EDITOR'S LETTER

摘要

Isuspect many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020. Who could've imagined this time last year that we would be starting a new decade with such disruption to our home and working lives? We're all painfully aware of the negatives of this year. So I want to pick a few positives out of the experience: 1.Dealerships quickly prepared for the 'new normal' of socially distanced workplaces, on-site PPE and appointment-only sales, helped by the rapid creation of a COVID-19 car sales best practice guide by the NFDA and SMMT. 2. OEMs came to the table quickly to support their networks, and once out of lockdown many dealerships experienced a strong bounce-back' of trade. 3. Used car margins strengthened for many as a sustained slowdown in the remarketing sector left demand exceeding supply and kept vehicle values strong. 4. The Financial Conduct Authority delayed implementation of its new motor finance and SM&CR rules in recognition of the pressure dealers were already under due to the pandemic. 5. Some analysts suggest motor retail has evolved seven years in seven months, gaining more experience of digital or omnichannel trading than ever.