In a turbulent week for the development of ultra clean transport, Ford Motor Company announced it was to pull the plug on its Think electric car division while one French firm was preparing to present its “air car” to business chiefs in London.
Britain's big three carmakers pushed down new car prices in August during the build-up to the 52-style numberplate, according to a report by CarPriceCheck.com. The study found the average discount was 0.69 per cent, which equates to a saving of £83 on a £12,000 small family hatchback.
Vauxhall is launching a new three-year customer care commitment programme to strengthen its aftersales support for garages and drivers.
Dixon Motors staff are ambushing car parks in the north of England to win new aftersales business.
Peter Lawrence, senior sales manager for Delphi Diesel Aftermarket Europe and overseas diesel aftermarket operations, has been made an honorary member of the Association of Australasian Diesel Specialists.
Mazda has the models to target an eight per cent share of the UK new car market in which it currently holds less than one per cent, according to European vice president of marketing Steven Cootes.
Toyota Motor Corporation and Nissan Motor Company have struck a deal to develop environmentally-friendly cars after years of rivalry to win new car sales.
Nearly half of all new car buyers are unhappy with the level of sales and aftersales service they receive from franchised dealers, according to the Which? Car 2002 report.
Car dealers are tightening their grip on the used sector, accounting for 56.6 per cent of all transactions last year, but 81.6 per cent of the market value.
Small, affordable 'lifestyle' 4x4s are a success story that has helped to increase off-roaders' sector share.
The Saab 9-5 is a keenly-priced, well-equipped alternative to the Audi A6. Up to three years old, values drop more rapidly than other executive models, so private buyers can pick up real bargains.
Bolton firm Informer International has developed a telephone-based security system that, when triggered, sends an alarm alert to a pre-determined phone number.
National Tyres and Autocare has unveiled a new million-pound corporate identity aimed at improving customers' understanding of the firm's services and products.
Ten per cent of the 100-plus BMW Approved repairer network estimators who failed a tough certification test are having their training needs reassessed by their managers. All are expected to resit the examination, which is part of the Audatex Fast Track Certification course.
Federal-Mogul brand Champion has been appointed OE supplier to Peugeot's 2002 international car of the year, the 307.
Daewoo is gearing up for a sustained product attack on the marketplace following its acquisition by General Motors. Its vision is to become a “respected value” brand.
The City of London Police force has conscripted a micromini Smart car on to its fleet.
Honda says dramatic changes in the D-sector of the market have forced it to rethink its retail strategy with the new Accord, which goes on sale next spring.
Dealers that do not alter their services and employment practices to take into account disabled customers and staff risk prosecution, warns the Retail Motor Industry Federation.
Mercedes-Benz has launched a new Inspiration edition of its M-class.
Lexus has topped the charts for quality, reliability and customer care in a new survey.
New car buyers think manufacturers are being “greedy” and over-inflating car prices, according to a new report.
Mitsubishi's UK dealers will be crucial to the success of a new family of company car tax-beating vehicles. The importer wants its retailer network to play a pivotal role in encouraging local businesses to take on its 4Work range.
MG Rover says it is resolving the parts shortages that brought chaos to dealers' service and repair departments this summer, despite claims to the contrary.
Graeme Potts has been appointed managing director at Inchcape UK and Europe. He will take up the newly-created position, which also includes a place on the board of Inchcape plc as executive director, on Tuesday.
Independent garages that want to become authorised repairers from next month under the new block exemption regulations are likely to be impeded by carmakers, a leading industry analyst is warning.
Jensen Motor Cars, the troubled sports car maker, has been thrown a last-minute lifeline. The firm's administrator PKF says contracts have been issued to two unnamed bidders.
Trevor Finn delights in being a shrewd operator. While he was telling analysts at Pendragon's interim results that the dealer group had no plans for any large-scale acquisitions in the UK, behind the scenes he was negotiating with Guinness Peat Group to acquire 29.99 per cent of its 30.01 per cent stake in Ryland.
AM relaunch editor Angus MacKenzie has been appointed editor at leading monthly automotive consumer magazine Car.
