London-based Euro Car Parts has launched a new support programme to help repairers satisfy demand for air conditioning servicing and repair.
Worldwide consolidation of body repair markets is the trigger for North American network operators to spread their wings to independent UK bodyshops.
Bowker BMW and Mini dealership in Accrington has been running a highly successful night shift in its workshop in order to make servicing more convenient for clients.
Land Rover has backed down on a warranty dispute centring on the use of non-OE parts following intervention by the Automotive Distribution Federation and the Office of Fair Training.
Dealers could be in line for a second tax windfall from Customs & Excise this year, according to financial experts. The payouts would follow refunds made over the past 12 months by Customs on VAT paid by dealers on demonstrator vehicles dating back more than 30 years.
Chrysler Group plans to mix it with Europe's power brokers, using its growing SRT performance range. Both the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300C are getting the Street and Racing Technology treatment, following on from the supercharged 347bhp Crossfire SRT-6 shown at Geneva.
MG Rover has denied rumours that it may soon be under the ownership of China’s largest automotive group, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.
An online human resources training package under trial by the Jaguar Land Rover Training Academy has been shortlisted for a ‘Personnel Today’ award.
Hartwell is about to close its Citroen outlet in Cardiff because it cannot make money out of the franchise. Other dealers in the network are also expressing concern.
Sir Tom Farmer has taken a 17% stake in ScootElectric, the eco-friendly scooter business which launched this year.
Mitsubishi importer Colt Cars has released the first pictures of its new-look dealer showroom designs, which will be rolled out across the network by the second quarter of 2005 (AM June 4).
A major European high street brand will definitely enter the automotive sector within five years completely revolutionising the way consumers buy new cars, according to management consultancy AT Kearney.
The opening near Manchester this week of a £6m second outlet for The Car People signals the beginning of a steady expansion plan for the company, which could see its number of locations across the North increased to eight by the end of the decade.
Shankar Ramanathan has been appointed managing director of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s car division, which includes Dixon Motors, Lombard Vehicle Management and the Jamjar cars internet operation.
Lookers says its links with Nissan will continue despite struggling sales forcing the group to close two of the manufacturer’s outlets in the North of England.
The Financial Services Auth-ority is planning a series of workshops in November and December to help dealers prepare for the new rules on the sale of insurance-related products from January 14, 2005.
Sewells Information & Research has just published its latest edition of ‘Who Owns Who in the motor industry’.
The sale by Phoenix Venture Holdings of the MG Rover parts business has been completed.
The Renault Modus – which goes on sale next week - is the first supermini to secure the maximum 5-star rating in crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP, it was announced today.
Jaguar has announced it will cut production by some 15,000 units for the rest of 2004 due to poor demand.
Used car history checker HPI is looking forward to developing further customer facing products following its acquisition for £120m by Norwich Union Insurance.
Sunwin Motor Group is putting out the feelers for further expansion after starting the rebranding process for the seven sites acquired in June from Ilkeston Co-operative Society.
Hartwell is losing its four Volkswagen car franchises as the manufacturer continues a shake-up of its network.
AM has added four categories to its 2005 Awards. The new awards will highlight the important role of van retail, recruitment, fast-fit and parts supply in the automotive industry.
An exclusive Black Horse Motor Finance survey carried out with AM and Sewells Information & Research has found that dealer sales staff are missing out on numerous opportunities to sell finance products.
A director of failed car business Harold Elston & Sons in Powys has been banned from being a company director for five years.
Auto Source of Stretham, Cambridgeshire, has merged with Mervin Smith Cars of Quy to open a new retail premises on the A10 between Cambridge and Ely.
Fleming Brothers Citroen and ChryslerJeep in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has been sold to the Ipswich and Norwich Co-Operative Society for an undisclosed sum.
Reg Vardy has contracted property consultant Lambert Smith Hampton to assist in its ongoing acquisitions programme.
Alfa Romeo has the potential to mirror the sales success of BMW over the next five to 10 years, according to its newest retailer, Islington Alfa Romeo in Melksham, Wiltshire.