Lookers' profits for the first quarter of the year are well ahead of last year with the company predicting a “strong” performance in 2001.
Mercedes-Benz dealers are to be given a rallying call tomorrow at the second meeting held by those campaigning against the MB-UK decision to issue its 156-strong network with early termination notices.
A campaign in brand awareness is set to double sales of Subaru cars over the next five years. But the target of 20,000 annual registrations means the Japanese company's cars will remain a relative rarity on British roads.
Proton has launched a new initiative to help its dealers maximise the potential of sub-prime finance business, developed by John Hayes, managing director of Proton Finance.
Tourists boycotting Britain because of foot and mouth could hit residual values as rental companies defleet unwanted cars. Fears are mounting that the fragile but hardening second-hand market could go into reverse if car rental business is hit.
BMW has reported record profits for the first quarter of 2001.
Channel 4 has acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast on television and via the internet the 24 hour Le Mans race on June 16-17.
Lotus has cancelled next year's launch of a new sports car, codenamed the M250.
Royal & SunAlliance has denied claims that it is negotiating to acquire its fifth wholly-owned accident repair centre, as part of the Project Storm initiative.
PPG has this month extended its bodyshop performance programme MVP to include a Paint Shop Performance (PSP) initiative.
Bill Sunderland, founder of the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association, has died at the age of 84 after long suffering Alzheimer's disease.
The RMI has warned repairers to be wary when providing industry consultants with sensitive financial information about their businesses.
Smart repair companies have been accused of supplying non-compliant materials and encouraging bodyshops to operate below the law by carrying out paint chip repairs on the shop floor.
Fleet accident management companies have been accused of pressuring repairers into giving 10% invoice discounts to enable them to dupe fleet operators into believing they are receiving the most cost-effective service.
Zurich Insurance has dismissed speculation that it plans to introduce solus bodyshop agreements with guaranteed work volumes under Project Herald, its development programme.
Former Independent Garage Association boss Hugh Roberts has launched The MoT Club, designed to offer garages advice on legislation, technical information and business development.
TecCom believes its e-marketplace will help the aftersales distribution chain save time, money and increase efficiency.
New Thatcham chief executive Peter Roberts intends to strengthen and develop the repair research centre's relationships with insurers on a worldwide basis. He replaces Michael Smith, who retired last year.
Aftermarket parts supplier Quinton Hazell revealed its new website – www.qha.com – at the show as it prepares for an e-commerce explosion.
Vehicle parts supplier Motaquip announced ambitious plans to expand its distribution network by more than 35% over the next five years.
NGK UK is confident of raising its share of the dealer aftersales spark plug market to around 40% within the next four years as it strengthens relationships with carmakers.
Blackhawk displayed the heavy-duty Multirack collision system for 4x4 and off-road vehicles at the EATS.
Gordon Reid, Glass's new commercial director, bodyshop and insurance division, plans to focus on developing business with manufacturers and dealer groups.
Boge Compressors is promoting its range of oil-free compressors as the bodyshops' clean alternative to oil-based equipment.
A 25% increase in demand for its dealer management systems in the first three months of 2001 is being interpreted as an upsurge in dealer optimism by Pinewood Computer Solutions.
MG Rover has postponed its announcement on the financial state of the company one year after it gained its independence from BMW.
International Motors has appointed 10 new Daihatsu dealers since taking over the franchise last year - with a further 10 expected to be operational by the end of 2001.
General Motors and Fiat are considering a takeover offer for Daewoo Motor.
Workers at Peugeot's Ryton plant are to hold a second strike vote on the company's revised pay and holiday offer.
A quarter of the companies in the auto parts industry are at risk of failure should the UK suffer even a slight recession according to research by financial analyst Plimsoll Publishing.
