In the car world, I think, we would like to know what stock we should be carrying into Qtr1.

In addition to retailers reducing the levels of very expensive stock on the books we also have the dilemma of petrol, diesel or electric and hybrid.

The #BEV and #PHEV models have been looking very unattractive, mainly because retailers were blowing thousands of pounds on the part exchanges they took in.  You don’t want to be caught with a £4,000 loss per car.

And the customers know this.  It took a few months, but buyers cottoned on to the fact that the electric cars they could smugly show the neighbours are now, potentially, a bit of a disaster area for residual values.  At least they purchased the car on PCP with fixed balloon payments.

So no problem them.  Well, someone has got to pay and I’m sure the finance houses will keep their rates high long enough to clear any debt. Which might slow the start of 2024.

So what about January and Quarter 1?

We are urging retailers to get their plans in early, our call centre is filling up with fast start events from retailers looking to get 2024 off to a flying start. The hope is that manufacturers come on board with continued deposit contribution offers.

If you have pencilled in either new or used car events for January and February give us a call so we can reserve your campaign a calling slot.  Don’t leave it too late like many dealerships did in 2023.

Coming next week – The 12 cars of Christmas.