Is this the end of the road for the likes of Arthur Daley, the stereotypical car salesman? For many car dealers, the 2008 slowdown is a double whammy. Not only do they face a cyclical economic downturn, but their industry is also undergoing savage structural upheaval. The automotive business is in freefall this year thanks to crumbling consumer confidence, high fuel prices and the credit crunch.

Customers are deferring new car purchases and even using public transport more. Meanwhile, the internet is undermining the business model – which in any event is a precarious one.