Unsafe garages and bodyshops could be forced to close their doors after health and safety officers announced they are considering a nationwide blitz on vehicle service and repair businesses.
Producers of the BBC2 TV show I'll show them who's boss are looking for a family-run business to feature in its next trouble-shooting series.
Nissan Motor (GB) has awarded PPG Industries a three-year supply contract for its PPG and Nexa Autocolor paint brands.
Unipart Group chief executive John Neill has received an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University in recognition of his contribution to academia and business.
The market for grey imports is set to reach record levels this year, contrary to experts' predictions that lower new car prices in the UK would stem the tide of cars from Japan.
Inchcape has created the UK's largest BMW territory with the acquisition of six BMW dealerships at a cost of £18.9m. The move, which AM exclusively revealed in its June 27 issue, cements Inchcape's position at No 6 in the AM100 and is expected to take the group past £1bn turnover.
A Yorkshire-based 'no frills' retailer is planning a dramatic entrance to the exclusive AM100 club next year as it bids to treble its turnover.
BMW is to recruit 750 new sales executives for its UK dealer network over the next three years – a 10 per cent growth in headcount.
Oxford BMW is investing £2m into a new dealership in the city. The 2000-square metre site has motorcycle and car showrooms and a workshop.
Reg Vardy's online dealership has struck a deal with national media group Johnston Press to sponsor its website Motors Today.
Proton has appointed new dealers to its network on the back of a strong new model programme.
Ford has signed a three-year contract with software provider Global Beach to launch a standardised Dealer Web Service (DWS) across Europe. Consumers will be able to access information about Ford and its products via the dealer website rather than clicking through to its corporate home page.
Toyota has finished appointing its 90-strong UK Business Centre network after its research claimed no manufacturer was providing small car and commercial vehicle fleets with satisfactory service levels.
Rob Tracey, the man credited with transforming the reputation of Skoda in the UK new car market, has stood down from his role as director and will be replaced by Chris Craft.
Fiat is gearing up its 165-strong dealer network to win more corporate business with the creation of a fleet specialist programme for retailers.
Land Rover has made a host of changes to its Freelander. It now has Range Rover-style looks at the front and back with similar twin headlights.
A plan to increase the first registration fee for new cars has been attacked by a leading industry figure. The proposal has caught the industry by surprise and, if it goes through, retailers will lose hundreds of pounds changing crucial advertising material.
Nidd Vale Group has this week been de-merged after management purchased the £62m turnover General Motors division. The acquisition, which includes the group name, leaves former chairman Richard Jackson in control of the £50m Mercedes-Benz operation.
Leading players in the used car market have attacked new research that claims secondhand car prices have collapsed in the past 12 months. The report, by What Car? and the Alliance & Leicester, says used car prices have hit record lows with the values of one-year-old cars dropping by 11.4 per cent.
Lexus plans to inject more excitement into its models as part of a major product renewal programme over the next four years.
Companies looking for the latest information about the UK's retail groups can now purchase copies of the July 2003 edition of Who Owns Who, published by Sewells Information & Research.
The first stage in a national distribution system for AA Tyre Fit's expanding mobile tyre fitting service has gone live.
Toyota's business centre network of 90 dealerships, launched in January, is now fully operational.
The first Mazda dealership in the Doncaster area for more than five years opens tomorrow when Ringways Motor Group becomes the manufacturer's 131st UK dealer.
Chris Craft has been appointed as director of Skoda UK, effective from tomorrow. He replaces Rob Tracey, who has become managing director of gedas United Kingdom, also part of the Volkswagen Group.
MINI is introducing specification upgrades for 2004 models.
Aftermarket show activity is spreading. Hot on the heels of the SSMT's announcement of an ATS revival as part of the CV show next spring and London Eventco's plans for Auto-ExCeL early in 2005, Haymarket Exhibitions says it will expand the PACE parts and accessories section at Autosport International in the New Year, 2004.
Volkswagen has launched a new fast-fit operation called Express Fit. Alan Day in New Southgate, North London, is the first retailer to open a centre. If it proves successful, more retailers could open similar operations with most major cities covered by the end of the year.
ArvinMeritor has launched a $4.4bn (£2.7bn) hostile cash bid for US automotive parts maker Dana Corpor-ation. The company says its offer of $15 (£9.22) a share represents a premium of 25 per cent over Dana's closing stock price before the move was announced.
Audatex UK is to launch a body repair estimating system for motorcycle repair specialists, insurers, brokers and claims handling companies in August.
