Dagenham Motors has invested more than £500,000 adopting Ford's new retail concept at its dealership in Plaistow, east London.
Valeting specialist Quadralene has put together a package of commonly used bodyshop products to help repairers save time and costs.
Kent UK has launched a versatile scuff repair kit which it claims “recreates OEM finish” with minimal surface preparation.
ICI Autocolor is developing a range of time-saving products for bodyshops as part of its commitment to improving customer profitability.
Consumables and preparation firm 3M Automotive has launched its Paint Preparation System (PPS) after eight months of development trials by paint manufacturers and bodyshops.
Proton has made two more franchise appointments this month, bringing the number of new dealers this year to almost 30.
DaimlerChrysler has branded the European Commission's findings that it broke European competition rules “groundless” and said it will appeal against a 72m euro fine imposed today.
In January the next phase of the European single currency project will begin, involving the introduction of euro notes and coins in participating countries. Across the euro-zone there will be a transition period where use of national currencies will be phased out by March.
This is the time of year when an expected slow down in both retail and trade buying becomes prevalent. The first to witness this happening is often the retail sector when the private buyer refrains from spending, probably in anticipation of an expensive Christmas period.
The End of Life Vehicle directive will make recycling more expensive which might cause a surge in illegal dumping, according to Glass's Guide.
Used car dealers' sales last year shrank by 8.3% to 3.69m, according to the latest BCA used car market report, after three consecutive years above 4m.
DaimlerChrysler Services Remarketing has opened a physical auction facility at its Long Marston de-fleeting and remarketing centre in Warwickshire, adding to its internet auction and stock locator services.
Dealers are concerned that falling prices, triggered by the Competition Commission inquiry last year, are encouraging potential buyers to shun used cars in favour of new.
Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealers will retail the Mitsubishi Canter from December. DaimlerChrysler bought Volvo's 3.3% stake in Mitsubishi in April.
The National Automobile Dealers Association has yielded to America's National Football League in a clash of dates caused by the terrorist attacks.
DaimlerChrysler was this week facing an EC fine after being accused of preventing dealers in low-priced European countries from having enough Mercedes-Benz cars to meet demand.
The aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US and concerns over the economy had no effect on UK new car sales which continued to soar last month.
A new service has been launched this month promising to turn insurance write-offs into repair business for bodyshops.
Glass's Information Services, which recently signed insurance giant Zurich to its Glassmatix estimating system, is urging bodyshops to consider production line techniques to boost efficiency.
"The market continues to be a bit of a struggle. Stock that would normally sell quite easily is not finding the bidders and buyers as regularly" - Andrew Shepherd, Manheim Auctions senior group auctioneer.
Honda dealers are using the internet to advise customers whether they should opt for a company car or take a cash payment.
CarLand, the UK used car supermarket group, has signed up Car Care Plan to administer its warranty programme.
Motability Finance Ltd is launching an online system, called mfldirect, to remarket up to 125,000 ex-lease vehicles to dealers.
Confidence in the used car trade has taken its seasonal downslide, reports the latest Used Car Confidence Index from Cap.
"Let us never forget September 11 because it will live with us for the rest of our lives, but let us look forward in a positive way" - Tom Madden, BCA Europe customer affairs' director reflects on the market's reaction to the US terrorist attacks.
GE Capital Woodchester managing director Gerard Ryan expects revised Block Exemption to provide a further impetus to consolidation in the motor industry.
The process of change within the motor industry would continue to be driven by market forces but might be accelerated by revisions to Block Exemption, said Grant Thornton Motor Retail client services director Piers Trenear-Thomas.
Supermarket giants will take-over the retail car market if franchised dealers do not adopt an integrated trading system, said business development manager Mike O'Sullivan, of conference sponsor Ebbon-Dacs.
International Car Distribution Programme director Andrew Tongue says the new Block Exemption regulation would be “less prescriptive and more open to experimentation”.
