Motor Trade Radio

11/09/2026

Is the UK economy doing more than just surviving?

UK GDP beat expectations again in July, rising 0.4%, but the bigger story lies beneath the headline. While some of the strength is likely driven by volatile services sectors and could reverse, underlying growth is now running at its strongest pace in over two years. Growth is increasingly being supported by technology, AI-related activity and a rebound in manufacturing, suggesting the economy may be shifting from resilience to genuine strength.

07/09/2026

Is the labour market finally finding its footing?

The latest REC survey suggests the labour market is stabilising, with permanent hiring returning to growth and pay rising at one of the fastest rates in two years. While the rebound remains fragile and should be treated cautiously, the broader trend points to easing job losses and limited labour market slack, supported by lower net immigration and resilient economic growth.

06/09/2026

05/09/2026

🚨 The UK automotive industry may be focusing on the wrong threat.

While much of the conversation has centred on Chinese EVs, the real story could be their growing strength in hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

As I told Autocar:

“The pending ZEV Mandate consultation could indirectly support Chinese new entrants even more, because any softening of it would allow them to go even harder and longer on plug-in hybrid and hybrid growth.”

What makes this particularly significant is the speed at which these manufacturers operate. Their product development cycles allow them to adapt to changing market conditions and regulations far faster than many established brands.

The question isn't whether Chinese brands can compete in the UK market.

It's how quickly they can reshape it.

Read more in Autocar: Relaxed EV rules could supercharge Chinese PHEV growth in UK

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/company-cars/relaxed-ev-rules-could-supercharge-chinese-phev-growth-uk

Philip Nothard, Cox Automotive Europe
Jack Carfrae, Autocar

Specialists claim low-cost EVs were a shoo-in for new entrants amid rising PHEV and ICE sales

05/09/2026

Catch the big car retailing stories with Curtis and Philip on this week’s Motor Trade Radio Podcast, powered by Cazoo.

This week we’re joined by two special guests!

➡️ Steve Young, CEO of Auto West London, chats about his September plate-change preparations and expectations.
➡️ Simon King FIMI, CEO of Autotech Group, talks about the workforce challenges facing workshops across the UK.

This week’s big headlines:

➡️ Increased availability of used EVs in August drives rise in ad views
➡️ XPENG is to take direct UK control to step up dealer investment
➡️ Motorpoint lifts profit outlook for 2026
➡️ Industry legend Mark Busby to leave Hendy Group this month

Streaming now on your podcast feed or here ▶️

Catch the big car retailing stories with Curtis and Philip on this week’s Motor Trade Radio podcast, powered by Cazoo.   This week we’re joined by two special guests!   ➡️ Steve Young, CEO of Auto West London, chats about his September plate-change preparations and expectations. .....

04/09/2026

🚨WORKSHOP SPECIAL POD 🚨 We're delighted to welcome Autotech Group CEO Simon King FIMI to the Motor Trade Radio podcast for our latest Supplier Special, powered by Cazoo.

One of the main themes Simon shares withCurtis and Philip in this episode is his view that we, as a sector, are focusing too much on the technician shortage and not enough on workshop productivity.

Simon sheds some much-needed light on why recruiting more technicians is only part of the solution. He argues there is significant potential to unlock capacity by reducing the amount of skilled technician time lost to administration, inefficient processes, waiting for technical support and other non-productive tasks.

Simon also discusses how AI in the workshop is already addressing some of these shortfalls.

Founded in 2010, Autotech Group is an automotive industry specialist helping businesses address workforce challenges, develop skills and improve workshop productivity.

Clients include AM100 franchised groups, independent dealers, independent workshops and public-sector organisations across the UK.

Available now on your podcast feed or listen here ▶️

🚨WORKSHOP SPECIAL POD 🚨 We're delighted to welcome Autotech Group CEO Simon King to the Motor Trade Radio podcast for our latest Supplier Special, powered by Cazoo.   One of the main themes Simon shares with Curtis and Philip in this episode is his view that, as a sector, we may...

01/09/2026

🏠 Is the Housing Market Ignoring the Warning Signs?

Despite higher borrowing costs, rising energy prices, and growing tax risks, UK house prices continue to show resilience, suggesting underlying demand remains firm. However, with weaker survey data, revised-down historical figures, and the prospect of further interest rate hikes or higher property taxes, some argue the market may be masking deeper vulnerabilities rather than signalling a sustained recovery.