Poging GOUD - Vrij

MIKE RUTHERFORD

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November 19, 2025

THIS you need to know: Lexus, Kia, BYD, Omoda, Suzuki and BMW, are, in that order, the overall 'top-ranked' manufacturers selling cars in Britain.

MIKE RUTHERFORD

At the opposite end of the scale, the bottom six are Alfa, Fiat, SEAT, Abarth, Citroen and rock-bottom DS.

Who says so? A tough, shrewd, clued-up bunch, known as franchised car dealers. Recently, in a uniquely detailed survey, they've been candid about everything from profit margins to product.

Some networks are deliriously happy with the brands they represent. But others seem thoroughly despondent with some aspects of the relationship.

According to the National Franchised Dealers Association survey, best for 'total profit margins on new vehicles' are Kia, Mercedes and Toyota. So they have the greatest flexibility to offer discounts, right?

Worst/least profitable are Audi, Ford and last-placed Land Rover dealers. Now you know.

MEER VERHALEN VAN Auto Express

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MIKE RUTHERFORD

WELCOME to 2026, in which I'm expecting yet another major political U-turn, more public transport inefficiency and rip-offs, a renaissance in the threatened - but now seemingly safe - small-car sector, and lots of great deals from a leasing industry offering some new models for pennies per hour.

time to read

2 mins

January 07, 2026

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BUYING CARS

LOOKING FOR A USED CAR? SPARE A THOUGHT FOR THE PERSON SELLING

time to read

1 mins

January 07, 2026

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VOLVO EX30

EV passes its practicality test with flying colours

time to read

3 mins

January 07, 2026

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26 NEW CARS FOR 2026

Hot hatches, family SUVs, city cars and everything in between

time to read

16 mins

January 07, 2026

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TESTED Wireless phone chargers

GETTING A GRIP: It's a smart move to buy a phone mount that incorporates a wireless charger, but which is the best option, Mous or Quad Lock?

time to read

2 mins

January 07, 2026

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COULD YOU EVER BUY A SECOND-HAND SUPERCAR?

“IT all starts with a coffee,” says Ferrari sales manager Glenn Butt as he escorts us towards a sumptuous seating area overlooking a showroom of dreams. We’re at Meridien Modena, one of the most well regarded Ferrari dealerships in the country, about to experience what very few do: the fabled process of buying a Ferrari.

time to read

8 mins

January 07, 2026

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Paul Smith Land Rover Defender

IF you're a fan of Paul Smith's work and already have a wardrobe full of his clothes, you could be tempted by a model of the designer's one-off special edition of the classic Land Rover Defender.

time to read

1 min

January 07, 2026

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Thule Palm high-back booster seat

SWEDISH brand Thule may be most well known for its range of bike racks and roof boxes, but with the introduction of the new Palm high-back booster seat, it now claims to offer a “complete car-seat range” as well.

time to read

1 mins

January 07, 2026

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Auto Express

Volkswagen Polo Edition 50

Brand marks 50th anniversary of its supermini with special edition, ahead of a big year for the Polo name

time to read

3 mins

January 07, 2026

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WHO'S IN FRONT?

Vauxhall's resurrected Frontera comes in petrol and electric guises. We pitch the British brand's EV against its BYD Atto 2 family-SUV rival

time to read

19 mins

January 07, 2026

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