Top 100 most profitable dealers revealed, Gerry McGovern mysteriously departs JLR, and Zipcar pulls out of UK – with John Veichmanis, episode 234
About this episode
A lively discussion covers the latest automotive industry news, including the revelation of the top 100 most profitable dealers, the unexpected departure of Gerry McGovern from JLR, and the withdrawal of Zipcar from the UK market. Guests include John Veichmanis, CEO of Carwow, who shares insights on the used car market and the challenges faced by dealers. The episode also highlights the impact of rising operational costs on dealer profits and the evolving landscape of car ownership, emphasizing the importance of adapting to consumer preferences.
Which car dealers make the most profit? The Car Dealer Top 100 2025 details revealed
Reports suggest JLR design boss Gerry McGovern has been ‘removed with immediate effect’
UK car market set to return to pre-pandemic levels next year but major challenges remain
Zipcar to pull out of UK after car-sharing model fails to catch on among British drivers
Car Dealer Live 26 line-up announced with early bird tickets now on sale
Volkswagen Polo GTI
"...went on to the Japanese auction website bid on some more cars and won a lovely Polo GTI so why are you out there could you pick it out for me please?"
The Volkswagen Polo GTI is a sportier version of the regular Polo car. It has a more powerful engine and is designed to be more fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Polo GTI is a performance-oriented version of the standard Polo, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It's popular among enthusiasts for its compact size and fun driving dynamics.
Ford Fiesta
"...e into a showroom and said well why is your your Ford Fiesta 500 pounds more than the one down the road well w..."
The Ford Fiesta Active is a small car that looks a bit tougher than regular cars, making it good for different types of roads. It's a great choice for people who want a fun and stylish ride that can handle a bit more than just city streets.
The Ford Fiesta Active is a crossover version of the popular Fiesta hatchback, designed to offer a more rugged look and slightly enhanced capabilities. It appeals to those who want a stylish, compact car with a bit more versatility for various driving conditions.
dealer margins
"...I can see where there is anger when it comes to comes to these price flags because every year dealer margins are..."
Dealer margins are how much money car dealers make when they sell a car. It's the difference between what they pay for the car and what they sell it for.
Dealer margins refer to the difference between the cost a dealer pays for a vehicle and the price at which they sell it. This margin is crucial for the profitability of dealerships and can fluctuate based on market conditions and competition.
hot hatches
"...we went and tested some hot hatches but it was fun though..."
Hot hatches are sporty versions of small cars that have a hatchback design. They are fun to drive and often have more powerful engines than regular hatchbacks, making them exciting for car lovers.
Hot hatches are high-performance versions of hatchback cars that combine practicality with sporty performance. They are known for their agile handling, powerful engines, and fun driving dynamics, making them popular among enthusiasts.
Honda Civic Type R
"...they wouldn't let you loose on the Ferrari then so no no no I was in I was in a Civic Type R but it was amazing..."
The Honda Civic Type R is a special version of the Honda Civic that is designed for performance. It has a powerful engine and features that make it fun to drive, especially on tracks or winding roads.
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance variant of the Honda Civic, known for its sporty handling and powerful turbocharged engine. It is popular among car enthusiasts for its engaging driving experience and track-ready capabilities.
Kia Picantos
"...ctly John but if I do have a sudden influx of Kia Picantos I know where to send them dealers can find out m..."
The Kia Picanto is a tiny car that's perfect for driving around the city because it's easy to park and uses less gas. It's a good option for people who want a budget-friendly and reliable vehicle.
The Kia Picanto is a compact city car known for its affordability, efficiency, and practicality. It is often discussed for its small size, making it ideal for urban environments, and its reputation for reliability and low running costs.
used car values
"...those falling used car values and stock write downs you remember at the end of 23 there was a big market correction in terms of used car pricing..."
Used car values are how much people are willing to pay for cars that have been owned before. If these prices go down a lot, it can hurt car dealers and manufacturers financially.
Used car values refer to the market prices of pre-owned vehicles, which can fluctuate based on demand, economic conditions, and other factors. A significant drop in these values can impact dealerships and manufacturers financially.
manufacturer bonuses
"...number four the reduction in manufacturer bonuses and number five the impact of agency sales and franchise changes..."
Manufacturer bonuses are extra money that car makers give to car dealers for selling a certain number of cars. If these bonuses go down, it can make it harder for dealers to make money.
Manufacturer bonuses are incentives provided by car manufacturers to dealerships based on sales performance, inventory levels, or other metrics. Reductions in these bonuses can affect dealership profitability and operations.
agency sales
"...the impact of agency sales and franchise changes so they're the headlines really as the as to the impact of those reasons..."
Agency sales are when car dealers sell cars for the car makers instead of owning the cars themselves. This can change how money is made in car sales.
Agency sales refer to a sales model where dealerships act as agents for manufacturers, selling cars on their behalf rather than owning the inventory themselves. This model can change the dynamics of how cars are sold and how profits are shared.
Range Rover Defender
"...Jerry McAvon's been there for a very long time as I say I mean Range Rover Defender uh current evoke the discovery..."
The Range Rover Defender is a tough SUV made for off-road driving. It's known for its unique look and has been around for a long time, getting updates to stay modern.
The Range Rover Defender is a rugged SUV known for its off-road capabilities and distinctive design. It has a long history and has been updated for modern use while retaining its classic appeal.
Land Rover Range Rover
"... been there for a very long time as I say I mean Range Rover Defender uh current evoke the discovery obviousl..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can drive on tough terrains like mountains and mud, but it also has a lot of comfortable features inside. People talk about it because it's a status symbol and great for both adventure and city driving.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and opulent features. It has been a symbol of prestige and adventure since its introduction in 1970, often discussed for its blend of ruggedness and refinement.
Range Rover
"...launched as in an actual car in showrooms was the well the current Range Rover and Range Rover Sport which was 2022 so that's now three years old..."
The Range Rover is a high-end SUV made by Land Rover. The 2022 version has a lot of luxury features and is good for driving off-road as well as on regular roads.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. The 2022 model continues this tradition with advanced technology and a refined interior.
Range Rover Sport
"...current Range Rover and Range Rover Sport which was 2022 so that's now three years old..."
The Range Rover Sport is a sportier version of the Range Rover, also made by Land Rover. The 2022 model has more performance features and a sleek design.
The Range Rover Sport is a sportier version of the standard Range Rover, offering a more dynamic driving experience while maintaining luxury and off-road capabilities. The 2022 model features updated technology and design elements.
Jaguar
"...particularly as Jaguar has disappeared completely so yeah I don't know there's a new person at the helm of JLR..."
Jaguar is a brand that makes luxury cars, known for being stylish and fast. They've had some problems recently, which is why they haven't released many new models.
Jaguar is a British luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its performance cars and elegant designs. The brand has faced challenges in recent years, leading to a decrease in new model launches.
JLR
"...there's a new person at the helm of JLR of course who's come over from Tata..."
JLR is the company that makes both Jaguar and Land Rover cars. They've been changing a lot lately, especially with new leadership.
JLR stands for Jaguar Land Rover, a British multinational automotive company that designs, manufactures, and sells luxury vehicles under the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. It has undergone significant changes in leadership and strategy in recent years.
BYD
"I saw some comment pieces in other publications like you know he would be a catch for someone like BYD who could spend a huge amount of money..."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are becoming popular for their new technology.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing electric vehicles and batteries. The company has rapidly grown in the EV market and is recognized for its innovative technologies.
Land Rover Freelander
"...he's the man that designed the first Freelander you know what was that 1998..."
The Freelander is a small SUV made by Land Rover, first sold in 1998. It's known for being a good off-road vehicle while still being comfortable for everyday use.
The Land Rover Freelander is a compact SUV that was first introduced in 1997. It was designed to be a more affordable and versatile option in the Land Rover lineup.
Renault 5
"...particularly the v-segment, the launch of the Renault 5 I think the new mini..."
The Renault 5 is a small car that was popular in the past and has been brought back with new features. It's great for city driving because it's easy to park and use.
The Renault 5 is a classic small car that has been reintroduced in a modern form. It is known for its compact size and efficiency, making it a popular choice in urban environments.
Mini
"...I think the new Mini..."
The Mini is a small, stylish car that's fun to drive. It's known for its unique look and has been around for a long time, becoming a favorite for many drivers.
The Mini is a small car known for its distinctive design and fun driving experience. It has a rich history and has evolved over the years while maintaining its iconic status.
Zipcar
"...i'm gonna play to our uh london-based guest here and talk about zip car oh i'm sorry...zip car for people who don't live in the capital or go into the capital was a car sharing company..."
Zipcar is a service that lets you borrow cars for a short time, like an hour or a day. It's useful for people who need a car occasionally but don't want to own one. You can find these cars parked around cities and unlock them with an app.
Zipcar is a car-sharing company that allows users to rent cars by the hour or day. It is owned by Avis, a major car rental company, and operates in urban areas where users can easily access vehicles without the need for ownership.
Avis
"...owned by enormous car hire company avis and the idea was you they're all parked around london..."
Avis is a company where you can rent cars. They have many locations and offer different types of vehicles for people who need to drive for a short time.
Avis is a well-known car rental company that owns Zipcar. It provides a range of vehicles for rent, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Ford Escape
"...ar uh when you needed to well for lots of people escape the capital as well you see them quite often you ..."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that is good for families and city driving. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo, which makes it a popular choice for many people.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a balance of practicality, efficiency, and technology. It is popular among families and urban drivers for its spacious interior and versatility, making it a frequent topic of discussion in the automotive world.
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