Latest news with #StartlineUsedCarTracker
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Many car showrooms still male-dominated, say dealers: Startline
Four in ten car dealers (40%) believe that car showrooms continue to be male-dominated environments, according to the latest Startline Used Car Tracker for July. The report reveals growing concern in the motor retail sector about how well it serves female customers. More than a third (35%) of dealers think some women are choosing to shop online to avoid visiting showrooms, while 33% say the industry needs to focus on recruiting and empowering more female staff. 'Some have recognised this problem and taken welcome actions,' said Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, referring to efforts such as hiring more women. The research shows 42% of dealers now employ women in their sales teams, though just 22% say they employ as many women as men. Almost half of dealers (48%) say they have tried to make their showrooms more female-friendly. However, 12% admit they are unsure how to improve the environment, and a third believe more feedback from women customers is needed. 'These responses underline the problems some parts of the industry face,' Burgess said. 'Perhaps more research by dealers is needed to fully understand this issue.' The questions were prompted by earlier research from Citroën UK showing that nearly half (48%) of women feel the car retail experience is biased toward men, and only 25% feel comfortable asking for help in a showroom. The Startline Used Car Tracker is produced monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, which surveyed 300 consumers and 60 dealers for this edition. "Many car showrooms still male-dominated, say dealers: Startline" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Startline survey reveals Chinese car brands gain traction among UK motorists
More than seven out of ten UK motorists are open to purchasing vehicles from emerging Chinese car manufacturers, according to Startline's June Used Car Tracker. In the survey, 72% of respondents expressed willingness to consider Chinese cars. BYD emerged as the most recognised brand among potential buyers, with 28% awareness, followed by Maxus at 19% and Chery at 14%. Other brands such as Aiways, Denza, and Jaecoo each garnered 11% while Omoda and Xpeng stood at 10%. Nio, Skywell, and GWM Ora achieved 9%, with Leapmotor, Lynk & Co, HiPhi, and Zeekr trailing. Startline Motor Finance CEO Paul Burgess said: 'Chinese manufacturers are making a concerted assault on the UK market – almost 12,000 BYDs were sold here in the first four months of the year – and our research shows that consumers are receptive to the idea of buying a car from them.' Burgess further explained that differentiation is a challenge for these new entrants. Those investing in marketing and dealer networks are seeing increased consumer awareness, with BYD as a prime example. Despite this, 18% of respondents prefer established brands, 11% have quality concerns, and 7% wish to support British manufacturers. Additional concerns include parts availability and security, each noted by 4% of respondents, and dealer support, mentioned by 2%. Burgess stated that while a small group of car buyers exhibits some hesitation, significant concerns typically associated with the quality and support offered by new Chinese automakers are notably minimal. Compiled by APD Global Research, the Startline Used Car Tracker surveyed 301 consumers and 66 dealers, providing insights into consumer perceptions and market trends. Earlier this year, Startline Motor Finance secured a five-year credit facility worth £475m ($583m) from the US bank JP Morgan. Startline offers near-prime financing solutions to approximately half of the UK's top 50 franchised car dealers and 70% of the leading 50 independent automotive retailers, based on revenue. "Startline survey reveals Chinese car brands gain traction among UK motorists" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
