Competitive market demands the right business model

The automotive sector has clearly left the crisis years behind it, but the market remains volatile and highly competitive. Upscaling is an ongoing trend, as are smart and sustainable mobility solutions.

Facts
The car is still a very popular means of transport in the Netherlands; every year we drive our way through some twelve billion litres of fuel. Private individuals are now more often prepared to purchase a new car. Vans, too, are highly popular, although this market is highly competitive. The market for lease and second-hand cars remains reasonably stable, but the aftersales market is depressed. To keep their heads above water in this market, many companies will have to change their business model.

Car use too has changed. The frequency with which an individual vehicle is used is increasing and more often now car drivers undertake journeys involving different modes of transport. Car drivers are also paying increasing attention to price and consumption costs.

Sustainability
Car manufacturers are under pressure to develop their cars to be as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. Whereas in recent years (semi-)electric cars made huge gains in popularity in the Netherlands, today the market for electric vehicles seems to be collapsing. The operating radius of electric vehicles is an issue that still needs to be addressed and bearing this in mind the purchase price is still considerable. The changes in legislation relating to additional tax liability add to the reluctance to embrace sustainable driving. Fully electric vehicles are expected to break through in the long term, a prospect that seems less likely for hybrid vehicles.

Sounding boards
Schuiteman Accountants & Adviseurs is strongly represented in the automobile sector in the Mid-Netherlands. This enables Schuiteman to carry out good benchmarking in this sector and provide clients with valuable information about their performance. “We like to participate in the thinking process with these companies and are also able to connect up various information flows,” says accountant Jorrit Koops of Schuiteman. “Our clients know that and are used to discussing a varied range of issues with us. One of them could give me a telephone call at any time, keen to discuss a quote for an automatisation solution. Our interconnectedness with the sector means that we are also able and keen to participate in the thinking process at that level.”

As its clients include various large dealerships, Schuiteman has relevant comparative material against which parties can measure themselves.

Sources: Rabobank Cijfers & Trends, ING