Navigating the new OEM landscape at Automotive Management Live
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An expert panel at Automotive Management Live's Strategy Theatre will unpack the future of the UK's new car market, from Chinese newcomers to established players under pressure.
The UK's leading automotive retail event returns to the NEC on November 12 and the "Thriving through change: Navigating the new OEM landscape" session will see former Hyundai UK president and chief executive Tony Whitehorn (pictured) share his perspective as an experienced national sales company leader and retail network specialist, while Dom Tribe, PwC automotive sector leader, will add an industry wide view on how rapidly emerging brands are shaking up the market.
Adding to this, Steve Young, managing director of ICDP and Auto West London, will analyse how dealer networks are likely to evolve as new players arrive and established names re-shape their retail strategies.
Young is in a unique position with his automotive retail consultancy hat on at ICDP, while also leading a new automotive retail group that has launched in the UK with an emerging Chinese brand.
The new car market is facing unprecedented change with the number of car brands growing from 40 to more than 60 in the last five years.
Brands launches include GWM Ora, BYD, Denza, Xpeng, Omoda, Jaecoo, Chery, Deepal, Geely, Skywell, Farizon and Leapmotor, with many more gearing up to take on the likes of Tesla, Ford and every other established car manufacturer.
With such rapid expansion, the size of the UK’s new car parc all but guarantees that some brands will succeed while others struggle to maintain market share, join forces to further increase consolidation or fade from history altogether.
There's already evidence across Europe of the changes as Chinese car brands almost doubled their market share to 5.1% and outsold brands like Ford across Europe the first half of the year.
One of the most significant areas under discussion will be the sales model itself.
While many established manufacturers are thinking about or have moved towards direct-to-consumer approaches, all of the Chinese brands entering the UK have so far opted to establish franchised dealer networks.
This choice not only demonstrates their commitment to partnering with experienced UK automotive retailers, particularly in this ramp up phase at least.
Other areas up for debate will be the potential impact to new car pricing if Chinese domestic price wars spill out to the UK, how these new entrants are affecting existing franchise relationships and space in multi-franchise locations, as well as how these new operators are doing business and establishing their UK teams, as well as parts and aftersales support.
Tim Rose, AM editor, said: "The session will look beyond individual brand strategies to examine the wider implications for the structure of the UK car market. It will address what these shifts mean for dealer profitability and how retailers can adapt their businesses to thrive through change.
"For anyone involved in automotive retail, this will be an unmissable opportunity to gain insight from those who understand the pressures and opportunities of the new OEM landscape."
E-Street returns for 2025 and it is bigger than ever. The UK is experiencing an unprecedented surge in choice as new and emerging plug-in vehicle brands enter the market.
This year’s show will dedicate even more space to the latest brands that are looking to partner with experienced automotive retailers to expand their dealer networks.
E-Street will showcase multiple new models, giving delegates the chance to examine build quality up close and speak directly with the national sales company teams about network opportunities and future model roadmaps.