Dear Colleague,
This week’s new passenger car registrations showed a significant increase from the same month last year when showrooms were closed due to the lockdown. Positively, an NFDA run survey of dealers indicated our members are optimistic about consumer demand in 2022. The light van market declined in January, although LCV dealers are confident sales will pick up over the coming months. Please find more information in today’s news.
Yesterday, NFDA Northern Ireland held a number of highly productive in-person meetings with members of the Northern Ireland Infrastructure Committee. We were able to highlight to the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) the current issues facing the MOT testing system and the crucial role franchises dealers can play in helping to alleviate capacity issues. Concerns regarding the Department for Infrastructure's proposals for biennial MOT testing were also raised. Further details will follow.
This week we also held two engaging Dealer Regional Meetings in Cobham and Stratford-upon-Avon. We discussed the implications of evolving dealer/manufacturer relationships, the market, as well as a number of industry issues covering finance, aftersales and HR. Next week, we will be in Leeds. Your feedback is vital to us – contact lena.patel@rmif.co.uk to join the meeting.
Next week, Drive My Career will run its fourth ‘DMC Apprentice Takeover’ during the National Apprenticeship Week. The campaign helps to raise awareness of apprenticeships in automotive retail by highlighting all the positive aspects of a career in our sector. A number of dealer groups will be joining the campaigns, if you would like to know more, please contact info@drivemycareer.co.uk.
NFDA is your trade association and we are the voice of automotive retailers: if you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our member helpline at 01788 538303 or email nfda@rmif.co.uk.
Sue Robinson, NFDA Chief Executive
