GROWTH HAS SURGED for dealers using the latest AI-powered ‘chatbots’ to convert customer enquiries into leads, according to new analysis. Even Christmas Day and New Year’s Day saw a significant appetite among customers for ‘chatting’ with the latest generation of advanced dealer bots developed by AI tech specialists AutoConverse, new figures reveal. Last month saw a 43% increase in customer conversations with dealer chatbots compared with January 2024 – with a conversion rate of more than 48%. This means that almost half of all interactions between customers and bots resulted in a concrete lead for the sale of a product…

BYD UK and Arval UK are pleased to announce the arrival of BYD Lease providing UK customers with nearly 50 years of vehicle leasing expertise for the UK’s fastest growing car brand of 2024. The BYD model range has grown to four new models in 18 months – with the SEALION 7 arriving soon – all of which are now available via BYD Lease. Steve Beattie, Sales & Marketing Director, BYD UK, commented: “The introduction of BYD Lease is a big step for our growth in the UK. As one of the top leasing companies in the UK, we’re very…

ERIC PLATFORD: 25 FEBRUARY 1883 – 20 NOVEMBER 1938 A brief overview of the life and career of Eric Platford, born 25 February 1883 Played a fundamental role in testing and developing early Rolls-Royce models Racing success strengthened Rolls-Royce’s status as ‘the best car in the world’ Aero-engine expertise made him a key figure in the first successful transatlantic flight Greatly respected by Royce, and the first holder of the official title of Chief Tester “Having played a role which was central and fundamental to the marque’s early successes, Eric Platford earned the right to be recognised amongst his better…

18% of Brits believe you cannot take an EV charger when moving home 17% think an EV can be manual 14% believe EVs cannot drive through water Younger generations are most likely to believe in EV myths, while older generations remain more sceptical Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director at BYD UK, debunks the most common EV myths and explains why education is so important during the transition to electric vehicles Almost one in five (18%) Brits believe that you cannot take an electric vehicle (EV) charger with you when moving house, according to new research by BYD UK. EVs…

AI Generated Descriptions and Vehicle Highlights now available to all retailers through Portal and Auto Trader Connect Follows November launch of Smart Image Management which is already being utilised by over 7,100 retailers to optimise their adverts every day. Advanced AI powered by Auto Trader Intelligence, underpinned by more than 80m visits and circa 619m combined search minutes every month, as well as 1.6m daily vehicle observations. 26th February 2025 – Auto Trader is giving retailers direct access to its wealth of data and insights with the launch of two brand-new AI (artificial intelligence) powered tools as part of its…

Analysis of transmission data by Solera cap hpi shows automatics now make up almost a third of the UK’s total car parc, with numbers increasing 118% in a decade. Between 2014 and 2024, the volume of automatic cars increased by 13% from 16.3% of the parc to 29.3% by the end of last year. In 2014, there were 7.1 million automatic cars on UK roads. A decade later, this figure has more than doubled to over 15.5 million, an increase of 8.4 million vehicles. Over the same period, the number of manual cars increased by 2.4 per cent, from 36.6…

A study has found that used combustion engine models are on average £2,560 more expensive than equivalent electric models from the same manufacturer, a difference of 10%. CarGurus – a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K. to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles – analysed the average prices of electric vehicles (EVs) that offer equivalent fuel-powered models from the last four model years to determine which option provides the best value. The study examined second-hand vehicle listings from the U.K.’s top 30 manufacturersi, comparing those that offer standalone electric and comparable fuel-powered models. The brands with the greatest selection of…

Subaru UK & Ireland recently celebrated the achievements of its Retailer network at its Annual Conference & Awards, held near Reading. Aird Motors Ltd, a long-standing Subaru dealership based in Beauly, Scottish Highlands, was named the overall Retailer of the Year for 2024, cementing its reputation as a key pillar of the Subaru dealer network. With over 35 years of dedicated service, Aird Motors exemplifies the brand’s commitment to local, personalised automotive excellence. The event recognised outstanding performance across multiple categories, with Proven Motor Company securing the Fleet Dealer of the Year Award, D. M. Keith claiming the Finance Retailer…

The BMW Group is presenting its next leap forward in the field of electric drive technology – and in the process ushering in a new era of all-electric driving. At the Tech Days event in Landshut, the company has provided some initial insights into the development and production of high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems using the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Every fully electric Neue Klasse vehicle will enjoy the benefits. The first Neue Klasse model will go into series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary. Below is an overview of the technology highlights: The…

“Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made. It has been created in the image of our boldest and most audacious clients, with meticulous attention to detail. From the beginning of Black Badge Spectre’s journey, the clients who requested this extraordinary motor car dared us to share their fearless spirit. In response, our engineers combined data science, qualitative feedback, and their own deep knowledge of the brand’s alter ego to craft an intense and uncompromising character, and the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history. Reflecting the Black Badge character, our designers and…