Geely launches in UK, Robert Forrester hits out at 'Motability tax', and how quickly should a dealer answer the phone? - with Nic Thomas, episode 228
About this episode
Geely's launch in the UK is a significant move as they aim to establish themselves in a competitive market. Nic Thomas, managing director of Chang'an UK, discusses the brand's strategy, emphasizing their commitment to quality and customer service. The episode also covers Robert Forrester's concerns about potential changes to the Motability scheme, which could impact disabled drivers. Additionally, the importance of prompt dealer responses to customer inquiries is highlighted, with statistics showing that quick follow-ups can greatly influence buyer decisions. The discussion provides insights into the evolving automotive landscape, particularly with the rise of Chinese brands.
Robert Forrester warns against potential ‘Motability tax’ as he hits out at ‘gimmick’ approach
Seat to become ‘entry’ brand within Volkswagen Group as ‘clear’ future is mapped out
Car dealers risk losing customers as slow responses drive buyers towards rival firms
Weekly Briefing: Behind the scenes of yet another Chinese brand launch as Geely lands in UK
John Clark Motor Group saw turnover rise last year but profits took a battering
rocker cover
"...they'd actually cracked the rocker cover on my BMW and it was leaking oil all over my foot, which was not ideal. But unfortunately, I found a BMW dealer on the route in Leon, which is in northern France."
The rocker cover is a part of the engine that keeps oil inside and protects the moving parts. If it gets damaged, it can leak oil, which is not good for the engine.
The rocker cover, also known as the valve cover, is a component of the engine that covers the rocker arms and valves. It helps keep oil contained within the engine and prevents dirt and debris from entering.
Geely
"But yeah, this was another brand launch. This was Geely. I mean, I'm sure we'll come on to this because there's sort of a story about it."
Geely is a car company from China that makes different types of vehicles. They also own other famous car brands like Volvo and Lotus.
Geely is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles and for acquiring several well-known brands, including Volvo and Lotus.
Volvo
"And of course, what Geely brings to the table is Volvo and Polestar and Lotus and London Taxi Company or whatever they're called."
Volvo is a car brand from Sweden that is famous for making safe and reliable cars. They are well-known for their safety features.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive brand known for its focus on safety, quality, and innovative design in its vehicles.
Lotus
"And of course, what Geely brings to the table is Volvo and Polestar and Lotus and London Taxi Company or whatever they're called."
Lotus is a car brand from the UK that makes sports cars known for being very light and fast. They focus on performance and handling.
Lotus is a British automotive company known for its lightweight sports cars and engineering expertise, emphasizing performance and handling.
Polestar
"And of course, what Geely brings to the table is Volvo and Polestar and Lotus and London Taxi Company or whatever they're called."
Polestar is a brand that makes electric cars and is connected to Volvo. They focus on high-performance and stylish electric vehicles.
Polestar is a performance electric vehicle brand that originated as a performance division of Volvo, focusing on electric and hybrid cars.
electric vehicles
"Then in the early days of electric vehicles, I went off to Japan. And I was head of the global EV business unit for Nissan..."
Electric vehicles are cars that use electricity to run instead of gasoline, which helps reduce pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Nissan Leaf
"...trying to launch the second generation of Leaf, so not the earliest days, but still when people looked to me..."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, making it more environmentally friendly.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric compact car that has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles globally, known for its practicality and affordability.
Chang'an
"So I joined Chang'an two years ago. I joined to set up the European business."
Chang'an is a car company from China that makes many types of vehicles. They are starting to sell more cars in Europe and other places around the world.
Chang'an is a major Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The company has been expanding its presence globally, particularly in Europe.
Mazda
"We have joint ventures with Ford and Mazda, so in China we make cars for them. But that's a very small part of what we do."
Mazda is a Japanese car company known for making stylish and fun-to-drive cars. They also partner with other companies to produce vehicles in different markets, like China.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker recognized for its innovative designs and technology, particularly its rotary engines. The company produces a range of vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, and has a global presence.
Chang'an D-pal SO7
"We start with the Chang'an D-pal SO7, which is the same size as a VW ID4 or a Tesla Model Y, that sort of thing."
The Chang'an D-pal SO7 is a type of electric SUV made by a Chinese company called Chang'an. It's similar in size to popular electric cars like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y.
The Chang'an D-pal SO7 is an electric SUV produced by the Chinese automaker Chang'an. It competes in the growing electric vehicle market, similar in size and category to models like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y.
Volkswagen Id4
"...hang'an D-pal SO7, which is the same size as a VW ID4 or a Tesla Model Y, that sort of thing."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV that is designed to be practical and easy to use. It's part of a new wave of cars that run on electricity instead of gas, which helps reduce pollution and is becoming more popular.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that marks VW's entry into the electric vehicle market, offering a blend of practicality and modern technology. It features a spacious interior, impressive range, and a user-friendly infotainment system, making it a strong competitor in the electric SUV segment. The ID.4 is significant as it represents Volkswagen's shift towards sustainable mobility and their commitment to electrification.
Tesla Model
"...the same size as a VW ID4 or a Tesla Model Y, that sort of thing."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It has a lot of modern technology and is known for its good range and performance, making it a favorite among electric car buyers.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It features advanced technology, impressive range, and strong performance, making it a popular choice in the electric vehicle market.
Ford Cougar
"...which is kind of Ford, Cougar, Nissan, cash guys type size. And both of those will have both EV and hybrid power trends."
The Ford Cougar is a car that Ford made a while ago. It's a sporty-looking coupe that was popular among younger drivers.
The Ford Cougar is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was known for its sporty design and was aimed at younger buyers looking for a stylish coupe.
EV and hybrid powertrains
"...And both of those will have both EV and hybrid power trends. And then we'll build out the range over the next couple of years..."
EV powertrains use electricity to run the car, while hybrid powertrains use both gas and electricity. This helps cars be more efficient and better for the environment.
EV (Electric Vehicle) powertrains are systems that use electric motors powered by batteries, while hybrid powertrains combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
residual value
"most of my Chinese colleagues didn't know what a residual value was. They didn't know what a monthly payment was."
Residual value is how much a car is expected to be worth after a few years. It's important for figuring out how much you pay each month if you're leasing a car.
Residual value refers to the estimated worth of a vehicle at the end of its lease or ownership period. It's a key factor in determining lease payments and can influence buying decisions.
Bmw X3
"...so you're into a BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC territory,..."
The BMW X3 is a luxury SUV that's great for families and offers good performance. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of features.
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that combines practicality with performance, making it a popular choice among buyers looking for a versatile vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Glc
"So you're into a BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC territory, but really in terms of sports,"
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a fancy SUV that offers a lot of comfort and style. It's known for being a smooth ride and has lots of high-tech features, making it a good option for people who want a nice car.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury compact SUV that combines elegance with performance, making it a popular choice among premium vehicle buyers. Known for its high-quality interior, advanced technology, and smooth ride, the GLC competes with other luxury SUVs like the BMW X3. It is often discussed for its balance of comfort and sportiness, appealing to those who seek a refined driving experience.
Audi GT
"...it's really a Porsche Titan and Audi GT and sort of vehicles,..."
The Audi GT is a sporty electric car from Audi. It’s designed to be fast and modern, fitting into the growing market of electric vehicles.
The Audi GT is a high-performance electric vehicle that showcases Audi's commitment to electric mobility, featuring a sleek design and advanced technology. It is part of Audi's expanding lineup of electric cars.
Porsche Taycan
"...it's really a Porsche Titan and Audi GT and sort of vehicles,..."
The Porsche Taycan is a high-end electric sports car from Porsche. It’s known for being fast and stylish, and it’s part of the growing trend of electric vehicles.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sports sedan that combines high performance with advanced technology and distinctive styling. It represents Porsche's entry into the electric vehicle market, offering impressive acceleration and handling.
battery warranty
"...and an eight-year battery warranty. So that gives you the peace of mind."
A battery warranty is a promise from the car maker that they will replace the battery for free if it stops working within a certain time. This warranty lasts for eight years, which is helpful for car owners.
A battery warranty specifically covers the vehicle's battery, ensuring that if it fails within the warranty period, the manufacturer will replace it at no cost. An eight-year battery warranty is a strong commitment from the manufacturer, especially for electric or hybrid vehicles where the battery is a critical component.
Dealerway
"...I've signed up for Dealerway alongside more than two and a half thousand other rated and vetted car dealers..."
Dealerway is a website where car dealers can sell cars that people trade in. It helps them get more money for those cars quickly and easily.
Dealerway is a platform that connects car dealers with a network to facilitate the sale of trade-in vehicles, helping them to sell these vehicles more efficiently and at better prices.
part exchanges
"...to sell my trade part exchanges. The site is designed for dealers to sell their part exchanges for more money quickly..."
Part exchanges are when you trade in your old car to help pay for a new one. It can make buying a new car cheaper because the dealer gives you some money for your old car.
Part exchanges refer to the practice of trading in a vehicle as part of the payment for a new or used car. This allows the seller to reduce the overall cost of their new purchase by applying the value of their old vehicle towards it.
Invercar
"an Invercar for younger listeners is one of those little tiny blue almost peculiar little three-wheeler cars that they used to give to disabled people many many many years ago instead of letting them drive an actual car"
The Invercar is a tiny three-wheeled car that was made for people with disabilities. It was a way to allow them to drive without needing a full-sized car.
The Invercar is a small three-wheeled vehicle designed primarily for disabled drivers, offering a compact and accessible alternative to traditional cars. It was produced in the UK and is known for its distinctive design and limited speed capabilities.
Seat
"Okay I'm going to talk about a little known brand now, Seat. Oh yes I remember them. Yeah they're back. Well they never left actually but I sort of forgot about them so this is news on what Seat is going to be"
Seat is a car brand from Spain that makes different types of cars. They are part of a larger company called Volkswagen, which owns many car brands.
Seat is a Spanish automobile manufacturer that is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. They produce a range of vehicles, often known for their sporty designs and affordability.
Škoda
"Skoda has become more premium than Seat which of course used to be their sporty"
Škoda is a car brand from the Czech Republic that makes reliable and affordable cars, often seen as good value for money.
Škoda is a Czech automobile manufacturer that is part of the Volkswagen Group, known for producing practical and value-oriented vehicles.
mild hybrid engines
"some mild hybrid engines right okay..."
Mild hybrid engines are a type of engine that combines a small electric motor with a regular gasoline engine. They help save fuel and reduce pollution but can't run only on electricity.
Mild hybrid engines use a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions without allowing the vehicle to run solely on electric power.
SEAT Leon
"...in 2029 there will be a new car, the Leon... that car came out in 2020..."
The SEAT Leon is a small car made by SEAT, a brand from Spain. It's popular for being stylish and having good fuel efficiency, especially with its newer hybrid engines.
The SEAT Leon is a compact car produced by the Spanish manufacturer SEAT. It is known for its sporty design and efficient engine options, including mild hybrid variants.
Seat Ateca
"...because I just rewind the clock back to a few years ago and I was talking to some franchise dealers that have Seat in their portfolios and they were having their way... cars like the Ateca were doing incredibly well for them because they were..."
The Seat Ateca is a small SUV that is known for being practical and stylish. It's a good option for people looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle everyday driving.
The Seat Ateca is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its practicality and design. It offers a range of engines and features, making it a competitive choice in the SUV market.
Volkswagen Group
"very very good cars Volkswagen Group product cars at a decent price point"
Volkswagen Group is a big car company in Germany that makes many different car brands like Volkswagen and Audi.
Volkswagen Group is a major automotive manufacturer based in Germany, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and more.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"... residual value for our SO7 then they have for an IONIQ 5 for an ID4"
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks really cool and has lots of space inside. It's important because it's part of a trend where more people are driving electric cars instead of gas ones, which are better for the environment.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact SUV that has gained attention for its futuristic design, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. It represents Hyundai's commitment to electric mobility and is part of their Ioniq sub-brand, which focuses on eco-friendly vehicles. The Ioniq 5 is often discussed for its competitive range and innovative features in the growing electric vehicle market.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.