The Institute of the Motor Industry believes an online training forum launched in February to raise standards is already a success.
Fiat Auto (UK) has announced a 25% gross increase in its accessories business year-on-year.
Fiat Auto (UK) has just launched a new website dedicated to commercial vehicles.
Total profits for the UK's dealer groups have fallen by almost 40%, according to research published today.
The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament has announced that it will hold a public hearing on the future of car distribution in the EU.
MG Rover has renewed contact with Malaysian national carmaker Proton and its UK sports car and engineering subsidiary, Group Lotus, on possible long-term engineering and technical collaboration on new models, reports the FT today.
A £3.5m redevelopment of the Aston Green Audi Centre in Reading is nearing completion. The site will become the new headquarters of Reading Audi and will be the largest and best equipped Audi Centre in the UK.
Dealers are frustrating online car buyers by displaying stock that has already been sold. Carrie Bird, CarsAlive business development manager, said: “Online car buyers don't expect to have to e-mail, telephone and speak to car salesmen, only to find out the car has already been sold.”
Cellport Systems, a leading US telematics company, is launching its patent protected in-car mobile phone system in the UK, claimed to be the first that is compatible with all mobile phone networks.
The use of the internet to research and purchase car-related products is booming, according to the latest survey from industry analyst Datamonitor.
General Motors has made a final offer for Korea's bankrupt Daewoo Motor, according to Reuters.
Toyota has cut parts prices by up to 51% on vehicles more than three years old in a bid to stem the rising rate of accident write-offs. The move will help its dealers sell more parts to independent repairers.
The four UK accident repair trade associations have set aside their differences to present a united front in the ongoing battle for improved bodyshop working terms.
Peugeot dealers are being encouraged to target older cars for servicing through the carmaker's 3-Plus initiative.
Bodyshops and insurers are being urged to respond to the DVLA's consultation paper into registration plate legislation before it causes an administrative nightmare.
Direct Line is making a concerted effort for more accident repair business by stepping up TV advertising for third party repairs.
The AA has criticised manufacturers for launching new cars without adequate parts back up. It says complaints from members over repair delays have risen considerably this year.
A London brand centre planned by Mercedes-Benz will probably also be the focal point for sales of the Maybach super-luxury saloon.
Inchcape plc, has today announced it has acquired Bates Motor Group Ltd for £22.3m.
Martin Ward, Cap Motor Research national research manager, on the '51' registration plate, colours and the arrival of three year old Focus, 3 Series and Mazda 323.
Automotive Management has teamed up with Grant Thornton Motor Retail to arrange for UK motor industry professionals to attend next year's American dealer convention in New Orleans (January 26-29).
Benfield Motor Group has added a Renault dealership to its Nissan outlet in Carlisle, creating a dual-franchise hub for the region.
A price war among direct lenders and banks is threatening dealer profits from new car finance over the crucial September period.
Ford Motor Company is to merge the three British brands in its Premier Automotive Group into a single management unit in the US.
Honda UK has bought the freehold of three of its dealerships in the East Midlands and Lookers will run the retail operation which has a £22m annual turnover.
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young has been named Automotive Consultancy Company of the Year 2001 by the Institute of Transport Management (ITM).
New research by automotive consultant Mitac suggests the industry has not learned from criticism of how it operates, says joint managing director John Thompson
The £5.75m acquisition of 129 Halfords outlets gives the AA more than simply a dominant position in the aftersales market. The Centrica-owned business has a strong platform from which to become a “motoring solutions provider”, an ambition it shares with Ford motor company.
The EU is pushing the motor industry towards greater accountability for the environment with its End of Life Vehicle directive.
