Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Nidd Vale Group turns to used cars
Harrogate-based franchised dealer Nidd Vale Group is looking to focus on its used sales into next year in reaction to the forecast downturn in the new car market.
Nigel Pullan, Nidd Vale Group chief executive, told AM he had created a new position of head of procurement and remarketing to make sure the group’s focus was pinpointed on bolstering its used sales.
Graham Wilson will return to Nidd Vale after a 22-year absence to take up the new role.
Pullan said: “Graham will be liaising with the sales managers and he’ll be a part of the senior management team in our weekly and monthly meetings.
“He’s one of the best known guys in used car sales and he’s very well known in the area and to Nidd Vale. He used to be in a sales role in the early days of the company when we were based in Knaresborough.”
Asked about Nidd Vale’s used car expectations next year Pullan said: “With the current market, I’d actually be happy to keep used car sales at the current level.”
Pullan declined to disclose used figures for the group.
Nidd Vale has three sites holding franchises with Mazda, Mitsubishi, Saab, Seat, Vauxhall and Peugeot.
The £75 million turnover business had planned for growth, but like most retailers that has been put on hold until the UK’s economy recovers from recession.
Pullan said: “Things are going pretty well at the moment considering the problems the economy is facing.
“We had a very good first half of the year, October wasn’t as bad as we were expecting, but November has been quite tough. Things are still looking positive for the future.”
Pullan welcomed the cut in VAT to 15% but was
disappointed that the first year rate of Vehicle Excise Duty wasn’t scrapped in the Pre-Budget Report.
“I agree that it should be scrapped but I can see how
it would have been difficult for the Government to turn its back on environmental issues.
“I would also like to have seen a bigger cut in VAT rates too. There should also be more pressure put on banks to pass down base rate cuts to customers.”
DATED: 24.12.08
FEED: AM
