Budget and mid-range paint brands offering minimal technical support have enjoyed an explosion in popularity over the past five years as repairers demand less expensive systems for a second or third product line.
Dermot Kelly, the executive behind the controversial reorganisation of the Mercedes-Benz retail network in the UK, urged delegates at Automotive Management's autumn conference to put customers first.
Leading collision repair equipment manufacturers Car-O-Liner and Josam have been acquired by venture capitalists 3i Group and Euroventures for an undisclosed amount.
Tenneco Automotive has appointed Jeff Penny as managing director of its UK aftermarket operations.
The Motor Vehicle Repairers Association is in discussion with insurers and repairers to set out benchmark conditions to be used in negotiations for future approved work contracts.
Speculation that Royal & SunAlliance's Quality Repair Centre in Luton was facing closure over a health and safety issue have been dismissed as “an over the top rumour” by the insurer.
Paint maker R-M, part of BASF, has launched Express rapid spot repair system which it says meets carmaker warranty standards.
Refinish training is failing to meet repairers' needs, according to a survey by PPG. It found that 64% of bodyshops were not satisfied by the courses currently on offer. Half now largely disregarded training, despite accepting the benefits.
Standox, part of DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC), is developing a range of UV products which it claims will slash repair times.
Ford Motor Company has announced the retirements of five senior managers, effective from January 2002. Two of the positions will not be replaced.
Automotive Management's editorial team is to nominate leading retail motor industry companies for its 2002 Awards. Firms will still be able to take the initiative and enter the 12 categories.
A leading consultant working with the Department of Trade and Industry on raising automotive retail standards will address Automotive Management's People Fair 2001 on November 15.
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Ebbon-Dacs is tomorrow launching an enhanced version of Leaselink, titled Version 2, which retains its similarities to the t-card system, but offers extra functionality and a new-look.
BCA Newport has held the first in a programme of combination sales featuring an exclusive selection of stock from Lombard and GE Capital Fleet Services.
The advertising budget to promote congestion charging in London is so large that 3.2m cars will have to enter the capital to cover the publicity costs alone.
Vauxhall has started delivering its first dual-fuel petrol/liquefied petroleum gas engines that meet Euro IV emissions standards.
Saab showrooms will undergo a transformation in the next 12 months with no salesmen to confront customers. The new strategy called Unlimited Partners will be phased in during 2002 and be supplemented by new city centre sites and brand centres.
A number of vehicle manufactuters are working to 'secretly' achieve vertical integration in their dealer networks.
Sutton Park Motor has acquired the Renault hub for the Coventry region after paying £1.6m for three Ryland Group dealerships.
Sir Peter Vardy, Reg Vardy chairman, is poised to further grow the company's standing 'north of the border'.
Fiat is sticking with a pan-European TV and cinema commercial for the Stilo, filmed in New York shortly before the terrorist attacks. The Manhattan skyline is not featured.
By the end of 2004 the number of dealers bearing Aston Martin's winged motif should reach 140 worldwide as annual sales rise towards 5,000 units from the current 1,500.
"The European Commission (not to mention the UK's Trade and Industry Department) is wasting its breath asking for pre-tax car prices to be uniform throughout the EU" - Prof Garel Rhys.
The business card is as plain as vanilla. It says 'Sir Ian Gibson CBE' above a couple of contact points. The man synonymous with the success of Nissan manufacturing in Europe no longer has any executive status in the automotive industry.
Skoda is developing ways to encourage more people to test-drive its cars as it targets 50,000 sales by 2005. Rob Tracey, Skoda UK director, believes future growth will hinge on giving people access to a wider range of models.
More than 100 dealers are believed to have signed contracts with new finance company The Funding Corporation.
Kalamazoo's former chief executive Malcolm Roberts said he left the company because the job had become "mundane".
