Ford is to slash prices for replacement parts in a bid to reduce repair costs and reduce the number of vehicles written off by insurers. Repairers can get up to 31 per cent off collision parts for Escort, Fiesta, Ka, Mondeo and Transit registered between 1989 and 2000.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation has announced plans to merge the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association into its bodyshop division following months of talks. Due diligence is currently taking place – both boards have already agreed the move – and the merger will be formalised by the end of the year.
Sales of Vauxhall's bi-fuel cars and vans are set to increase by 65 per cent this year. The rise is mainly in the public sector, which accounts for 50 per cent of all Dualfuel model sales, while the retail market has remained relatively quiet.
A newly formed retail group is set to join the exclusive AM100 club next year as it strives for a £100m-plus turnover. Crewe-based Swansway Garages Group has five sites representing Audi, Seat and Volkswagen with a projected turnover of £76m.
Bob Dover, the chairman and chief executive of Jaguar and Land Rover has quit, 12 months after taking the job. Dover's departure comes only a month after Ford of Europe product guru, Martin Leech left the carmaker after huge financial losses.
The Government must push for a common method of measuring customer satisfaction in the motor industry, says a leading carmaker.
More than 8.5 million PSA Peugeot Citroen cars will have HDi turbodiesel engines under their bonnets by the end of 2006.
Peugeot has become the latest car manufacturer to fall victim to the BBC's Watchdog consumer affairs programme.
Volkswagen retailers are offering a zero per cent interest rate to Passat customers who put down a 30 per cent deposit. The package is available to all customers who buy a Passat saloon or estate before the end of the year.
A leading finance house is warning dealers against offering long-term finance.
Dealers sold fewer used cars last year, despite the second hand vehicle market increasing in volume.
Vauxhall is adding a new model to its Meriva range.
ABS, the UK's largest network of independent bodyshops, is having to canvas for new work after one of its major providers revealed plans to establish its own repairer chain.
Repairers will form a new think tank aimed at moulding future estimating services. Glass's Information Services has set up a repair consultative group to shape the next generation of estimating systems.
A Manchester-based vehicle repairer is to lodge an appeal after the High Court ruled that its failure to correct faulty brakes on a van caused a fatal road accident.
Locking nuts used to secure alloy wheels cause problems at more than 10 per cent of all tyre fitments, according to AA Tyre Fit.
Audatex, the provider of repair and claims solutions to the motor industry, says investment in new technologies meant a fall in pre-tax profits from £873,000 to £533,000 over the last 12 months.
Responding to the news that RMI and VBRA are to join together in what seems to be best describes as a 'strategic alliance.' MVRA Managing Director Mike Monaghan said he was unsurprised at this development.
New aftersales contracts receive mixed verdicts from dealers in different German networks in magazine poll.
Flat Blade windshield wipers will arrive on the aftermarket in autumn 2003 through Valeo's independent aftermarket networks, having been hitherto available only in original equipment.
AA members who have had their spare tyre fitted at the roadside by an AA patrol following a puncture or other damage are the targets of a new tele-marketing programme introduced by AA Tyre Fit.
The Insurance Times reports that two insurers, Allianz Cornhill and Admiral, have been piloting a scheme that withholds cover on new policy applications pending inspection of their cars.
Only 36% of manufacturer websites in Germany allow users to place an order online, and only 7 of 13 respond to enquiries inside five days, says a new study.
Tata has rolled out the first batch of CityRover cars, to be marketed by MG Rover in the British and European markets. Dr. Sumantran, executive director, Tata Motors, handed over the first car to Kevin Howe, chief executive of MG Rover at the ceremonial roll-out of the first CityRover off the assembly line at the Tata's plant in Pune.
Designed as a launch-pad for the next generation of GP drivers, Formula BMW, already running in Germany and some Asian countries, is coming to the UK next year.
Carroll Shelby International, Inc. has announced that Carroll Shelby, its Chairman and CEO, has once again partnered with the Ford Motor Company to jointly develop performance products.
Ownersite Technologies has launched a first-of-its-kind online consumer "pay for use" facility for motorists in the US. Ownersite.com (http://www.ownersite.com/) is billed as the Internet's first comprehensive vehicle maintenance reminder and expense tracking system.
Epyx claims dealer service outlets will have a single e-commerce standard for service and maintenance transactions now that it has acquired Oasis, the operator of the Advance online maintenance system.
The Rexton SUV from Korean car company SsangYong – heralds the return of the brand since it disappeared from the UK market on the failure of the former Daewoo importer, which had re-badged Ssanyong's Musso model.
Bentley is to reduce output this year of its top model the Arnage from 1,000 planned units to 800, chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen has told media in Germany.
