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OK, so we've spent the past couple of days looking at the disrupted retail automotive sector as it is. We've looked at how: Investors will reward those business models that directly address uncertainty around agency-based omni-channel distribution, the introduction of connected, autonomous, shared and electric technology ("CASE") and evolution of alternative as-a-service access models ("MaaS"), While fairly un-defined as yet, the agency model may represent big opportunity for

While independent superstores and virtual platforms are making terrific in-roads into the UK's used car market, franchised dealers retain significant, if under-utilised advantage. These groups get "first crack" at part-exchange arising from new car sales and proprietary access to fleet buy-backs and manufacturer demo and management cars etc. However, as OEMs shift to an agency-based new car sales arrangement, those formerly franchised dealers ("FFD") may be compelled to "dou

Article three from our Linkedin Series "A Disrupted Future in Retail Automotive" Retail Automotive is in a period of disruption arguably unlike any before. The transition of franchised dealers to "omni-channel" agents, the introduction of connected, autonomous, shared and electric technologies ("CASE") and evolution of alternative mobility-as-a-service ("MaaS") access models all obscure the future of manufacturers, dealers, service providers and their respective investors. Us

Article two from our Linkedin Series "A Disrupted Future in Retail Automotive" Retail automotive is arguably in a period of transition unlike any before. Sure, we're just emerging from Covid and microchip scarcity will obstruct new car production for many months to come, but longer-term themes obscure the future including: Expanded digitalisation and enhancement of on-line and on-forecourt customer experiences, The introduction of connected, autonomous, sharing and electric t

Article one from our Linkedin Series "A Disrupted Future in Retail Automotive" Retail automotive is in a period of uncertainty that is arguably unlike any before in its history. Sure, we're coming out of a Covid-impacted 18-months and the microchip crisis will be with us for many more months to come, but the longer-term issues run much deeper than that. Manufacturers' exploration of "omni-channel" marketing, the introduction of connected, autonomous, sharing and electric tech

It’s a seller’s market. The Covid-crisis and silicon chip shortage has sharply curtailed new car supply pushing used car prices to unprecedented levels. But, while constrained supply will persist for many months, it will end and a balance will re-establish between used car suppliers and used car retailers. In de-fleeting used stock, daily rental and leasing companies have oft-dabbled in "direct-to-consumer" business models with mixed-results. Here in the UK, LeasePlan’s “CarN

Retail automotive is in a period of chaotic disruption. OEMs indicate their intention to adopt an omni-channel distribution strategy. Virtual and terrestrial superstores revolutionise the used car buying experience. Electric, connected and autonomous technologies change the very nature of the car and alternative mobility models change the way in which we access them. To thrive in this disrupted sector, proactive businesses will need to re-evaluate whether or not their investo