News - Page 1420

New Block Exemption changes set to come into effect in October are already changing the market for dealer management systems, according to research from Pinewood.

Mitsubishi Motors UK has posted an all-time new vehicle sales record of 35,610 for 2004, up 13.1% on the previous year

East Anglian Ford dealer group John Grose is expanding by taking over the car sales business of AG Potter (Framlingham) in mid-Suffolk.

Bentley has announced the arrival of its fastest four-door – the Continental Flying Spur.

Carmakers are likely to maintain their discounts and incentives for new car buyers in the UK in 2005, according to a New Car Price index from PricewaterhouseCoopers and europrice.com.

The search for Britain's top mechanical mastermind has now reached its penultimate phase and competition organiser, Champion, has whittled down hundreds of entrants to just 50 after marking the Technician of the Year stage one paper.

Mercedes has unveiled its new A-class, complete with a range of petrol and diesel Euro 4 engines and newly developed transmissions – as well as an offer to fly buyers to the German factory to collect their new car at no extra cost.

Cars that avoid accidents by using radar to detect other vehicles are to become a reality following a major breakthrough in the regulation of short wave radio frequencies.

Fiat Auto’s new Croma will make its first public appearance at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show, (March 3 –13).

Ka keeps its cool in supermini war

Hyundai Car UK is celebrating its best sales year, with 37,611 sales (16% up on 2003) and a 1.47% market share in 2004.

Prices for the new Audi A6 Avant have been confirmed, ranging from £26,505 to £46,265.

Mondial Assistance is expanding its warranty division with the appointment of a new business development manager.

Peugeot retailers will be charged with retaining greater levels of aftersales business this year, with the emphasis on attracting customers that have never before used franchised dealers for servicing and repair work.

Kwik-Fit has begun a £1.5m pilot scheme of refurbishment aimed at modernising its centres and making them more customer friendly.

The DVLA is proposing a revision of regulations governing number plate suppliers less than two years after it introduced strict new rules to combat car cloning with false registrations.

Laser Tools has acquired diagnostic equipment manufacturer Gunson from Crypton Technology for an undisclosed sum.

This year’s AM Aftermarket Conference, in Oxford on February 25, is dedicated to helping franchised dealers and independent garage workshops unlock their full potential in the aftermarket.

Extended service intervals on modern diesels could leave workshops liable for engine damage over the long term if they fail to use appropriate lubricants during servicing.

DIY enthusiasts in the UK may soon be able to diagnose problems and tune their car’s engine performance through a Game Boy handheld games console.

The 2005 RMI/Sewells Retail Motor Industry Pay Guide has just been published (see page 10 for full report), and there is good news on pay increases and staff turnover.

The world’s plushest MPV has almost completed its strip-tease, revealing the sleek lines of Mercedes-Benz’s production R-class. Shown as a concept four times, the MPV is undergoing final testing ahead of European sales a year from now.

Ford Motor Company has cut the cost of new independent checks on network workshops as a reaction to protests from authorised repairers that the proposed inspection programme was both too expensive and unfair.

The Bramall and Jones retail network has acquired a third Audi centre to take its turnover close to £100m and is planning a four-brand group with 12 to 15 dealerships.

MG Rover has terminated its supply agreement with Virgin Cars for an alleged breach of contract.

Today (January 14) is General Insurance day – the deadline for all motor retailers selling or advising on insurance or warranty products to obtain Financial Services approval.

The £500m turnover Greenhous Group says it will be business as usual after the company was subject to a management buyout for the third time

Volvo has launched servicing plans for the fleet and retail buyers of its S40 and V50 models to form retailers’ key marketing message for 2005.

Trevor Houghton-Berry, Mini’s inaugural general manager responsible for the brand’s strong success since its launch in 2001, has left the company.

MG Rover is calling on dealers to separate the MG and Rover sales areas in the showroom and refrain from joint-brand advertising as it seeks to create clear differentiation and tackle an alarming sales slide.