MT Interview

Nick Laird, managing director of SsangYong Motor UK, speaks with Julian Buckley about increasing sales and developing the brand’s dealer network   SsangYong Motor (where SsangYong translates as ‘double dragon’) was first introduced into the UK in 1994. Between then and now, the South Korean carmaker has endured some torrid times, including two ownership changes and a flirtation with insolvency. ...

Alex Smith, managing director of Nissan GB, talks about the new Leaf EV, changes to senior company management, and the role dealers will play in the company’s future success Alex Smith: The new Leaf was awarded What Car? EV of the Year just before the start of sales. It’s been a very successful pre-launch, interest in the vehicle has been ...

In an exclusive interview with Motor Trader, Dave Hodgetts, managing director of Honda UK, speaks with Julian Buckley about a wide range of topics, including the national dealer network, Brexit, and the possible effects of GDPR on future sales Motor Trader: The last NFDA dealer survey highlighted a good performance for Honda. Were you happy with the results and what ...

Mazda Motors UK continues to punch above its weight under the leadership of Jeremy Thomson as it closes in on 50,000 sales by 2020 The first thing Jeremy Thomson checks when he wakes in the morning is the exchange rate to see how the pound has fared overnight against the yen. As managing director of Mazda Motors UK it’s an ...

Aston Barclay is upping its game after a multi-million pound investment, MBO and the opening of a new centre in Donington. But that’s just the start says CEO Neil Hodson When it comes to disposing unwanted part-exchanges and sourcing fresh used stock at auction, dealers pretty much have the choice of BCA and Manheim or one of the smaller regional ...

This year’s Motor Trader Awards, which take place at the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane on 12 July, attracted a record number of entries and finalists. We talk to Coachworks Consulting managing director Karl Davis, who has been on the judging panel for the past three years, about what goes into the judging process and why the awards are more ...

Peugeot’s UK boss David Peel talks to Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson about his plans to build the brand and improve dealer profitability It has been a busy time for Peugeot UK managing director David Peel who was appointed to the job in February 2016. He had been successfully running the factory owned Peugeot Citroen Retail dealer network in the ...

Haymarket Automotive is using its high profile consumer brands to create a significant new car sales platform. Managing director Rachael Prasher speaks exclusively to Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson  Last September a new online marketplace was quietly launched enabling car buyers to research their next new car purchase before being directed to the franchised dealers in their area offering the ...

IMI chief executive Steve Nash talks to Motor Trader editor Curtis Hutchinson about how the government’s controversial Apprenticeship Levy could benefit the motor trade  Steve Nash had a lot on his mind when we met at the Institute of Directors an oasis of calm, conducive for quiet conversation, in the centre of London. Five minutes into our interview and he ...

  It’s mid-morning at the Westfield London Centre in Shepherd’s Bush, a vast citadel to retailing with hundreds of stores and thousands of brands attracting millions of visitors each year. Inside, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo sit alongside iconic labels like Burberry and now Bentley. The quintessential British marque with a rich motoring and racing heritage is on the ...