The Retail Motor Industry Federation has called for a closer relationship with Trading Standards offices to help stamp out rogue dealers.
Demand for ex-fleet diesel-engined cars is set to rocket in the next few years, Glass's Information Services predicts.
Surging demand for diesels has doubled waiting lists for some popular models, according to dealers, leading to accusations that carmakers failed to recognise the expected boom.
French tyremaker Michelin has been fined E19.76 million (£11.93m) by the European Commission for alleged anti-competitive practices in its home market.
Japanese car maker Nissan is expecting to cut more than half a million pounds off the manufacturing costs of each future model built at Sunderland.
European car manufacturers won nine out of 12 categories of the International Engine of the Year Awards 2001.
Online sellers Virgin Cars and OneSwoop are battling to become vehicle providers to retail motor industry new entrants.
Ford of Europe boss Nick Scheele, knighted in the Queen's birthday honours, is being tipped to become global chief executive Jac Nasser's deputy in Detroit.
Former Lancia styling chief Mike Robinson has been appointed as the new head of Fiat Centro Stile in Turin.
Carmakers and European dealers lobbying in favour of the current Block Exemption regulations have made their first political breakthrough.
Kia Cars UK plans to double market share to 1% within three years by launching more competitively priced cars.
HSBC Vehicle Finance is to start financing cars through high street branches of its parent bank as part of a strategy to grow contract hire and leasing.
Citroen has dismissed claims from dealers that customer reaction to C5 has been lukewarm. The company is already offering discounted finance.
Scottish dealer Clelands of the Borders has become only the second UK group to house two Ford Premier Automotive Group brands on the same site after opening a £500,000 Jaguar dealership next to its Volvo outlet in Galashiels. The other is Dobsons in Kendal, Cumbria.
Fiat Auto is expected to re-introduce Lancia to the UK as part of a plan to reach 4.2 million annual global sales of cars and light commercials by 2008 - a 75% increase over last year's 2.44 million.
Manheim Auctions Mansfield is holding a 'dedicated dealer day' on Thursday (21/6).
CD Bramall has appointed Charlotte Murray, as internet administration manager to implement the company's rapidly developing internet and online marketing strategy.
Becoming top brand in the demanding Sewells dealer attitude survey is a major achievement by Porsche Cars Great Britain. Managing director Andy Goss talked to Tony Willard.
Automotive e-business specialist, Autohit plc has confirmed that it will shortly announce a series of strategic partnerships with blue chip financial institutions and leading online service providers looking to capitalise on the growing number of car buyers using the internet.
Lookers has acquired Broadfields Land Rover in Bishops Stortfield for an undisclosed sum.
Fast-fit centres could generate thousands of pounds in profits if the European Commission lifts restrictions contained in the car distribution block exemption.
Daewoo is to recall approximately 3,000 of its Nubira CDX models due to a possible fault with the fuel filter. The recall is a precautionary measure.
MG Rover has confirmed the purchase of the Qvale Automotive Group and will use the technology behind the Italian company's Mangusta sports car for a new vehicle.
New trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt this week outlined plans for a clamp-down on price-fixing cartels which include a threat of jail sentences for company executives.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is warning dealers to brace themselves for an erratic end to the year after sales in May rose for the eighth consecutive month. Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, believes demand patterns may be affected by the introduction of the new registration plate format in September.
Dealers remain overall the most popular source for buyers of used cars, according to a survey of consumers carried out by vehicle information firm HPI. Men, though, are more inclined to scour the private advertisements for a used car.
Cars imported from mainland Europe are now achieving similar residual values to UK versions.
New European legislation is set to shake up the used market, forcing retailers to accept greater responsibility for the condition of cars sold.
Dealers are sacrificing used car profits by failing to properly assess reconditioning work required on part-exchange vehicles. Manheim Auctions, which carried out a survey among its dealer customers, reports a “disappointing level of attention” given to part-exchange appraisals.
Market conditions during June have generated a mixed response from dealers. Some are witnessing unexpected buoyancy in the retail sector while others believe the market has finally dropped off and are preparing for a tough few months.
