The new block exemption regulations include the concept of 'authorised repairer', which basically means that any service workshop can become an official service point for any franchise from October 1 this year – provided they meet the vehicle manufacturer's standards. Back in May, I speculated about how much an independent garage might have to invest to become an authorised repairer for a single marque.
Don't expect sweeping changes to the structure of the aftermarket after carmakers sign new franchise agreements under revised block exemption rules in October.
Ryland Group chairman Peter Whale has warned shareholders that the company will lose its franchises unless questions over future ownership are settled urgently.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation has called in specialist head-hunters to seek out a new boss for its newly-created aftermarket and used cars division.
Aston Martin faces further industrial action this week after the Transport and General Workers Union announced strike dates.
Black Horse Motor Finance has been forced to speed up the introduction of its new approved dealer scheme after an unprecedented level of interest from retailers.
Saab will take the wraps off a new sports hatch concept (pictured below) at next month's Frankfurt motor show as it prepares to launch the 9-3 estate next year.
Sunwin Motor Group, one of Yorkshire's largest traders, has bought the Renault franchise for Preston and Blackpool following Caledonia's decision to split with the marque.
Garage owners could find themselves in the dock as part of a major negligence crackdown by police and the Health and Safety Executive.
CD Bramall has consolidated its position among the top dealer groups in the UK with a strong set of results for the six months to June 30, 2003. Pre-tax profits rose 28 per cent to £17.1m and turnover soared 57 per cent to £905m following last year's acquisition of Quicks.
Hyundai, South Korea's biggest carmaker, saw quarterly profits increase by 86 per cent thanks to strong European and US demand.
Motorhouse 2000, one of the UK's largest car supermarkets, has opened a new site boosting next year's projected turnover to £150m.
Martin Leach, the British president of Ford of Europe, has quit the company just one year into the job and after the manufacturer revealed a second quarter loss of £326m.
Strict new rules aimed at cracking down on car finance frauds come into force next month, requiring dealers to run tight ID checks on all credit applicants.
David Callery, managing director of the Factoring Service Group, has resigned after 12 years to join Leyland Auto Electrical and Diesel as managing director.
Retailers are set to claim more than £240m in overpaid VAT, according to financial experts.
A new online facility allowing drivers to book test drives at any time of the day or night goes live on September 1.
Volvo will reveal its all-new S40 at next month's Frankfurt Show. The new S40 will be the first Volvo built using Ford-based hardware and component sets since the Swedish carmaker was acquired by the American giant in early 1999.
Do you consider yourself one of the best dealers, repairers or bodyshops? Have you launched a training or marketing campaign that deserves recognition? The AM Awards 2004 offer you opportunity to achieve that recognition.
Manchester-based Lookers has paid £2m for the property and assets of Savoy Honda Centre in Warrington.
Retailers will be at the frontline of the battle for the UK's biggest sector next year when Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen go head to head in the C-sector family hatchback market.
Vehicle manufacturers are warning they will be forced to cut volumes and raise new car prices in the UK and mainland Europe to help offset the impact of the strong Euro. They blame exchange rate fluctuations and shrinking new car demand for a downturn in profits.
Kia has introduced an all-makes used car programme across its UK dealer network. <P>
Motor industry charity BEN has appointed Gerard Barclay as its new chief executive. Barclay, who is currently business director of Walon, replaces Geoffrey Atkinson, who retires in October after 25 years with the company.
Mini has announced a host of new additions for the 2004 model year car, which goes into production on September 1.
A Denbighshire-based motor dealer partnership, trading as Chadwick and Smedley and as Celtic Cars, has had its application for a renewal of a consumer credit licence refused by the Office of Fair Trading.
Kwik-Fit Fleet has become the exclusive supplier of replacement tyres to Motability customers through its 750-strong network.
Hyundai has appointed five new sales and service dealers to its UK network.
The Institute of the Motor Industry has renewed its call for vehicle technicians to be licensed following a High Court ruling of negligence against a Manchester garage.
Standox has issued a wake-up call to bodyshops, urging the industry to switch from solvent-based paints to waterborne products well in advance of new European environmental legislation.
