News - Page 1648

RAC Business Services' warranty operation has joined forces with warranty services provider, Motorway Direct plc in a strategic partnership claimed to revolutionise the mechanical breakdown market in the UK.

Goodyear has introduced a new tyre, which it claims is a "genuine milestone in modern tyre construction" - the GT3.

The future is now.com.

New car registrations last year were the third highest ever with a record set for December sales.

HPI, the vehicle information business, has been sold by Equifax to IMVA which operates the National Mileage Register in a £40m deal.

Suzuki achieved a new record in 2000 with sales totalling 26,747 units, 16.14% ahead of the total figure for the company in 1999.

##Jaguar badge--left## The Jaguar F-Type roadster has been given the production go-ahead - but it could be three years before it enters showrooms.

PSA Peugeot Citroen achieved record sales in 2000, exceeding its sales target of 2,700,000 vehicles by 116,000 units.

Ford has completed the recall of about 200 new Mondeos which had been delivered to its UK dealers as demonstrators.

Toyota is to switch production of the Corolla 3dr from Japan to its UK plant at Burnaston, near Derby, by early 2002. The move will create about 300 jobs.

Vauxhall's used car brand Network Q is offering improved mechanical cover on all cars bought from January 1, 2001.

Pinewood Computer Solutions has become the official supplier of dealer management systems to the Ford Motor Company.

##Focus boots--left## The number of preregistrations by manufacturers in November increased dramatically on the previous month amid accusations that car makers are abusing the new law demanding greater openess in the new car market.

MG Rover has dimissed a report in the Sunday Times it was going to increase new car prices as a deliberate attempt to damage the company.

BMW dealers are being urged to view the internet as an additional selling opportunity amid reassurances that it does not pose a threat to their 'bricks and mortar' businesses.

Daewoo has introduced price cuts of up to 16% - and averaging 10% - on all Lanos, Nubira and Leganza models, together with announcing enhancements to its finance offers.

Volvo is to cut the size of its dealer network in preparation for changes to Block Exemption in 2002.

The Rover multi-dealership Station Garage (Leyland) Ltd, based in Preston, Chorley and Leyland, has been taken over by administrators, BDO Stoy Hayward.

##IMI badge--left## Roy Ward, former director general of the Institute of the Motor Industry, has been awarded an MBE for services to motoring and to road safety.

New car sales in Britain will reach record levels this year with private buyers leading the surge supported by strong sales in the fleet and business car sectors.

Mitsubishi Motors have signed up another dealer to their rapidly expanding Dealer network. Mantles Group have taken on the Mitsubishi franchise in Letchworth in Hertfordshire and will begin trading on 15 January.

Citroën has made history in the UK by selling more than 100,000 vehicles in a year for the first time ever, beating its previous best figure by more than 11,000.

BCA Europe has announced a number of senior management appointments as part of an expansion of its business in the UK and on the Continent.

Vehicle repairers are calling for the industry to unite to tackle alleged anti-competitive behaviour by some insurance companies which, they claim, is destroying their businesses.

Mazda has introduced a new dealer-provided winter vehicle reliability check, costing £14.95.

The Commercial Vehicle Show 2001, incorporating IRTE and Tipcon, opens to visitors from Tuesday 20 March to Thursday 22 March at the NEC, Birmingham.

Nissan has followed hot the heels with Seat this week announcing new car price reductions.

DaimlerChrysler has issued a profits warning over its financially troubled Chrysler division.

The boss of PSA Peugeot Citroen has warned of further threats to the UK car industry, posed by the strong pound.

Reg Vardy, number three in the AM100, has warned that falling used car values will hit profits by £4.2 million for the first half of the financial year.