Motor Trade Commercial Insurance Profile
Car Dealers Anticipate Tough Sales Year
The inflated cost
of living continues to affect several industries, and the motor trade is no
exception. In fact, 40% of consumers say their approach to motoring has been
affected by the current cost-of-living crisis, according to research by online
marketplace carwow. Moreover, 27% of consumers are considering selling or
exchanging their cars to save money. These changes in consumer behaviour could
make it difficult for car dealers to predict and protect their finances,
particularly as the economic climate remains uncertain.
Compounding
inflation concerns, dealers are still recovering from the difficulties faced by
the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trade has lost production of 46
million new vehicles over the past three years due to supply chain disruptions
stemming from the effects of the pandemic, according to Cox Automotive. Though
supply chain constraints have begun to ease, the market’s growth potential may
be hampered by current economic pressures.
Amid these
trends, Cox Automotive has recently released its 2023 used car forecast. The
company’s baseline forecast has proved to be one of the most accurate
available. Indeed, its 2022 baseline forecast was 99.8% accurate when compared
to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ actual used car transactions
data.
Cox Automotive’s
forecast predicts an uplift of just 3.2% in used car sales this year, with
7,096,932 used car transactions anticipated. However, the gains in the first
quarter are expected to be marginal. In contrast, the worst-case scenario
outlook predicts a 0.1% gain on 2022’s performance, with a 6.6% decrease on the
average figures for 2001-2019.
While Cox
Automotive’s forecasts are not a certainty, they do point to the possibility of
a tough sales year for car dealers in 2023. While replenished stock levels and
renewed fleet utilisation will contribute to a more favourable outlook,
economic pressures may hold organisations back from achieving their true sales
potential. Consequently, it may be prudent for car dealers to plan for worst-case
scenarios and consider creative ways to bolster their finances over the next 12
months.
Contact us today
for further motor trade guidance and market trends.
