The National Salvage Group has launched a new database designed to consign ringers and irreparable vehicles to the scrap heap rather than being illegally returned to the road.
Price and value for money are more important than brand, image, colour and delivery time to the UK car buyer, according to research from internet car retailer OneSwoop (www.oneswoop.com).
TMS Motor Group has acquired two Volvo dealerships from Cecil & Larter as it looks to consolidate its territory in eastern England.
Dealers are being urged to seek advice the moment they see signs of impending financial trouble to avoid the fate of DC Cook and HMG Holdings which have gone into receivership this year.
A new 'build to order' service has been introduced by RHDimports available free to dealers in the UK.
Online retailer OneSwoop has clashed with market newcomer MSN Carview, claiming the Microsoft subsidiary is more expensive on 11 out of 14 of the most popular derivatives.
The past few weeks have seen a slight easing in retail demand leading to reduced demand from trade buyers. Many have apportioned the blame for this slow-down on a general lack of confidence in the economy, brought about by a delayed election and the foot and mouth crisis, as well as the impact of the Easter holiday period.
Despite the long-standing stability of the light commercial vehicle market, there may be dangers ahead for the unwary in terms of future residual values. Interesting trends are now developing which are going to affect the future performance of the various sectors within the market.
The first three months of the year put a smile back on the face of most dealers. Demand has been strong, in used cars as well. In fact, many dealers are reporting stock shortages as good quality, ready-to-retail cars are in short supply.
Despite the downward trend in base rates, the banks and direct lenders seem reluctant to make personal loans any cheaper. Quoted interest rates have remained largely unchanged over the past two months.
Booming sales of new cars to retail customers have convinced carmakers of the need to maintain, even boost, subsidised finance schemes through the second quarter.
Birmingham-based Nick Whale Sports Cars has been selected as specialist UK manufacturer Noble Moy Automotive's first UK dealer.
Toyota and Lexus will move to their purpose-designed new headquarters at Burgh Heath, Surrey on Monday, April 30, from their current HQ in Redhill.
Nissan says it is experiencing the positive signs of its turnaround plan with the announcement of a share dividend
A consultant is someone who borrows your watch and then charges a fee to tell you the time – so runs the joke. In today's business environment, two resources above all others vie for primacy. Time and Information.
The latest auction prices from BCA, Manheim, Premier Motorauctions Leeds and Cars Direct.
The chairman of Pendragon, the UK's largest dealer group, says it is on course for an improved performance in the present financial year.
This focus on the West Midlands provides more evidence of the rising influence of Peugeot, now firmly established as the UK's No3 new car seller – the position once held by Rover. Vauxhall, second only to Ford, does much better than nationally, despite having no plant in the region.
Dealers are missing out on an opportunity to reclaim thousands of pounds of VAT on demonstrator vehicles.
Manheim Europe has started a nationwide programme to implement its unique vehicle inspection and certification scheme, Certified Plus, in its 19 auction centres.
Franchised dealers can win the battle against the dotcoms and the car importers by offering greater choice – as well as competitive pricing.
Ford has refused to comment on press reports that it is facing record losses of £400m.
Land Rover has been granted two Queen's Awards for Enterprise, for international trade and for innovation.
Insurers have seen their bodyshop approval rating dip over the past three years, but the 2001 Sewells Bodyshop Opinion survey, sponsored by computer-based estimating supplier Audatex, revealed the largest recorded drop.
Two statistics sum-up BMW's ill-fated attempt to make Rover the supporting brand it believed it needed to raise group car sales and become a global automotive force.
Eighty of Mitsubishi's 130 Red Zebra used car dealers can now use the internet to access HPI vehicle information.
Lynx Group's £40m turnover Automotive Systems division has been purchased in a management buy-out, led by managing director David Hayward. The move followed pressure from City analysts that perceived Lynx Group to be too diversified.
In February, we examined the type of vehicle online car buyers searched for and compared this with the overall car market. We demonstrated that online buyers were more interested in sports cars than the market as a whole.
Research by valeting and preparation firm Autoclenz has revealed that dealers who valet vehicles themselves pay up to 55% more than companies which outsource the service to a specialist. It suggests large dealerships could save £100,000 a year by outsourcing.
Paint protection systems, which guarantee to maintain paintwork at showroom conditions with minimum fuss, offer dealers a chance to exploit the British public's love affair with their cars.
