Type is a luxury sports car known for its stunning design and performance. It offers a range of powerful engines and is celebrated for its driving dynamics and handling.
Jaguar Type Jaguar
"... But the second car I bought into stock was an F type Jaguar. And I went and collected it myself."
Jaguar is a brand that makes fancy and fast cars, and the F-Type is one of their sports cars that looks really cool and drives very well. People often buy Jaguars for their luxury and performance, and they are seen as a status symbol. When someone talks about getting an F-Type, they are usually excited about owning a high-quality car.
Jaguar is a British luxury vehicle brand known for its stylish design and high-performance cars. The F-Type, specifically, is a sports car that combines sleek aesthetics with powerful engine options, making it a desirable choice among car enthusiasts. The mention of purchasing an F-Type highlights its appeal as a symbol of luxury and performance in the automotive world.
Jaguar XKRS
"...We do some X KRs, X KRSs, X FRSs, the other, you know, quite rare and very powerful Jaguar stock."
The Jaguar XKRS is a sportier version of the Jaguar XK, made for people who want a faster and more exciting car. It has better performance features than the standard model.
The Jaguar XKRS is an even more performance-oriented version of the Jaguar XK series, featuring enhanced power and handling capabilities. It is designed for enthusiasts who desire a thrilling driving experience.
Jaguar XFR
"...We do some X KRs, X KRSs, X FRSs, the other, you know, quite rare and very powerful Jaguar stock."
The Jaguar XFR is a faster version of the Jaguar XF, which is a luxury sedan. It has a powerful engine and is built for better performance and handling.
The Jaguar XFR is a high-performance version of the Jaguar XF sedan, equipped with a powerful supercharged engine and sport-tuned suspension for enhanced driving dynamics.
Kia Sportage
"This week, for example, we had a Kia Sportage come back to us, the customer had been complaining,"
The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that's good for families or anyone needing extra space. It's known for being reliable and has many useful features.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV known for its reliability and practicality. It's popular among families and individuals looking for a versatile vehicle with modern features.
EV
"...if that had been an EV with a significant battery problem, there isn't a route to parting it out."
An EV, or Electric Vehicle, is a car that uses electricity to run instead of gas. This makes them better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that runs entirely on electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology.
auction fee
"And that's before you put in their 500 quid fee for auctioning you the phone number of the person who owns it."
An auction fee is the money you pay to take part in an auction. It helps cover the costs of running the auction.
An auction fee is a charge that buyers must pay to participate in an auction, often covering administrative costs or services provided by the auction house.
Nissan Primera
"...for example, there was a Nissan Primera that went for a motorway auction this week that was up for 1200 pounds."
The Nissan Primera is a type of compact car made by Nissan. It was popular for being reliable and practical for everyday use.
The Nissan Primera is a compact car that was produced by Nissan from 1990 to 2007. It is known for its practicality and reliability, making it a popular choice in various markets.
Porsche
"...I would now be doing similar things in social media with maybe Porsche, Maserati, Aston and so forth"
Porsche is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes fast and stylish cars. They are famous for their sports cars, especially the 911 model.
Porsche is a German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. The brand is particularly famous for models like the Porsche 911 and the Porsche Cayenne.
Maserati
"...I would now be doing similar things in social media with maybe Porsche, Maserati, Aston and so forth"
Maserati is an Italian car brand that makes luxury sports cars. They are known for their beautiful designs and powerful engines.
Maserati is an Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its stylish and high-performance cars. The brand is recognized for its unique design and sporty driving experience.
Aston Martin
"...I would now be doing similar things in social media with maybe Porsche, Maserati, Aston and so forth"
Aston Martin is a British car brand that makes luxury sports cars. They are known for their classy looks and fast performance, and they often appear in movies like James Bond.
Aston Martin is a British luxury sports car manufacturer famous for its elegant design and high-performance vehicles. The brand is often associated with James Bond films.
Volkswagen Ups
"...more exciting than the automatic Volkswagen ups I've got in stock. I'm mildly jealous I must say."
The Volkswagen up! is a small car made for driving in cities. It's easy to park and saves on gas, making it a good choice for city dwellers.
The Volkswagen up! is a city car designed for urban environments, known for its compact size and efficiency. It offers a practical solution for city driving with a focus on fuel economy and maneuverability.
Volkswagen up
"...Mrs Smith would like to advertise her Volkswagen up. I'll just send her a messenger message..."
The Volkswagen up is a small car made for city driving. It's easy to park and great for getting around town without taking up too much space.
The Volkswagen up is a small city car designed for urban driving, known for its compact size and efficiency. It features a simple design and is often praised for its practicality and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Renault Modus
"...d I got to know their corporate psychology, their modus operandi and so forth and it was quite familiar ..."
The Renault Modus is a small family car that is designed to be practical and easy to drive, especially in cities. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and their belongings, making it a good choice for families. People might talk about it when discussing how companies design their products to meet people's needs.
The Renault Modus is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) produced by the French automaker Renault from 2004 to 2012. It is known for its practical interior space and versatility, making it a popular choice for families and urban drivers. The Modus stands out for its unique design and efficient use of space, which may be why it was referenced in a discussion about corporate psychology and operational methods.
Dealerway
"I've actually got a new habit. I've signed up for Dealerway alongside more than two and a half thousand other rated and vetted car dealers to sell my trade part exchanges."
Dealerway is a website where car dealers can buy and sell cars from each other. It helps them find good deals and manage their car sales better.
Dealerway is a platform that connects car dealers, allowing them to sell and trade vehicles more efficiently. It provides a space for rated and vetted dealers to manage their inventory and transactions.
Kia Picantos
"...of Kia Picantos I know where to send them dealers can find out more at..."
The Kia Picanto is a small car that's great for driving in the city. It's easy to park and uses less gas, making it a good choice for city living.
The Kia Picanto is a compact city car known for its small size and efficiency. It's popular in urban areas due to its maneuverability and fuel economy.
Tesla Model
"...stuff like Tesla Model Y to really cheap Kia Picantos the sort of stuff that they probably gave them pennies for really..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It has a long driving range and is packed with technology, making it popular among those looking for eco-friendly vehicles.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that offers impressive range and performance, along with advanced technology features. It's part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles, known for their innovative design and sustainability.
BYD
"the big winners are unsurprisingly two Chinese brands so BYD"
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are becoming popular for their eco-friendly vehicles.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its electric vehicles and batteries. The company has gained significant recognition in the global market for its innovative technology and sustainable practices.
Alpine A290
"...by the new A290 affordable electric hatchback thing Polestar also doing well"
The Alpine A290 is a new electric car that is designed to be affordable and practical. It's a hatchback, which means it has a rear door that swings upward, making it easy to access the trunk.
The Alpine A290 is an affordable electric hatchback that has recently contributed to an increase in registrations for the brand. Alpine is known for its sporty and performance-oriented vehicles, and the A290 represents a shift towards more accessible electric mobility.
Polestar
"...Polestar also doing well"
Polestar is a brand that makes electric cars, and it started as a company that modified Volvo cars to make them faster and sportier. Now, they create their own line of electric vehicles.
Polestar is a performance electric vehicle brand that originated as a tuning company for Volvo cars. It has since evolved into a standalone brand focusing on high-performance electric vehicles.
Honda
"...now bigger than Seat, Honda, Citroen..."
Honda is a car brand from Japan that makes reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. Some of their popular models are the Civic and Accord.
Honda is a Japanese automaker known for producing reliable cars, motorcycles, and power equipment. Popular models include the Honda Civic and Honda Accord.
Jeep
"...Lexus, Jeep, Fiat you know all these..."
Jeep is a car brand famous for making tough vehicles that can go off-road. The Wrangler is one of their most popular models, known for its ability to handle rough terrain.
Jeep is an American brand known for its rugged off-road vehicles. The brand is iconic for models like the Jeep Wrangler, which is designed for off-road adventures.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"...BYD has predominantly been EV until most I don't know halfway through last year..."
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely by electricity, using batteries instead of gasoline or diesel. They are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
plug-in hybrid
"...they sort of started introducing more plug-in hybrid stuff"
A plug-in hybrid is a type of car that can use both electricity and gas. You can charge it by plugging it in, which helps save on fuel.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that can be charged from an external power source and can run on both electricity and gasoline. This allows for greater flexibility and efficiency compared to traditional hybrids.
Audi
"you know brands like Audi they dropped out of the top three"
Audi is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are known for their stylish designs and high-tech features.
Audi is a German automotive manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and advanced technology. It is part of the Volkswagen Group and has a strong presence in the global automotive market.
Nissan
"last year Nissan down 10.3%"
Nissan is a car brand from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, including sedans and SUVs. They are popular for their reliable cars.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and trucks. They are known for models like the Altima and the Rogue.
Mercedes-Benz
"and Mercedes down 13.1% they are all brands"
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known luxury car brand from Germany. They make high-end cars that are known for their comfort and performance.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles, advanced engineering, and innovative technology. It is part of the Daimler AG group.
Ford
"...is Ford Ford in fact in the top three for the first time in quite some time..."
Ford is a well-known car company from the United States that makes many types of vehicles, including popular trucks and sports cars.
Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars. It has a long history in the automotive industry and is recognized for models like the Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang.
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