Peter Waddell court case continues, DxB snaps up Harwoods JLR & BMW ops, and car finance redress scheme to be confirmed this month – with Tony Sciascia & Marc Palmer, episode 246
About this episode
The podcast covers the ongoing Peter Waddell court case, the acquisition of Harwoods' JLR and BMW operations by DxB, and the upcoming confirmation of a car finance redress scheme. Hosts John Ray and James Fackett discuss dealership experiences, including buying back cars and using stocking loans. Guests Tony Sciascia, managing director of Celtic Subaru and KGM, and AutoTrader's Mark Palmer share insights on brand strategies, Mitsubishi's return to the UK market, and the impact of new plate changes. The episode blends industry news with practical dealer perspectives and market analysis.
Waddell nicknamed employee ‘Ching the P***’ because ‘his father ran a corner shop’
Daksh Gupta held talks over becoming Big Motoring World CEO after Marshall departure
Weekly Briefing: High Court hears there was ANOTHER bidder for Big Motoring World
New car registrations enjoy best February in 22 years – but ZEV mandate fears return
Car finance redress scheme to be confirmed this month as FCA considers ‘implementation period’
Dubai firm DxB Auto Investments buys Harwoods’ JLR and BMW operations in UK expansion
Time is running out to secure your Car Dealer Live tickets with just two weeks to go
Autotrader
"The Cardiola podcast is sponsored by Autotrader. John, have you ever wondered why I, along with 14,000 other dealers, choose to partner with Autotrader?"
Autotrader is a website where people can buy and sell cars. Dealers use it to find customers who want to buy cars.
Autotrader is an online marketplace and platform that connects car dealers and private sellers with potential buyers, facilitating vehicle sales primarily in the UK and other markets.
Mercedes-Benz CLK
"Very sad. Was that the lovely CLK that you thought would call for another 100,000 ..."
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a fancy two-door car that’s nice to drive and looks good. People sometimes worry about how much it costs to keep it running after many years.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a luxury coupe or convertible produced in the late 1990s and 2000s, known for its elegant design and comfortable ride. It is often discussed in terms of longevity and maintenance costs, with some owners expecting it to last well beyond 100,000 miles.
Next Gear
"Now, we've signed up with Next Gear, and there'll be lots of people listening to this podcast who are probably thinking..."
Next Gear helps people buy cars by finding good deals from different dealers, making it easier to get a fair price.
Next Gear is a company that facilitates car buying by connecting buyers with dealers to get competitive offers, often helping to simplify the car purchasing process.
Carwow
"But the reason we've done it is they've partnered with Carwow. Next week, we're going to be doing one of our Battle of the Buyers videos..."
Carwow is a website that helps people see different prices from car sellers so they can choose the best deal when buying a new car.
Carwow is an online platform that helps consumers compare offers from multiple car dealers to find the best price and deal on new cars.
franchised retailer
"And we kind of reinvented ourselves as an independent, franchised retailer, focusing predominantly on used cars, growing that business."
A franchised retailer is a car dealer that is officially allowed by a car company to sell their new cars. They also help with repairs and warranties from the car company.
A franchised retailer is a car dealership authorized by a manufacturer to sell new vehicles of that brand, often with access to manufacturer support and warranties. This contrasts with independent used car dealers.
used cars
"focusing predominantly on used cars, growing that business. And at the same time, then, Subaru came along and asked if we would get into bed with them,"
Used cars are cars that other people have owned before. Dealers sell these cars after checking them to make sure they work well.
Used cars are vehicles that have had previous owners. Selling used cars is a common business model for dealerships, often involving inspection, reconditioning, and warranty offerings.
BMW M4
"the wrong end of the M4 in Swansea. But we do punch above our weight, I think, and we're okay."
The BMW M4 is a fast and sporty car made by BMW. It's known for being fun to drive and having a strong engine.
The BMW M4 is a high-performance version of the BMW 4 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It is a popular choice among enthusiasts for its blend of luxury and performance.
Mitsubishi Outlander
"and the Outlander PHEV, which was very, very popular when it originally launched back in 2014."
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a car that uses both gas and electricity to drive. It can run on just electricity for short distances, which helps save gas and is better for the environment. It first came out in 2014 and many people liked it.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with electric motors, allowing for electric-only driving and improved fuel efficiency. It was first launched in 2014 and became popular for its eco-friendly technology and versatility.
official importer
"But Mitsubishi and now the official importer in the UK is IN Group, who obviously still also look after Subaru."
An official importer is a company that brings cars from the factory to a country and sells them there with permission from the car maker.
An official importer is a company authorized by a car manufacturer to import and distribute their vehicles in a specific country or region.
MG
"...I'd be more worried if I was MG or Kia or Hyundai, one of those brands."
MG is a car brand from Britain that used to make sports cars and now makes SUVs and electric cars.
MG is a British automotive marque known historically for sports cars and currently producing SUVs and electric vehicles. It is considered a niche or smaller volume brand.
Kia
"...I'd be more worried if I was MG or Kia or Hyundai, one of those brands."
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes cars and SUVs that many people find affordable and dependable.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing affordable and reliable cars and SUVs. It has grown significantly in global markets.
Hyundai
"...I'd be more worried if I was MG or Kia or Hyundai, one of those brands."
Hyundai is a big car company from South Korea that makes many types of cars, including small cars and SUVs, and is known for good value.
Hyundai is a major South Korean car manufacturer producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs. It is known for value and improving quality.
add-ons
""And you know, when we sell a car, you know, we sell add-ons, don't we? Whatever it is, paint protection, service plan, whatever.""
Add-ons are extra things you can buy when you get a car, like special protection or extra services, but you don't have to get them if you don't want to.
Add-ons are optional products or services sold alongside a vehicle purchase, such as extended warranties, protection packages, or subscription services, which can increase the overall cost.
service plan
""Whatever it is, paint protection, service plan, whatever. I think auto trader would be better served having a similar model...""
A service plan is like paying ahead for regular check-ups and fixes for your car so you don't have to worry about big repair bills later.
A service plan is a prepaid agreement covering scheduled maintenance and servicing of a vehicle, often offered by dealerships or third parties to help owners manage maintenance costs and keep the car in good condition.
paint protection
""Whatever it is, paint protection, service plan, whatever. I think auto trader would be better served having a similar model...""
Paint protection is like a shield for your car's paint that stops it from getting scratched or faded by the sun and weather, so your car looks nice for longer.
Paint protection refers to coatings or films applied to a car's exterior to protect the paint from scratches, UV rays, and environmental damage, helping maintain the vehicle's appearance and value.
part exchanges
""So when we were a Mitsubishi dealer up until 2020, 80% of my new stock were part exchanges. I was only under sourceable 20%.""
Part exchange means you give your old car to the dealer when buying a new one, and they use it to help pay for the new car. The dealer then sells your old car to someone else.
Part exchange is a process where a customer trades in their current vehicle as part payment towards a new vehicle. Dealers then resell the traded-in vehicle as used stock.
electric cars
""Electric cars is always the other story in the new car market, isn't it? Year to date, that share sits at 22%, volumes up just over a percent.""
Electric cars run on batteries and don't use gas, so they don't pollute the air like regular cars. They are becoming more popular as people want cleaner ways to get around.
Electric cars are vehicles powered entirely by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, producing zero tailpipe emissions. They are a key part of the automotive industry's shift towards sustainable transportation.
plug-in hybrid
""Good news for you, Tony. Plug-in hybrid volume is up.""
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can use both gas and electricity. You can charge their batteries by plugging them in, so they can drive some distance without using gas, which saves fuel and reduces pollution.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source. They can run on electric power alone for short distances before switching to gasoline.
supply
"And they all talked about supply and the fear of buying the wrong cars"
Supply means how many cars are available for sale. If there aren't many, it can be tough to find the car you want.
Supply refers to the availability of cars in the market, which affects prices and buyer choices. When supply is low, it can be harder to find certain cars, leading to higher prices.
Nissan Leaf
"Yeah, so we've got a couple of Nissan Leafs in stock at the moment."
The Nissan Leaf is a car that runs only on electricity, so it doesn't use gas and doesn't pollute the air. Many people use it for driving around town because it's easy to charge and drive.
The Nissan Leaf is a popular all-electric compact hatchback known for being one of the first mass-market electric vehicles. It offers zero emissions driving and has been widely adopted for urban commuting.
Volkswagen Egolf
"We've got an e-Golf. They always seem to be popular."
The e-Golf is a version of the Volkswagen Golf that runs only on electricity instead of gas. It drives quietly and doesn't produce pollution when you drive it.
The Volkswagen e-Golf is an all-electric version of the popular Golf hatchback, offering electric driving with a familiar compact car design. It was Volkswagen's early entry into the electric vehicle market.
Dodge Charger
"...ad to buy back a car that had a problem with the charger. I've been running it for the last three weeks a..."
The Dodge Charger is a big, fast car that looks sporty but can also be used every day. People talk about it because sometimes it can have problems, like with its battery or engine parts, which might need fixing.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size American muscle sedan known for its powerful engine options and aggressive styling. It is significant for blending performance with practicality, often discussed in contexts involving reliability or performance issues. The mention of a problem with the charger might refer to either the vehicle's electrical charging system or a specific mechanical issue.
Dodge Challenger
"...ike how buyers are really using AI, what Chinese challenger brands mean for your forecourt and how the best ..."
The Dodge Challenger is a cool, fast car that looks like old muscle cars from the past. People talk about it when they discuss new car brands from other countries and how they might change what cars people want to buy.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its retro styling and powerful V8 engines. It remains popular among enthusiasts and is often discussed in relation to market trends, including the impact of emerging Chinese challenger brands in the automotive sector.
Tesla
"...Tesla down 37%."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars, which run on batteries instead of gas. They are famous for being high-tech and helping the environment.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative electric cars, autopilot technology, and focus on sustainable energy. It has significantly influenced the automotive industry towards electrification.
Seat
"...Seat down 32%."
Seat is a car company from Spain that makes cars people can afford and enjoy driving. They are part of a bigger car company called Volkswagen.
Seat is a Spanish automotive brand that produces a range of passenger cars, often known for sporty and affordable models. It is part of the Volkswagen Group.
Fiat
"because I also missed that about Fiat. But yeah, down 69% with just 188 sales last month."
Fiat is a car company from Italy that makes small and affordable cars.
Fiat is an Italian automotive brand known for small city cars and affordable vehicles, with a long history in the European and global markets.
Ford
"But Ford is up by a good chunk."
Ford is a big car company from the United States that makes many types of vehicles like trucks and cars.
Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles including trucks, SUVs, and cars.
Renault
"Renault going really well year on year."
Renault is a car company from France that makes many different types of cars, including electric ones.
Renault is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a variety of cars, including small city cars and electric vehicles.
Honda
"you know where to go now, which is to auto-trader to the Honda section. Lovely. I'm going to try and..."
Honda is a company that makes cars, including small electric SUVs that run on electricity instead of gas.
Honda is a major Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and efficient cars, including electric and hybrid models. They offer vehicles in various segments, including B-segment electric SUVs.
Jaguar Fpace
"Yeah, I guess. One lonely F-pace somewhere. Yeah."
The Jaguar F-Pace is a fancy SUV that’s fun to drive and looks stylish. It’s not as common as some other SUVs, so you might not see many of them around.
The Jaguar F-Pace is a luxury compact SUV combining sporty performance with premium features, representing Jaguar's entry into the SUV market. It is often noted for its stylish design and driving dynamics but can be less common compared to competitors.
Subaru Outback
"...to go through the positives and negatives of the Outback and the Forester. Nice to see you, Tony."
The Subaru Outback is a car that can drive on all kinds of roads, like dirt or snow, and is good for families or people who like adventures. People like to talk about what’s good and bad about it compared to similar cars.
The Subaru Outback is a versatile crossover wagon known for its all-wheel drive and practicality, making it popular for outdoor activities and family use. It's often compared with the Subaru Forester when discussing positives and negatives related to space, performance, and reliability.
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