---
title: UK car retail & marketplaces media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Car Retail & Marketplaces
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 9
articles_analysed: 366
mentions: 169
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/data.json
summary: Auto Trader had the highest average monthly share of coverage (34.9%) among
  9 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead
  of Carwow (16.6%) and Motorpoint (12.4%).
---

# UK car retail & marketplaces media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> Auto Trader had the highest average monthly share of coverage (34.9%) among 9 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Carwow (16.6%) and Motorpoint (12.4%). Motorpoint had the most favourable net tone (+76). Omniscan analysed 366 articles containing 169 mentions of the companies tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09

## UK Car Retail & Marketplaces ranking by share of coverage, September 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Auto Trader | 34.9% | 59 | 64% | 31% | 5% | +59 |
| 2 | Carwow | 16.6% | 28 | 14% | 86% | 0% | +14 |
| 3 | Motorpoint | 12.4% | 21 | 76% | 24% | 0% | +76 |
| 3 | Arnold Clark | 12.4% | 21 | 81% | 10% | 9% | +71 |
| 5 | Vertu Motors | 11.2% | 19 | 63% | 37% | 0% | +63 |
| 6 | Lookers | 7.1% | 12 | 42% | 33% | 25% | +17 |
| 7 | Motorway | 3.0% | 5 | 60% | 40% | 0% | +60 |
| 8 | cinch | 1.8% | 3 | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0 |
| 9 | Sytner | 0.6% | 1 | 0% | 0% | 100% | −100 |

## Companies in detail

### Auto Trader

**Auto Trader expands dealer tools amid marketplace scrutiny**

Auto Trader ranked 1st of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (34.9%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 59 mentions and a net tone of +59.

Auto Trader ranked first in September with 59 mentions and a 34.9% share of tracked-company mentions. Reporting covered its expanded Keyloop integration, which synchronises dealership stock, listings, reservations and removals in real time. Marketplaces and digital retail accounted for 27 mentions, ahead of used-car market and pricing with 14, electric-vehicle transition and retailing with nine, and trading and results with three. Auto Trader reported stable UK used-car pricing, 2.6% year-on-year transaction-volume growth in August, and higher September new-car visits and listings, with BMW leading buyer enquiries. Other developments included Price Indicator updates due from 29 September and the second phase of the nationwide ‘It’s time for Autotrader’ campaign, which aimed to reach about 70% of UK adults; the nationwide campaign was projected to generate 432.6 million impressions. Jefferies separately upgraded Auto Trader to buy, while its AI-agent experiment found that 45% of car links still came from the platform. Further reporting examined investor concerns about disruption to online marketplaces and the continuing CMA investigation into Auto Trader’s handling of Feefo reviews.

Key messages:

- Auto Trader accounted for 34.9% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Marketplaces & Digital Retail and Used-Car Market & Pricing.
- 59 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Keyloop Vehicle Hub adds live Autotrader stock sync — AM Online

Leading themes:

- Marketplaces & Digital Retail: 45.8% of Auto Trader's coverage (theme index 5.03, net tone +74)
- Used-Car Market & Pricing: 23.7% of Auto Trader's coverage (theme index 6.53, net tone +36)
- EV Transition & Retailing: 15.3% of Auto Trader's coverage (theme index 0.99, net tone +67)

Notable positive coverage:

- 9 September 2026, motortrader.com: [Auto Trader names cars that gained or lost the most value over past year](https://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/auto-trader-names-cars-that-gained-or-lost-the-most-value-over-past-year-09-09-2026). Auto Trader reports stable UK used-car pricing and 2.6% year-on-year transaction-volume growth in August, with sales rising across franchised, independent and supermarket retailers. Its data identifies strong annual price growth for the Porsche Boxster.
- 14 September 2026, am-online.com: [Dealers gain tools to explain vehicle value on Autotrader](https://www.am-online.com/news/dealers-gain-tools-to-explain-vehicle-value-on-autotrader). Auto Trader will update its Price Indicator from 29 September, adding dealer-written key selling points and price commentary. The tools are intended to help retailers explain vehicle value while retaining market-price transparency.
- 28 September 2026, motortrader.com: [Autotrader continues 'It's time for Autotrader' marketing campaign](https://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/autotrader-continues-its-time-for-autotrader-marketing-campaign-28-09-2026). Autotrader is launching the second phase of its nationwide 'It's time for Autotrader' campaign. The campaign aims to reach 70% of UK adults and drive more confident buyers to retailer partners' listings.

Notable negative coverage:

- 29 September 2026, fleetnews.co.uk: [Competition watchdog update on Autotrader investigation](https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/competition-watchdog-update-on-autotrader-investigation). The CMA's investigation into Auto Trader's handling of Feefo reviews remains ongoing, with a further update not expected until winter 2026/27. The regulator is assessing whether one-star reviews were withheld from publication and dealer ratings.
- 29 September 2026, kalkinemedia.com: [Why Did Auto Trader (LSE:AUTO) Stock Fall As AI Fears Hit Online Marketplaces?](https://kalkinemedia.com/uk/stocks/communication/why-did-auto-trader-lseauto-stock-fall-as-ai-fears-hit-online-marketplaces). Auto Trader shares fell in a wider sell-off of online marketplace stocks driven by investor concern that agentic AI could disrupt traffic and pricing models. The article says there was no Auto Trader-specific announcement behind the decline.

- [Auto Trader deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=autotrader&view=deep-dive)
- [Auto Trader PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/autotrader.pdf)

### Carwow

**Carwow data spotlights the shift from manuals to electric cars**

Carwow ranked 2nd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (16.6%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 28 mentions and a net tone of +14.

Carwow’s September profile was led by reporting on its data showing manual cars accounted for 8% of first-half new-car enquiries, alongside growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. It ranked second with 28 mentions and a 16.6% share of tracked-company mentions. Policy and regulation was the largest subject area with nine mentions, followed by EV transition and retailing with seven, marketing, brand and consumer issues with five, and marketplaces and digital retail with three. AM Online also reported 22% revenue growth to £104.2m in 2025 and a £7.6m adjusted EBITDA loss as Carwow invested in its platform, used-car, leasing and appraisal capabilities. Consumer-led reporting covered its school-run parking research and its comparison of the running costs of a used Renault Zoe and Renault Clio under home- and public-charging scenarios. Marketplace evidence included Motor Trader and AM Online reports that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class attracted the strongest demand in Carwow’s used-car auctions, while InsideEVs covered its real-world range test of eight lower-priced electric cars.

Key messages:

- Carwow accounted for 16.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Policy & Regulation and EV Transition & Retailing.
- 28 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Manual-car enquiries reached a record low in Carwow data — Fleet News.

Leading themes:

- Policy & Regulation: 32.1% of Carwow's coverage (theme index 45.32, net tone 0)
- EV Transition & Retailing: 25.0% of Carwow's coverage (theme index 1.86, net tone +14)
- Marketing, Brand & Consumer: 17.9% of Carwow's coverage (theme index 1.2, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 30 September 2026, am-online.com: [Mercedes-Benz A-Class tops list of most in-demand cars at auction](https://www.am-online.com/news/mercedes-benz-a-class-tops-list-of-most-in-demand-cars-at-auction). Carwow says the Mercedes-Benz A-Class attracted the most bids on its daily online auctions over the past three months. It reports more than 20,000 vehicles are listed monthly and expects used EV and Chinese-brand demand to grow in 2027.
- 23 September 2026, insideevs.com: [Eight Cheap EVs Were Driven Until They Died. One Was A Clear Overachiever](https://insideevs.com/news/809323/fiat-grande-panda-range-test/). Carwow's UK cheap-EV range test found the Fiat Grande Panda and Microlino exceeded their claimed ranges, while the Hyundai Inster delivered the greatest overall distance.

- [Carwow deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=carwow&view=deep-dive)
- [Carwow PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/carwow.pdf)

### Motorpoint

**Profit upgrade defines Motorpoint’s September coverage**

Motorpoint ranked 3rd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (12.4%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 21 mentions and a net tone of +76.

Motorpoint raised its FY27 pre-tax profit guidance to £9.8m–£10.8m after stronger trading volumes, improved per-unit profitability and favourable supply conditions. It ranked joint third with Arnold Clark on 21 mentions, representing 12.4% of tracked-company mentions. Trading and results dominated the subject mix with 14 mentions, while marketing, brand and consumer coverage accounted for four. Reporting also highlighted investment in technology, data and AI, surging electric-vehicle sales, an 8% share-price rise and plans for another store in spring 2027. Consumer research addressed eyesight-testing standards, including a survey in which half of respondents said they would be unable to read a number plate at the legal 20-metre distance and that 62% of motorists over 65 supported consistent standards for all ages. Other developments included the launch of Motorpoint’s 22nd UK store in Leeds and guidance on the potential annual savings from home-charging electric vehicles.

Key messages:

- Motorpoint accounted for 12.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Trading & Results and Marketing, Brand & Consumer.
- 21 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Profit outlook raised following better-than-expected trading — This Is Money

Leading themes:

- Trading & Results: 66.7% of Motorpoint's coverage (theme index 9.87, net tone +100)
- Marketing, Brand & Consumer: 19.0% of Motorpoint's coverage (theme index 1.28, net tone 0)
- Dealerships, Sites & Jobs: 4.8% of Motorpoint's coverage (theme index 0.47, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 September 2026, motortrader.com: [Motorpoint lifts profit outlook amid higher trading volumes](https://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/motorpoint-lifts-profit-outlook-amid-higher-trading-volumes-02-09-2026). Motorpoint said stronger trading volumes, improved per-unit profitability and favourable supply conditions prompted it to lift FY27 pre-tax profit guidance to £9.8m-£10.8m. It has also secured a site intended to open in spring 2027.
- 2 September 2026, cardealermagazine.co.uk: [Motorpoint raises profit forecast as stronger sales and AI investment boost performance](https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/motorpoint-raises-profit-forecast-as-stronger-sales-and-ai-investment-boost-performance/327037). Motorpoint upgraded its FY27 pre-tax-profit forecast to £9.8m-£10.8m, supported by stronger sales, improved margins and favourable used-vehicle supply. It has secured an additional site scheduled to open in spring 2027.
- 2 September 2026, am-online.com: [Motorpoint is making more profit, trading update shows](https://www.am-online.com/news/motorpoint-is-making-more-profit-trading-update-shows). Motorpoint expects pre-tax profit of £9.8m-£10.8m as used-car sales volumes and profitability outperform expectations. The group has opened its 22nd site in Leeds and secured a location for a 23rd store in spring 2027.

- [Motorpoint deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=motorpoint&view=deep-dive)
- [Motorpoint PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/motorpoint.pdf)

### Arnold Clark

**EV charging, automation and employee health define Arnold Clark’s September**

Arnold Clark ranked 3rd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (12.4%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 21 mentions and a net tone of +71.

Arnold Clark’s September coverage led with six ultra-rapid public chargers opening at its Huddersfield Motorstore, taking the Arnold Clark Charge network to 63 locations. The retailer ranked joint third with Motorpoint on 21 mentions and a 12.4% share of tracked-company mentions. EV transition and retailing was the largest subject area with six mentions, followed by marketplaces and digital retail with five; dealerships, sites and jobs and marketing, brand and consumer each recorded three. Technology stories reported that its invoice-processing automation handles more than 200,000 invoices annually and has removed 8,500 hours of manual work. Workplace coverage centred on a three-year EDX Medical partnership offering eligible employees free health screening from October. The partners said the tests were designed to assess risks and early signs across more than 220 conditions. Other reporting included its security chief’s comments on cyber risks and a BBC episode description revisiting the 2022 cyberattack and a customer dispute over an allegedly unsafe Mercedes-Benz, while a wider dealership-technology feature cited Arnold Clark’s automation figures without reporting a development at the retailer.

Key messages:

- Arnold Clark accounted for 12.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on EV Transition & Retailing and Marketplaces & Digital Retail.
- 21 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Huddersfield EV charging hub expansion — Fleet News

Leading themes:

- EV Transition & Retailing: 28.6% of Arnold Clark's coverage (theme index 2.11, net tone +100)
- Marketplaces & Digital Retail: 23.8% of Arnold Clark's coverage (theme index 1.1, net tone +100)
- Other: 19.0% of Arnold Clark's coverage (theme index 7.05, net tone +25)

Notable positive coverage:

- 17 September 2026, motortradenews.com: [Arnold Clark groups to offer health screening plan to staff](https://www.motortradenews.com/aftermarket-workshop/arnold-clark-groups-to-offer-health-screening-plan-to-staff/). Arnold Clark has agreed a three-year employee health-screening programme with EDX Medical for eligible staff across its UK sites. The voluntary scheme is expected to begin in October.
- 18 September 2026, motortrader.com: [Arnold Clark Group to offer health screening programme to employees](https://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/arnold-clark-group-to-offer-health-screening-programme-to-employees-18-09-2026). Arnold Clark Group will offer eligible employees free health screening through EDX Medical Group. The voluntary programme will test for risks and early signs of more than 220 health conditions.
- 18 September 2026, cardealermagazine.co.uk: [Dealer group Arnold Clark to offer free health screenings to thousands of employees](https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/dealer-group-arnold-clark-to-offer-free-health-screenings-to-thousands-of-employees/327569). Arnold Clark will offer voluntary cancer, cardiovascular and general health screening to eligible employees under a three-year partnership with EDX Medical Group. The programme will begin at company premises in October and covers staff with more than two years' service.

Notable negative coverage:

- 18 September 2026, thecourier.co.uk: [Dundee man left paying for ‘unsafe’ car he can’t drive](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/business-environment/business/5580947/dundee-driver-dispute-arnold-clark-mercedes?commentCount). A Dundee customer alleges a new Mercedes-Benz supplied through Arnold Clark developed serious faults and is unsafe to drive, while he remains liable for monthly finance payments. Arnold Clark said it is reviewing the concerns but cannot comment further during the ongoing complaint and legal process.

- [Arnold Clark deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=arnoldclark&view=deep-dive)
- [Arnold Clark PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/arnoldclark.pdf)

### Vertu Motors

**Dealership expansion anchors Vertu Motors’ September profile**

Vertu Motors ranked 5th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (11.2%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 19 mentions and a net tone of +63.

Vertu Motors relocated its Mazda operation to a combined Mazda and Nissan site in Sheffield and opened its second Leapmotor dealership alongside Vauxhall in Crewe. It ranked fifth with 19 mentions, accounting for 11.2% of tracked-company mentions. Dealerships, sites and jobs and marketing, brand and consumer activity were the largest subjects, with seven mentions each, followed by EV transition and retailing with three and leadership, strategy and M&A with two. Other developments included Rav Mangat’s appointment to lead the refurbished Nissan Tamworth dealership and recruitment of a retail marketing director focused on new-vehicle demand, sales conversion and customer retention. Vertu Hyundai Silverlink also received Hyundai’s Comprehensive Dealer of the Year award for its performance across customer experience, sales, aftersales and alternative-fuel vehicles. The wider brand agenda included Nicolas Hamilton discussing Team Vertu’s sponsorship and disability inclusion, while separate coverage reported the end of Vertu Motors’ EFL Trophy title sponsorship.

Key messages:

- Vertu Motors accounted for 11.2% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Dealerships, Sites & Jobs and Marketing, Brand & Consumer.
- 19 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Vertu’s Mazda Sheffield relocation and combination with Nissan — Motor Trader and AM Online.

Leading themes:

- Dealerships, Sites & Jobs: 36.8% of Vertu Motors's coverage (theme index 6.14, net tone +86)
- Marketing, Brand & Consumer: 36.8% of Vertu Motors's coverage (theme index 2.91, net tone +57)
- EV Transition & Retailing: 15.8% of Vertu Motors's coverage (theme index 1.03, net tone +33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, motortrader.com: [Vertu relocates its Mazda showroom in Sheffield](https://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/vertu-relocates-its-mazda-showroom-in-sheffield-01-09-2026). Vertu has relocated its Mazda dealership in Sheffield to the Attercliffe Road site that already hosts Vertu Nissan Sheffield. The combined location will offer new and used vehicles plus aftersales support for both marques.
- 2 September 2026, motortrader.com: [Vertu appoints new general manager for Nissan site in Tamworth](https://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/vertu-appoints-new-general-manager-for-nissan-site-in-tamworth-02-09-2026). Vertu has appointed Rav Mangat as general manager of its Nissan dealership in Tamworth. The site was acquired following Cazoo's administration and refurbished after becoming Vertu's 13th Nissan dealership.
- 2 September 2026, am-online.com: [Vertu combines Mazda and Nissan at Sheffield dealership](https://www.am-online.com/news/vertu-combines-mazda-and-nissan-at-sheffield-dealership). Vertu has relocated its Mazda Sheffield operation into its Nissan Sheffield premises, creating a dual-brand sales and aftersales site. The move follows Vertu's acquisition of Burrows Motor Company and retains staff expertise while expanding facilities.

- [Vertu Motors deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=vertumotors&view=deep-dive)
- [Vertu Motors PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/vertumotors.pdf)

### Lookers

**Showroom investment defines Lookers’ September coverage**

Lookers ranked 6th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (7.1%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 12 mentions and a net tone of +17.

Lookers’ September coverage centred on reopening its digitally focused Nissan showroom in Newcastle and establishing an Omoda and Jaecoo dealership at its former Jaguar Land Rover site in Battersea, where refurbishment was under way. The company recorded 12 mentions, representing 7.1% of tracked-company mentions and placing it sixth among the tracked retailers. Dealerships, sites and jobs was the largest subject area, accounting for five articles, including further reporting on investment across Lookers’ North East Nissan estate and the Chinese brands’ London flagship. Three articles covered the jailing of a former Lookers assistant accountant for stealing £188,180, noting that the retailer identified the fraud and prevented a further attempted payment. Three trading and results articles concerned Eastern Holdings and referred to its earlier acquisition of two Scottish Audi dealerships from Lookers, while a consumer offers roundup included Lookers among several retailers. Together, the reporting on Lookers centred on estate investment and brand expansion, alongside prominent reporting of the former employee’s fraud.

Key messages:

- Lookers accounted for 7.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Dealerships, Sites & Jobs and Trading & Results.
- 12 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Lookers reopens newly refurbished Nissan showroom in Newcastle — Motor Trader

Leading themes:

- Dealerships, Sites & Jobs: 41.7% of Lookers's coverage (theme index 5.95, net tone +100)
- Trading & Results: 25.0% of Lookers's coverage (theme index 1.87, net tone 0)
- Other: 25.0% of Lookers's coverage (theme index 7.85, net tone −100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 8 September 2026, motortrader.com: [Lookers opens Omoda and Jaecoo dealership in Battersea](https://www.motortrader.com/blogs/editors-blog/lookers-opens-omoda-and-jaecoo-dealership-in-battersea-08-09-2026). Lookers has opened an Omoda and Jaecoo dealership in Battersea, with refurbishment and recruitment under way. The site will offer new-car sales, servicing and aftersales support as part of Lookers' growth strategy.
- 22 September 2026, motortrader.com: [Lookers reopens newly refurbished Nissan showroom in Newcastle](https://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/lookers-reopens-newly-refurbished-nissan-showroom-in-newcastle-22-09-2026). Lookers has reopened its refurbished Nissan showroom in Newcastle following investment in a new digital-focused retail standard. The group said the project forms part of its long-term commitment to the North East.
- 23 September 2026, motortradenews.com: [Lookers Nissan Newcastle reopens after refurbishment](https://www.motortradenews.com/dealer-insights/lookers-nissan-newcastle-reopens-after-refurbishment/). Lookers has reopened its refurbished Nissan dealership on Portland Road in Newcastle. The investment supports its wider multi-million-pound Nissan retail commitment in the North East.

Notable negative coverage:

- 11 September 2026, am-online.com: [Former Lookers accountant jailed for £188,000 repeat dealership fraud](https://www.am-online.com/news/former-lookers-accountant-jailed-for-188-000-repeat-dealership-fraud). A former Lookers assistant accountant has been jailed after stealing £188,180 through false supplier invoices and payments. Lookers identified the fraud, dismissed him and prevented a further attempted payment.
- 19 September 2026, chroniclelive.co.uk: [The crimes of greedy Allan Curry - the fraudster who refuses to change his ways](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/crimes-greedy-allan-curry-north-34643083). A former assistant accountant at Lookers was jailed for fraud after siphoning £188,180 from the dealer group using false supplier invoices. The fraud was uncovered after a colleague recognised him from his previous offending against Evans Halshaw.
- 11 September 2026, chroniclelive.co.uk: [Greedy accountant locked up for £2.5m fraud back in jail for doing it again](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/greedy-north-east-car-company-34598755). Former assistant accountant Allan Curry was jailed for 44 months after fraudulently obtaining £188,180 from Lookers through false invoices and payment requests. Lookers stopped a further planned £111,000 payment after identifying his previous fraud conviction.

- [Lookers deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=lookers&view=deep-dive)
- [Lookers PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/lookers.pdf)

### Motorway

**Profitability push and fleet expansion shape Motorway’s September coverage**

Motorway ranked 7th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (3.0%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 5 mentions and a net tone of +60.

Motorway’s September coverage centred on 18% revenue growth to £78.3m in 2025 and a narrower adjusted operating loss of £23.7m, reported by AM Online. City AM and Car Dealer Magazine also covered its ambition to achieve profitability in 2026, alongside a reduced pre-tax loss of £25.3m and investment in payments, dealer tools and operations. Motorway recorded five articles and a 3% share of tracked-company mentions, placing it seventh among the tracked companies. Trading and results accounted for three articles, while two focused on marketplaces and digital retail. The latter covered Motorway’s expansion into enterprise remarketing for leasing and fleet operators, aiming to allow end-of-lease vehicles to be profiled, auctioned and collected directly for winning dealers. Fleet News reported that the service launched initially with Mobilize Financial Services and aimed to reduce auction, storage and logistics delays.

Key messages:

- Motorway accounted for 3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Trading & Results and Marketplaces & Digital Retail.
- 5 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Motorway’s revenue reached £78.3m as losses narrowed — AM Online.

Leading themes:

- Trading & Results: 60.0% of Motorway's coverage (theme index 4.69, net tone +33)
- Marketplaces & Digital Retail: 40.0% of Motorway's coverage (theme index 1.87, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 16 September 2026, cityam.com: [Motorway eyes first profit as Premier League deal grows customer base](https://www.cityam.com/motorway-eyes-first-profit-as-premier-league-deal-grows-customer-base/). Motorway expects to reach its first profit in 2026 after reporting revenue growth and a narrower pre-tax loss for 2025. The used-car marketplace is using Premier League broadcast sponsorship to broaden its customer base.
- 30 September 2026, fleetworld.co.uk: [Rethinking end-of-lease: Why Motorway is bringing its marketplace model to fleet](https://fleetworld.co.uk/rethinking-end-of-lease-why-motorway-is-bringing-its-marketplace-model-to-fleet/). Motorway says it has expanded its consumer-to-dealer marketplace model into enterprise remarketing for leasing and fleet operators. The service aims to allow end-of-lease vehicles to be profiled, auctioned and collected directly for winning dealers.
- 28 September 2026, fleetnews.co.uk: [Rebuilding Remarketing: Upending the fleet-to-forecourt pipeline](https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/rebuilding-remarketing-upending-the-fleet-to-forecourt-pipeline-ad-feature). Motorway has launched an enterprise remarketing service for fleet and lease-return vehicles, initially partnering with Mobilize Financial Services. It aims to connect vehicles with dealers before contract end and reduce auction, storage and logistics delays.

- [Motorway deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=motorway&view=deep-dive)
- [Motorway PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/motorway.pdf)

### cinch

**Driving-law guidance defines cinch’s September media profile**

cinch ranked 8th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (1.8%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 3 mentions and a net tone of 0.

cinch’s September coverage centred on consumer motoring guidance. Birmingham Mail reported its use of DVSA data showing that 20.3% of MOT tests from 2023 to 2025 involved overdue certificates, alongside its app’s vehicle-date reminders and expert warnings about fines and safety risks. Examiner Live featured cinch expert Ben Welham addressing misconceptions about speeding thresholds, mobile-phone use and undertaking. cinch ranked eighth with a 1.8% share of tracked-company mentions, based on three mentions. All three articles fell within Marketing, Brand & Consumer, giving the month a tightly concentrated subject mix. The total also included a Chronicle Live article that cited a cinch expert’s explanation of registration plates alongside the introduction of the September 2026 ‘76’ plate, rather than reporting a development at cinch.

Key messages:

- cinch accounted for 1.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Marketing, Brand & Consumer.
- 3 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Drivers risk £1,000 fine over MOT mistake one in five motorists are making — Birmingham Mail

Leading themes:

- Marketing, Brand & Consumer: 100.0% of cinch's coverage (theme index 7.22, net tone 0)

- [cinch deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=cinch&view=deep-dive)
- [cinch PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/cinch.pdf)

### Sytner

**Sytner appears in retrospective CarShop market coverage**

Sytner ranked 9th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (0.6%) in the UK Car Retail & Marketplaces benchmark for September 2026, with 1 mentions and a net tone of −100.

No available article reported a development at Sytner during September. Sytner recorded one mention, representing 0.6% of tracked-company mentions and ninth place. The subject mix was confined to used-car market and pricing coverage. Car Dealer Magazine reported former CarShop marketing director Leo Nelson’s view that current supply conditions make large-volume used-car supermarkets difficult to operate. The article also reflected on CarShop’s growth, sale to Sytner and subsequent disappearance as a UK brand. Sytner’s measured position therefore rested on a contextual reference within wider market coverage.

Key messages:

- Sytner accounted for 0.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 9 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Used-Car Market & Pricing.
- 1 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Sytner appears in retrospective CarShop market coverage

Leading themes:

- Used-Car Market & Pricing: 100.0% of Sytner's coverage (theme index 9.88, net tone −100)

Notable negative coverage:

- 21 September 2026, cardealermagazine.co.uk: [Former CarShop director says he wouldn’t launch a car supermarket in today’s market](https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/former-carshop-director-says-he-wouldnt-launch-a-car-supermarket-in-todays-market/327601). Former CarShop marketing director Leo Nelson said he would be reluctant to launch a used-car supermarket in the current market because changing used-car supply makes large-volume operations difficult. He reflected on CarShop’s growth, sale to Sytner and disappearance as a UK brand.

- [Sytner deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09?entity=sytner&view=deep-dive)
- [Sytner PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09/reports/sytner.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Car Retail & Marketplaces editions

- [UK car retail & marketplaces media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK car retail & marketplaces media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-h1.md)
- [UK car retail & marketplaces media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-07.md)
- [UK car retail & marketplaces media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK car retail & marketplaces media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-car-retail-marketplaces-2026-09