In an initiative to win garages over to its new range of Champion original equipment specification plugs Federal-Mogul Aftermarket is offering vehicle technicians a free set to test on their own cars. The company has mailed thousands of garages in Britain and has asked VTs to fill in and return a response form by the end of July to claim a free set.
One of the UK's largest independent motor groups is to become part of Renault Trucks nationwide dealer network. Midlands-based Richmond Motors will provide Renault Truck dealers with parts warranty and service back-up as well as aftersales support.
Oxfordshire-based Diagnos, the developer of diagnostic and programming tools for independent garages, is working on new software it says will crack the Mercedes-Benz workshop data code.
Mercedes SLK and CLK are near the top of their respective convertible classes. Both are desirable, very comfortable, well appointed; and it goes without saying that they're status symbols.
Asda is considering selling motor finance and insurance through its network of 245 supermarkets. The move is part of a growing trend for supermarkets to broaden their range of financial products as they look to exploit massive customer databases.
Crash International has been forced to cancel plans for a dedicated bodyshop exhibition in the UK due to a lack of interest. The event was scheduled for October 2-4 at the G-Mex in Manchester, although the exhibition centre says no booking was made for those dates.
Volvo UK is looking for a new managing director after current incumbent Gerry Keaney was promoted to vice president sales for Volvo Car Corporation. Keaney, who takes up the new role in August, has overseen a complete revamp of the Volvo model range and brand image since his appointment in 1996.
Trade and Industry secretary Patricia Hewitt has hinted that the Government is prepared to offer Peugeot a grant to help overhaul its Ryton plant in Coventry, securing thousands of jobs.
The Government has confirmed that motorists will be made to fund the disposal of end of life vehicles from next year until 2007, when carmakers will become responsible for all cars.
The Daewoo Nubira and Hyundai Lantra ranges feature compact estates that offer great value for buyers who want decent load space on a tight budget.
BMW 5-series remains a top retail choice after six years in the showroom. Even 1996 cars look fresh, and they're now less than half the price of their newer counterparts - making as little as £10k for an average mileage 520i on 96P.
<B>Fiat Ducato: </B>A restyled front end with new bumpers and light clusters. Powertrain options include a new Sofim 111bhp 2.3 JTD to go along with the 2.0 and 2.8-litre common rail diesels and the 2.0-litre petrol. Other new technology includes a TV for rear vision and Connect, Fiat's telematic system.
Unipart Group of Companies is signalling the start of a major recruitment campaign as it strives to find the right candidate to head its European aftermarket arm. The firm told the City that Paul Forman, managing director of its European aftermarket division, will leave at the end of the year. Forman will become chief executive of plastics company Low & Bonar.
Mediobanca is poised to pay Fiat around £502m for a 34 per cent stake in Ferrari. Analysts believe the price is too high.
Universal Salvage is considering closing its Corby site in Northamptonshire as it looks to reduce its cost base after losing the Direct Line business.
European Union sources claim Commissioner Mario Monti will agree to the European Parliament's recommendations to delay introducing the location clause element of the revised block exemption rules until 2004 or 2005.
Car components, defence and aeronautical group TRW has failed to beat off buyout bids from its American rival Northrop Grumman Corporation.
<B>Ford</B> still dominates the 1801-3500kg sector with its Transit van, though sector sales are down. It sold 14,140 models in the first quarter (2001: 14,734), compared with Mercedes-Benz in second place on 4787 registrations. Ford also leads the sub-1800kg sector, though its year-to-date sales, at 5631, only just nudging out Vauxhall, on 5562, and Citroen, on 4289.
Large dealer groups, rather than supermarkets and internet giants, could drive a new third tier of automotive super retailers predicted to emerge in the wake of block exemption revisions. The new breed would, effectively, wholesale cars to other retailers, say industry insiders.
DaimlerChrysler UK has purchased a site in Manchester to house its seventh Mercedes-Benz Direct used car operation. The company is looking for a further two sites in London, and is targeting a total network no larger than 10 outlets.
Dealers are dead. But don't order the flowers just yet, say speakers at this year's AM Spring Conference. They believe the automotive sales and aftersales industry can look forward to a bright future, despite the threat of major upheaval in the traditional business environment. The secret? Think like retailers, stay close to customers, and encourage staff retention.
LCV sales are dictated by the state of the economy - much more so than cars. The majority of vans are purchased by businesses and they will only invest when the market is buoyant.
Britain may be heading for a three-tiered franchised dealer system, despite recent efforts by carmakers to develop single-tier networks. Industry figures say new chains of small, independent 'retail' dealers - reporting into main dealers - are already emerging in response to market changes.
DaimlerChrysler is tightening its grip over Mitsubishi Motors, in which it holds a 37 per cent stake, with the appointment of German Gunter Butschek to manage the NedCar plant in Holland. Butschek, a rising Daimler-Chrysler star who has run the company's South African operation, takes over as chief executive and president of NedCar next month, subject to anticipated approval by the Dutch firm's works council.
Ford has decided its forthcoming Focus-based multi-activity vehicle will be available with a five-seat configuration only after extensive customer research showed there was no market for a seven-seat variant.
Shell Auto Finance, the venture launched less than a year ago by Shell Capital, is being put on ice. The firm told the 400 dealers selling its vehicle finance on June 7 that it would stop writing new business immediately.
The theme of the spring conference, “dealers are dead”, is a recurrent one. Each time it reappears, the rumours of demise are found to be premature - with some reservations. So it is this time. Dealers must emulate successful retailers in other sectors, make good use of technology, work to retain customers and stop giving away profit opportunities. Carmakers are not well suited to retailing and no-one can see a “category killer” way of shifting metal waiting in the wings for the right moment.
Cars are the glamour side of the automotive retail business. Even among the commodity brands, a new car launch is usually backed by a glitzy, high profile ad campaign on prime time TV and in quality publications. Cars look good, feel good. But with slim margins they don't always make a lot of money.
The motor industry has never been so competitive. Not only are car prices falling, but also dealers are now facing the threat of new entrants such as supermarkets and virtual retailers in the market place. Indeed, in a recent survey of industry experts by consultancy firm Accenture, traditional dealers' profits are predicted to drop by as much as 40% by the year 2010.
