A Public Service Announcement For The Owners Of High Performance And Specialist Cars!,,,,, 

Those of you who follow my Used Car Business Development Blog will be aware that apart from discussing used car business development strategies, (the articles designed for my manufacturer and franchised dealer audiences), I endeavour to keep the owners of high performance specialist cars abreast of market developments. 

In this article I wanted to help that audience by asking and exploring two very important questions (especially in the current market), those below; 

What Is Wrong With The Image Above?,,,,, 

and 

What Is The Point Of Autotrader?,,,,, 

Now within this article I want to explore these important questions from the perspective of a private seller (one with a specialist high performance car to sell), not the trade; although the question is still relevant it is a different subject to explore, so not for this article. 

Firstly though the screenshot above and some context. The screenshot was taken from an advert on Autotrader on 23rd March; one for a private seller. Now it is important to stress that the purpose of this article is not to explore the advertised price, and I will be offering no advice as to the accuracy of the price when aligned to the vehicle concerned; a picture of which I have taken the decision not to include. 

So back to the first question, the answer to which is “Everything!” And the reasons behind “Everything” are very important for private sellers, especially those trying to sell their car via platforms like Autotrader; one that is probably not explored when Autotrader are in the process of taking your money. Nevertheless it is a question the owners of high performance specialist cars should be asking themselves because in this specialised market, I don’t think Autotrader is fit for purpose. In fact the process of listing any car could actually be detrimental to the price you will receive. So let’s explore why. 

In order to do so let’s look at the screenshot in close detail and to bring some clarity of market understanding to owners of specialist high performance cars, like the Lamborghini Urus above. Although in truth it could have easily been a screenshot taken from an advert for a Porsche, McLaren, Masertai, BMW M Power Model, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Nissan GTR etc. etc. 

To aid in this process and in the interests of clarity, I am going to imagine that the owner of the car concerned did the right thing; contacted me for a consultation call before throwing their money at Autotrader. If they had this is what I would have advised. 

At inception I would have pointed out respectfully that it is their car and they are free to proceed as they feel best, but that the decisions they make will have ramifications for the value of the car. So let’s begin by looking at the market place you are entering and the competition you are going toe to toe with; before then trying to read the mind-set of the target audience, an audience pretty similar to themselves. 

The first question in this process would be; “Did you purchase the car originally from someone’s driveway? Or did you purchase the car from a Lamborghini franchised dealer/reputable well known independent specialist? In all my years working in this market, no one has ever said from someone’s driveway. 

With this in mind my next question would be why not? To which the stock answers usually include some or all of the answers below; 

• I wanted the security of buying from a franchised dealer. 

• The thought of handing such a large sum of money over to a private individual is ridiculous. 

• I wouldn’t know how to purchase a car privately; checking for accident damage, undeclared    finance etc. 

• There is no protection when buying privately. 

• I wanted dealer warranty protection. 

• I’m too busy to be driving round the country looking at cars. 

• I need finance. 

• I needed to part exchange my current car. 

At this point I would then explore what the market looks like, how it operates in practice and what it is they are actually trying to achieve. The easiest way to do this? Start by exploring the mind-set of someone looking to purchase a Lamborghini Urus, (or any other specialist high performance car for that matter), identify the type of individual they likely to be and how they are likely to proceed. 

Well firstly they are an educated and successful purchaser. A purchaser who will demand a certain level of service from the business they are dealing with; as indeed you did when you purchased the car. Importantly though you will be both too busy and lack the will and experience required, in order to deliver on their purchasing expectations! The Lamborghini franchised dealer will drive the car a customer has an interest in to their office or home by 9:00 AM the following morning. This is the minimum level of attentive service expected by customers spending in excess of £200,000; will you be able to and/or prepared to do this? 

Secondly, and this in very important; somebody looking to purchase a Lamborghini will first contact Lamborghini, or search on line. When within 5 minutes they can find a selection of over 15 used Urus’ to explore, (at the first 3 Lamborghini dealers listed – there will no doubt be more), the majority of which were cheaper than the one above. Not that price is the first consideration; this is not how this profile of customer thinks. 

They want personal service, attention to detail, peace of mind and everything that that encompasses. They want a purchasing experience that fits around their busy professional schedule; they are purchasing Lamborghini with all that that entails. Purchasing one is a milestone purchase for many and a very special occasion. In effect they want to be loved to death; made to feel special! 

They will also probably require access to competitive finance, they will probably have another specialist high performance car to part exchange. All of which is way beyond you as a private seller; somebody similar to them and someone who will not enjoy what you will be required to do to, in order to try and gain the sale; even if that was possible? 

What buyers of this profile and in this market don’t do is think; I know I’ll ignore the Lamborghini specialist network and look at the Autotrader, because I don’t feel I need to purchase from an authorised Lamborghini franchise. No, I am going to find the time in my busy schedule to drive around the country with a suitcase full of cash and buy my car from a stranger’s driveway; and for the same price as cars are available for from Lamborghini franchised dealers. 

I would then point put one last very important consideration. Even if someone did, do you really want to hand your car over under these circumstances? Are you confident you have the skills required to complete this transaction? Think on that for a moment! 

Once the penny has dropped I would then move on to the solutions, albeit accepting that they have diminished their car via the process (above) they have undertaken. Very few professionals operate in the used car market for high performance and specialist cars and understanding how this market works, in practice, is critical during the liquidation process. 

In reality the market works in an “Off Market” basis, (involving discretion and excellence in execution), with cars that are not known and/or offered from multiple sources, being the cars that can be liquidated, and for the best prices. Those that have been mishandled via an advertising process on inappropriate portals (Autotrader etc.) get tarnished by this process and become difficult to liquidate. 

So in reality thanks to the process you have paid money to Autotrader for, you have achieved nothing other than wasting your money and reducing the value of your car. As someone operating in this market I am totally aware of all the cars available within the market, (especially those being prostituted on advertising portals - that is my job), along with the circumstances surrounding them. 

Many of you reading this article will have received approaches from me in the past and had discussions surrounding cars you have for sale. If you haven’t, the most important part of the liquidation process is to have the correct strategy for the process. The first consideration of which must always be availability within the market; this more than anything will dictate the strategy going forward. Unfortunately the Lamborghini Urus marketplace (like the majority of specialist high performance markets), is very small and one that appears to provide purchasers with plenty of choice at the moment. 

So despite the hubris in the press, that surrounding the rising values of used cars, I would counsel that the liquidation process will be challenging at the moment, one requiring expertise, discretion and excellence in execution. Anyone wanting to understand why this is the case can feel free to follow the link to my recent article below; written for my Used Car Business Development Blog. 

Wave Goodbye To Top Prices For Specialist And High Performance Cars! 

So with all the above now taken on board, where to turn now for the owners of specialist high performances cars, (the marques listed at the start of the article), those looking for the right expertise and experience; that required to facilitate in the immediate liquidation of their car? A process requiring skill, expertise, the utmost discretion and excellence in execution. 

Well with cash available for the immediate purchase of the best examples, unrivalled experience in liquidating specialist high performance cars and the contacts base within the professional community, (both franchised dealers and the most knowledgeable specialists), you could contact me for a market consultation. I am not going to promise you for one moment that I work with every car that is offered, or with every owner that contacts me. 

In truth I choose to advise and help everyone but only work actively with 10% of the owners who contact me; and their associated cars. Offering immediate cash purchase, (should circumstances dictate), or the facility to act as your trusted conduit to the market, returning the best prices, I am the ultimate solution provider for those looking to dispose of their specialist high performance car. 

Please feel free to reach out to me directly via LinkedIn should you wish to arrange a consultation call. 

Andrew.

An Idiots Guide To Used Car Stock Acquisition! 

Hello everyone; as promised this is the second article in the series alluded to in my previous article; The Franchised Dealer Fight For Survival That Not All Will Survive! When I promised that I would expand upon the one discipline vital to the success of all franchised dealers and independent used car businesses; Used Car Stock Acquisition Expertise. 

As much as this is a huge (ever evolving) topic and one that is heavily nuanced, depending on the market you are trading in, (therefore impossible to cover on an in-depth basis in one article), there are two critical pieces of advice that I can give everyone reading this article, regardless of the used car market they are operating within. 

Never Purchase Cars For What They Are Worth! 

Make A Conscious Decision Now To Survive! 

There we have it; “The Two Elephants In The Room!” And the two most important things to grasp moving forward; so let’s begin and expand upon the first; Never Purchase Cars For What They Are Worth! The second will be explored in detail in my following article; to be published next week. 

In discussing this piece of advice it is important to understand one very important thing; you make your money by locking in profit margins when you are buying, not when you are selling. Selling (although important) is the process of crystallising all your acquisitions expertise and the profit locked in during the acquisitions process. However, and I add the caveat, in order to deliver on this you must have the expertise to know how to put yourself in this position. In reality very few have this this expertise. 

Acquiring assets for stock then retail profit, (any asset not just used cars), is a fast-paced, cutthroat and dirty business; and that’s just the customers. I promise everyone reading this that when you involve cars and money, (especially other peoples’ money), you will see the worst of people and behaviour. So think on that before making any decisions on who to employ or to partner with, (in the delivery of your used car stock acquisitions objectives), because this is the world they have got to survive and thrive within on your behalf. 

Successful used car stock acquisition requires many skills and a multitude of initiatives, but at the foundation of everything must be the absolute determination to pay as little for stock as possible; in fact it should be the “Raison D’etre” of every used car stock acquisitions professional. From here success then hinges on the experience and expertise required to be able to deliver on this and on scale; this will not happen by accident. 

It is the professional ability to create the opportunities funnel required to ensure your business doesn’t have to go to auction houses or outbid We Buy Any Car for used car stock. In fact success in the stock acquisitions world is best defined by observing the masses and doing the opposite. By working hard and continually evolving because any success this year, will not be guaranteed for next year; not unless you are continually at the leading edge of the stock acquisition community. 

However, this absolute determination to pay the absolute least amount of money for every car, should not mean that you behave in an unprofessional manner; absolutely not. At its core the business of acquiring used car stock is a people business, not a car business; it is a business of building relationships of trust based on honesty and respect. So if you are incapable of moving within the social circles required and of building relationships of this ilk, in order to acquire used car stock at below market value, then you are in the wrong job. 

Do not (as many seem to do) see yourself as an estate agent either, whose job it is to get the maximum value for their client’s asset (in this case their house) because the reverse is true. You are the complete opposite to this; you are investing money into an asset on the basis of a financial return, and where the risk and the reward is all yours. Your absolute goal should be to pay as little for used car stock as possible! 

Profit is not a dirty word; if you are stock acquisitions professional you should be remunerated and rewarded for your ability to acquire used car stock at both below market value and on a continuous basis. If you are currently working in an environment where this is not the case then move on; this will not be the business to be working for/or with in the future. 

Now I understand that for many of you reading this article, it will present an ethical dilemma; unfortunately for you I don’t understand this point of view so you are going to get no empathy from me. I readily accept that to many of the automotive professionals reading this article, my views will be abhorrent and from a past best forgotten. Luckily I am thick skinned enough not to worry about the “Wilting Wallflowers” out there; this is an article being written for “My Market,” NOT “The Market.” 

That said I understand why for many franchised dealers this will cause unease; a feeling that all started with the “Needy” obsession of some manufacturers and franchised dealers to achieve the aim of being “Liked” rather “Trusted” by customers. Something else I do not understand. 

This obsession alone drastically changed the type of people employed within franchised dealers and the culture. An important issue that can’t be unwound easily and not to be explored here, but one that was covered in my article; 

You Start Negotiating When You’ve F@#ked Up The Sales Process! 

So in moving on let’s get one thing straight; if your used car stock acquisitions initiatives consist of you running around on a daily basis, looking for used car stock to purchase on a “Hand to Mouth” basis and chasing your 5 star review, then you are going to have to pay more money than anyone else for stock in order to purchase it. This will be many things, profitable will not be one of them! 

And just this scenario, is what many (inexperienced used car businesses) have been doing during the last 12 months. Those pumped up and full of hubris, all the hubris peddled by those with no experience of purchasing used car stock for retail profit; auction houses, CAP HPI, Autotrader etc. And of course now you are still gazing upon this loss making used car stock holding, in some cases 6-8 months after it was purchased; along with the loss making grind of retailing this stock holding and releasing the capital employed. 

And it all could’ve (and should’ve) been so different! Sadly though for many this has been unavoidable; some franchised dealers have morphed into non standalone businesses now, businesses bereft of the talent required and incapable of building their own successful business model. Overly reliant on 3rd party businesses to help them and/or tell them what to do; with a list of shame that is endless but includes BCA Auctions, Cinch, Carwow, Independent Leasing Companies, We Buy Any Car, Autotrader and many others. 

So to those still reading and not wanting to run off for a shower to get clean after 5 minutes in my company, in the form of this article; my advice would be to keep an open mind and be ruthless in the delivery of your ambitions. The fight for survival is underway and will play out over the next 2-3 years; a subject that will be covered in my next article. 

In the meantime, if you want to know how prepared you are for what is coming and whether or not your current used car stock acquisition initiatives are going to enable you to survive, you can carry out one simple exercise; print off your used car inventory for the next 2 years! 

This inventory should provide clarity on, (and confirmation of), all the used car stock your business has locked into the used car business between now and the end of 2023; if this document and/or information does not exist then your business is way behind the curve and in serious trouble. 

See this as confirmation in the clearest possible terms that your business is in danger of failing during the used car markets to come; let me elaborate. With new car and used car markets fragmenting and evolving in different ways to each other, franchised dealers face some difficult challenges, especially when it comes to the professionals required for success. This process alone should tell you in no uncertain terms, that you do not have the used car stock acquisition expertise required for the new and used car markets to come. 

For those grasping the seriousness of their current situation, I leave this with you to cogitate, whilst I complete the remaining articles covering this subject. However for those wanting to take immediate action, (now that used car market opportunities are identifying themselves), I will be working with three businesses over the next 12 months to deliver the used car stock acquisition expertise and initiatives required, for those businesses to survive and prosper in the used car market to come. 

Should you wish to explore synergies and the potential to collaborate in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact me so we can arrange a mutually convenient time for an exploratory call. 

Andrew.

Wave Goodbye To Top Prices For Specialist And High Performance Cars!,,,,,,, 

Hold on tight everyone because I predict that for those people looking to dispose of a high performance and/or specialist car, the liquidation landscape is about to become very challenging; in fact what I call the “Market Stagnation Stage” is already hanging over the market. 

“Market Stagnation Stage” is what I term the period of time before values starting heading south and at quite a pace; and it is caused by a combination of overpriced stock meeting a lack of sales, therefore reducing liquidity within the market. Very similar to what happened during the financial crisis in 2007/2008 when it became impossible to turn assets, (even high performance specialist cars), into cash. 

So why has this happened? Well before answering I think it is important to point out that not all used car markets are effected in the same way or to the same degree; they all operate very differently to each other and some markets still have liquidity. Although prices are beginning to soften, customers are still buying (albeit not in the same volumes) therefore so are the associated businesses. 

These markets are still operating on a more normal basis and in truth, anyone who can run their registration number through an algorithm based valuation website (the likes of We Buy Any Car etc.) is in that market so will still be able to liquidate cars for cash. Albeit they may rue not taking the money on offer a couple of months ago. 

Unfortunately though not everyone has this option and that includes the customers I work with in the disposal of their assets; namely specialist and high performance cars, so what’s the problem? Well in truth there are many, culminating in a lack of confidence and positive sentiment; vital to these markets, in terms of retail activity and the prices being paid for fresh stock. 

Many of you will point out that there is still likely to be a limited supply of new cars this year, (especially as thousands of them are now on the ocean floor, having sunk when their transport ship caught fire), and you would have a point. Sadly though this doesn’t always translate into the used car market, valuations and importantly supply and demand; the key ratio governing the prices being achieved. 

There are also the problems associated with the overheated used car market of the pandemic, the associated once in a lifetime pricing drivers experienced during which, are unwinding; and at a pace. 

In truth I could I discuss many of the factors driving prices down in this sector of the used car market, but I will choose to expand upon just one; the factor at the foundations of the market’s woes. One that you may not be aware of or even considered, along with the serious ramifications for the market, those that are already effecting liquidity in the market, therefore the prices being achieved. 

The Lack Of Expertise Within The Sector! 

And I will focus on this point because this factor, more than anything, will be what brings prices down and renders many cars unsellable until liquidity returns. It is a subject I covered briefly in my recent article written for my Used Car Business Development Blog; An Evolving Market Will Make Life Challenging For Porsche Owners! 

In truth though the problems discussed will adversely affect those owning many marques, those associated with the specialist and high performance market; including Porsche, McLaren, Lamborghini, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and manufacturers with established models/ranges selling within the market; including BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi. 

So where to start? Well firstly let me add some context to what I am about to explore and discuss; context although unbelievable will add clarity. For the last decade manufacturers have not been developing or employing proven used car business development talent; the reasons for this, (as unbelievable as they may sound), are complex and mainly driven by a lack of interest (therefore focus) on the used car market by manufacturers. 

I won’t explore this weighty subject here, anyone interested can follow the links below to some of the associated articles published on my Used Car Business Development Blog. I know it sounds ridiculous but take it from someone who has operated within used car markets for 30 years. 

Do Successful Used Car Professionals Exist For Franchised Dealers? 

A Pivotal Piece Of Used Car Business Development Advice!,,,, And For Free! 

Unfortunately this lack of used car business development talent is having consequences in the used car market, all of which started during the pandemic. A once in a lifetime used car market, one where market forces were put on hold and when the Government then pumped this market full of free cash. We will not see this market again and unwinding all the hubris associated with this market is going to be challenging. 

During this market under experienced used car professionals got taken in by all the hubris, listening to under qualified people, those compiling inaccurate trade valuation guides, those running auction houses and those employed at advertising portals like Autotrader. This resulted in used car stock being purchased at ridiculous prices; with no evidence that consumers were purchasing cars at these over inflated prices, sometimes new list price and/or over list price. 

The end result being caused by panic; because they didn’t have the skills required to have secured used car stock holdings in advance of the pandemic and via more profitable acquisitions methods, they failed to read the market and adjust strategies of investment accordingly. 

Now I won’t expand upon this complex issue anymore however, unfortunately many franchised dealers still have this stock, (in many cases having purchased the stock in August/September), on site unsold. This creates the perfect storm of trading challenges; this stock is now loss making stock and they are locked into the dispiriting process of minimising the associated losses, whilst invariably always being behind market reality. All the while having no more funding left to purchase fresh used car stock at the prices required to then be profitable! 

And it is this lack of liquidity that will drive down prices and make liquidation so challenging for owners, and even for those working within this market full time; professionals like me. All businesses have a maximum stocking allowance for their used car stock holding, the vast majority of which is still invested in very expensive (now loss making) used car stock that isn’t selling! The result being that as financial pressure and negative forces for prices build within the specialist high performance car used car market, only the very best examples are going to attract cash offers for straight disposal. 

In this market anyone with liquidity and the experience required to still be operating, will be able to purchase stock in a market with limited competition, and they know it. Unfortunately this inevitable lack of competition only drives prices down and this is not going to be a positive liquidation and disposal market for owners of these cars. 

One of the unfortunate consequences of these market conditions is an increase in owners listening to Autotrader, PistonHeads etc. then putting their car up for sale on these platforms. Now when coping with a market with limited disposal options, I understand the thought process involved here but it really is doomed to fail. Publications like Autotrader are not really fit for purpose when it comes to selling high value, high performance specialist cars; still though, they will gladly sell you the dream and take your money. 

If it sounds like I have a “Beef” with Autotrader, then it is because I do. There is no doubt that it has it’s market but it is important to remember that neither Autotrader (as an organisation) or anyone working there, has ever run a successful used car business; so I find the idea that they can advise you on retail pricing absurd. And the very idea that a private individual will come along to your driveway and pay you anything like the prices being achieved by a franchised dealership (without any of the associated warranties and protection) is even more so. Still though the adverts keep appearing! 

So where to turn now for the owners of specialist high performances cars, (the marques listed at the start of the article), those looking for the right expertise and experience; that required to facilitate in the immediate liquidation of their car? A process requiring skill, expertise, the utmost discretion and excellence in execution. 

Well with unrivalled experience in liquidating specialist high performance cars and the contacts base within the professional community, (both franchised dealers and the most knowledgeable specialists), you could contact me for a market consultation. I am not going to promise you for one moment that I work with every car that is offered, or with every owner that contacts me. 

In truth I choose to advise and help everyone but only work actively with 10% of the owners who contact me; and their associated cars. Offering immediate cash purchase, (should circumstances dictate), or the facility to act as your trusted conduit to the market, returning the best prices, I am the ultimate solution provider for those looking to dispose of their specialist high performance car. 

Please feel free to reach out to me directly via LinkedIn should you wish to arrange a consultation call. 

Andrew.

The Franchised Dealer Fight For Survival That Not All Will Survive! 

Be in no doubt that all franchised dealers face some existential trading threats during 2023, 2024 and 2025; a trading threat that not all can survive. 

Aside from some parent manufacturers looking at transitioning to an Agency Model, as effectively announced recently by Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Cupra and Lotus, (Volvo and Lotus of whom, appear to have thrown their franchise partners under the bus), there is the whole used car business development issue to address; why? 

Well, as I have always warned in my articles, the relationship of new car supply with any manufacturer (and therefore the profits available), can never be guaranteed; as experienced by those owning Volvo or Lotus franchised dealerships recently; and sadly for many, your business is now going to put at risk by your inaction in the past. 

Now, the point of this article is not to review the minutiae of every manufacturers Agency Model proposals and what that then means (in practice) for franchise partners. I can only do this as they become public knowledge, as all will be different in their operation, depending on the sector of the market that the product concerned retails within. 

What I can do though is focus on how some franchised dealers can secure their survival in the markets of the future (this is important as not all can) and what that is going to take. Unfortunately though there are hefty challenges associated with this process of future survival and it is a trading reality that not all will be able to survive. 

With new car retailing models under review and changing to the detriment of many franchised dealer partners, used car retailing once again is coming onto people’s radar. Alas though, when it comes to used car retailing, franchised dealer networks will not be operating in a world where all can be successful; why? 

In essence 3 reasons; a lack of stock, a lack of people and an abundance of competition; all of which will have a negative compound effect on franchised dealers, because the vast majority are woefully under prepared for the current used car market; in most cases years behind the curve. 

Now covering all this, including the strategies required is a huge topic and impossible to cover here; that said there are the articles published on my Used Car Business Development Blog over the last 5 years, so the answers are there for anyone who wants to follow the link and start reading. I will also refer back to some previous articles in this article, those that will help to expand upon the issues being raised and discussed. 

For now though I will major on the number one focus and discipline for all franchised dealers looking to be one of the survivors, in fact for all used car businesses? Stock Acquisition Expertise! Without which it will be unlikely that your business can survive long term; it is the discipline at the foundations of any used car success, as covered before in the article below 5 years ago; 

Not Enough Used Car Stock = Not Enough Used Car Sales 

As much as the article above is an important read, in truth the used car stock acquisitions landscape has changed beyond all recognition since it was written, and is now a subject requiring 3 -4 articles to cover on an in-depth basis. So today I will expand upon the three issues above before covering the rest over the next 3 -4 articles, eventually publishing a “White Paper” for everyone’s reference. 

Now before I start one important point; when I talk about Stock Acquisition Expertise I am not talking about trotting off to the auctions to acquire used car stock or thinking we are clever because we have launched our own online valuation tool and think we can go head to head with We Buy Any Car! 

I promise you all that (over the coming articles) at no point will I suggest you pursue either of these strategies, both of which are proof that your business has no idea about how to acquire used car stock holdings for retail profit. In fact the limitations of both have already been explored in some previous articles; links below. 

TrustFord And How NOT To Buy Used Cars For Profit! 

Successful Used Car Businesses Aren’t Buying Used Car Stock From Auctions! 

No; I will he exploring in future articles the importance of focusing on the disciplines of Used Car Stock Acquisition on a continual basis; because you will have to, it is a full time focus and the one focus that will never go away. Be in no doubt that it is the most important focus your business will have right now and the longer you leave making the correct investment decisions in your business, the more terminal your situation will become. 

If you take just one thing away from this article, let that be the understanding that if you lack the ability to acquire used car stock holdings in the volumes required, on a continual basis and at the prices required to remain profitable, then you will probably no longer have a business! 

It is an inconvenient truth that for many reading this, the used car vehicle park required for 2023 will already be beyond them, because they weren’t deploying the initiatives required last year; those required to begin to secure the used car stock holdings required for 2023. So with some urgency in mind let’s look at the 3 issues mentioned above in closer detail and explore further the ramifications for everyone. 

Lack Of Stock 

This is the major governing factor for future used car markets, those of 2023, 2024 and 2025; and probably beyond. The used car vehicle parks for these markets will be determined by the levels of new car registrations three years earlier, (in the main), although this is not an exact science and could change. 

That said, any change that involves customers keeping their new car for longer than three years will only magnify the problem of lack of stock. So when planning your used car stock acquisition initiatives for the 2023 used car market, it is pivotal to look at the new car market 3 years earlier; in this case 2020, because this is the likely size of the used car vehicle park. 

Now unfortunately 2020 was the first year of the pandemic, a year when new car registrations were over 680,000 down on the previous year; and it didn’t get any better in 2021 either (still over 660,000 registrations down on 2019), so the size of the used car vehicle park in 2024 doesn’t look any brighter either. And with new car production supply problems still effecting sales volumes in 2022, the problems look set to roll into the used car market of 2025. 

The inconvenient truth is that the size of the used car cake has reduced by 30% but the amount of mouths to feed has remained the same; so some businesses are going to go very hungry! 

Lack Of People 

Where do I start? Well let’s just say that when it comes to the discipline of successful used car stock acquisition, there will not be many (if anyone) reading this article who has the professionals required to succeed, already within their business. 

Unfortunately both manufacturers and franchised dealers gave up on developing used car talent over a decade ago and this decision is about to come back and haunt franchised dealers; most of whom I can say are retailers of ex-demonstrators and part exchanges at best, not used car retailers! Full Stop! 

This is a huge topic, one to be covered in greater detail in an article to come, but the vast majority of you reading this will have a double whammy to contend with; no ability to acquire use car stock holdings, and no experience in identifying the professionals you require to succeed in this regard. 

It is the inability to understand who to seek out that will be the biggest problem; you can’t go out and find skills that you don’t understand. Like every other business; you don’t know what you don’t know! 

An Abundance Of Competition 

The used car retailing landscape has been transformed over the last couple of years, during which we have seen the threat of the independent on-line used car retailers materialise; Cinch, Cazoo and Carzam to name just a few. I have written many articles covering these businesses, all of which only have a business due to the laziness and ineptitude of manufacturers and their franchise partners. Yes, unfortunately that includes you! 

I won’t expand again further in this article, anyone interested can follow the links to some of the relevant articles below, which will take readers on a journey surrounding my thoughts and observations on how these businesses have been allowed to grow so powerful. Something possible because you all have been complicit in their growth journey, and yes you did read that right; you really do all have yourselves to blame. 

Is This Really Your Future For Used Car Retailing? 

Cazoo?,,,,, As A Used Car Business It’s Mad As A Box Of Frogs! 

Cinch, Cazoo or Carzam? Who Will Be The First To Fail? 

However, remaining on theme, let’s look at how this competition has been allowed to grow and assume the position of having the largest single used car stock holding available in many used car markets! 

To do this I thought I would look at a selection of approved used car offerings, involving the manufacturers and associated networks that I think are most at risk and behind the curve. Now to me there was only one place to start; Volvo. 

As explored in my recent article below, Volvo has just launched their Volvo Selekt Direct initiative; Volvo’s much trumpeted, direct to consumer used car sales proposition. Now I was pretty sceptical about Volvo’s ability to deliver on the stated aims but I thought I would take a look and see how Volvo are doing, in terms of building their new used car retailing Nirvana. 

Volvo Selekt Direct?,,,,, How To Snatch Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory? 

Well at the moment it is pretty dire; on their UK website this programme is inviting potential used car customers to view just 38 cars! On the same day Cinch had 323 Volvos on their platform, Cazoo had 129 and Carzam had 63! Well done Volvo; as the manufacturer and importer of the product you have less used cars for sale than 3 independent on-line used car retailers. In the case of Cinch 285, or 88% less! 

Then I thought I would look at the BMW used car stock holdings; so I started with the BMW Approved Used Car Locator which clearly stated that there was 13,593 used cars available for sale in their UK network; a network I am informed has approximately 150 franchised dealers. Now this means that on average (a dangerous measurement I know but the only one available) each BMW franchised dealer has approximately 90 used cars in stock. 

Now you might think that this ok, until that is you look at the on-line used car retailers. On the same day Cinch had 621 BMWs in stock, Cazoo had 559, Big Motoring World and Carzam (both owned by the same individual) had 579 and 197 in stock. 

So I thought I would try one more premium brand that I would perceive has some used car retailing challenges; so I looked at Lexus. Again I started with the Lexus Approved Used Car Locator, which clearly stated that there was 1,684 used cars available for sale in their UK network; a network I am informed has approximately 46 franchised dealers. 

This means that on average (again a dangerous measurement but the only one available) each Lexus franchised dealer has 36 used cars in stock. Once again you might think that this ok, until you look at the on-line used car retailers. On the same day Cinch had 68 Lexus’ in stock, Cazoo had 45! 

Now I only looked at three manufacturers but here we have proof that three manufacturers and their franchise partners (on average) have less used car stock available than the on-line independent used car businesses. All this despite the fact that the manufacturer and their franchise partners hold all the aces when it comes to securing used car stock holdings. I started this article stating that manufacturers and their franchise partners do not have the professionals required for the battle to secure used car stock holdings; I rest my case! 

I will not expand anymore in this article, rather I will explore the issues raised in the articles to come; those that will make up my forthcoming used car stock acquisition White Paper. Besides those who haven’t yet grasped the seriousness of the trading reality discussed above are beyond help. 

For those grasping the seriousness of the current situation, I leave this with you to cogitate, whilst I complete the remaining articles covering this subject. However for those wanting to take immediate action, (now that used car market opportunities are identifying themselves), I will be working with three businesses over the next 12 months to deliver the used car stock acquisition expertise and initiatives required, for those businesses to survive and prosper in the used car market to come. 

Should you wish to explore synergies and the potential to collaborate in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact me andrewb@andrewbanningsalessolutions.co.uk so we can arrange a mutually convenient time for an exploratory call. 

Andrew.

Wave Goodbye To Top Prices For Specialist And High Performance Cars!,,,,,,, 

Hold on tight everyone because I predict that for those people looking to dispose of a high performance and/or specialist car, the liquidation landscape is about to become very challenging; in fact what I call the “Market Stagnation Stage” is already hanging over the market. 

The “Market Stagnation Stage” is what I term the period of time before values starting heading south and at quite a pace; and it is caused by a combination of overpriced stock meeting a lack of sales, therefore reducing liquidity within the market. Very similar to what happened during the financial crisis in 2007/2008 when it became impossible to turn assets, (even high performance specialist cars), into cash. 

So why has this happened? Well before answering I think it is important to point out that not all used car markets are effected in the same way or to the same degree; they all operate very differently to each other and some markets still have liquidity. Although prices are beginning to soften, customers are still buying (albeit not in the same volumes) therefore so are the associated businesses. 

These markets are still operating on a more normal basis and in truth, anyone who can run their registration number through an algorithm based valuation website (the likes of We Buy Any Car etc.) is in that market so will still be able to liquidate cars for cash. Albeit they may rue not taking the money on offer a couple of months ago. 

Unfortunately though not everyone has this option and that includes the customers I work with in the disposal of their assets; namely specialist and high performance cars, so what’s the problem? Well in truth there are many, culminating in a lack of confidence and positive sentiment; vital to these markets, in terms of retail activity and the prices being paid for fresh stock. 

Many of you will point out that there is still likely to be a limited supply of new cars this year, (especially as thousands of them are now on the ocean floor, having sunk when their transport ship caught fire), and you would have a point. Sadly though this doesn’t always translate into the used car market, valuations and importantly supply and demand; the key ratio governing the prices being achieved. 

There are also the problems associated with the overheated used car market of the pandemic, the associated once in a lifetime pricing drivers experienced during which, are unwinding; and at a pace. 

In truth I could I discuss many of the factors driving prices down in this sector of the used car market, but I will choose to expand upon just one; the factor at the foundations of the market’s woes. One that you may not be aware of or even considered, along with the serious ramifications for the market, those that are already effecting liquidity in the market, therefore the prices being achieved. 

The Lack Of Expertise Within The Sector! 

And I will focus on this point because this factor, more than anything, will be what brings prices down and renders many cars unsellable until liquidity returns. It is a subject I covered briefly in my recent article written for my Used Car Business Development Blog; 

An Evolving Market Will Make Life Challenging For Porsche Owners! 

In truth though the problems discussed will adversely affect those owning many marques, those associated with the specialist and high performance market; including Porsche, McLaren, Lamborghini, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and manufacturers with established models/ranges selling within the market; including BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi. 

So where to start? Well firstly let me add some context to what I am about to explore and discuss; context although unbelievable will add clarity. For the last decade manufacturers have not been developing or employing proven used car business development talent; the reasons for this, (as unbelievable as they may sound), are complex and mainly driven by a lack of interest (therefore focus) on the used car market by manufacturers. 

I won’t explore this weighty subject here, anyone interested can follow the links below to some of the associated articles published on my Used Car Business Development Blog. I know it sounds ridiculous but take it from someone who has operated within used car markets for 30 years. 

Do Successful Used Car Professionals Exist For Franchised Dealers? 

A Pivotal Piece Of Used Car Business Development Advice!,,,, And For Free! 

Unfortunately this lack of used car business development talent is having consequences in the used car market, all of which started during the pandemic. A once in a lifetime used car market, one where market forces were put on hold and when the Government then pumped this market full of free cash. We will not see this market again and unwinding all the hubris associated with this market is going to be challenging. 

During this market under experienced used car professionals got taken in by all the hubris, listening to under qualified people, those compiling inaccurate trade valuation guides, those running auction houses and those employed at advertising portals like Autotrader. This resulted in used car stock being purchased at ridiculous prices; with no evidence that consumers were purchasing cars at these over inflated prices, sometimes new list price and/or over list price. 

The end result being caused by panic; because they didn’t have the skills required to have secured used car stock holdings in advance of the pandemic and via more profitable acquisitions methods, they failed to read the market and adjust strategies of investment accordingly. 

Now I won’t expand upon this complex issue anymore however, unfortunately many franchised dealers still have this stock, (in many cases having purchased the stock in August/September), on site unsold. This creates the perfect storm of trading challenges; this stock is now loss making stock and they are locked into the dispiriting process of minimising the associated losses, whilst invariably always being behind market reality. All the while having no more funding left to purchase fresh used car stock at the prices required to then be profitable! 

And it is this lack of liquidity that will drive down prices and make liquidation so challenging for owners, and even for those working within this market full time; professionals like me. All businesses have a maximum stocking allowance for their used car stock holding, the vast majority of which is still invested in very expensive (now loss making) used car stock that isn’t selling! The result being that as financial pressure and negative forces for prices build within the specialist high performance car used car market, only the very best examples are going to attract cash offers for straight disposal. 

In this market anyone with liquidity and the experience required to still be operating, will be able to purchase stock in a market with limited competition, and they know it. Unfortunately this inevitable lack of competition only drives prices down and this is not going to be a positive liquidation and disposal market for owners of these cars. 

One of the unfortunate consequences of these market conditions is an increase in owners listening to Autotrader, PistonHeads etc. then putting their car up for sale on these platforms. Now when coping with a market with limited disposal options, I understand the thought process involved here but it really is doomed to fail. Publications like Autotrader are not really fit for purpose when it comes to selling high value, high performance specialist cars; still though, they will gladly sell you the dream and take your money. 

If it sounds like I have a “Beef” with Autotrader, then it is because I do. There is no doubt that it has it’s market but it is important to remember that neither Autotrader (as an organisation) or anyone working there, has ever run a successful used car business; so I find the idea that they can advise you on retail pricing absurd. And the very idea that a private individual will come along to your driveway and pay you anything like the prices being achieved by a franchised dealership (without any of the associated warranties and protection) is even more so. Still though the adverts keep appearing! 

So where to turn now for the owners of specialist high performances cars, (the marques listed at the start of the article), those looking for the right expertise and experience; that required to facilitate in the immediate liquidation of their car? A process requiring skill, expertise, the utmost discretion and excellence in execution. 

Well with unrivalled experience in liquidating specialist high performance cars and the contacts base within the professional community, (both franchised dealers and the most knowledgeable specialists), you could contact me for a market consultation. I am not going to promise you for one moment that I work with every car that is offered, or with every owner that contacts me. 

In truth I choose to advise and help everyone but only work actively with 10% of the owners who contact me; and their associated cars. Offering immediate cash purchase, (should circumstances dictate), or the facility to act as your trusted conduit to the market, returning the best prices, I am the ultimate solution provider for those looking to dispose of their specialist high performance car. 

Please feel free to reach out to me directly via LinkedIn should you wish to arrange a consultation call. 

Andrew.

The Agency Model?,,,,, An  Opportunity For Change Most Will Get Wrong! 

Well a raft of manufacturers have broken cover regarding their plans to transition to an Agency Model; Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Lotus and Cupra to name just a few. 

I have no doubt that more will follow and it will be fascinating to see how this all plays out, once individual manufacturers have outlined what their transition to an Agency Model means in reality; but with the fog clearing and some clarity now being provided, it doesn’t look good news for some franchise dealer networks. 

From what can be gleaned from the announcements thus far, Volvo and Lotus appear to have effectively chopped their franchise partners off at the knees; Volvo only reassuring their franchise partners in their recent statement that, in their new retailing world “Volvo’s UK retailer network remains key to its business, continuing to provide all aftersales services.” 

Now I doubt that this statement is going to be the reassurance that the Volvo franchise dealer network will be requiring, nor the staff employed within new and used car sales operations of these businesses; so what is it likely to mean in reality? Well unfortunately I fear that most manufacturers (not just Volvo and Lotus) are going to get the transition to an Agency Model wrong, and once down this road there will be no turning back! 

In reality all have their trading and operational nuances to navigate when implementing their Agency Model, determined by the sector of the market they are operating in, as well as their product line up. For some, those for whom there is no aspiration to own their product - so therefore it is all about price, the transition will be far easier. There will be no hybrid trading model to build and cultivate, involving the blending of technology with the sales and used car business development professionals required to drive sales. 

For others though the transition will be far more difficult and this leaves me wondering how well any transition to an Agency Model will go in reality? Of late I have written about two manufacturers and their statements regarding their plans to transition to an Agency Model retailing model; Volvo and Lotus. In truth I have my doubts about the success of both, albeit for different reasons. I won’t expand again here, anyone interested can follow the links to the articles below on my Used Car Business Development Blog; 

Volvo Selekt Direct?,,,,, How To Snatch Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory? 

What Now For Lotus? 

My fears are rooted in the likely mistakes that will be made, those made by staff employed at manufacturers and therefore likely to be making the key operational decisions moving forward. Now manufacturers and franchise dealers can be an awkward alliance and mix of two very different types of professional. In reality you are either a franchised dealer based operator or a manufacturer type operator; unfortunately, in the main, they mix like oil and water but also need each other. 

Having read the statements from Volvo and Lotus, I am absolutely convinced that manufacturer based professionals made the big operational decisions regarding their future retailing models; thinking (incorrectly) that they no longer need their franchise partners to sell new and used cars. The irony in all this being that, (in all likelihood), those making these decisions have absolutely no experience of the associated trading environment and what is required in order to be successful. 

Taken at face value, Volvo’s comments are crass in the extreme and full of arrogance towards a franchise dealer network that have put up with much over the past; and are only recently being rewarded for sticking with the manufacturer. In reality the damage to the relationship with their franchise partners has probably been done and, if they are capable, existing franchise dealers will now probably be plotting against the manufacturer’s plans in order to survive; this is not a healthy trading environment. 

So here we have a manufacturer (Volvo) in a good trading position getting it all wrong; how many more will follow suit? Well only time will tell but to my mind there are some who are more at risk of getting it wrong than others; purely because they have a very challeging retailing landscape to navigate. BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, KIA and Hyundai are some of those with the most difficult transitions to navigate, should they decide to navigate to an Agency Model. 

Albeit for some differing trading realities, they all have their challenges; let’s just look at BMW. The “A Car For All Seasons” BMW model range leaves the BMW trading in many sectors of the automotive market, where the customers involved have vastly differing expectations. The customer purchasing a 116 has totally different aspirations and inhabits a totally different world to the customer purchasing a specialist M Power Series car. 

This will be challenging to get right for BMW, especially when it comes to the professionals required to drive their retail and profit ambitions to a successful conclusion. Now I’m not here to give BMW all the answers for free but the business involved in retailing a 116 is (and should be) a completely different business to one retailing specialist high performance M Power cars; so the retail models required will need to be completely different. 

This will leave BMW with 2 retailing models to build, two models that are very different to each other; so the staff attracted to each project will be critical to both success and profitability. In reality an Agency Model, one driven by technology platforms and delivered on by polo shirt wearing “Product Geniuses,” (the Apple Store Model so coveted by some manufacturers) could work in the 116 market. Although residual values will be at risk if they get the used car model wrong, therefore increasing the cost of ownership and making new car product overly expensive in their market. 

Where that model won’t work though is in specialist, premium and high performance markets; as Lotus appear to be trying to do. Rely on technology to drive sales in these markets and it is going to end in tears, and my fear is that manufacturers like BMW are about to make this mistake; why? 

Well, in a word; Fear! I worry that they have become “Blinded” by the pandemic and how they were caught out by not being able to immediately leverage the operational trading model required during the pandemic. At that time most had not fully developed online retailing models and offerings; and for good reason, it hadn’t been necessary up to that point and probably still isn’t! 

During the pandemic much was made about how well prepared the “So Called” Disruptors were, (how they had changed the market – well they haven’t!) and they were, but for a market place that we will not see again. In truth they got lucky, (as a lot of businesses got lucky during the pandemic), they did not drive huge change in the sector, they reacted to a once in a life time event because they were able to. Now the world is returning to normal, giving manufacturers the perfect opportunity to take the lessons learned and build their new retailing models. 

In fairness to Lotus, most manufacturers would do well to look at Lotus and their plans to lock future used car vehicle parks in to returning to their own used car retailing network; although I add the caveat that I fear Lotus will not make this work in practice. This strategy though is how the manufacturers listed above can secure their retailing futures; via the strategies required to control access to their own used car markets, via controlling access to used car stock holdings. 

Unfortunately there are likely to be some problems; firstly the used car professionals required to make this work, at both manufacturer and franchise dealer level. This is a huge operational and skills shortage issue for all manufacturers, all of whom gave up on used car retailing (and developing the professionals required) over a decade ago. So will they “Grasp The Nettle,” put aside their prejudices and reach out to the professionals required for this to be a success? We will have to wait and see, but I doubt it! 

Part of the reason for my lack confidence on this issue is that manufacturers and their franchise partners are organisations addicted to third party businesses now aligned to their own; doing the jobs they should be doing but became too lazy to do so themselves; especially when it comes to the franchise dealer networks. 

Manufacturers currently have networks made up of franchise partners unable to value and dispose of trade vehicles and overage used cars; instead relying on auction companies like BCA to retail their overage used car stock holdings via Cinch, and to dispose of part exchanges! If this wasn’t bad enough both franchise dealers and manufacturers began to make new cars available to independent leasing companies (Select Car Leasing, Vanarama etc.) and to the most ridiculous company of them all; Carwow! 

Offering cars to companies like these (companies that should not have a trading model at all) should be seen for what it is; a sign of failure and an inability to sell new cars! Pre-pandemic, franchise dealers openly posted on LinkedIn about having Carwow staff on site teaching them how to sell new cars the Carwow way? Just let that sink in for a minute! What’s worse is that the dealers themselves couldn’t see just what a sign of abject failure this was and in truth, no success can be built upon teams of professionals as inept this. 

But with Agency Models coming, manufacturers have the opportunity to get rid of “Dead Wood” like this and build anew. This will only be possible though by ensuring they have the most capable sales and used car business development professionals available. For those like BMW and any other marque requiring an “Excellence in Execution” sales model, relying on transitioning to technology based shop windows alone, will not lead to success. 

Unfortunately some manufacturers though will not have the margins required to attract these professionals therefore their aspirations will need to be lower, impacting on the Agency Model they will be able to roll out successfully. 

The inconvenient truth for manufacturers and their franchise partners is that for genuine sales and used car business development talent, the next 12-24 months will represent a once in a generation opportunity. New retailing models will require different skills and there will no doubt be opportunities aplenty. I will endeavour to be abreast of what is happening, how models are evolving and keep everyone informed via these articles. 

Any manufacturer or franchise dealer wanting to get ahead of the curve and explore the opportunities raised in this article, can feel free to reach out to me directly.

Where Now For Lotus Owners and Values?,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 

Lotus? Always a challenging commodity to predict in terms of an ownership proposition and in terms of future values. 

However, according to an article published recently by Autocar Business, the current owners of Lotus seem determined to shake things up a bit, in terms of retail models and their network; slimming the UK network down to 13 Franchise Dealers and transitioning to an Agency Model with their franchise partners. 

All of which is fine and a strategy (the Agency Model) that I applaud but where does it leave Lotus as an ownership proposition? Well you couldn’t accuse Lotus of lacking ambition; their new planned model range will ensure that they are going “Toe-to-Toe” with some serious competition. Purchasers in this market really are spoilt for choice and Lotus will need to get everything right if they are to secure their retailing future and ensure that their product remains a viable ownership proposition. 

I have commented regarding the announcement in the article written for my Used Car Business Development Blog; 

What Now For Lotus? 

So I won’t repeat myself here. Any Lotus owner (or individual considering purchasing a Lotus) interested in the my thoughts can follow the link to the article itself; and I would recommend reading, as the issues raised in the article itself will directly affect (to the negative or the positive) the values of Lotus cars for a considerable time. 

My worry in the Lotus statement is an apparent over reliance on technology to drive sales when the retailing model is rolled out, not a fit for purpose hybrid retail model; one where the professionals required are leveraging technology to aid the retail proposition. Now of course I have had no input into the strategic retailing plans of Lotus but I know that transitioning to a retail Agency Model will need careful diplomacy with franchise partners. 

Chief of which will be the packages and the remuneration schemes required to ensure that the sales and used car business professionals required (those capable of driving the ambitions and objectives of Lotus to a successful outcome) can be encouraged to join the Lotus project. This will not be guaranteed; I don’t want to get too bogged down on this point in this article, but in the current fragmenting and evolving automotive market in the UK, genuinely successful sales and used car business development professionals will have their pick of opportunities. 

Now I am not privy to the details and do not own a Lotus franchise, so would not be included in any discussions with the manufacturer; that said I do act on behalf of Lotus owners providing market facilitation and conduit services, returning the best values back to Lotus owners looking to sell their vehicle. 

Of all the marques I work with Lotus (and the associated values) is without doubt one of the most challenging. To enjoy strong residuals (therefore acceptable costs of ownership for customers) you need a successful forward thinking used car retailing network, and in my humble opinion this is not the case with Lotus; never has been. This trading reality renders valuations subject to huge fluctuations involving periods of time when lack of liquidity and/or appetite for investment from franchise dealers, renders disposal nigh on impossible. 

Now there are some excellent initiatives contained within the statement from Lotus; what worries me though is going to be a lack of ability to deliver, due to a lack of the professionals required, those alluded to above. At the foundation of any successful delivery of the aims and objectives for Lotus will be very experienced successful used car professionals and sales professionals; and when I talk about used car professionals I talking about those who can deliver on the aims of locking future Lotus used car vehicle parks into a successful used car retailing network. 

Unfortunately I see no evidence of this on the company page for Lotus on LinkedIn and my fear is that Lotus will gamble their future sales success on technology, and a sales process devoid of the trusted sales and used car business development professionals required. Those that owners of specialist high performance cars want to have access to during their investigation and purchasing process. 

I won’t explore highly specialised business strategies here, (this is not the place), only what it could mean for Lotus owners when it comes to an ownership proposition. At the foundations of how much it will cost to own a Lotus will be the effectiveness of the Lotus used car retailing network, as this more than anything will determine the demand for, and the residual values enjoyed by, owners looking to sell a Lotus. 

Now technology platforms cannot drive success in this area; although an important information resource technology platforms do not sell high performance specialist cars. Trusted, experienced and knowledgeable sales professionals sell high performance specialist cars and, as a purchaser in this market, I’m sure you will appreciate that this is the case. 

So if Lotus go down the technology route what does it mean for Lotus as an ownership proposition? Well, and this unavoidable, selling becomes all about price, especially when it comes to used car retailing. Now the benefit of this is that those purchasing and who are market savvy will undoubtedly be able to pay a lot less for their new or used Lotus. 

Sadly these gains will be short lived as this trading reality will effect both liquidity and therefore future values. I have no doubt that a retail system relying on (albeit excellent technology based shop windows) will slow down the rate of sales, both new and used cars. This is a dangerous downward spiral of profitability for Lotus and will translate to a far more difficult disposals landscape for owners. 

So where to turn for Lotus owners looking for the right expertise and experience, that required to facilitate in the immediate liquidation of their car; a process requiring skill, expertise, the utmost discretion and excellence in execution? 

Well with unrivalled experience in liquidating specialist cars and the contacts base within the Lotus community, (both franchised dealers and the most knowledgeable Lotus specialists), you could contact me for a market consultation. I am not going to promise you for one moment that I work with every car that is offered, or with every owner that contacts me. 

In truth I choose to advise and help everyone but only work actively with 10% of the owners who contact me; and their associated cars. Offering immediate cash purchase, (should circumstances dictate), or the facility to act as your trusted conduit to the market, returning the best price for your Lotus, I am the ultimate solution provider for those looking to dispose of their Lotus. 

Please feel free to reach out to me directly via LinkedIn should you wish to arrange a consultation call.