How can you use PR and media relations to halt dwindling car sales?

There’s no hiding from it, sales of new cars in the UK are volatile, which perhaps makes automotive PR and media relations more important than ever.

Indeed, recent figures show a mixed bag as although 2026 started well overall with a 3.4 per cent rise in new car registrations compared to January 2025, there are warning signs over a lack of EV sales which are well short of the ZEV mandate.

Given it’s a fluctuating market, our latest blog delves into how the automotive sector can aim to increase car sales with the help of specialist marketing support using a variety of tactics.

How do PR and media relations help automotive businesses?

Cutting through the noise with the goal of increasing sales is one the main ways that PR and media relations, including other services such as digital advertising and content creation, can make a positive difference.

It has the power to place organisations in front of their key audiences, such as the car buying public.

Just as importantly, the messaging appears on third-party outlets, such as the news page of a national newspaper, which provides independent, editorial endorsement of the content.

Where to start with PR and media relations?

If your organisation is suffering from sluggish car sales, then it’s important to rationalise why this might be.

Do you lack a voice in the media? Is your messaging confusing? Do your competitors always feel like they are one step ahead?

From the outset, a specialist automotive PR agency will take the time to get a real understanding of your business, devising the most appropriate strategy to help deliver your business goals.

A notable success for automotive PR and media relations

Before showing some tricks of the trade, it might be worthwhile to highlight a case in point where Red Marlin’s expertise and professionalism delivered real results.

Our team was tasked by Retro Automotive to publicise a bespoke project vehicle for F1 driver, and now world champion, Lando Norris in order to attract commissions from high-net-worth clients around the world.

Faced with this challenge, Red Marlin’s solution was to create a high-impact, timely media campaign to coincide with the vehicle delivery which focused on the uniqueness and story behind the project.

Global media contacts were also targeted to ensure widespread exposure.

Media results that raise the bar…and increase interest

Red Marlin’s activity for Retro Automotive yielded some great results including more than 100 pieces of international media coverage including MSN, The Sun, and The Sunday Times.

Furthermore, the story reached 217 million people worldwide across many different countries.

Most importantly, it led to a significant boost in web traffic, enquiries and brand awareness for Retro Automotive, proof that specialist marketing is a vital tool.

What PR and media tactics work the best?

That depends on the desired outcomes. Some organisations appreciate that brand building can help increase their visibility among potential consumers.

If this is the case, then sustained PR activity including a cadence of news stories appearing in relevant outlets can put them in the forefront of people’s minds.

Furthermore, when the story appears online, especially on a high domain authority website with a backlink, then the article can enhance SEO, driving traffic as the website is pushed up search engine results pages.

Are there other automotive PR and marketing tools to support businesses?

Yes, there are plenty, so it’s key to use the right ones to get the best return on investment.

For example, email marketing has many benefits to possibly help increase sales, not least by being able to control the messaging, plus it can be time effective and quickly implemented, an important consideration when car sales are going in the wrong direction.

Meanwhile, other activity can include influencer marketing or social media, both of which provide opportunities to engage, drive sales and raise awareness.

Can other areas of the automotive sector benefit from PR and media relations?

Certainly, while car sales are always under scrutiny, other areas in the automotive arena also face their own challenges and opportunities.

It’s essential that the messaging and strategy is right for whichever sector needs to benefit from it, whether that’s aftermarket, future mobility, wheels and tyres or engineering and technology.

How do you make the most of PR and media relations expertise?

By speaking to PR and marketing professionals who have a deep interest, and strong passion in what they do.

Having an inside knowledge of the media landscape, together with knowing what is and isn’t news, pays dividends for our clients who enjoyed more than 2,500 earned media articles online and in print, plus on mainstream TV, during 2025 thanks to our winning PR strategies.

Want to know more about PR and media relations?

If you could benefit from Red Marlin’s automotive PR and media relations expertise, which also includes awards and sponsorship, campaigns and advertising, then please get in touch for a no obligation chat.   

Alternatively, if you’re in the Leamington Spa area, then please drop in to meet the team for a cup of tea or coffee.