In a recent edition of the Car Dealer Podcast, hosts Jon Reay and James Baggott, accompanied by Pete Withers from AutoEngage, delve into a rich assortment of topics vital to the motor trade. From Carwow's financial results to Sytner's remarkable profits, and even an intriguing segment on brain scanning, the episode is brimming with insightful discussions.

A pivotal point of conversation was the electric car regulation, rekindled not just by James’ ongoing issues with EV chargers, but also due to the Labour party's commitment to reinstating the 2030 deadline for electric vehicle adoption. Withers shed light on the ramifications of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, highlighting the potential fines for manufacturers missing their targets, and how these costs might trickle down to the dealers. He expressed concern that pushing the deadline back to 2035 could lead to complacency among consumers, potentially making it more challenging for dealers to 'sell more cars' within the electric vehicle category.

Withers raised a valid point about the behavioural tendencies of consumers, noting that a delay in the deadline might lead to procrastination, with people thinking they have "another five years" before needing to consider an electric vehicle. This presents a unique challenge for dealers and manufacturers alike, as they need to find effective ways to motivate potential buyers and drive EV sales, despite the extended timeframe.

The podcast also touched upon the peculiar situation anticipated in 2030, highlighting the potential challenges dealers might face in convincing customers to opt for electric vehicles over their petrol counterparts. Jon illustrated this with a hypothetical scenario at a Mercedes dealership, emphasising the need for effective sales strategies to navigate these complex market dynamics.

James, on the other hand, pinpointed 2024 as a critical year, predicting it to be a tumultuous period for the motor trade. He underscored the pressing need for dealers to achieve a 20% EV sales target, a daunting task considering the current drop in EV demand among private retail customers.

In conclusion, this episode of the Car Dealer Podcast offered a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the motor trade, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The discussions underscored the need for strategic thinking and proactive measures to ensure dealers can 'sell more cars' and thrive in a rapidly evolving market. The episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to stay abreast of the latest 'motor trade news' and insights.

For a more in-depth exploration of the topics discussed, you're encouraged to listen to the full podcast and delve into the accompanying resources provided.

The podcast is available via cardealermagazine.co.uk,