Talk Auto: An Automotive Podcast

In the latest episode of Talk Auto, Holly and Ben are joined by Peter Smyth, Director at Swansway Motor Group, and Rich Price, Head of Business Development, Cox Automotive Europe, to explore the growing pressure on automotive retailer profitability in today's market.  

The discussion examines tightening profit margins, trends across the used vehicle market, EV residual values, and how retailers are adapting their stocking and remarketing strategies in response to changing market conditions.  

Key themes discussed:  

Automotive retailer profitability in 2026

Profit margins and dealership performance  

Trends across the used vehicle market  

EV residual value volatility  

Improving stockturn and operational performance 

Have feedback? We want to hear it. Email us at [email protected].
Links
Get more automotive trends and insights from Cox Automotive.
Watch full episodes on YouTube, or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

This episode covers the growing impact of new car brands in Europe and what their arrival means for the wider automotive industry.

As more automotive new market entrants such as Chinese EV manufacturers expand into Europe, competition across the market is intensifying. The episode explores why these brands are choosing the region, how they're positioning themselves against established OEMs and what their arrival means for retailers and consumers.

The conversation also looks at how automotive buying trends are evolving as drivers consider new brands and technologies, and if traditional brand loyalty still plays the same role in purchasing decisions.

Have feedback? We want to hear it. Email us at [email protected].
Links
Get more automotive trends and insights from Cox Automotive.
Watch full episodes on YouTube, or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

In this episode we explore the reality of EV adoption across the UK. From consumer’s attitudes towards making the switch highlighted in our latest EV adoption report, to the impact on retailers and the wider automotive ecosystem.

Key themes discussed:  

Myths about EVs and the perception gap: How first-hand experience reshapes assumptions.  

EV battery life concerns: Why confidence increases significantly once drivers get behind the wheel.  

Total cost of ownership: Why cost perceptions can persist even after purchase, and how retailers can communicate the nuances more effectively.  

The role of retailers in accelerating EV adoption: How education and experience influence confidence before purchase.

See the full EV adoption and consumer perceptions report here.

Have feedback? We want to hear it. Email us at [email protected].
Links
Get more automotive trends and insights from Cox Automotive.
Watch full episodes on YouTube, or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Join Holly and Ben as they chat with Martin Forbes, President of Cox Automotive International, and Priya Lakhani OBE, Founder and CEO of CENTURY Tech, to unpack the realities AI in the automotive industry.
This episode moves beyond buzzwords to explore how organisations are framing AI strategy in real-world terms, the impact on the workforce, the skills needed to stay competitive, and how these changes are already playing out in the automotive market.
From integrating AI into legacy systems to organisations getting it right, this conversation explores key considerations for leaders undergoing AI implementation at scale. 

Have feedback? We want to hear it. Email us at [email protected].
Links
Get more automotive trends and insights from Cox Automotive.
Watch full episodes on YouTube, or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.

Join Holly and Ben as they speak with Zachary Moodie (NFDA) and Furrukh Sheikh (Cox Automotive Europe) to explore how the Autumn Budget 2025 reshapes the automotive landscape. This episode covers the introduction of the EV pay-per-mile tax (EV mileage tax), changes to EV incentives, the updated electric car grant UK, and how the proposed EV road tax UK model could influence consumer adoption.
The conversation examines what these policies mean for retailers, fleets and OEMs as they manage ZEV mandate pressures and growing uncertainty around EV demand. The guests also highlight the implications of business rates, workforce costs and the role of apprenticeships as the industry transitions towards electrification.
With clear, grounded insights, this episode outlines the opportunities and challenges created by the Budget across the automotive sector.

Have feedback? We want to hear it. Email us at [email protected].
Links
Get more automotive trends and insights from Cox Automotive.
Watch full episodes on YouTube, or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.