LKQ ECP comment on SMMT used car sales data Q1

Date: Friday 14 May 2021

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Andy Hamilton, CEO of LKQ Euro Car Parts, said:

“The used car market had a tough start to the year, but the number of used vehicles that changed hands despite limits on test-driving is proof that demand is there for affordable private transport. And now that showrooms are open again, we can be more optimistic about the months ahead.

“As the second hand market picks back up, we expect alternatively-fuelled vehicles to keep growing their share, which means the need for independent garages to get hybrid-ready is paramount. We’ve talked a lot about putting digitalisation at the top of the agenda for the independent aftermarket in 2021 – in terms of working on the latest vehicles, providing a top quality customer experience and effectively marketing their services online.

“Garages’ immediate priority as cars return to the roads ahead of a summer of staycations should be promoting vehicle health checks. Encouraging customers to bring their vehicles in for a once-over will also help make up some of the shortfall left by deferred MOTs, as the post-Covid demand curve settles in.”

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