Peter Waddell in court, Polestar boss hails 'renaissance of the dealers', and latest on finance redress scheme – with Mike Askew, episode 244
About this episode
Peter Waddell's court case takes center stage as the podcast discusses its implications for the automotive industry. Mike Askew, a guest and fellow podcaster, shares insights on the 'renaissance of the dealers' as Polestar's leadership emphasizes the importance of traditional dealerships in the evolving market. The episode also touches on the latest developments in the finance redress scheme, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current industry challenges and opportunities. Expect engaging anecdotes and a lively discussion about the state of car sales and the unique cars that often slip through the cracks.
Used car sales generated more than 18,500 customer complaints in 2025 – Motor Ombudsman
FCA agrees to climbdown over car finance redress scheme with carmakers set for exemption
Peter Waddell accused of using disabilities as a ‘fig leaf’ as High Court trial continues
Waddell ran ‘fiefdom’ and complained about ‘too many muslims’, court hears
Polestar boss hails ‘renaissance of the dealers’ as brand unveils biggest product push yet
Car Dealer Live 26 manufacturer panel now complete with Subaru and Xpeng chief joining line-up
Rivian
"...the first one's coming out on Sunday night, which is about the Rivian, which we talked at length about on the podcast last week. So I'm looking forward to putting that one out on the YouTube channel because I was very impressed with that car, very impressed indeed."
Rivian is a company that makes electric vehicles, including a pickup truck called the R1T. It's built for both everyday use and off-road adventures.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its all-electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. The R1T is designed for off-road capability and features a unique design and technology.
Clangors
"...that timeframe are what we call Clangors. They're sort of they're caught between being classics and bangers. So they're typically not a lot of money."
Clangors are cars that are not quite old enough to be classic cars but are also not new. They are usually cheap and have some sentimental value, even if they aren't worth much money.
Clangors refer to cars that are in a unique category, caught between being considered classic cars and bangers, which are typically older cars that are not highly valued. These vehicles often have nostalgic value but are generally affordable and not seen as collectible.
Renault Mégane
"...incredibly excited about a base level McGann, you know, 1.6 non turbo diesel and he would buy that."
The Renault Mégane is a small car that many people in Europe drive. It comes in different versions, including ones that use diesel fuel, which is a type of fuel that can be more efficient than regular gasoline.
The Renault Mégane is a compact car that has been popular in Europe since its introduction in the 1990s. It is known for its practicality and range of engine options, including diesel variants.
W211 Mercedes
"...episode 10 was the latest one, which was the W211 Mercedes, which Craig wanted to do and Tom and I didn't want to do because we both think it's incredibly boring, dull, old barge."
The W211 is a model of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is a line of luxury cars. Some people think it's not very exciting or fun to drive, but others appreciate its comfort and features.
The W211 is the internal designation for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produced from 2002 to 2009. It is known for its comfortable ride and luxury features, but some enthusiasts find it less exciting compared to sportier models.
Evo
"...We did the Imprezsor and the Evo, which again, we liked, but Craig didn't because he said they weren't clangers because you can't you can't buy"
The Evo is a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi Lancer, designed for speed and handling. It's popular among car fans for its racing capabilities and sporty design.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, commonly referred to as the Evo, is a high-performance version of the Lancer compact car. It is known for its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and rally-inspired performance.
Impreza
"...We've done other cars in the past. We did the Imprezsor and the Evo, which again, we liked, but Craig didn't because he said they weren't clangers because you can't you can't buy"
The Subaru Impreza is a small car that is known for being fun to drive, especially the sportier versions. It's also good in bad weather because it has all-wheel drive, which helps with traction.
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car known for its all-wheel-drive system and sporty performance, particularly in the WRX variant. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its rally heritage and driving dynamics.
BMW Z3
"I think we did Roadsters, which was the Z3 and the MGF."
The BMW Z3 is a small, sporty convertible car made by BMW from 1995 to 2002. It's loved for its fun driving experience and stylish looks.
The BMW Z3 is a compact roadster that was produced from 1995 to 2002. It is known for its sporty performance and classic styling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
MGF
"I think we did Roadsters, which was the Z3 and the MGF."
The MGF is a small, two-seat convertible car made by MG from 1992 to 2002. It's known for being light and fun to drive, appealing to car lovers.
The MGF is a two-seater roadster produced by MG from 1992 to 2002. It is known for its lightweight design and engaging driving experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Ford Puma
"But the other one, the one that really got me was it Ford Racing Puma. Racing Puma. Yeah, I did that one."
The Ford Racing Puma is a sportier version of the Ford Puma, which is a small car. It's designed to be more fun to drive and has better performance than the regular version.
The Ford Racing Puma is a performance-oriented version of the Ford Puma, a compact car. It features enhancements for better handling and power, appealing to driving enthusiasts.
MG ZS
"...very angry customers who, you know, bought an MG ZS or whatever it was. And if the gearbox and blow it up..."
The MG ZS is a small SUV made by the MG brand. It's known for being affordable and stylish, but some owners have reported issues with reliability, especially with the gearbox.
The MG ZS is a compact SUV that has been produced by MG since 1995. It has gone through several iterations, with the latest version being a modern crossover that appeals to a younger audience.
Skoda Karoq
"...I've got I've got a Skoda Karoq at the moment and had a Cooper born before that..."
The Skoda Karoq is a small SUV that is easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's designed to be practical and comfortable for everyday use.
The Skoda Karoq is a compact SUV that is known for its practicality and user-friendly design. It offers a comfortable ride and a range of efficient engines, making it a popular choice among families and individuals alike.
Mini Cooper
"...and had a Cooper born before that. And they were just you just get in it and drive it."
The Mini Cooper is a small, stylish car that is fun to drive. It's known for its unique look and good handling, making it popular in cities.
The Mini Cooper is a small car known for its distinctive design and sporty handling. It has a reputation for being fun to drive and is often seen as a stylish choice for urban driving.
Kia Picanto
"...ecause I'm paying my own bills. So I just go Kia Picanto or similar whenever I hire a car. And I got ther..."
The Kia Picanto is a tiny car that's great for city driving because it's cheap to buy and easy to park. People like it because it helps them save money on gas and is simple to use.
The Kia Picanto is a compact city car known for its affordability, efficiency, and practicality. It is often chosen by budget-conscious drivers and is popular in urban environments due to its small size and ease of maneuverability.
plug-in hybrid
"...I got an MG ZS hybrid, plug-in hybrid. So I got that as a win on the car hire lottery..."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge it at home, and it can drive on electric power for a while before needing gas.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing it to be charged via an external power source. This setup enables the car to run on electric power alone for a certain distance before switching to gasoline.
Citroën
"...when the PSA, as it was, so Peugeot and Citroen, had those key keypads that you had to type in a code to drive."
Citroën is a car brand from France that is known for making unique and innovative cars. They often focus on comfort and style.
Citroën is another French automotive brand, part of the PSA Group alongside Peugeot. They are known for their innovative designs and technology in the automotive industry.
Peugeot
"...when the PSA, as it was, so Peugeot and Citroen, had those key keypads that you had to type in a code to drive."
Peugeot is a car brand from France that makes different types of vehicles. They are known for their stylish designs and efficient engines.
Peugeot is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs. They are part of the PSA Group, which also includes Citroën.
BMW i3
"...I think for EVs, it might have been because I've just sold my i3, which I miss a lot already."
The BMW i3 is a small electric car that stands out because of its unusual look and eco-friendly materials. It was one of the first electric cars made by BMW, focusing on being different and fun to drive.
The BMW i3 is a compact electric vehicle known for its distinctive design and sustainable materials. It was one of BMW's first forays into the electric vehicle market, offering a unique driving experience and innovative technology.
lane keep assist
"Didn't have any lane keep assist. It didn't have. And I do sound like old bastard now."
Lane keep assist is a technology in some cars that helps keep the vehicle in its lane. If you start to drift out of your lane, the car can gently steer itself back to help you stay safe.
Lane keep assist is a driver assistance feature that helps prevent unintentional lane departures by providing steering assistance. It uses cameras and sensors to monitor lane markings and can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane if it begins to drift.
EV
"But yeah, it was just it was a beautiful car. And I don't think I've driven an EV since my i3 that has as nice a steering throttle break, you know, the calibration on that car is fantastic."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a type of car that uses electricity to run instead of gas. They are often better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs entirely on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, which can lead to lower maintenance costs.
Smart Fortwo Coupé
"...the worst car to drive was I love the smart four to the what was the city coupé, which I bought. It's the first car I've ever bought new and it was a disaster to drive."
The Smart Fortwo Coupé is a tiny car made for city driving. It's very small, which makes it easy to park, but some people find it uncomfortable to drive.
The Smart Fortwo Coupé is a compact two-seater city car known for its small size and unique design. It is often praised for its maneuverability in urban environments but criticized for its driving dynamics and comfort.
Smart ForTwo
"...I love a smart. I've got a lot of affection for those. First car I sold at the Clever Car Collection was a smart car."
A Smart car is a tiny car that's easy to park and great for city driving. It's known for being small and efficient, perfect for navigating through traffic.
The Smart car is a small, two-seater vehicle known for its compact size and urban maneuverability. It was designed to be an efficient city car, making it popular in densely populated areas.
range
"You know, a dealer will say, well, it's got a range of 329 miles. And we had an email from somebody this week saying that the dealer said..."
The 'range' of a car is how far it can go before needing to refuel or recharge. For electric cars, this means how many miles it can drive on a full battery.
In automotive terms, 'range' refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank of fuel. This is particularly important for electric vehicles, where range can significantly affect usability and convenience.
Volkswagen Group
"...I think brands have looked at how they can fix that. Because I know, you know, Volkswagen Group looked at the agency model"
Volkswagen Group is a big car company that makes many different brands like Volkswagen and Audi. They are known for their wide variety of vehicles.
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. They are significant players in the global automotive market.
Renault Twizy
"It's a Renault, isn't it? The was it a Twizy? Did you had a Twizy? Yeah, I did have a Twizy."
The Renault Twizy is a small electric car that's great for driving around the city. It's very compact and can fit into tight parking spots, making it perfect for urban areas.
The Renault Twizy is a compact, two-seat electric vehicle designed for urban mobility. It features a unique design and is classified as a quadricycle, making it suitable for city driving and parking in tight spaces.
battery rental
"...I thought I bought this car and this is mine now. No, you didn't. You didn't own the batteries."
Battery rental means you pay a monthly fee to use the car's battery instead of buying it. It can help lower the initial cost of the car, but you don't actually own the battery.
Battery rental refers to a leasing model where the vehicle owner pays a monthly fee to use the car's battery instead of purchasing it outright. This model is often used in electric vehicles to reduce the upfront cost of the car.
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 big, powerful car that many people love for its speed and cool design. It's often talked about because it's a classic American car that competes with newer brands and models.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and retro styling. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often discussed in the context of performance vehicles and the evolving automotive market, especially with the rise of new competitors.
PCP
"...I can go on my social media and not have loads of ads about being missold PCPs. I just want cat videos and rally car clips for the 70s."
PCP is a way to finance a car where you pay a deposit and then monthly payments. At the end, you can choose to buy the car or give it back.
PCP stands for Personal Contract Purchase, a popular car financing option in the UK. It allows buyers to pay a deposit followed by monthly payments, with the option to purchase the car at the end of the term for a predetermined price.
Polestar
"I think I will talk about Polestar, actually, because convenient... Yes, yeah, that's the one. Yeah, but Polestar, I'm going to talk about briefly and their boss..."
Polestar is a car brand from Sweden that makes electric cars. It started as a company that improved Volvo cars and now makes its own unique models.
Polestar is a Swedish automotive brand that specializes in electric performance vehicles. Originally a performance tuning company for Volvo, it has evolved into a standalone brand focusing on electric cars.
Volvo
"...we're talking about Mini, Volvo and Mercedes, is that it?"
Volvo is a car brand from Sweden known for making safe and stylish cars.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive brand recognized for its focus on safety, quality, and Scandinavian design in its vehicles.
Mini
"...we're talking about Mini, Volvo and Mercedes, is that it?"
Mini is a car brand famous for making small, stylish cars that are fun to drive.
Mini is a British automotive brand known for its compact cars that combine unique styling with fun driving dynamics.
Ford Focuses
"...ly chain to be able to do that. You can't manage Ford focuses and things like that in quite the same way. You ..."
The Ford Focus is a small car that many people use for everyday driving because it's easy to park and saves on gas. It's often brought up when talking about how car companies make and sell cars.
The Ford Focus is a compact car that has been popular for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and driving dynamics. It is often mentioned in discussions about managing supply chains in the automotive industry due to its widespread use and production.
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