The first ever data on the number of cars that are registered before they are sold, revealed just 125 preregistrations in September a figure widely below industry expectations which has stunned the trade. Professor Garel Rhys, of Cardiff Business School said that car makers had not co-operated over the recording of preregistrations.
Experts predict worsening residual values for second-hand cars.
Professor Garel Rhys claims that figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders concerning pre-registration sales and market shares do not tell the whole story. Professor Garel Rhys predicts that when Mario Monti, the EU competition commissioner, looks at block exemption in the European automotive sector he will start with a clean piece of paper . Rhys states that the EC needs to ensure avoid uncertainty and chaos amongst car manufactuers. John Kiff, who is involved in the International Car Distribution Programme at Cardiff Business School has upset car dealers by stating that IT will play a major role in building and retaining customer relations but claiming that he is not sure whether the majority of car dealers have the skills needed for this new customer environment. Professor Garel Rhys believes that this is great for customers who can establish prices before approaching dealers.