News - Page 1634

Toyota and PSA Peugeot Citroën are to work together on new technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles.

Sources at Peugeot's Ryton plant say the company will revise its "final" pay-offer to avoid strike action.

DaimlerChrysler UK says its decision to issue its Mercedes-Benz dealers with a second termination notice is not a sign of failing confidence in its restructure plans – but merely a “precaution".

Maranello Concessionaires has confirmed that it will not be exhibiting its Ferrari and Maserati brands at the London Motor Show.

Yorkshire independent motor retailer Nidd Vale has appointed Bob Butterfield as body and paint shop repair manager.

The Government has been asked by the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) to declare the number of complaints consumers made about insurance company-owned bodyshops last year.

Lexus is the highest ranked manufacturer in the 2001 UK Car Customer Satisfaction study conducted by JD Power and Associates.

Ryton looks set to be hit by strike action after Peugeot told the Transport and General Workers Union a disputed pay deal was its "final offer".

Four automotive suppliers are planning to join forces to cut costs and provide a more efficient service to aftermarket customers.

Tyre firms are gearing up for a price war after a new entrant promised 10% savings for fleets.

Plexus Online, the internet-based accident management company that went live this year, has signed up more than 360 bodyshops on the promise of more cost-effective repairs.

Vauxhall has launched a Parts Quality Assurance programme as it steps up the fight against counterfeit parts suppliers.

Audatex has tripled the size of its insurer services team to cope with growth.

US automotive parts maker Delphi Automotive Systems is to close its Southampton factory, with the loss of 120 jobs, as part of a worldwide restructure.

EMA Computer Solutions has launched a bodyshop loading, control and management reporting system, which fits between the estimating and management system to help repairers maximise productivity and profits.

The Body Repair Industry Campaign (BRIC) has raised the heat in its fight against poor insurance practices after sympathetic MPs tabled two Parliamentary questions.

Perry Group's body repair network raised profits last year, to £3.2m, compared to £2.2m in 1999, on the back of improved results in London.

##spring conference--left## Stability is in sight for the UK used car market after more than two years of collapsing vehicle values, according to Cap Network.

A conference to brief senior motor industry managers on Block Exemption – The future of franchising – was staged by Sewells Information & Research at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham.

Mitsubishi has denied it is facing problems with unsold stock after it made deals with daily rental companies to accelerate clearance.

Ford Premier Automotive Group might follow Mercedes-Benz UK in gaining control of areas around major cities by acquiring Pendragon or taking a major stake, said London Chrysler Jeep dealer Clive Sutton.

DaimlerChrysler has confirmed it will buy Volvo's 3.3% stake in the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Carmakers, accustomed to a corporate motor show presence to boost their brands, will have to share space with rivals if they want to be at Earls Court in October.

##MSN--left## The future of Microsoft's new motoring website will be based on partnerships with the established internet and 'bricks and mortar' players.

SMC Woking has been named Renault UK Dealer of the Year, beating off competition from the network of 190 outlets.

New powers to protect consumers from 'Arthur Daley' car dealers have been introduced by the Government.

DaimlerChrysler's competitors are ready to follow its example and terminate dealer contracts in an attempt to take direct control of the market, according to the new head of the European body representing Mercedes-Benz dealers.

Former Quicks chief executive (and later deputy chairman) Alec Murray has joined Caledonia as a non-executive director.

Richard Jackson, chairman of Yorkshire independent retailer Nidd Vale Group, has been appointed chairman of the northern committee for the National Franchised Dealers Association.

Daewoo has started a month-long spring sale of its used car stock which sees savings of up to £2,100 on some models.