Manufacturers have been offering post scrappage deals, which have helped to boost sales and keep them ahead of 2009. There were many concerns over how the end of the scrappage scheme would effect new car sales. This is great news as the VED tax was also introduced in April, which was also predicted to have a negative effect on sales.

Sales in April were 11.5% up on 2009, which is a good indication that the industry is moving in the right direction. The scrappage scheme during April amounted to only 8% of total sales, with the carmaker incentive schemes really helping to boost overall sales. Kia, Hyundai and Seat are all experiencing significant growth for the year, due to strong sales of small cars.

It will be interesting to see how the industry is supported over the coming months with the formation of the new government. What we need is the economy to experience strong growth to generate an increase in consumer confidence. Ford and Vauxhall have had large drops in sales based on last years performance, with sales being 22% down for Ford and 11% for Vauxhall.

Car Industry News

Business secretary Lord Mandelson announced last night that the government’s scrappage scheme would be extended until March 31st or until the £400 million funding runs out, which ever happens first. The government said that extending the ‘cash for bangers’ scheme by another month will give car dealers and manufacturers “more time to prepare for and operate the exit phase of the scheme”. The scrappage deal is responsible for 17.8% of new car registrations in January totaling 26,332 cars out of the 145,500 new car registered. New car sales were up by 29.8%, which is surprising considering the cold snap stopped people walking round for nearly a month.

Lord Mandelson said, “If you’re considering buying a new car, you should place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, because the budget is strictly limited.” With only 50,000 new car registrations left within the budget these will soon go, so if you are after a new car part of the scheme we advise buyers to be quick.

Car dealerships should consider advertising the scheme using large impactful banners, informing the public how long they have left to get the £2000 saving. At Portfolio we would recommend Windscreen and car-top display as excellent eye-catching methods of advertising. The scheme extension allows car dealers to make the most of the scheme and should offer some relief for new car sales in the first quarter of the year.

Car Industry News Banners, Forecourt & Showroom Display, new cars, scrappage scheme

Toyota is having to recall 1,000′s of cars which the company has estimated could cost £1.25bn in lost output and sales. There is an issue with the acceleration of cars and Toyota can’t take any risks so they are recalling around 8 models. Toyota is the worlds largest car maker and this looks like it may cause the company to cut it’s 2010 sales forecasts. This does not come as good news to an industry which has been in turmoil over the last 2 years.

Peugeot is also recalling some of their cars made with Toyota in Europe. They will be carrying out an identical campaign to Toyota to ensure that there is no uncontrolled acceleration. Honda is also recalling over 600,000 cars to fix a faulty switch that could set on fire. You could ask yourself what is going on here. Experienced manufacturers using the latest technology ought to have got it right first time. Just goes to show that the best companies in the world have to own up to their mistakes.

At Portfolio Display we want to hear some good news going on in the Automotive industry. Nissan are creating jobs at their Sunderland plant due to the success from their Qashqai model. This makes a change from the headlines usually shouting about job cuts.

Car Industry News automotive, car recalls

Hyundai has reported an increase in profits from October to December, which was helped by the Government incentives to boost car sales. Net profits for the period were £505m, which is a very healthy profit considering the market conditions. Analysts had not predicted that profits would be so high. Hyundai was one of the winners of the car scrappage scheme, which is a contrast with many other car makers who have struggled with falling sales.

Ford has also just posted an annual profit for the first time in over four years. The manufacturer posted profits of £1.7bn in 2009 compared to a loss of almost $15bn in 2008. They also forecast to make a profit this year, which is very good news considering where they were the year before. Ford had to make many cuts across their whole company which included 9,000 job losses. But the profits will come as good news to the 80,000 employees who managed to keep their jobs.

Most manufacturers still face challenging times ahead, but it is looking as though the worst has passed. Dealerships across the UK will have already set their forecasts for 2010 and also considered what branding their forecourts will need. Keeping dealerships up to date is key to promoting a healthy looking company. Our range of point of sale products, which includes car top panels, pricing units, banners and many other forecourt display products will help to promote dealers during 2010.

Car Industry News Banners, new car sales

With the UK recently hit by severe arctic weather, UK car dealers have noticed a large increase in online bidding with up to £4.5 million spent on used cars. With hits and bidding on the increase in January the UK’s online auction sites have reported the biggest jump in traffic since they started, boosting January’s used car figures making up for the lack of customers forecourts. This sudden increase in online bidding may have been brought by the server weather but if customers trusted and enjoyed the service then online bidding will be a growing market in the future. Used car dealers are going to have to start thinking about advertising their website using marketing techniques. We recommend PVC banners on their forecourt to drive passing customers to their website to increase hits.

Here at Portfolio we are positive that 2010 will be a good year for the new and used car dealers, with increasing online bidding car dealers will need to focus on their forecourt display. We recommend branding your cars with car-top panels and pricing units with a large clear price. We can print everything to match, any colour any logo giving your forecourt a professional branded imagine.

Car Industry News Forecourt & Showroom Display, online car sales, PVC Banners

The motor industry needs as much help as it can get right now so it can recover from the recession. Banks are being blamed for not providing enough loans to the motor industry. RBS are the only bank to have launched a £1 billion manufacturing fund. The rest of the banks are only willing to finance global vehicle manufacturers.

At Portfolio Display we agree with motor industry leaders that the banks should be providing more loans to help with the recovery of the industry from recession. Small to large businesses across the UK also need more support from their banks to aid with cash flow during difficult trading periods.

Cutting back on promotional display is a quick and easy way of reducing a companies outgoings. This should be a companies last resort as marketing during a recession helps to boost companies presence when the market recovers. Products such as banners can help to promote areas of a business that may have taken a dip in sales. They could also be used to promote the sale of old stock, which can then be replaced by fresh new stock that will generate higher profit margins.

Car Industry News banks, Banners, motor industry

European sales of eco cars are set to increase to 8-10 million by the year 2015 according to new research by Frost and Sullivan.
Approximately 80% of new cars sold in Europe will have average CO2 emissions below 150 g/km. Cars with CO2 emissions under 120 g/km could account for around 10 million sales per year.

By 2015 it is said that the average car will be 5% lighter and have 30% less CO2 emissions than the average car sold today. There are a number of new technologies being developed that will enable manufacturers to reduce their CO2 emissions. This includes the start-stop technology that has already seen the new Freelander 2 adopt this to help reduce its CO2 emissions.

Manufacturers will have emission targets to meet by 2015 due to the European Union legislation, which requires manufacturers to have average fleet emissions of less than 130g/km. Manufacturers are likely to use a combination of electric and hybridisation to achieve their targets.

Portfolio Display has introduced a range of Eco slogan products to its forecourt display range, which includes the Monarch car-top display and the new slogan windscreen display boards. We believe it is important to introduce a range of products that manufacturers and car dealerships will aim to promote as more and more consumers look to purchase low CO2 vehicles in the next few years.

Forecourt & Showroom Display car top display, low emissions, windscreen display

2009 has seen nearly 2 million new cars registered in the UK with Decembers figure up 38.9% on last years. Experts and car dealers put this down to the success of the scrappage scheme coupled with the last minute rush to beat the 2010 January VAT increase.

Used car prices have also increased this year by 3.1% due to an increase in higher value nearly new cars being sold and the increasing strength of the economy leading up to Christmas. Why not brand your new and used cars with printed tax disc holders and rear window stickers from Portfolio Display. We offer a full design service with many different designs to choose from.

More interesting statistics that came out in the report are that average CO2 emissions for a new cars bought have fallen by 5.4% to a new level of 149.5g/KM. This reduction shows that customers are starting to think more closely about vehicle emissions and the environment.  For car dealers to take advantage of this we have a fantastic range of green eco slogans for our new and used car top display systems.

Car Industry News forecourt dispaly, new car sales, scrappage scheme, Tax Disc Holders

Over three quarters of the £400 million budget that was allocated for the car scrappage scheme has been used. So the Government is now set to impose a quota system to motor manufacturers for the remainder of the scheme.

There is now funding for less than 82,000 new vehicles so we expect the scheme to finish shortly as the remaining orders are placed. The allocation of order quotas is to try and ensure a smooth closing of the system.

The scheme has been a success which has helped to boost new car sales and also maintain jobs in the car manufacturing sector. The scheme has also had a good impact on the sale of new commercial vehicles, which have taken quite a hit when you look at sales figures year on year.

Portfolio Display can supply motor dealer display products for the scrappage scheme if dealerships want to promote the scheme during the last remaining months. View our forecourt display product range for ideas on how we can help to achieve those last few scrappage scheme sales.

Forecourt & Showroom Display Forecourt & Showroom Display, motor dealer display, scrappage scheme

Tata motors has reported that its sales of vehicles in December around the world was 74,707. This was an increase of 84% from a year earlier. Sales of commercial vehicles were also well up on last year with figures 137% higher that December 2008.

Tata motors is India’s largest vehicle maker and the producer of the world’s cheapest car the Tata nano. It also owns Jaguar and Land Rover and sales on these vehicles are also reported to be up 33% on the previous year.

This is excellent news for an industry which has shown signs of very poor growth on new car sales over the previous 2 years. Portfolio Display has been tracking the sales of new cars quite closely over the last 2 years and we are now starting to see more and more positive reports, after what has been an extremely tough couple of years for motor dealers.

Lets hope that we can see this sort of increase in new car sales with other manufacturers across the globe over the next 12 months.

Car Industry News car dealer news

Toyota are due to launch a ‘swappage scheme’ where customers can trade in their old car for a new one with up to £2000 saving on certain models. This is to replace the scrappage scheme, which is due to finish in February. Dealers will need to be thinking of ways they can encourage customers to part with their money for a new car when the scrappage scheme comes to an end. With VAT increasing and the new showroom tax due to come into place very soon manufacturers have not got it easy when it comes to increasing new car sales year on year.

We expect 2010 to be another tough year for manufacturers, but the dealerships who think out of the box may be able to spot an opportunity other dealers have missed. Recessions open up opportunities to businesses that think differently and don’t cut back on their advertising. Point of sale display should be kept up-to-date to advertise to customers current deals that are available. Many dealerships cut back on their display when sales slow down, which could have a negative effect as less customers will be attracted to the site.

We encourage dealerships to keep their forecourt display looking fresh and up-to-date as first impressions are very important.

Forecourt & Showroom Display

1. Everyone gets stuck in traffic and the first thing they see is the car in front, rear window stickers are a perfect way to both advertise and brand all your cars leaving your forecourt. Our tip is keep the design simple, only display your company name / logo brief address, telephone and website as people will only read a small amount of text. Why not take advantage of our full in-house design service to come up with the perfect solution for you.

2. Every car by law has to display a road tax license so our second product is one of our extensive range of tax disc holders. With both advertising on the inside and outside of the vehicle this is a must for every car dealership and probably the first place people turn to for company contact details. We offer both self-adhesive and self-cling types in a great range of colours that can be printed with your details and logo.

3. There’s nothing better than receiving the keys to your shiny new car attached to a stylish quality keyring. This both gives a good impression of the dealership but also adds to the buying experience keeping your customers happy. Keyfob’s are an excellent way for you customers to easy get in touch and they don’t just stay in the car. The first place people turn to if the need to a service is there Keys for a quick telephone number or website. Portfolio Display offers a fantastic range can be personalised with all your company details and logo in a variety of marking techniques from laser engraving to metallic foil blocking,

4. Service reminder stickers are another great way to push your brand and give a professional look to your customers. People love to know when things need doing so telling them when they need a service or MOT is ideal. A simple logo and telephone number can be placed on the outside with the mileage or date of the service on the infacing which can all be designed to suit your needs.

Forecourt & Showroom Display keyrings, next service due stickers, rear window stickers, Tax Disc Holders

The government’s car scrappage scheme has been given the go ahead by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson to be extended to cover another 100,000 cars. An extra £100 million extra cash has been given to top up the schemes pot. The motor industry is hoping that the new extension will encourage more new car sales in the lead up to the new year and boost the increasing used car market. To help even more the government has dropped the age of your part ex vehicle to eight years old opening the scheme up to many more potential customers.

At Portfolio Display our range of personalised forecourt and showroom display products will help maximise sales by advertising the new scrappage scheme extension, which is set to last until Feb 2010. The new Rallye™ Car-Top Magnetic base is an ideal modern solution to display your advertising message. The new base works with our car top panels which can be printed with any message or slogan, informing potential customers of the benefits of the scrappage scheme as they walk round your forecourt. Why not use some of our stock slogans, which include Automatic, Diesel, Economical, For Sale and many more to brand and label your stock.

Personalised bunting is a quick and effective way of advertising the car scrappage scheme to potential passing customers. Bunting is a very effective form of advertisement due to being easily visible on any forecourt due to it’s elevated position.

Bunting, Forecourt & Showroom Display car top display, Forecourt & Showroom Display, scrappage scheme

Since being launched on 18th May 2009 the Governments controversial ‘Scrappage Scheme’ idea has come good with over 60,000 people taking advantage of the £2000 cash back when trading in their old car (10 years or over). This has been just the kind of boost that the car industry has needed, and here at ‘Portfolio Display’ we want to help push that customer interest even further with our range of automotive display products to help car dealers to advertise this radical step to boost the British economy.

Our perfect short-term solution to help you change this summer season into scrappage season are our ‘Window Sashes’, coming in semi-permanent self adhesive or self cling vinyl this product can be printed with full colour graphics with any slogan you require.

Another cost effective solution that has been popular during this time are our vinyl ‘Display Banners’ with their strong vibrant colours that can be produced and with fast turn around times we will have you advertising your promotional message in no time.

Why not take advantage of customers trading in for greener models with our latest range of Eco-friendly ‘Eco Monarch’ Car top panels, definitely an option to make your forecourt stand out from the rest. These go with our brand new ‘Rallye’ car top magnetic bases.

Forecourt & Showroom Display car dealer news, Forecourt & Showroom Display, scrappage scheme

Every opportunity should be taken when trying to advertise your products, so with a heat wave in full swing why not take advantage of the potential customers out and about soaking up the sunshine and boost your sales with our extensive range of ‘Forecourt Display’ products for new and used car dealers.

Our hot product that is flying out the door this summer has to be our personalised ‘Monarch Panels’, by adding your company logo or slogan of choice this product gives you a unique way to brighten up any forecourt. Teamed with our fantastic new design ‘Rallye’ Car-Top Magnetic base it will provide a winning combination.

Among our other simple but effective ideas to brighten up your forecourt are our ‘Window Sashes’, perfect for short-term displays and promotions, our ‘Personalised Number Plate Covers’ provide a way of branding each car on your forecourt that can be attached and removed easily with the use of Velcro pads. Our ‘Clip-in Visor’ pricing displays are another one of our top sellers that show you mean business. All of these products can come in up to full colour print with low to high volume runs achievable in less than 5 days.

So whatever needs you have for your forecourt we are confident we have the solution here at Portfolio Display.

Forecourt & Showroom Display clip-in visors, Forecourt & Showroom Display, number plate covers, window display

At Portfolio Display we like to pride ourselves on coming up with new and unique ideas to help your company display the cars you have for sale professionally. We would like to introduce our original and best selling design, the personalised ‘Pricemaker’ display unit. This product can bring sophistication to any car showroom.

This is a stylish but compact pricing unit, made from high impact 2mm clear acrylic. Each unit comes complete with an easy to use flip over pricing booklet, making pricing up vehicles very easy. The unit can be secured into position in no time with the use of the magnetic rubber strip base, either to the bonnet or rooftop. You can also position onto a cars dashboard as another display option.

Why not accompany this unit with our Deluxe pricing hanger suitable for hanging from a vehicles sun-visor or rear view mirror. The deluxe hanger is made from the same material as the Pricemaker unit and also comes with the flip-over figures. These are ideal for use in car showrooms and on forecourts for new and used cars.

We can supply both the Pricemaker and Deluxe hanger with your own personalised company graphics in up to full colour. Lead times are fast and we can also produce as low as 10 units.

Forecourt & Showroom Display price units, showroom pricing units

The new small Fiesta van goes on sale later this year powered by a Duratorq 1.6TDCi engine producing only 98g/km Co2 and has an official combined fuel economy of 76.4mpg. At Portfolio Display promote your small and large vans for sale with our range of pricing displays including the commercial pricemaker, a large pricing display suitable for advertising trucks that comes complete with flip-over pricing book. We also have a range of stock automotive flags suited for selling new & used vans.

Forecourt & Showroom Display automotive flags, van display, van pricing units

Recently published figures show the average drop in CO2 emissions is down by 4.5% in 2009 compared to the same time last year in 2008. The average CO2 emissions now being 153.9 g/Km. Car manufacturers are cutting the CO2 emissions by cars with Mini leading the way being the lowest CO2 manufacturer. Ford has seen the best improvement by launching their new KA and Fiesta models.

Promote your cars with Portfolio Display’s new range of “Low CO2 Emission” related “Monarch” car top panels teamed together with the new sleek design “Rallye” Magnetic Base. Available in black or white you can create a fresh new look for your forecourt display that no customer could ignore. Portfolio Display can also offer these slogans as window flashes, flags and banners.

Forecourt & Showroom Display car top panels, co2 emissions, environmentally friendly cars, Forecourt & Showroom Display

In the new car scrappage scheme 2009 the Government are hoping to help boost new car sales by offering grants of around £2000 to people looking to scrap their 10 year+ old car and buy a brand new replacement. They must have owned their car for at least 12 months to qualify for the new grant. Half of the scheme is to be funded by the Government and the rest will be picked up by the car industry in a bid to kick start new car sales in the UK, following suit of other European countries like Germany’s “Cash for Clunkers” programme which showed a vast improvement in new car sales. The scheme is expected to last till March 2010 with the car industry being very optimistic and excited about getting consumers back into there showrooms and behind the wheel of a new car.

At Portfolio Display we can offer a large range of display and promotional products ideal for making the most of this new scheme and letting everyone know just whats on offer. A few of our display solutions include windscreen flashes to promote this offer as well as banners, stickers, flags and car top display. With a full in-house design team, friendly sales staff and an efficient despatch department we can deliver a professional, hassle free service.

Forecourt & Showroom Display scrappage scheme, window flashes

Organisation is the key to running any successful business; you’ll find it’s the small things you can do to help that can turn into the biggest advantage. Here at Portfolio Display we aim to give you every advantage possible to help you get ahead, this is why we stock a range of products to help you find that solution.

As part of our line we would like to introduce to you our ‘Key Tags’, no car dealership should be without. We have a choice of two styles, our ‘Rigidene’ key tags, which are made from a stiff durable vinyl plastic with split rings coming in either yellow or white supplied with 4 extra fine pens.
For something a little more disposable we have our ‘All purpose’, key tags which are made from a heavy-duty card with a metal split ring and 3 black lines printed onto yellow card so you can write all the details needed.

We are confident that you will not find a better price than our range of Rigidene Keytags for a box of 500. Each set comes complete with 4 extra-fine sharpie marker pens.

Want something a little more secure to put all those valuable keys? Then why not try our ‘Automotive’ key safe. With it’s high security electronic lock that’s programmable with your own code you’ll be able to sleep sound at night knowing you valuables are safe.

Forecourt & Showroom Display key safes, key tags, used cars key labels