One year into its relationship with Nationwide Accident Repair Services – the UK's largest crash repair chain – Volvo Information Technology has been awarded a further £1.2m contract for the infrastructure and management of Nationwide's wide area network (WAN) IT system.
Accident repair centres will be forced to carry out expensive and time-consuming risk assessments on paint, oils and lubricants if new laws are put in place.
Share prices throughout the motor retail sector are booming for the first time in years. Investors are backing leading dealer groups to deliver significant financial improvements after October 1 when revised block exemption legislation comes into effect.
Priory Motor Group has become one of the first UK retailers to exploit revised block exemption regulations by opening a multi-franchised showroom in the north-east.
UK buyers are currently enjoying some of the biggest new car discounts in motoring history, according to new research – but there are signs that manufacturers will soon be insisting on higher deal prices to boost their flagging margins.
Two carmakers have the potential to challenge for number one status in the global new car market, says industry expert Garel Rhys. The motor industry professor at Cardiff Business Schools, says General Motors and Toyota have the potential to occupy number one positions worldwide.
Dixon Motors is targeting drivers of older cars with a new servicing scheme designed to win back market share from fast-fits and independent garages.
The AM Awards has a new assessor – leading management and business consultants Carter & Carter will be carrying out independent auditing and additional data for the 2004 Awards through a combination of face-to-face interviews and mystery shopping exercises.
Inchcape is expanding its power base with BMW in the south-east after reaching agreement to acquire dealerships in Cobham, Surrey and Wimbledon from William Jacks. The territories adjoin Inchcape's BMW franchise in Thames Ditton.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation has announced that Jeffrey Mack will fill a new role as head of bodyshop and recovery services following the departure of Bob Hood earlier this year.
Customer service quality and improved aftersales performance are central to a £5m retailer “partnership initiative” just launched by Hyundai.
Following the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz Direct in Tower Park, Poole, Dorset Mercedes retailer Jacksons has followed the manufacturer's lead and formed its own Direct-branded company.
PSA Peugeot-Citroen has developed a new diesel particulate filter with a service life of more than 150,000 miles, meaning the systemwill effectively be maintenance-free.
Refinish systems supplier Standox has put its weight behind the formation of an European association of bodyshops under the brand's Repanet network banner.
BCA Europe will launch its 2003 used car report at a Sewells Information & Research conference at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on September 10.
Unipart is to hold its annual BEN charity golf day at Puckrup Hall Hotel, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, on September 11.
John Squires, chairman of Benfield Motor Group, has been awarded an OBE for his services to community.
A replica of the car built to celebrate the five millionth Rover is being offered by the manufacturer.
Bridgestone Europe has doubled the size of its distribution centre in Zeebrugge, Belgium from 28,000sq m to 56,000sq m. The increase in area allows the centre to hold a much wider range for shipping throughout Europe.
Automotive businesses are failing faster than those in any other sector, according to a report from Experian.
Bodyshops continue to be hit by parts delays, despite trade body pressure on vehicle manufacturers to ease the situation.
Seat believes its retailers can solve overcapacity problems suffered by other VW Group brands like Audi and Volkswagen by becoming multi-franchised repairers.
Workers at Peugeot's UK car plant have agreed to take a pay cut in a last ditch attempt to save jobs.
Reg Vardy, the UK's second biggest dealer group, is to invest around £1m a year in a new customer service satisfaction programme.
BMW has officially revealed its new 6-series coupe, which is to go on sale here by next summer.
MG Rover retailers will finally take delivery of a new small car in November when the company launches the CityRover.
Mercedes-Benz London is to dispose of its sales and service location in Colindale, London. The five-acre freehold site on the Edgware Road includes Mercedes and Smart car sales and service as well as a truck and van dealership.
NGK Spark Plugs has officially opened a 4700sq m office complex on the site of its European headquarters in Ratingen, near Dusseldorf.
A1 Motor Stores – the group of independent automotive accessory retailers formed following the demise of GKN Spa and DIY Motor Stores in 1983 – is to celebrate its 21 years in business.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren made a surprise debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed two weeks ago.
