The new Audi A4 and Land Rover Freelander have been launched into the used market at sales held by BCA.
Used car dealers are being encouraged to 'exceed customers'expectations' with the launch of a new guide published by the RMI.
Toyota (GB) has launched a marketing internet site for its dealer network. The portal provides Toyota dealers with an interactive communications system with a customised marketing service, aimed at helping dealers plan their marketing activities online.
Drivers are 30% safer in vehicles with at least a three-star rating under the European New Car Assessment Programme crash test scheme, compared to two-star cars or vehicles without a score.
BMW corporate operations manager Alan Waldie has left the company. BMW (GB) managing director Jim O'Donnell described the departure as amicable and added: “There has been no disagreement, there is no acrimony. He did a good job for BMW - our growth in the corporate sector has been excellent.”
The RMI has backed Government moves to address a skills' shortage in the retail motor industry with moves that could see 14-year-olds working in bodyshops.
Lexus is claiming the accolade as the fastest growing prestige brand in the UK in the first six months of 2001 with sales up 31.7% on last year.
Ryland has sold its Ford Northampton market area, with sites in Northampton, Kettering and Daventry, to Camden Motors for £0.5m in cash.
Perry Group has announced a series of operational changes today, including the resignation of its chief executive, John Woollatt.
Inchcape UK has appointed AA Business Services to provide it with vehicle inspection services for about 8,000 end-of-lease vehicles before they are remarketed, mostly through the internet.
Ford will use November's Scottish Motor Show in Glasgow as a major platform for launching its New Fiesta following the car giant's decision not to support the London Motor Show.
Vauxhall boss Nick Reilly has predicted "a dramatic turnaround in the profitability" of the marque's UK dealership network this year following the struggles of 2000.
OneSwoop and Carbusters have today announced a strategic alliance and co-operation agreement which they claim will further undercut new car prices offered by the UK's franchised dealers.
A new MoT insurance scheme for Mercedes-Benz car drivers has been launched by Regency F & I, part of the volume insurance provider The Regency Group.
Co-Op Motor Group has announced plans to move to a new head office.
Fiat Auto has cut the price of almost 700 service-related original fitment Fiat and Alfa parts for out-of-production vehicles by up to 20%.
Concern at the quality of vehicle appraisals carried out by franchised dealers has led Manheim Europe to launch a series of bespoke appraisal training courses, aimed in particular at potential part-exchange vehicles.
Motor industry executives warned on Thursday that Britain's wait-and-see approach to the European single currency could jeopardise future investment in the sector, reports today's Financial Times.
SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan says June's record new car registration figures are a sign of unparalleled competitiveness in the industry.
A new 'large fleet' contact hire division has been formed by Pendragon, the UK's largest dealer group. Developed from the existing Pendragon Contracts operation with a fleet of around 9,000 vehicles, the new Derby-based company is the result of a £1.5m investment.
Auctions are back to reporting a buoyant period, with conversions hovering around the mid-70 per cent mark, says Martin Ward, Cap Network national research manager.
The Institute of the Motor Industry has annnounced its support for Automotive Training Partners, an initiative to raise skill standards.
Motor dealers have been warned they could lose revenue from selling insurance unless they register to abide by new regulations from October 15 (formally September 1).
Backstreet repairers are putting lives at risk by fitting cars with black market or dummy airbags, according to Paragon Car Finance.
Honda is confident its approved repairers can retain a far higher level of accident repair business, boosting customer loyalty to the marque and raising bodyshop profitability, if the network conforms to consistent levels of service.
Carmakers will begin dominating the £1.6bn UK fast-fit sector as they encourage dealers to target aftersales profits, according to business information provider Datamonitor.
Ellen Group, the accident management firm that collapsed last month, has launched a legal battle against Toyota GB, which it blames for the failure.
Jaguar Financial Services is rolling out a new insurance policy that will help dealers to boost accident repair retention levels.
Vauxhall and Volkswagen have launched initiatives to help their dealers sell more parts to independent repairers and bodyshops over the summer.
