All articles by Verdict Staff

Thriving in recession – what, me?

View from the US

REMARKETING SUV trade-in activity climbs with gas pricesIf you cant afford the gas, you cant afford the ride. With the majority of SUVs getting less than 30 miles to the gallon and the national average for a gallon of regular breaking $4 nearly $1 more than at the same time last year many consumers have begun to move away from big, thirsty models.

On the move

Gerard Moon, the former CEO of Fortis Lease UK, has joined independent vehicle leasing company Zenith Vehicle Contracts in the role of commercial director..

Editor’s letter

While the SMMT reported March sales up 0.5 per cent year on year, a better result than predicted only a few weeks ago, the RMIFs Louise Wallis, profiled on p13, reports that the picture for dealers is tough, with manufacturers squeezing margins and ever more difficult trading conditions

Experian warning: Used car market to stay tough throughout 2008

Data company Experians used car sales figures for 2007 show a 2.4 per cent decline year-on-year in volumes – the largest annual drop since 2005.Moreover, it warned, used car dealers should not expect a better business climate in 2008. Consumer sentiment remains cautious, Experian said.

Motor Month

Whilst diesel registrations rose 4.5 per cent to 89,470 units taking 42.8 per cent market share, compared with June 2007, the new car market fell 6.1 per cent to 209,190 units

View from the US

I dont foresee a very easy 2008, said Luis Estrada, president and owner of Trader Vics Used Cars

Motor Month

Motor Month The monthly new car registration volume of 158,735 is the best November figure since 2004 2007 has seen the new car market recover slightly, but we are still a long way from the records set in 2003, said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive

On the move

Stuart Moore has joined Lombard Vehicle Management as a senior relationship manager

Ten fleet lessors chosen to supply public sector

The 10 contract hire providers who made it through the selection process are: Appleyard Contracts Ltd, Arnold Clark Finance Ltd, Arval UK Ltd, Automotive Leasing Ltd (a subsidiary of LeasePlan), GE Commercial Finance Fleet Services, Lex Vehicle Partners Ltd, Lloyds TSB autolease, Lombard Vehicle Management, Masterlease Ltd, and T C H Ltd.