Talk Auto: An Automotive Podcast

In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

How EV charging infrastructure is entering a new phase

What charging strategy means for operating costs, uptime and long-term planning

How smart charging can help manage energy demand and reduce operating costs

The role vehicle-to-grid technology could have in EV adoption and energy management

How battery health, charging behaviour and bidirectional capability could influence future residual values

Why stronger partnerships between OEMs, retailers, leasing providers, fleets, energy companies and chargepoint operators will be important as adoption scales

Guests:

Sam Clarke, Head of eHGV, GRIDSERVE

Olga Spence, Strategy Manager, Cox Automotive Europe

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In this episode of Talk Auto, we discuss:

How the automotive retail landscape has changed over the last decade

The evolving relationship between retailers, marketplaces and OEMs

Lessons from the agency retail model  

What retailers can learn from new brands entering the UK market

How partnerships and platforms are shaping automotive retail performance

The skills, technologies and relationships that could define future retailer success

Guests:

Sarah Blewett, Head of Research at Carwow

Jake Roden, Business Development Manager at Cox Automotive Europe

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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].
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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.

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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.