Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

Boom time for garages as car use surges

Staycations in the UK, the return of commuting and a rise in those who have developed an aversion to travelling by public transport since the Covid-19 crisis could see a boom in aftersales for car retailers.

A survey 2,150 motorists by JudgeService, the customer satisfaction consultants, found that the easing of lockdown restrictions has already resulted in a rise in vehicle use which will produce increased business for workshops.

But there's a bottleneck approaching too. Garages are preparing for a surge in MOT tests and associated vehicle servicing in September as MOT tests become due.

Cars, motorcycles and vans were subject to a temporary six-month MOT exemption in March last year in an effort to maintain essential travel during the Covid-19 crisis.

The exemption which came into play from 30th March 2020 meant MOTs were rescheduled to September.

JudgeService's State of the Nation II report found that 44% of car owners are now using their car every day, compared to just 27% a year ago.

The volume of respondents commuting to work had also risen from 32.4% to 47.4% while travelling for leisure has doubled from 22% to 44%.

Neil Addley, the managing director of JudgeService, said: "We're seeing significant changes in car usage following the easing of lockdown restrictions, people are spending less time working from home and returning to their commute and with foreign holidays on hold for many, we are seeing a jump in leisure usage.

"We believe this change in usage has contributed to the boost in enquiries for car sales and will continue to do so especially among people wishing to avoid sharing their personal space when commuting.

"With over a third of owners saying they do not plan to travel on public transport for the foreseeable future, car usage will undoubtedly increase as a result, which presents dealers with a welcome opportunity to grow their new and used sales, providing they can source stock, as well as aftersales for servicing and repair work."

The knock-on effect of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) extensions will be a flood of activity in what is normally the sector's key number plate change month.

JudgeService's survey data showed that 80% agreed that they love to drive and like to feel successful through their choice of car brand.

The top three rated brands were BMW, Jaguar and Land Rover, followed by Peugeot, Audi, Volkswagen, Vauxhall, Hyundai, Skoda and Seat.

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.