DHL Strike Could Disrupt JLR Vehicle and Parts Supply
Around 300 DHL logistics workers at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull hub will commence an indefinite strike on May 7 over a disputed 3% pay offer. The walkout, backed by an additional 300 HGV drivers across the Midlands and Northwest, threatens to halt the transport of finished JLR vehicles and critical parts to UK dealer networks. With inflation running at 3.6% in 2026, the union argues the proposal amounts to a real‑terms pay cut, prompting further negotiations through Acas. Prolonged disruption could impair dealer deliveries, after‑sales service and workshop throughput, pressuring JLR’s sales and brand reputation.
Former Volvo UK Commercial Director to Lead Collision Management Group
Robert Deane, former commercial director of Volvo Car UK, has been appointed managing director of Activate Accident Repair and Activate Parts at Activate Group. In his previous role he oversaw Volvo’s 93‑site after‑sales network, while Activate runs 13 repair centres...
Chinese OEMs Target UK Van Market with CV Show Launches
Chinese automakers Chery and BYD are using the 2026 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham to debut new van offerings for the UK light‑commercial‑vehicle market. Chery introduced its Delivan brand, showcasing concept models that emphasize intelligent, electrified mobility, while BYD revealed...
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to Relaunch in UK with Eight-Year Warranty
Mitsubishi is re‑entering the UK market this summer with a refreshed Outlander PHEV, offering an eight‑year or 100,000‑mile warranty that covers both the vehicle and its battery. The plug‑in hybrid will be available in five‑ or seven‑seat configurations, delivering over...
Stellantis Recall Hits as European Growth Drives Recovery
Stellantis announced a recall of roughly 10,000 cars and vans equipped with its 1.5‑litre BlueHDI diesel engine due to a water‑pump pulley defect that could cause power loss or detached components. The recall adds to a recent 44,000‑vehicle PureTech petrol...
Volkswagen Updated ID3 with New Name and 391-Mile Range
Volkswagen has refreshed its compact electric hatchback, renaming it the ID.3 Neo and extending its WLTP range to a claimed 391 miles. The model ships with three power outputs (170 PS, 190 PS, 231 PS) and three battery packs ranging from 50 kWh to 79 kWh,...
International Motors Promotes New Network Boss as Chris Graham Retires
International Motors has appointed Kevin Green as head of network development, succeeding Chris Graham who retires after 28 years. Green, who joined IML in 2021 and has over 25 years of automotive experience, will oversee franchise representation for the group’s...
Stock Surge Lifts Used Car Retail Value to £52.6m
Dealer Auction reported that used‑car retail value surged to £52.6 million (about $66.8 million) in March, up from £42 million the month before. Fresh‑stock listings jumped 20 %, driving nearly 80,000 bids and adding roughly $12.7 million in retail uplift. The sub‑£10,000 segment saw the...
WSG and iStoreDOCS Launch Digital GAP Partnership for Dealers
Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) has teamed with iStoreDOCS to launch a digital GAP insurance solution for UK car dealers. The service delivers a 30‑day complimentary cover through iStoreDOCS’s portal, with WSG handling all FCA compliance and providing call‑centre support. Early...
Car Finance Firm Zuto Appoints New Chief Executive
Zuto, the UK car‑finance fintech, has named long‑time COO Aimee Gethin as its new chief executive, succeeding founder Jim Wilkinson. Gethin, who joined in 2015, takes the helm as part of a multi‑year succession plan backed by Bridgepoint’s small‑cap growth...
International Motors to Distribute New Chinese Van Brand in UK
International Motors Ltd (IML) has secured a multi‑year agreement to become the official UK distributor for Chinese commercial‑vehicle maker Foton, launching the brand’s light trucks, vans and buses in 2026. IML, which already represents Xpeng, Great Wall Motors, Subaru, Mitsubishi...
Jaecoo 5 Gains Full-Hybrid Option From £26,270
Jaecoo UK is adding a full‑hybrid version of its compact SUV, the Jaecoo 5 SHS‑H, priced from £26,270 (about $33,400) for the Pure trim and £29,765 (about $37,800) for Luxury. The model pairs a 1.5‑litre turbo petrol engine with a 1.83 kWh...
Phyron Brings AI-Powered VIN-Level Video Ads to TikTok
Phyron is launching an AI-driven solution that generates video ads for every vehicle in a dealer’s inventory, targeting TikTok’s automotive audience at the VIN level. The product, integrated with TikTok’s new Automotive Ads for Inventory, is currently in a closed...
West Motor Company to Expand Into Former Harwoods Dealership
West Motor Company has acquired the former Harwoods Land Rover dealership in Edenbridge, Kent, adding a 4.5‑acre, 23,000‑sq‑ft site to its portfolio. The location becomes the group’s fourth used‑car showroom and its first outside the M25, extending its reach into...
Used Car Values Stable Despite Confidence Threats, Data Shows
The UK used‑car market held steady in March, with an average transaction price of £17,370 (≈ $22,100), only 0.2% lower month‑on‑month and 0.4% down year‑on‑year. Prices for 10‑15‑year‑old vehicles rose 9.7% and sold in just 24 days, reflecting a shortage of...
