Car Dealer Podcast

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

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 departureWeekly Briefing: High Court hears there was ANOTHER bidder for Big Motoring WorldNew car registrations enjoy best February in 22 years – but ZEV mandate fears returnCar 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 expansion⁠Time is running out to secure your Car Dealer Live tickets with just two weeks to go⁠

S2E246 Mar 06, 2026 64 min 32 annotations

Stellantis' annual loss, Mitsubishi L200 returns, and Government throws money at home charging – with Ginny Buckley, episode 245

Stellantis falls to first annual loss since merger, but new CEO promises growthCarGurus remains ‘fully operational’ despite falling victim to ‘cybersecurity incident’New Chinese brand Lepas confirms first model for UK – and it’s an SUV!Mitsubishi brings back L200 pick-up to UK market – priced from £36,295Government to roll out expanded grant to help EV drivers install home chargersMeet the brands set to shake up dealerships in 2026 at Car Dealer Live

S2E245 Feb 27, 2026 69 min 44 annotations

Peter Waddell in court, Polestar boss hails 'renaissance of the dealers', and latest on finance redress scheme – with Mike Askew, episode 244

Used car sales generated more than 18,500 customer complaints in 2025 – Motor OmbudsmanFCA agrees to climbdown over car finance redress scheme with carmakers set for exemptionPeter Waddell accused of using disabilities as a ‘fig leaf’ as High Court trial continuesWaddell ran ‘fiefdom’ and complained about ‘too many muslims’, court hearsPolestar boss hails ‘renaissance of the dealers’ as brand unveils biggest product push yetCar Dealer Live 26 manufacturer panel now complete with Subaru and Xpeng chief joining line-up

S2E244 Feb 20, 2026 68 min 31 annotations

We visit the world's biggest car auction, James drives an electric car and likes it, and Jony Ive's Ferrari collab – with Liam Quegan, episode 243

Weekly Briefing: Are US car dealers really that more advanced than the Brits?Ferrari confirms ‘Luce’ name for first EV and reveals iPhone-inspired interiorSuzuki GB boss confirmed for Car Dealer Live 26 as event line-up growsNew Dacia UK brand director to take to Car Dealer Live 26 stage on March 19

S2E243 Feb 14, 2026 62 min 27 annotations

News live from NADA show, Amazon Autos coming to the UK, and American dealers want to block Chinese cars – with James Leese, episode 242

American car dealers want to block Chinese manufacturers from gaining a foothold in the USAmazon Autos UK launch ‘lined up for 2026’ as web giant to go head to head with AutotraderDoes anyone really know what they’re doing when it comes to using AI?TikTok: Car dealers should encourage everyone to create video content Cargurus AI used car search function could be rolled out to the UK

S2E242 Feb 07, 2026 62 min 13 annotations

BCA Aston Barclay merger given green light, Group 1 to axe more dealerships, and the 'rampant' rise of Chinese car brands – episode 241, with Mark Docherty

Car Dealer Recommends: Autoglym products tested and rated – do they get our seal of approval?CMA green-lights BCA owner’s Aston Barclay takeover in provisional rulingWeekly Briefing: How have Chinese car brands grown so quickly?Group 1 to axe more UK jobs and dealerships despite clocking up record revenues in 2025The rampant rise of Chinese car brands – and how they’ll change the UK car market for goodNetworking break-out space added at Car Dealer Live for more inspirational conversations

S2E241 Jan 30, 2026 63 min 16 annotations

Targa Florio Cars disappears without trace, BYD announces dealer of the year, and TC Harrison takes on Omoda Jaecoo – with Nathan Coe, episode 240

Police investigating sudden collapse of supercar dealer Targa Florio CarsFamily-run T.C. Harrison becomes latest UK car dealer to sign up with Omoda and JaecooFamily-run Chariots Specialist Cars named as BYD’s first UK Retailer of the YearWeekly Briefing: How dangerous is a sale or return model for car dealers?

S2E240 Jan 23, 2026 65 min 19 annotations

Govt to look at EV charging costs, fraudsters target car buyers on Cazoo, and EU moots adjusting its Chinese car tariffs – with Harry Bathe, episode 239

Treasury eyes EV charging cost cuts as pay-per-mile tax sparks sales concernsFraudsters target used car buyers on Cazoo by hacking emails and offering fake discountsEuropean Union sets out framework for Chinese EVs to avoid punitive tariffsJeep quashes exit fears as Stellantis reviews American brand’s future viabilityFrom ‘Touch my Bum’ to ‘Would you like this A1?’: The Cheeky Girls now sell cars for AudiTime is running out to book NADA Show 2026 – fly in style with our last-minute deal

S2E239 Jan 16, 2026 71 min 29 annotations

Constellation's multi-million pound losses in detail, and was 2025 the year of the Chinese car? – with Tim Atkinson, episode 238

Huge £112.9m loss revealed for auction firm BCA and We Buy Any Car’s ownerWeekly Briefing: How did Constellation lose so much money in 2025?Video: The car manufacturer winners and losers of 2025New car market topped two million in 2025, but EV discounts can’t continue – SMMT

S2E238 Jan 09, 2026 68 min 31 annotations

The Big Fat Car Dealer Christmas Quiz of the Year – Car Dealer Podcast episode 237

In this special festive edition of the Car Dealer Podcast, hosts James Baggott, Jon Reay, James Batchelor, Joe Wallington and Rebecca Chaplin pick the Car Dealer stories they think were the most important of the year.And in the second half they take on The Car Dealer Big Fat Christmas Quiz of the Year. Play along with them too and see if you can beat our experts. Merry Christmas to you all and a very happy New Year from the Car Dealer team.

S2E237 Dec 23, 2025 68 min 34 annotations

EU adjusts 2035 petrol ban, FCA could tweak finance compensation scheme, and where is Gerry McGovern? - with Peter Vardy, episode 236

EU scraps 2035 new petrol and diesel car ban, leaving UK out on a limb‘Delusional’ EV new car targets are leaving the UK out of step with world – Vertu bossFCA could adjust proposed motor finance compensation scheme after pushbackMost Wanted: Which used cars were the most in demand in 2025?MG posted £6.9m pre-tax profit in 2024 as prior year restated accounts show lossJLR denies sacking design boss Gerry McGovern as rumours about departure continue to swirlMitsubishi to kick off UK return with new versions of Outlander PHEV and L200 pick-up

S2E236 Dec 19, 2025 56 min 31 annotations

Auto Trader tweaks Deal Builder, Ford teams up with Renault, and Volvo's falling out with Brindley Group – with Sam Watts, episode 235

Auto Trader tweaks Deal Builder product making reservations optionalCox says BCA could command ‘unassailable market position’ following Aston Barclay dealFord to utilise Renault 5 platform as carmakers agree ‘landmark’ strategic partnershipVolvo cancels dealer’s contract with immediate effect after it moves into temporary showroomFast growing used car dealership boss and Peugeot MD to take to Car Dealer Live stage

S2E235 Dec 12, 2025 67 min 29 annotations

Top 100 most profitable dealers revealed, Gerry McGovern mysteriously departs JLR, and Zipcar pulls out of UK – with John Veichmanis, episode 234

Which car dealers make the most profit? The Car Dealer Top 100 2025 details revealedReports 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 remainZipcar to pull out of UK after car-sharing model fails to catch on among British driversCar Dealer Live 26 line-up announced with early bird tickets now on sale

S2E234 Dec 06, 2025 66 min 22 annotations

Pay-per-mile EV tax, Audi and Mercedes dropped from Motability, and IMDA members' thoughts on Deal Builder – with Sam Luscombe, episode 233

Premium car brands rocked by last minute changes to Motability as legal challenge mootedEV drivers to pay 3p per mile, while Expensive Car Supplement for EVs raised to £50kGovernment postpones axing Employee Car Ownership Schemes until 2030IMDA claims 165 dealers have cancelled Auto Trader in wake of Deal Builder roll-out

S2E233 Nov 28, 2025 68 min 27 annotations

Mitsubishi to return to the UK, Ford Focus finishes production, and Van Mossell snaps up UK dealers – with Craig Cheetham, episode 232

Auto Trader to launch dealer advisory groups in wake of Deal Builder fall outMitsubishi Motors to introduce new vehicles in the UK next yearFord kills off the Focus – iconic car ends production after 27 yearsGroup 1 confirms BMW and Mini closures less than a month after axing all JLR sitesDutch retail powerhouse Van Mossel snaps up Breeze Motor Group and Ocean AutomotiveBiggest car dealer groups in Europe revealed as Brit-based businesses dominate list

S2E232 Nov 21, 2025 65 min 41 annotations

Auto Trader CEO joins us to discuss to Deal Builder roll-out controversy; EV pay-per-mile could hit PHEVs, and Tom Hartley Jnr's profits revealed – with Nathan Coe, episode 231

Car dealers threaten mass cancellation of Auto Trader contracts in light of Deal Builder‘Hundreds’ of car dealers claim they have cancelled Auto Trader packages as part of mass protestElectric vehicles to lose Congestion Charge exemption as per-mile charge looms largeVans set to be exempt from new per-mile EV levy but plug-in hybrid drivers face extra billSupercar dealer Tom Hartley Jnr sees profits soar in year that included ‘historic’ Ecclestone sale

S2E231 Nov 14, 2025 68 min 10 annotations

New Renault Twingo, Mike Brewer closes Sheffield dealership, and Robert Forrester hits out at ZEV mandate (again) – with Craig Ford, episode 230

Government’s 33% EV sales target is ‘wholly unrealistic’ and will lead to ‘rationing’ – Vertu boss'Poll tax on wheels': Experts warn about impact of proposed per mile charges on EVsRenault officially unveils new Twingo with retro-looking EV set to arrive in the UK in 2027TV star Mike Brewer blames the government as he SHUTS DOWN Sheffield used car supermarket

S2E230 Nov 07, 2025 67 min 31 annotations

Group 1 drops JLR, Catherine Faiers to leave Auto Trader, and Vauxhall MD's take on the EV market - with Scott Sibley, episode 229

Auto Trader’s Catherine Faiers to leave business to take CEO role at MoonpigElectric car prices ROCKET as used car prices are on the rise once againWeekly Briefing: Vauxhall MD wants more help from government to sell EVs – exclusive interviewNADA 2026: What’s in-store for those attending the world’s biggest dealer conference?Group 1 to ditch JLR franchises with all sites to be ‘phased out’ over next two years

S2E229 Oct 31, 2025 62 min 22 annotations

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

Robert Forrester warns against potential ‘Motability tax’ as he hits out at ‘gimmick’ approachSeat to become ‘entry’ brand within Volkswagen Group as ‘clear’ future is mapped outCar dealers risk losing customers as slow responses drive buyers towards rival firmsWeekly Briefing: Behind the scenes of yet another Chinese brand launch as Geely lands in UKJohn Clark Motor Group saw turnover rise last year but profits took a battering

S2E228 Oct 24, 2025 71 min 30 annotations

Dieselgate is back, BCA's Aston Barclay purchase under more scrutiny, and why Rebecca is angry about crisp packets – with Joe Wallington, episode 227

Constellation’s Aston Barclay takeover hangs in the balance as CMA steps up investigationLawyers claim carmakers ‘would rather cheat than follow law’ as Dieselgate trial kicks offRenault and Nissan say they are are ‘not obligated’ to supply cars to dealers as Mackie hots up fightCould more job losses be coming at Evans Halshaw as firm closes pair of Ford dealerships?

S2E227 Oct 17, 2025 61 min 30 annotations

Car finance customers to get £700, GVE London accounts laid bare, and a surprising car outsold the Vauxhall Corsa in September – with Lee Shayler, episode 226

FCA reveals how payouts will work as millions of car buyers due cash for unfair car finance dealsAdministrator at GVE London resigns after just 22 days as supercar dealer’s finances are laid bareNew EV sales reach record levels in September as Electric Car Grant ‘provides added impetus’Send us a voice note! WhatsApp: 07463 383310

S2E226 Oct 10, 2025 70 min 33 annotations

Big Motoring World and Cargiant results, JLR begins phased restart, and the 'most unreliable cars' revealed – with Tom Ellis, episode 225

Big Motoring World profits collapse more than 1,000% as battle with founder continuesJLR confirms ‘controlled, phased restart of operations’ as firm looks to recover from hackDemand for used JLR models dwindles as buyers look elsewhere after cyberattackCargiant clocks up £121.2m profit in 2024 after dramatic rise in property valueUsed van dealer marks 20 years in business by taking staff on holidayThe most unreliable used cars revealed after survey of 30,000 ownersElectric cars approach ‘universal tipping point’, as government urged to cut VAT on roadside chargingSend us a voice note! WhatsApp: 07463 383310

S2E225 Oct 03, 2025 64 min 37 annotations

Car Dealer Podcast Live 2025 – with Vicky Hart, Matt Galvin and Alex Bradley

We're joined live on stage (in a hotel in Oxfordshire) to chat to three fantastic guests from all corners of the automotive industry.Vicky Hart, head of Marketing and Digital for Waylands, Matt Galvin, managing director of Polestar UK & Ireland, and Alex Bradley, founder of Small Cars Direct, chat to the Car Dealer team about all things motor trade.Podcast Live 2025 is sponsored by Motorway

S2E225 Sep 24, 2025 71 min 8 annotations

FCA teams up with influencers, JLR shutdown enters another week, and what is a cluster fankle? – with James Wilson, episode 224

Last chance to get your hands on Car Dealer Podcast Live tickets with event just days awayUse code PICANTO for 10% off ticketsJLR shuts factories for another week with claims they may remain silent ‘until November’FCA teaming up with influencers to highlight dangers of car finance claim advertsCar dealer Kevin Mackie receives boost as legal case gets Commons backing from MPToyota specialist Steven Eagell announces record revenue as profits nudge up in ‘robust’ year

S2E224 Sep 20, 2025 68 min 4 annotations

JLR downtime spans two weeks, Harwoods offloads Land Rover sites, and FCA redress scheme due next year – with Steven Douglas, episode 223

Car Dealer team pick their favourite things about Podcast Live with tickets selling fastUse code PICANTO for 10% off ticketsJLR plants shut down will continue into next week, confirms manufacturerFamily-run Harwoods sells up JLR dealerships to Dubai-based investorsCompensation for mis-sold car finance could begin next year, says FCA chief

S223E223 Sep 12, 2025 67 min 5 annotations