04 January 2016

The turkey is probably a distant memory and I imagine plans are already in place to take down the Christmas decorations – both at home and at work. If the weather has been a disappointment, at least the year-end industry figures should bring some comfort. After a slight dip in October the November data showed promise, while the year-to-date registration numbers maintained a positive trend – besting 2014’s performance, too.

It’s not all been a walk in the park, however. Dieselgate has caused a considerable amount of uncertainty, not to mention the reputational damage to the Volkswagen Group’s various brands. Other brands have been tainted by association, while there’s no denying the impact online retailing, digital advertising and consumer-led online reviews are having on the industry for better and for worse. And don’t forget the prospect of interest rate rises sometime late in 2016.

All though-provoking stuff and lots to think about for the months ahead. Fancy sharing those thoughts with the wider auto retailing community as part of our guest blog feature? Whether it’s concerns over onerous business red tape, issues surrounding the minimum wage, staff recruitment and retention best practice or just the challenges of running an auto retail operation, we’d like to hear from you. 

If you’ve got something you want to say get in touch with me here. Why not make it your New Year’s Resolution.

Iain Dooley

Editor, Agenda

Auto Retail Network

Tags: 2016, guest blog, look ahead