General Motors may possibly re-badge Daewoos in the US and other target markets as a precursor to a major sales expansion for the South Korean car business. GM plans to increase Daewoo sales by a third from 30,000 to 50,000 units by 2004.
New EU rules to counter money laundering through businesses will heap extra costs on the motor retail sector, the Retail Motor Industry Federation has warned.
Fiat Group and GM executives are to meet this week to discuss further cooperation to bolster the failing Fiat Auto business. According to Friday's Wall Street Journal, Fiat chiefs are likely to ask GM to flesh out chief exec Rick Wagoner's recent statement that the US giant carmaker would help “in any way it can”.
CD Bramall has purchased Boreham Wood-based aftermarket parts business Perrys Distribution Services for £5m. The dealer group plans to merge the company into its Quickco network.
Citroen is pitching its new C8 people carrier at the executive company car market as well as at the private buyer looking for a large family vehicle.
Hyundai is to launch a new version of the Accent on 1 February – and claims the model will feature improved performance, a higher specification and improved styling.
Blackpool-based sportscar maker TVR is one of the companies late filing their accounts, according to a report on AutoWired today. TVR is one of the companies listed as overdue at Companies House in London. The accounts were due in October.
Reg Vardy Group has announced a restructuring of its operating divisions in order to streamline systems to cope with a planned 53 per cent increase in its dealer network this year.
The third Fiat restructuring plan – put forward by Italian financier Emilio Gnutti this week – has a strong “political” element which could help beat off the rival offering by entrepeneur Roberto Colaninno.
Pressings producer Luton-based Cardale Engineering has gone into receivership. The company, which supplies a number of manufacturers and tier one suppliers, cites unrealistic car manufacturer prices and overseas competition for its demise.
Pushy, dishonest, uncaring: does this apply to your salesforce? According to the findings of research into the buying habits of the over-50s, the descriptions are apt.
Creditor banks' plans to spin off Fiat Auto, together with suggestions of a reduced role for General Motors in a revamped restructuring package, may have gone some way to remove GM jitters – and stave off a potential lawsuit – over the put option.
The MVRA had advised all MoT test stations to make sure their calibrated equipment, including diesel smoke meters, brake testers and exhaust gas analysers, are checked within the 12-month time frame required by the Vehicle Inspectorate.
The MVRA has established a specialist call centre for motor claims handling. The 24-hr service enables the association to offer a full range of accident management services.
Bromsgrove-based Fuel Parts is offering a five-year warranty on its branded catalytic converters. The company claims it is a first for the industry.
Lexus has announced plans for a new hybrid engine which will add performance to the technology's noted economy. The system will be offered in the new Lexus RX four-wheel drive model and will arrive on the North American market in about two years.
The Nick Whale Group has added Honda Cars to its franchise portfolio with the acquisition of the Honda Car Centre in Halesowen. And the expanding West Midlands group is set to announce “further developments” in Birmingham City Centre.
The RMI's training arm ReMIT now has a quality director, a new position intended to improve standards within the organisation.
Don't forget to book your place at AM's important aftermarket conference <b>Aftermarket: the £14bn prize</b>. The event, which has the key objective of helping you secure your slice of the business in the aftermath of the block exemption changes, is to be held at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, on 26 March 2003.
MG Rover has begun legal action against Express Newspapers over a Sunday Express story suggesting the carmaker has suspended payments to suppliers.
Chrysler and Jeep has appointed Hartwell Garages to be its new retail partner in Cardiff. The retailer will trade as Hartwell Chrysler Jeep with effect from 4 January 2003.
The SUV safety controversy in the US has continued with the announcement by a safety/environmental pressure group that it is to air two anti-SUV TV commercials in key American cities.
Mazda unveiled the Washu, a six-seater MPV concept vehicle with innovative door design at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit yesterday. Sliding doors at the rear and unique forward-facing hinges on the front doors put the accent on accessibility.
Honda America has paid a major compliment to the carmaker's Swindon plant – citing the Wiltshire facility as playing a key role in helping the distributor to its ninth year of record sales.
Lotus is to mount a major sales push in the US with a specially-tweaked version of the Elise. The special model, which should be on sale in the States by the middle of 2004, is likely to sport driver's airbag, ABS and air-conditioning.
Broadspeed claims to have launched the UK's first “all-in-one” internet car purchasing site – giving customers access to new and used, UK-supplied and imported vehicles.
Lookers plc has completed the acquisition of the Renault franchise for south Manchester and central Cheshire with the purchase of Jackson & Edwards Ltd from January 2, 2003.
Hamsters, Chinese takeaways, vacuum cleaners and stick insects are just some of the backseat passengers carried during lessons, according to the findings of an AA survey of its driving instructors.
The North's largest chain of motorists shops and fitting centres, Motosave, has been recognised as an investor in people.
Switching to a mobile tyre fitting service could save a typical fleet £20,000 a year, according to AA Tyre Fitting.
