Business drivers whose companies obtain their Lexus cars on lease will in future be able to participate in the same customer loyalty programmes as retail customers – if the lessor, like Leasedrive Ltd., joins the new Lexus Leasing Charter programme.
Prince Michael of Kent said today: “Customers now demand better crash protection and the NCAP star rating system is widely understood – it is used by car companies to market their products and is undoubtedly an important factor in customer's choice of new cars."
Automotive refinish distributor the Morelli Group has announced its acquisition of Car Paints Group Ltd and Chiltern Car Paints Ltd., with effect from 5th January 2004.
The 2004 Pay Guide survey shows the median age of technicians is now just 33 years. That suggests they are leaving the profession faster than the trade has so far been able to recruit new blood. Sixty-one per cent of franchised dealers and 69% of independent garages say they are experiencing difficulties in recruiting staff.
Of 1,834 diesel cars held in the CAP NVD database, less than 200 so far comply with the so-called Euro IV emissions standards which govern levels of certain pollutants.
Larger family cars depreciated more slowly this year than during 2002 as stability returned to the used car market, reports CAP Black Book.
Actors Lynda Bellingham and Kevin Whateley were on hand to help GM Daewoo officially hand over 100 Tacuma MPVs to National Children's Homes at an event at the Millbrook test track marking the start of 'Driving change for children'.
South Korean media suggest that shareholders in 4x4 manufacturer Ssangyong, which recently established a UK dealer network for its Rexton model, are keen to sell a 55% controlling share in the firm.
The French new car market was down 9.4% year on year in November with 149,285 registrations recorded by the French manufacturers' association CCFA.
A German media report says the exercise of DaimlerChrysler's option to increase its stake in Hyundai would be seen as hostile action in Korea.
It is an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving as of today, 1 December. Commenting as the new ban came into force.
New laws to prevent discrimination in the workplace on grounds of sexual orientation or religion come into force this week. The Sexual Orientation regulations become law in Great Britain today, 1 December and the Religion or Belief regulations tomorrow, 2 December.
EU ministers have set a new minimum motor insurance amount for personal injuries of one million euros per victim, plus an option for Member States to apply a minimum amount of €5 million per accident, as requested by the European Parliament.
The new-look Black Book is unveiled with the December 2003 edition, which features more than 600,000 used car prices, over 300 extra pages to accommodate more data, a radically redesigned layout for ease of use and details on more than 20,000 used car derivatives.
Euro NCAP has announced crash test results for the Renault Scenic and VW's Touran, both achieving five stars for occupant protection.
Franchised dealers refusing to carry out repairs on new cars covered by independent warranties could leave thousands of motorists 'high and dry', says Warranty Direct.
Tough new manufacturer standards could force a thousand small dealers to shut up shop for good, an industry analyst warns.
Maranello Concessionaires has opened Europe's largest service centre for Ferraris and Maseratis.
Japanese and Korean vehicle component supplier Solid Auto is to move into a new 15,000 sq. ft warehouse in the west Midlands in February 2004.
Federal-Mogul, the global parts supplier, has taken a further step to rebuild its business with a major restructure that should see it emerge from Chapter 11 by June next year.
Repairers are uniting to lobby the Government in a bid to have the MoT fee set in stone – without a fixed price they warn the vehicle test system will become a shambles.
The Health and Safety Commission has published two public consultation documents on the proposed new Control of Vibration at Work Regulations.
Garages across the UK are being targeted in a Government crackdown on fly tipping that could see decision-makers face prosecution.
Vauxhall has added a 120 new van part numbers to its Trade Club programme. It now has an inventory of more than 2100 aftermarket components.
Delphi has invested more than £4m in a new technical and training school in Warwick designed exclusively to develop service skills and professionalism across the automotive aftermarket.
ChipsAway, the accident repair specialist, is planning to increase its network by 60 per cent in the next two years. The company, which specialises in small to medium accident repairs, wants to increase the number of UK franchisees from 300 to 500 by 2005.
A Japanese retail group has snapped up two dealer groups in London, propelling it into the AM100.
DaimlerChrysler is looking at expanding its Grand Cherokee range with the launch of the next generation model late next year or early 2005.
Fiat's new Panda has been voted International Car of the Year for 2004 beating off six other shortlisted contenders to win the prestigious title.
