Are you one of the UK's top dealers, repairers or bodyshops? Have you launched a training or marketing campaign that deserves recognition? The AM Awards 2004 offer the chance to achieve that recognition.
William Jacks, the AM100-listed dealer group, is shifting its share capital from the Stock Exchange to the Alternative Investment Market in a bid to cut costs.
Major aftermarket parts distributor Motaquip has rejected claims that franchised dealer groups could put independent motor factors out of business by setting themselves up as “superfactors” under new block exemption laws.
Bob Hood has quit his position as director of marketing at SEL-Imperial, just months after joining the company from the RMI.
Essex-based DWS has established a new blueprint for high volume bodyshops – creating a dual business under one roof. Its new £3m facility in Thurrock has been split into two equal bodyshops, one focusing solely on Direct Line business, the other mixing eight insurance approvals.
Federal-Mogul Aftermarket UK has accused component suppliers and manufacturers of failing to deliver sufficient training support to the garage trade.
The first prototypes of BMW's all-new E90 3-series, which is due to be launched at the 2005 Frankfurt Show, are now venturing out of the proving ground for extended testing. And although the cars are heavily disguised, it appears the E90 may be the least adventurous of Chris Bangle's recent designs.
Bodyshops and insurers face a growing threat from consumer litigation due to poor repair standards, according to ABS.
Problems facing automotive components suppliers – in particular pressures from carmakers to make efficiency gains and cut prices – are being exacerbated by a lack of employee skills, according to a new survey.
Ford retailers will get a new online authorisation system after the carmaker signed up to Epyx's 1link Service Network.
Peugeot is introducing a new product into its UK rental operation – Peugeot Minilease. The product has been designed for short operating periods of six months or less.
US research firm Morgan & Company reports that US new light vehicle sales totalled 1,630,904 in August, down 4.5% from August of 2002 with one less selling day.
GM Europe VP of sales and marketing Jonathan Browning has confirmed that Opel, Vauxhall and Saab sales and marketing operations will be merged in all the brands' European markets.
Lookers plc, the top ten UK retail motor group, has announced record results for the half-year ended June 30 2003.
Subaru of America, Inc., announced it has launched a Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) Web site, to provide dealers, independent repairers and consumers with access to Subaru technical resources.
The Board of AutoLogic Holdings plc has received an approach from a unnamed private equity firm to acquire all its share capital for 350p per share in cash.
A new retail motor group – NHM Ltd – has entered into an agreement to acquire the GM Daewoo franchised outlets in Cardiff, Exeter, Luton and Swansea. These sites were formerly part of Hanover Automotive Group, now in administration.
Park Hwang-Ho, 57, formerly Senior Executive Vice President of Planning has been named Hyundai Motor's new CEO and President responsible for planning and sales, replacing Dr Kim Dong-Jin who becomes Vice Chairman.
Volkswagen has today revealed a mid-engined roadster prototype, named Concept R, which will be shown next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. VW says the Concept R “points to the future of the Volkswagen brand, and hints at a possible involvement in the world of genuine sports cars.”
Having admitted to pricing issues that dulled the impact of the launch of its Fiesta-based Fusion, Ford has announced the price of the larger Focus C-MAX flexible hatchback ahead of its launch date of 18 October.
Avis Europe, the market-leading European car rental group has announced first-half results (for the period ending 30 June) showing revenue down 5.5% at €527 million. Rental days were up but prices fell.
Ford's Parts Plus network of specialist parts wholesalers for the independent motor trade is offering 10,000 free gifts and 10 major prizes each month during September, October and November, in a big 'Autumn Windfall' promotion.
Eurocarprice.com's latest European New Car Price Index report warns that the cost of new cars in the UK is likely to rise significantly in the next few months.
Over 420,000 new cars will be registered in the UK this month, pushing the year-to-date total ever closer to the expected 2.52 million units forecast by SMMT. This will make 2003 the second highest total on record, just 40,000 units short of last year's figure.
On Thursday last week, MG Rover's German sales company completed negotiations with its German dealer council over their new BER-compliant contracts, but new-car margins have yet to be fixed.
EurotaxSchwacke, the German sister company of Glass's in the EurotaxGlass's group ( www.schwacke.de) is to launch an online whole life cost database at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
A campaign urging dealers to play a proactive role in whiplash injury prevention, by showing buyers how to position their head restraints properly, is launched today to coincide with the new September '53' plate registrations.
Even before its official UK launch on 19 September, Citroën has revealed prices for its three-door supermini, the C2. Launch offers, including free insurance on performance models, will make the C2 available from under £7,000.
Over the past nine months Volvo's pilot car rental programme has proven to be a success and is now going to be extended to more dealerships around the UK. Ten dealerships1were involved in the pilot stage and they are all continuing with the scheme.
The Board of William Jacks PLC has announced it intends to apply to cancel the listing of the Company's entire issued share capital from the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and simultaneously apply to be admitted to the AIM.
