News - Page 1419

Ferrari Maserati UK Ltd has today launched a modern apprenticeship programme to develop Britain’s finest technicians who will work for one of the world’s most prestigious sports cars.

The Motor Vehicle Repairer Association’s consumer code of practice has completed Stage One of the OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warns car sales will slide over the next two years and production will stagnate due to a ‘tougher economic climate and soaring supply costs’.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is expanding its global involvement in the automotive sector with the opening of a new Automotive Competence Centre in the UK.

The Duke of Gloucester has resigned as president of the Institute of Advanced Motorists after being banned from driving for speeding in December. <P>

Ferrari is collaborating with Pininfarina on a new project called, “Ferrari: new concepts for the myth”.

Jaguar has announced that UK sales of its X-Type has hit record levels with the 250,000th model rolling off the production line at Halewood.

Ian Fraser has been appointed chief executive of Kwik-Fit with effect from February 1.

Hyundai Car UK has made a larger annual deal for a minimum of 1,250 vehicles in 2005 with Dollar Thrifty Car Rental UK.

Twenty privately-owned UK dealer groups are banding together to create a new joint venture company called Retail Automotive Alliance Ltd (RAA).

The number of cars produced for export reached record levels last year.

Fiat said today that its period of mediation with General Motors will end on February 1 and that the Italian company will have the option to compel GM to buy its auto division from the following day.

Lexus has introduced a series of standard features for its IS200 SE model.

Springfield Honda’s Stoddart Street Newcastle dealership is being split in to two new outlets.

Emtec Specialised Services, the technical training subsidiary of the motor retail and aftersales training and consultancy firm Carter & Carter, has acquired the technical services operation of the AA.

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has announced the launch of a new global brand management strategy.

General Motors has announced that its net profits fell by 37% to £481.5m in the last quarter of 2004.

Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that Fiat’s 2004 results will be in line with guidance to investors given in July last year.

Mazda has reported its most successful year of sales ever in the UK, selling a total of 48,453 units, an increase of 24.7% on 2003.

The Suzuki Jimny Estate has been revamped at no extra cost.

Ford's Bridgend engine plant has been awarded the contract to produce two new Land Rover and Volvo engines.

Proton has rejoined the Motability scheme, bringing the number of manufacturers represented to 25.

Ford has announced that it's European operation and Premier Automotive Group, which includes Jaguar, made a pre-tax loss of $324 million (£173.4m) in the fourth quarter, down from a profit of $176 million (£94m) a year earlier.

Prices and specifications for the Range Rover Sport have been revealed today.

Fiat Auto UK has announced prices for its Panda 4x4 and Panda 1.3 16v Multijet, which will be joining the UK range early in February.

BMW is planning its largest ever launch to the fleet and leasing sectors for the new 3-series.

General Motors’ operations in the UK and Ireland are to work more closely together.

Vauxhall has revealed that prices for its stylish three door Astra, called the Sport Hatch, will match its five door equivalents, with the range starting at £13,795 on-the-road.

Tony Blair has given support to MG Rover's proposed joint venture with China's biggest carmaker.

Peugeot’s newest advertising campaign for the 206 Sport has been criticised by anti-gun campaigners who have branded the French firm, ‘irresponsible’.