The the prep is done, the tickets have been sold and the big day is finally here – it’s time for Car Dealer Live 2026.
The event brings together top level speakers, research and people from around the motor trade to hear the big topics that really matter to them.
The Car Dealer team will be sharing updates from the British Motor Museum throughout today (March 19), in this live blog which will be updated regularly.
If you haven’t been able to attend the show in person, you can still watch all of the sessions live or catch up on them later with a streaming ticket. These can still be purchased from cardealerlive.co.uk.
Guest speakers include Peugeot UK’s Nicola Dobson, Infinity Motors’ Sohib Ghafouri and Ginny Buckley from Electrifying.com.
We will also be hosting a number of panels covering every corner of the motor trade.
Those at the event can post on social media tagging Car Dealer or using #CDLive.
Enjoy!
Profit being lost through poor pricing
The Auto Trader research session highlighted a stable but evolving market shaped by shifting supply dynamics and growing used EV opportunities.
Ian Plummer and Vicky Hart emphasised that while overall demand remains strong, dealers must work harder to source stock, particularly in the 3–5 year bracket, with greater reliance on proactive and multi-channel strategies.
They noted that significant profit is being lost through poor pricing, with data-led decisions now critical to maximising margins.
The session also underlined the growing importance of used EVs and declining brand loyalty, while AI and technology were positioned as key enablers of efficiency, helping dealers streamline operations and improve customer experience.
Great to see you, Paul!
Autotrader time
James Baggott is now joined on stage by Autotrader’s Ian Plummer and Waylands’ executive Vicky Hart. We are currently talking EVs and ongoing stock challenges.
Increasingly pressurised environment
The franchised dealer panel highlighted a resilient but increasingly pressured retail environment.
While new car volumes remain strong, profitability is under strain due to margin compression, rising costs, and intense competition.
Richard and Sam say dealers are facing growing challenges from high manufacturer targets, EV pricing pressures, and structural cost increases, particularly in labour and property.
The traditional large showroom model is also being questioned, with a shift toward leaner, more digital operations. Our panel says AI presents opportunities for efficiency but requires careful implementation.
Overall, the outlook is cautious, with many expecting conditions to worsen before improving, making adaptability, cost control, and operational efficiency critical for dealer success in 2026.
Session host, Rebecca Chaplin says: ‘It’s clear franchised dealers are feeling the pressure in 2026. Hedin UK CEO Richard Ennis shared that he wasn’t particularly positive about the year ahead with margin pressures and increased costs.
‘On our franchised panel he and Luscombe Motors MD Sam Luscombe shared their views on the changing landscape for new car dealerships as tech moves forward, both on the cars and how they run their dealerships.’
Franchised dealer panel underway
Car Dealer’s Rebecca Chaplin is now on stage chatting with Hedin UK CEO, Richard Ennis and Sam Luscombe,
MD of Luscombe Motors. It has been a varied discussion so far, covering everything from rising costs to humanoid robots!
What did Dobson say?
Nicola Dobson says the biggest challenge facing the car industry right now remains the transition to electric vehicles, with the pace of change running ahead of natural consumer demand. She stressed that while the direction is right, more needs to be done to bring buyers along.
On infrastructure, she backed calls for VAT cuts on public charging, saying more needs to be done to support drivers without access to home chargers and create a level playing field.
Closing with advice to dealers, Dobson urged retailers to maximise every lead, embrace digital tools, and work closely with manufacturer partners to drive sales in 2026.
Car Dealer’s James Batchelor says: ‘With the dreadful events and situation in the Middle East, it was fascinating to hear from Nicola the potential knock-on effects to the automotive industry.
‘She was also very candid about the challenges that legacy brands like Peugeot are facing, and what’s needed to spark more customers to go electric.’
Dobson talks policy
Our first guest is Nicola Dobson, who has been discussing the government’s approach to EVs. Speaking to Car Dealer’s James Batchelor, the Peugeot UK boss, says that a pay-per-mile scheme is ‘not necessarily the right approach’.
Car Dealer Live 2026 is underway
Car Dealer Live has kicked off and Car Dealer editor in chief James Baggott has told the audience that despite the challenges the motor trade faces on the world stage, the industry is remarkably resilient.
In his opening speech, he said: ’Now, this year looks to be fraught with challenges but – navigated correctly – there’ll be some great opportunities for the motor trade.
‘Chinese challenger brands are rapidly gaining market share, electric cars are still dominating headlines and there are used car stock challenges to contend with too.
‘But 2026 has kicked off with vigour. New car sales in February were the best for more than 20 years and the used car market is flying.
‘Despite global events, and the pressures they may bring, the automotive market is proving to be resilient.
‘And in today’s ever changing market that’s more important than ever.’
The last sound checks are done and our guests are taking their seats. It’s time for Car Dealer Live 2026
