Virgin says its on-line car retailing operation will have recovered its start-up costs and be in profit by September, 15 months after launch, and it is now preparing to introduce a motorcycle selling operation.
New car importer Broadspeed is considering legal action against one its continental suppliers after a series of customer complaints.
Vauxhall expects to triple new car sales via the web this year after it sold more cars via its website last month than any of its dealers.
Receivers KPMG has concluded the sale of HMG (Southern) Ltd, trading as Wolfe Volkswagen in Sevenoaks for an undisclosed sum, to Beadles Group Ltd.
Toyota pre-registered more cars in February than any manufacturer, overtaking Ford at the top spot.
BMW enjoyed its best financial performance ever in 2000 built on a determination to develop its standing in the premium sector and despite have to absorb £500m losses from the Rover Group prior to its sale in May.
HR Owen chairman John MacArthur says the group has weathered the storm of 2000, which saw pre-tax profits cut by more than a half, and it is now prepared for increased profitability this year boosted by a return of customer confidence.
The Lotus Group has appointed a new chief executive, Terry Playle, to replace Chris Knight, who is retiring after four years in the post.
Following its successful introduction at MasterFit Centres in January 2000, Vauxhall is extending its MasterCover MoT insurance scheme to all dealers from April 2.
Renault has agreed the sale of its logistic's arm to a consortium including TNT Logistics and vehicle transportation provider AutoLogic.
One Stop Car Shop, which this month opened its second retail outlet, in Chiswick, London, has scaled down its expansion plans to concentrate on growth through affinity agreements.
The residual values of diesel-engined vehicles have recently enjoyed a revival, with premiums over petrol vehicles increasing. This has been due to both demand and supply factors, but it should not be regarded as a permanent and irreversible shift.
March has lived up to expectations as far as the level of used car retail demand is concerned. Most dealers have had a successful month and this has been reflected in the used car values being achieved by most disposers. Auction prices remain firm although buyers are becoming more picky and conversion rates are easing a touch.
Auction prices from BCA, Brightwells, Cars Direct, Manheim and Premier Motorauctions
Allianz Cornhill is to issue a new contract to its approved repairer network, all of which are RMI Bodyshop Services Division (BSD) quality control members.
BMW today announced that it will not be showing Mini at this year's London motor show. Instead the company is concentrating on creating brand awareness during the launch through a newly re-designed interactive website.
##Mercedes dealers--left## Franchised dealers have been warned that if DaimlerChrysler succeeds in overhauling its network, other manufacturers will copy its actions leading to “less competition and price rises”.
Škoda Auto has announced its best year ever, with another significant increase in automobile production and sales in 2000.
Reed Business Information wants to sell its Motor Trader business-to-business title and is negotiating with Highbury House Communications.
February saw a slump in car and commercial vehicle production in the UK, but this is no cause for alarm says the SMMT.
The demise of DC Cook and HMG Holdings has highlighted the financial risks to customers of choosing self-insured warranties sold by dealers.
##Mercedes dealers--left## Mercedes-Benz UK dealers are demanding Dermot Kelly, passenger car director, to 'come clean' on key statements made on the planned network shake-up.
##FoF logo--left## A conference for senior managers in the motor industry organised by Sewells on March 28, 2001 at the National Motorcyle Museum, Birmingham.
Richard Barber, Quicks group chief executive, resigned last night. A company spokesman, who gave no reason, said Mr Barber had immediately cleared his desk and left.
##Used Mercs--left## Mercedes-Benz today launched its own network of used car centres, created out of what it says is the inability - or unwillingness - of its dealer network to win business in the sector from its competitors.
Ford Motor Company has today confirmed that it will not be exhibiting at the London Motor Show in October.
Mercedes Benz has blamed inflationary pressures for its decision to increase new car prices in the UK.
Vauxhall Motors has confirmed it will be exhibiting at this October's new-look London Motor Show, leading another 34 marques who show strong intent to exhibit at the Earls Court event.
The Benfield Motor Group has presented its Directors Award to Ian Turnbull, of Benfield Volkswagen, Scotswood Road, Newcastle.
Profits are going to be harder to find in the motor industry said Ed McCabe, the former managing director of the Hartwell dealer group, at the recent Digital Dealer Fair.
