Why some car dealers are worried about the rise of China; plus a look at the new electric Micra

Here's a look at the Car Dealer headlines you may have missed in the last week with some added comment along the way

It’s the Friday before a long weekend, so sit back and rewind for a moment and catch up on the week’s motor trade news you may have missed.

This week I reflect on the rise of the Chinese car brands and why some dealers are more than a little worried about how they do business. Is it worth fretting over?

Elsewhere, I’ve been in London to see the new Nissan Micra and chat to James Taylor, the recently installed Nissan GB boss. I report back on what he had to say just two weeks into his new job.

Also featured this week are:

• Johnsons deal

• Aston Barclay CMA probe

• Greenhous soars

• Marshall backs Omoda

• VAT cut call for EVs

• Group 1 site axed

• Cranswick steps down

Ok, let’s get into the headlines and my take on the week’s news.

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What’s happening?

Chinese car manufacturers will run rampant in the UK, unhindered by tariffs that are allowing them to flood the market with cheap cars.

That’s the opinion of most seasoned motor trade professionals I’ve been chatting to over the last few weeks – and many of them are worried.

The likes of BYD, Omoda and Jaecoo and many other Chinese brands are surging ahead, lapping up dealers and snapping up customers. It won’t be long before they start dominating the sales charts too.

But while most dealers are climbing over each other to sign themselves up to a franchise, there are some that are a little more concerned. Take Peter Vardy for one…